Reached goal but now binging

dbearest

One thing I had to learn was that I was not "fixed" or "cured" by getting to my goal weight. It's not like our weight is magically fixed once we reach the destination. Now that we are there, we must use the behavior-change strategies to maintain what we worked so hard to achieve.

I initially used the maintenance goal in MFP, and gained back 3 lbs the first week. So, I went back to my earlier weight-loss intake limit, and added back in 100-200 calories per day for about 3 days at a time, until I figured out what my actual maintenance amount was. I also weighed myself twice per week - every Sunday and Wednesday morning. This is because weight fluctuates wildly based on hormones, sodium intake etc. (I never weigh myself the morning after eating at our favorite Indian restaurant, since their sodium is higher.)

Like other posters, I now keep my weight within a 3-5 lb range. I have done so for almost 3 years, and what I have learned is that you just have to keep track and that's okay. I prefer this over the alternative. It doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you if you have to do that - in fact, society just presents us with too many options in portion sizes that are too large, so we are conditioned not to think about how much we are eating.

Be patient with yourself. You are worth it.