Keeping the weight off i've lost.

BennyDSerrano

Okay so my intial goal right now is to lose 42 pounds before July rolls around, and as you can see im more than half way there, yay me!

The one thing i'm worried about is keeping off all the weight im losing at the moment in the future, after i lose the 42 pounds i've set my goal at, i was wondering if it'd be ok if i ate normally? When i say normally i mean in eating what i want, but in moderation to where it's not a bunch of horrible fast/junk food but more or so a good moderation between healthy/not so healthy foods.

Will i gain the weight back if i end up doing this? I thought about still counting calories with moderate exercise and what not and working out at least 2 hours a week doing strictly cardio.

1Kristine1

hm. just eat at a maintenance calorie goal such as 2000 for women 2500 for men, and if you start gaining lower it a bit until your weight stays constant.

loubidy

If you can get the definition of "normal" right for you, then yes you can eat what you want, but you eat too many calories then you will gain weight. Life is a struggle.

FarTooJones

part of the reason for losing the weight slowly is its generally easier to keep it off than if your losing 2+ pounds a week. Not saying it can't be done, just that its easier. Once you've hit your goal weight you could just gradually increase your calories by 200 or so until you get to where its says your maintaining, then just monitor it every week or two to see if your gaining or losing, I wouldn't worry about a 3 lb variance when weighing.

RunningMama1276

Eat. Yes, in moderation of course. I began my journey with MFP in January 2012 and did not have a goal weight in mind. BUT...I have hit an "acceptable" weight in my mind (being female, I would love to still drop more). I diligently counted calories until about June of 2012. Since I stopped I have still lost another 10-15 pounds. Hopefully you are learning what are the smart food choices to make and you will continue to make these smart choices when you reach your goal. I fall off track every once in awhile (like for a day or two) but for the most part I have a pretty "clean" diet. I try to restrict as much processed food as possible (I have found that my gut does not take it well). Find what works for you and go with it. : )

cuinboston2014

As you get closer to your goal weight your calorie deficit should be getting a little smaller to help you make the transition. You should also have the tools and the knowledge to still know how much and what you are eating throughout the course of a day.

About 3 years ago I lost a little over 100 pounds and kept it off without logging, weighing, measuring etc. I did, however, estimate calories consumed throughout the day, stayed extremely active running 60 miles a week, weight training, etc. and keep my principles in place - i.e. foregoing creamy/fat condiments at restaurants, not eating just to eat, watching portions, etc.

It can be done but you have to be smart. And know what works for you as everyone is different. When you get into maintenance, slowly adjust your calorie goals and make sure you still weight in to make sure you don't see a huge shift on the scale with no indication it was happening.

Nice job on the 22lbs!

BennyDSerrano

Alrighty, thanks for the responses everyone! Helped me out a bit

Mischievous_Rascal

As you get closer to your goal weight your calorie deficit should be getting a little smaller to help you make the transition. You should also have the tools and the knowledge to still know how much and what you are eating throughout the course of a day.

About 3 years ago I lost a little over 100 pounds and kept it off without logging, weighing, measuring etc. I did, however, estimate calories consumed throughout the day, stayed extremely active running 60 miles a week, weight training, etc. and keep my principles in place - i.e. foregoing creamy/fat condiments at restaurants, not eating just to eat, watching portions, etc.

It can be done but you have to be smart. And know what works for you as everyone is different. When you get into maintenance, slowly adjust your calorie goals and make sure you still weight in to make sure you don't see a huge shift on the scale with no indication it was happening.

Nice job on the 22lbs!

This is 100% right!

AllOutof_Bubblegum

You're hoping to lose your last 20 pounds in three months? You might want to reevaluate your goals to avoid getting disappointed, because the closer you get to goal, the more weight loss slows down. The last 10 pounds are notoriously hard to get off.

BennyDSerrano

You're hoping to lose your last 20 pounds in three months? You might want to reevaluate your goals to avoid getting disappointed, because the closer you get to goal, the more weight loss slows down. The last 10 pounds are notoriously hard to get off.

Hard, not impossible, two different things sweety.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

You can eat "normally" now as long as you stick with your calorie goal.

I've maintained for 18 months eating IIFYM style-- I get my daily minimums of fat and protein, a few servings of fruit/veg, and fill the rest of my calories in however I like.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

You're hoping to lose your last 20 pounds in three months? You might want to reevaluate your goals to avoid getting disappointed, because the closer you get to goal, the more weight loss slows down. The last 10 pounds are notoriously hard to get off.

Hard, not impossible, two different things sweety.

She's right. I never stalled but I did ramp up to maintenance and I'm glad I did it that way. The body can only metabolize so much fat. The less fat reserves you have, the less you can lose at one time.

Smeltzer2

Do not fear food. It was given by God for nourishment. I always feared food and dieted, binged, purged for 54 years 11 years ago I asked God to partner with me. I kept 70 lbs off now for 11 years. I eat three meals, cut sugar twice once for years and now again for lent. I may keep it out of my food plan. You do see I call it a food plan, not a diet. I take one meal at a time and do everything in moderation. You can do it. I enjoy my meals and try to eat slower savor my food and give thanks for it.

nxd10

I'm going to suggest you use this time to find a new 'normal' that is healthy and satisfying and within your calorie goals. Then, yes, eat normally the rest of your life.