L2W Week 15: Healthy lifestyle can still be maintained

You made it. The last week of Lose to Win has arrived, and we're gearing up for the final celebration during the American Heart Walk this weekend.

But have you asked yourself, "Then what?"

You have to find what works for you and stick with it. Our experts offer a few last tips.

* Mental health: Think of yourself achieving a healthy lifestyle, NOT going on a "diet."

"You have the ability to set goals, plan your healthy lifestyle and to follow through on those plans," said Dr. Beverly Matthews, clinical director of the Psychology Office at Kenwood Medical Center. "To do so, you need to seek out support each week from people with common interests and goals." Consider these steps:

1. Start today. Tell yourself one thing that you will do to maintain the lifestyle and follow through with it, whether it's walking 30 minutes or eating fresh fruit rather than refined sugar. Even something as simple as eating whole grain bread rather than white bread can serve as one goal.

2. Determine how you can accomplish that goal.