Anyone here just working on maintaining?

jtolman619

So, I've been on here since January, and so far I've lost 21lbs. I still have a ways to go, but I have a fitting next week for my bridesmaid dress for my brother's wedding (which is in September). So once I'm measured for alterations, I'll have to maintain my weight until then. Right now my calorie goal is 1290, and when I switch my goal to maintain, it bumps it up to 2040. I'm just nervous that trying to up my calories that much is going to result in me going back to eating just junk. Any tips?

stonel94

I would say don't bump it up to what it says will be maintaining, just a little below in case it's wrong and in case you go over calorie sometimes and you don't want to gain, and just eat more of the same stuff you're eating now, some junk occasionally will be fine as always.
Also, I would say right before the fitting ,like if possible just a day or so, get something that fits really perfectly, maybe even a tiny tiny bit tight (like 5 lbs would make it feel perfect) so nothing with like a stretch to it, maybe a pair of shorts. Then try it on once a week to make sure it's fitting the same, that way you can know to at more less or stay the same.

DancingMoosie

Why is it so different? Did you put in your goal weight when you calculated your maintenance? I just recalculated mine today, and it puts me at 1620 for maintenance.

I'd say that you should start increasing your calories by maybe 100 every couple of days so that maintenance isn't such a shock. If it seems like too much food, eat more calorie dense options in the same serving size as you eat now, then gradually increase.

Lorichr

I have been maintaining my weight loss for about a year and half now. It's a challenge! I remember reading that maintaining is as hard if not harder than losing and I believe it.

I cut a bit off the calories MFP wanted to allow me for maintenance. Most of us tend of at least slightly under-estimate our calories due to portions or whatever.

I don't know how much you exercise but another trick is to not count exercise or at least not all of your exercise; that is another thing I do. It's too easy to over estimate how many calories burned with working out and you end up over eating.

I would try the calories allowed for a week or so and then adjust depending on any weight gain. Good luck!

The_Enginerd

Cannot have the alterations done later?

Higher calorie foods and healthy fats such as avocados and nuts are good. Non-diet versions of items you are eating now. Moderation on the items you do enjoy.

You can try to ease into it by upping your calories by 100/day a week so you get used to eating more.

potluck965

I've been pretty much maintaining for 2 years but honestly, I kind of wonder about such a large increase in calories. It took me quite a while to figure the whole thing out and am doing better at it since I got a Bodymedia device to help.

Take it really slow on the increase. When I first started maintenance I would gain weight with the amount of calories that I am now able to eat and not gain weight.

It's a journey.

jtolman619

Thanks everyone! Unfortunately, I can't have the alterations done later. I wish I could, and I actually thought I'd have more time, but that's just the way it goes, I guess. I think I will just try upping my calories a little at a time. 2000 seems like so much now after staying between 1200-1400 for six months. I usually exercise 5 days a week... nothing too intense, mostly just walking and some strength. We'll see how this goes... thanks for your help!