Maintainers - what was the most important thing you learned this year?

HappyGrape

I read this question and I thought it's excellent. Would love to read your

What is the most important thing you learned this year, health and fitness edition?

CalvinatorF

I learned sugar is my enemy and broccoli is my friend ☺️

sijomial

Daily activity makes a huge difference to my calorie allowance.
I retired from a desk job where although I tried to build as much activity into my routine as possible (cycle to the station, use the stairs, get out at lunchtime) I still had to be sat on my bum for hours.

Now having the freedom to be on the go all day means I get to eat more of the foods I enjoy.

Brendalea69

I used to lose the weight and gain it right back but this time around I've learned that I can maintain my weight as long as I have a plan that I can stick to, and Yay I have found that plan!!!

rainbow198

I've learned that I don't have to go heavy or even moderate with the weights to maintain my shape and keep my body firm and tight.

Bodyweight work, resistance bands and Pilates have been working really great.

I miss my weights and will go back when I'm done with my experiment, but I'm pleasantly surprised.

A great thing with maintaining I find is that I'm still learning about my body and discovering new things.

LivingtheLeanDream

I am surprised that my TDEE still averages around 2000 (not bad for being 5ft2 and 48) even though I am much less active. Win win Having good muscle tone (for want of a better word) really must help with that.

tokmom

That I can have cheat days, but I have to have a minimum of 5000 steps or 30 min of exercise. Not everyday has to be total discipline.

kristen8000

It's ok to just have 1 beer. And I can have high days, but I have to cancel them out with low days. Over eating every day isn't cool.

stephenearllucas

Weigh every day, use trend application to track weight, log food every day, wait for high-sodium days to wash out, do a variety of exercise, change exercise when getting tired of same routine, stay vigilant...

kpk54

I don't have to be hungry all the time. A macro adjustment in 2016 brought this to fruition and 2017 maintenance has been considerably easier. There is no one true way.

BrianAWeber

After I reached my preferred weight I shifted my focus to a more heart healthy diet. Paying attention to cholesterol and sodium levels. That keeps me motivated to continue logging my meals and exercise.

vingogly

That I need to continue to weigh myself at least once a week, and log my food. I don't have "better lifestyle" imprinted on my brain, and need to continue to be vigilant if I'm going to maintain my weight loss.

labblb86

That a maintenance weight range is much easier to stick to than a specific weight. And yes to weighing yourself weekly to stay on track!

swim777

Experimenting is good. I've had difficult weeks where.I just couldn't get back in the groove. Recently I've switched to just lunch, dinners and a snack and I'm actually less hungry and I get a few more calories for the other two meals. Seems to help with hunger and cravings.

SummerSkier

Be flexible but keep your eyes open

richardgavel

Being viligent is important but it's ok to break your rules once in a while. Life goes on if you go past your net calories sometimes.

lorrpb

I can maintain, but must be vigilent. Portion control is my friend.

sgt1372

That "maintenance" involves doing what's necessary to maintain both weight and strength and is a lifelong endeavor.

Orphia

Keep setting exercise goals.

It's OK to go over my daily calorie limit, but check weekly net calories at least every few days so I don't spend calories I haven't earned yet.

djscavone

You can't just quit once you've reached your goal. I let myself take to long of a break and slowly slipped back into bad habits now I find I have to start 2018 with a weight loss plan rather than continued maintenance. It truly is a lifestyle change and not simply a matter of diet and exercise alone.

jrwms714

SummerSkier wrote: »

Be flexible but keep your eyes open

This