Now that you've gotten back into shape, it's time to keep off weight gain and maintain your new body. It's a wonderful thing when you can fit into a pair of old jeans you wore years ago. However, you may find yourself slowly gaining back a pound or two if you're not careful. There are ways to prevent this from happening. Here are tips to keep off the weight you've already lost.

1. Snack Healthy and Eat Smaller Meals

After losing weight, you need to watch what you eat. It's easy to grab an unhealthy snack when you've lost weight. Keep weight gain at bay by eating healthy snacks. Low calorie cheese, yogurt, fruit and vegetables make great snack options. Also, eating 3 smaller meals a day help regulate your weight better than eating 3 larger meals. Along with consuming 2 healthy snacks, these smaller meals keep your metabolism working all day long.

2. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is an important part of maintaining the weight you lost. Hydration helps you stay healthy. It's a good idea to drink 8 glasses of water a day. Water helps you burn calories by keeping your metabolism going. It's also a healthy alternative to diet sodas and sugary drinks. Water doesn't have calories, carbohydrates or fat. It also quenches your thirst faster and better than anything else. Try to avoid sports drinks and juice. They have a high sugar content as well.

3. Keep Exercising

Even if you exercise at the gym, it's a good idea to use every opportunity you have to work out. It's easy to slack off exercising after losing the weight. You can maintain your new weight by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Also, take a walk during your lunch break. If you're a stay at home parent, then put aside 30 minutes a day for exercise. The best way to maintain your new look is to establish a routine and stick with it. The more active you are, the more likely you'll keep the weight off.

4. Stop Eating When You're Full

You can keep off the weight by only eating until you're full. Even if there are leftovers on your plate, stop eating when you feel satiated. Save the leftovers for lunch or another meal.

5. Shop Smart

Grocery shopping is a big event when you need to maintain your weight. Steer away from the sections that will tempt you. Make a list of foods that are healthy for you a head of time. Avoid adding cakes, candies and chips to the list. Choose lean protein, fruits, vegetables and low calorie snacks instead.

6. Take the Kids Outdoors

Your kids are your biggest champions. Take them outside for a few hours of play time in the afternoon or weekends. Choose games that require a lot of movement. Tag, jump rope, hide and seek and kick ball are all excellent games you can do with your kids.

Keep weight off by being active and eating right. Losing the weight was the hard part. Gaining it all back is a lot easier.