You've probably heard that losing weight is the easy part — it's keeping it off that's difficult. And while that's not necessarily true (losing weight in and of itself takes hard work and dedication!), it is true that most people who lose weight will gain it back and start a cycle of losing and gaining the same pounds over and over.

Not only is this type of yo-yo dieting frustrating, but it can also wreak havoc on your body and metabolism in the long run. Luckily, fitness coach and trainer Sohee Lee, MS, CSCS, CISSN, shared a post on Instagram detailing the biggest differences between yo-yo dieting and actually losing the weight for good.

Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, she recommends focusing on sustainable behaviours. Rather than obsessing over small details, look at the big picture. And if you are impatient or only think in the short-term, try to celebrate small wins and enjoy the process.

"A lot of the problem arises with the dieting strategy," Sohee wrote in her caption. "If you're impatient and focus only on the end goal, you'll neglect the process and likely find yourself utilizing extreme methods." To really see long-term progress, focus on your weight loss as a lifelong journey. By being flexible and enjoying the progress you make at every step, you can develop a more sustainable, healthy lifestyle.