Self control issues since reaching maintenance

So I lost 85 lbs in the past year and I always had great self control. I could carefully weigh out my 20 grams of m&ms and be totally satisfied with that. I almost never went over my calories and if I did, it was not much over and pretty much never over maintenance. But since reaching maintenance I have really struggled. I almost always go over my calories and on the weekends I'm eating so much I end up with stomachaches. I honestly don't know what's going on! I felt like losing weight was easy. Why was it so easy for me to stick with calories then and not now?? Has anyone else dealt with this? I am scared of failing and gaining the weight back. I have started eating at a deficit all week to make up for the massive amount I eat on the weekends but even then I can't stick to it.

Replies

victoria_1024

Thank you everyone for all the helpful comments and support. I am glad I posted because the more aware I am the more I'll be able to keep in control. This week has been going better and I cut way back on trigger foods like candy and I feel like that's been helping the cravings since I'm fuller, using my calories for more filling things. I'm really hoping this weekend will go better too.

One thing I have going for me is I've continued to exercise and be active. I've been trying to focus on my fitness goals since I'm not focusing on weight loss anymore. I enjoy the exercise I do and I think it leads to me eating better when I do exercise.

theresa7576

sunparakeet wrote: »

Just because you didn't write it down doesn't mean you didn't eat it. MFP may not know what you ate but your body does. Your body logs every calorie whether you log them or not. Ignorance isn't bliss anymore because you're not ignorant to what makes you lose weight and what makes you gain.

VERY VERY WELL SAID!!! I'm in this boat! I used to be able to slide- one scoop of peanut butter was okay.. but going back 4 times. NOPE. I finally realized the other night that I can stop logging on MFP - but my body doesn't stop logging

not_a_runner

victoria_1024 wrote: »

Thank you everyone for all the helpful comments and support. I am glad I posted because the more aware I am the more I'll be able to keep in control. This week has been going better and I cut way back on trigger foods like candy and I feel like that's been helping the cravings since I'm fuller, using my calories for more filling things. I'm really hoping this weekend will go better too.

One thing I have going for me is I've continued to exercise and be active. I've been trying to focus on my fitness goals since I'm not focusing on weight loss anymore. I enjoy the exercise I do and I think it leads to me eating better when I do exercise.

All the yes here! Volume foods, avoid the triggers. And I LOVE having fitness related goals to focus on. Food is fuel for performance!