Trying to figure out maintenance

Helen71017

When I switched to maintenance about three months ago, I immediately gained 2-3 pounds. So I switched my calories back to 1440/day (0.5 lb loss per week according to MFP). When I lost those extra 2-3 pounds again, I started being less strict about staying within my calorie limits for the day. Now my weight is slowly creeping down by about 0.25lb/week. I am going to try increasing my daily goal to 1540 for a couple of weeks and see how that goes. I plan to continue logging indefinitely. Any suggestions?

editorgrrl

It will take trial & error to find the number of calories at which your weight will stabilize. And your weight will fluctuate. Pick a range (for example, +/- 2 lbs.). Weigh yourself weekly. When your weight goes above that range, cut 100 calories. When your weight goes below that range, add 100 calories.

PaytraB

That's pretty normal. Your body is replenishing it's glycogen stores, which includes some water weight. Everyone is different but the usual "gain" is about 5-7 lbs. Once your body has restored it's levels, that is your maintenance weight and it will fluctuate from that by about +/- 2 lbs. Chances are, you will not see the glycogen weight (I didn't notice a change in my body and had gained 4 lbs).
The fact that you are losing at 1440 cal/day, shows that the weight gain was from glycogen accumulation.
Don't worry about the scale too much anymore; watch your body.
Eat at your maintenance level for 2-3 months and watch your weight (weigh yourself every few weeks). Try not to get upset at the glycogen weight (it was a little bit anxiety ridden for me to watch the scale go up). Your weight will level off. Start your maintenance from there.

Congratulations on reaching your goal!

trogalicious

It will take trial & error to find the number of calories at which your weight will stabilize. And your weight will fluctuate. Pick a range (for example, +/- 2 lbs.). Weigh yourself weekly. When your weight goes above that range, cut 100 calories. When your weight goes below that range, add 100 calories.

yup. this.