Maintenance Thread
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Hey Gang:flowerforyou:
For those just joining up on this thread that reached their goals or those just peeking in to have a look at this thread I was doing some thinking and was going to share a bit.
I think sometimes ppl feel once they lose the weight life is gonna be one big party! Here to tell you maintenance can be scary. I've found it far easier to have a goal of weightloss than be feeling like I'm living on a high wire on maintenance. I'm balancing but as I look back I had little rewards of lbs. lost and cheers of support along the way, those meant everything to me to give me that push. Maintenance? It's all about the balancing act now!
Enjoy exactly where you are and you'll get where you need to be at exactly the right moment! :drinker:
Congrats to all who have reached their goal, it's an exciting place to be to realize we've reached that first milestone!
You know, for me, it's not really hard to maintain. Once I came around to the new way of eating, maintenance was relatively straight forward. The hard part for me has been gaining muscle mass (I guess that's the hard part for everyone, or body building would be far more popular and wide spread). Gaining muscle mass without fat is really difficult and slow going, you need to be just about perfect every day, with NO cheat days (that's the rough part). But maintaining for me is the normal daily process now, so I don't feel it's hard any more (you can cheat every once in a while and still be fine long term, as long as you're within reason). When I first went from loss, and specific goals to maintaining with it's less measurable goals, it was harder, but now, it's just my normal day. You'll get there too, just stick with it.
Partly why I was bringing that up was I've seen so many ppl recently when viewing B & A's photo threads saying 'wow! I can't wait to reach maintenance then I can eat anything I want AGAIN!' That's what I meant when I said it feels like ppl get the idea it's a party over here. LOL I'm not feeling it's difficult (though I'm pretty new to reaching my goal and ..well truth be told, too scared to actually eat more cals yet:blushing: :laugh: so I'm a girl on maintenance not eating maintance..yes yes, I'm a work in progress. lol) but more that it seems those still on the losing (weight) side of the fence feel once they reach maintenance it's a free for all.
Since being over here I've learned differently, well frankly I never had that thought mode looking to maintenance mode. I guess it just concerns me that some feel after getting to goal weight the work is over when actually keeping the weight off is the long term goal and often the harder part when you've taken off a lot of weight.
Just some recent observations...:drinker:0 -
I wondered if anyone else struggled with people saying "No more".
Recently, I decided that I woulld like to lose the extra inches around my belly (not lose more weight and I clearly said this) and my friends told me I was in danger of developing an eating disorder. I think that's ridiculous because my waist is clearly out of synch with the rest of my measurements (I checked on this!)
On a side note--has anyone on this thread had success in losing inches while maintaining, particularly for women who have had children and want to be rid of "mommy tummy"?
Then, at Christmas my grandmother told me "You look good, but don't lose anymore". To be honest this seemed very odd to me because my aunts (her daughters) are like 20 or 30 pounds lighter than I am--where is the disconnect? Have any of you had similar experiences and comments from people?0 -
Oh yeah. They can't deal with the change any more than we can! :laugh:
I had one skinny chick at work tell me when I was still about 30 pounds overweight "don't get too skinny!" It took everything in my power not to say "you mean like you?" because I know she thought she was complementing me. But irony of someone with minimal body fat and sticks for legs tell me not to get too skinny was a bit much.
I have a friend who once she lost 100 pounds had people telling her she had lost too much weight and looked like a crack *kitten*. Her BMI was 30! (I.E., she was obese).
I avoided a lot of flack when people told me not to lose any more by just smiling and nodding... it's not really their business and no one likes the gal with the better than average figure who complains about being 5-10 lb. overweight when they are 25+ even if our issues are as real for us as theirs are to them. I remember how much I hated it and wished they'd just be satisfied with their bodies. So I don't go into it even if I do have a goal to lose another 5 lb. of fat that I seem to have put on in just the past month.
Oh and I definitely continued to lose fat even as my weight was stable. I was doing a lot of swimming, running and biking and it was burning the fat off me and building muscle at the same time.0 -
I was at 118.6 pre-Holiday fun, now I'm at 119.8...definitely think part of it is water retention, but I'm in my range of 118-123 (I did slide it down). I'm logging whatever I see on the scale on the 30th as I want to see my "end of year" number. Either way I'm down about 30 pounds since this time last year, so no complaints here:happy: My main focus has definitely become toning and I would love to stabilize my clothing size. No control over that though!0
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I've stumbled across this thread a time or two, and I think it's time for me to join. I've found maintenance to have its own special set of challenges. Reading the posts in here makes me realize I'm not alone, so that right there helps! I had three days of ridiculous eating over the holiday, and the scale shot right up past my goal range for the first time in a long time. I blew it last Christmas too, but I wasn't at maintenance yet back then, so for whatever reason, that seemed more acceptable to me. Anyway, I need to get my head straight and keep doing what I need to do to be healthy and fit, so here I am. Thanks!0
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Hi PJilly and a very warm welcome :flowerforyou: Yes maintaining has been more of a challenge to me than losing the weight :grumble: but I have been good today after 5 days of overeating and over drinking lol so hope I can continue over New Years Eve and beyond.0
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Thank you, barty. I don't know if I'd say maintaining is harder, but I certainly think it's more complicated. Congrats on being good today. I was surprised how hard it was to get back on track after the Christmas splurging. Still, I don't think I regret it. I REALLY enjoyed all the wine and cookies!Hi PJilly and a very warm welcome :flowerforyou: Yes maintaining has been more of a challenge to me than losing the weight :grumble: but I have been good today after 5 days of overeating and over drinking lol so hope I can continue over New Years Eve and beyond.
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Well I was doing well the last two days until..... a party last night ....bagels today and out to a New Years Dinner Party tomorrow night Guess what my New Years Resolution will be?0
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Ugh up to 120.8 today. Final log-in of 2010 and I went up 1 pound from Monday?! I was trying to get some sort of gauge of my Christmas damage but I think (HOPE!) that the gain is from water retention in my muscles. They've been worked pretty hard this week - more intense Turbo Fire and loads of shoveling. Not to mention I've had 3 Charley Horses since Monday - damn!
Happy New Year everyone!!0 -
Did my last bike ride for 2010. This month was pitiful for exercise. I did as much all month as I normally do in a week!
I really want to step my exercise back up but I'm trying to heal my calf injury once and for all. I'm torn.0 -
It has been a bad month for me. I hit my goal and something snapped! So now I need to lose another few pounds. For the amount that I ate I am surprised I did not gain more! I think that more of those good habits are in place than I realized.
I am seriously thinking of setting a new goal of 115.
The reason I loathe even saying that is for the reasons posted above. Everyone around me is overweight and they all think I should stop. They are afraid I am developing an eating disorder, well the only disorder that I see is that I still crave chocolate and dislike exercise!
2011 will be my year to solidify the exercise part as being just who I am. ****I am Donna, the family member who is really active and slim!*****
thanks for this thread!!
I need to hear that the other side of the goal does not equal party. Early on I thought it did and it took some time to accept that it wasn't.
Here's to a great new year!!:drinker:0 -
Hello all, Been away for awhile. But I am back to logging in and keeping track. I haven't been too slacked with exercise - in fact I have started training for a 10 k but i have had way too many treats. But... I am working my way out of my depression for the death of my mom. Its a long story with many issue that hit me all at once. So I may need some extra encouragement and support. So please check on me ... I need to get back on track with my eating... too much sugar just enhances my depression....
I haven't weighed-in since before Thanksgiving. (my mom died Nov. 28th) I am not going to until two weeks of eating right. I know that I have gained some... from the fit of my clothes but a really high number would make me feel worse... so I am assuming the worse and working from there. Some may not agree with this...but I know how fragel I am right now. But ... I need to be accountable and I need help from all my fitness pals. So I asking for some help from my friends ... maintenance is harder than we first think....
Hope everyone is doing good and hope everyone has a happy healthy day!0 -
Hello all, Been away for awhile. But I am back to logging in and keeping track. I haven't been too slacked with exercise - in fact I have started training for a 10 k but i have had way too many treats. But... I am working my way out of my depression for the death of my mom. Its a long story with many issue that hit me all at once. So I may need some extra encouragement and support. So please check on me ... I need to get back on track with my eating... too much sugar just enhances my depression....
I haven't weighed-in since before Thanksgiving. (my mom died Nov. 28th) I am not going to until two weeks of eating right. I know that I have gained some... from the fit of my clothes but a really high number would make me feel worse... so I am assuming the worse and working from there. Some may not agree with this...but I know how fragel I am right now. But ... I need to be accountable and I need help from all my fitness pals. So I asking for some help from my friends ... maintenance is harder than we first think....
Hope everyone is doing good and hope everyone has a happy healthy day!
i am sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way!!! i can't even imagine going through what you are right now...sounds like you have a good plan going though...hopefully exercise will help you work through things and ease the pain a little bit
lots of love sent your way!!! 0 -
It has been a bad month for me. I hit my goal and something snapped! So now I need to lose another few pounds. For the amount that I ate I am surprised I did not gain more! I think that more of those good habits are in place than I realized.
december was difficult for me also...put on a couple extra lbs that need to come off and also decided that i want to lose a few more beyond that...i'm looking forward to the new year to get back on track good luck! 0 -
Hi :flowerforyou:
I'm new to the thread, but not to maintenance or to MFP...Love the boards and such, but it's nice to find some other people who can relate to my struggle. I feel kind of out of place at times since I am really not trying to lose anymore.
Hope to get to know some of you. :happy:0 -
Hello all, Been away for awhile. But I am back to logging in and keeping track. I haven't been too slacked with exercise - in fact I have started training for a 10 k but i have had way too many treats. But... I am working my way out of my depression for the death of my mom. Its a long story with many issue that hit me all at once. So I may need some extra encouragement and support. So please check on me ... I need to get back on track with my eating... too much sugar just enhances my depression....
I haven't weighed-in since before Thanksgiving. (my mom died Nov. 28th) I am not going to until two weeks of eating right. I know that I have gained some... from the fit of my clothes but a really high number would make me feel worse... so I am assuming the worse and working from there. Some may not agree with this...but I know how fragel I am right now. But ... I need to be accountable and I need help from all my fitness pals. So I asking for some help from my friends ... maintenance is harder than we first think....
Hope everyone is doing good and hope everyone has a happy healthy day!
i am sending lots of good thoughts and prayers your way!!! i can't even imagine going through what you are right now...sounds like you have a good plan going though...hopefully exercise will help you work through things and ease the pain a little bit lots of love sent your way!!!
So very sorry to hear this! We are here for you!! Good plan and amazing that you are back! Your mom would be proud of you!0 -
Thanks for all of the support ! I did well yesterday - trying to get the carb cravings under control. Need to up my water a little and I think that will help. I got up and did the eliptical this morning. Trying to get back into waking up and exercising first thing. I had a very hard time and didn't get up in the mornings until the last possible moment then ran around like a crazy person to get to work. Of course that didn't help me...
But on a positive note - I have a new walking partner at night. A lady from my church likes to walk and together we can go at night. So we have been walking about four miles. It has helped me alot - it gets me out the house in fresh air and we just walk and talk. This isin addition to my regualr exercise - it is just an extra. More like therapy right now than exercise but it works!!!!
Again thanks for all lthe support.
Hope everyone has a happy healthy day!!!0 -
Thanks for all of the support ! I did well yesterday - trying to get the carb cravings under control. Need to up my water a little and I think that will help. I got up and did the eliptical this morning. Trying to get back into waking up and exercising first thing. I had a very hard time and didn't get up in the mornings until the last possible moment then ran around like a crazy person to get to work. Of course that didn't help me...
But on a positive note - I have a new walking partner at night. A lady from my church likes to walk and together we can go at night. So we have been walking about four miles. It has helped me alot - it gets me out the house in fresh air and we just walk and talk. This isin addition to my regualr exercise - it is just an extra. More like therapy right now than exercise but it works!!!!
Again thanks for all lthe support.
Hope everyone has a happy healthy day!!!
So happy to hear that you are doing things to take care of yourself! No guilt. Take the time you need. Heal. Find the new normal.
D 0 -
A Very Happy New Year to all.
lobster888 so good to have you back again x :flowerforyou:
I have gained a few pounds over the festive period but to be honest I thought it would have been a lot more :laugh: so now back to trying to shift it AGAIN Lol.0 -
Tomorrow is our weigh in for "Maintain Don't Gain" at work and I, um, gained. Think I can lose 2 lbs in one day? :laugh:0
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Hello all, doing pretty good at trying to get back at it. On day three of logging in and trying hard to detox from carbs! Still need to up my water a little. I am actually doing well with the exercise. Switching things up by running. Actually went for a run this morning and got caught in pouring rain....my wonderful new husband got out of his warm bed and came looking for me in the truck. (he knows my route.) He rescued me about a 1/2 mile from home... I wa already soaked!!! But I still managed 2 and 1/2 miles. I am feeling a little better on some days - other days are still hard but I am managing better.
So, pretty soon I will be set daily goals and reaching them - rather than just trying to get through the day without eating everything I see. LOL!!!! Man that Carb sugar addition is bad!!!
So, hope everyone is doing good and having a happy healthy day!!!0 -
Ooh, I can wait until Friday to weigh in! In the meantime, I'm trying to really push the fluids as I've fallen off on those.0
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Good Morning All. I have been doing better. I have gotten up 4 days in a row on time and exercised. I have also planned out my meals and had all my recommended water intake. I have felt better ... funny how doing those things help you feel better but when you are depressed or down you don't feel like doing those things???? Anyway I am doing better ... although it still difficult if that makes any sense...
So I hope I can keep this up... I am trying not to be too hard on myself or expect too much but at the same time push myself a little.
Hope everyone is having a happy healthy day.
Thanks again for all the support0 -
Good Morning - I made it to day five of getting up early and exercising!!! I did my run this morning - a little cold but a good run. Also my running partner hasn't been going all week - but I still did it myself. I have had a least my recommended water intake, trying to do a little more. My eating has been much better - no procesed foods. (except my hot chocolate ???) I also have been taking my vitamins and supplements - and my protein shake. So I am off to a good start.
Still haven't weighed -in but my skinny jeans fit - but just a little too tight. So, I am judging from that - that I am outside my range...
but that's ok - I will just keep working at it. My main thing is my eating.... So, next week I will set daily goals with eating - portion control, more vegies and salads, and less snacking. I think I will be ready next week for that....
Hope everyone is doing good.
Have a happy healthy day!!0 -
Hey lobster you are doing great.....running even when your partner didn't, thats fantastic!!! I'd have used it as an excuse to stay in bed and not to go lol. Your skinny jeans are going to be baggy in no time :laugh:
I have nearly got back to my maintenance weight of 119 pounds the scales read 120 this morning so very happy with that :bigsmile:0 -
Today's the big day and I'm still up those 2 pounds I couldn't get rid of. Interestingly, my clothes are fitting better. So I am losing some fat; it's just not showing up on the scale.0
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Hi to everyone. I have just attained my weight loss goal yesterday, so I guess that means I am beginning maintenance phase. I do plan on reducing by a few more pounds because I would really like to have a little bit of a cushion as I work towards learning how to maintain. I feel like I have definitely learned how to reduce my weight, but the maintenance part might be a little trickier. Anyway, just wanted to check in with all and say I've finally attained my goal.
Blessings
Vickie0 -
It has been a bad month for me. I hit my goal and something snapped! So now I need to lose another few pounds. For the amount that I ate I am surprised I did not gain more! I think that more of those good habits are in place than I realized.
december was difficult for me also...put on a couple extra lbs that need to come off and also decided that i want to lose a few more beyond that...i'm looking forward to the new year to get back on track good luck!
Same thing happened to me. The last two weeks have been really out of whack with exercising and overeating. Back on track now though and weighed in down a pound from last week but still up about 3 pounds from where I want to be.
Good job lobster with sticking with exercise and water too. Water is always a struggle for me because do not really like it.0 -
So I did the weigh in and I was 2 pounds over. Sigh. No fabo prizes for me! But I think I'm actually the same size was I was when I started. My pants are starting to fit better anyway. I expect to be back to normal by the end of the month assuming I can keep exercising.0
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Congratulations Vickie!! 65# is amazing!! Welcome to the thread.
MadMadame, you are still doing wonderfully! Those two pounds will find there way out soon!
Kath, we can do this! We are bigger than our cravings and impulses.
Barty! WTG! One pound?? excellent!
Lobster: I am so proud of you!! You are really doing an amazing job pushing yourself just enough! It is a catch 22 isn't it. We feel bad so we eat bad and then we feel worse so we eat worse... Breaking the cycle is the hardest part and you are doing a great job! We've got your back on this one, so keep going!!
I was absent for a couple of days as my husband was in the hospital. I bring it up because of how he ended up there. He has been struggling with weight gain over the past three years when he took a new job which takes him out of town for 6 days per week. He brings food from home but he also eats out a lot. In addition, his old job was consistently active and he built muscle. This job is sporadic activity. He sits and then needs to work really hard. At first he didn't think it was a problem because the scales said he basically weighed the same but over time I started seeing that the muscle tone in his chest was vanishing at the same time his abdominal girth was increasing. In fact, he really has only gained about 15 pounds...they are just very different pounds! As his body continued to lose muscle and gain fat his levels of other things changed as well and he found himself on blood pressure meds, then cholesterol meds, then the doctor telling him he is very close to developing diabetes as well.
So, this past Tuesday a group of the guys decided to hit a higher end restaurant and he orders their cheeseburger supreme with steak fries and eats the entire thing.
By about 1 in the morning is having crushing chest pain. Upon arrival at the ER they gave him aspirin and nitroglycerin and it relieved the pain.
Thank God it was not a full blown heart attack. His discharge diagnosis was "Angina" or chest pain. (no duh) The doctor basically concluded that that meal was just too much for him.
If you do a google search you can find all kinds of references and video clips that show what blood looks like before a fatty meal and after a fatty meal. (If you are interested copy, paste, and watch... http://www.articlesbase.com/videos/5min/326711986 )
One bad meal can make a difference.
We are doing the right thing here!! Not just reducing calories but choosing wisely the foods we put in our bodies and the exercise that we do.
The small seemingly insignificant changes make a difference and can either build up our health or tear it down.
We can do this!
Hopefully my husband will make a few more changes. To be honest, I am not overly optimistic. I have been trying to get him healthy for 25 years and I find snickers wrappers and the evidence of fast foods all the time in his car and cooler. The healthy foods that I send with him come back sour and wilted.
You really can't change another person. They have to find it themselves.
Here's to a great day for all of us!! :drinker: (today it is water in that cup instead of tequila!)
D0
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