(HealthDay News) -- Losing weight is a challenge, but keeping it off can even more difficult without a good plan and healthy habits.

Here are suggestions to help you keep the weight off that you've worked so hard to lose, courtesy of the American Heart Association:

• Understand what works best for you -- such as what rewards best motivate you, what tempts you most, and what helps you resist those temptations.
• Be realistic about how much weight you should lose.
• Maintain a good balance of calories taken in versus calories burned.
• Get enough exercise. Even a brisk daily walk can help you keep those pounds off.
• Keep notes and records of your food intake and daily activity.
• Plan your meals, and make healthy food choices at the grocery.
• Don't weigh yourself more than once a week.
• Plan ahead for holidays, special occasions, and other times when you may be likely to splurge and take in additional calories.