Resetting goals- may need a little help here

rayfromtx

I have changed my goals as I approach maintenance. I have been very aggressive in my deficit in order to get into my new wardrobe and because the results were a big motivator to keep going. I am now fitting my new clothes well and people are saying, "you look great but don't lose anymore" on a regular basis. I am working out regularly and I am going to give myself more resources to build muscle from.

I don't want to let an arbitrarily set goal of 180 by Xmas cause me to not do what is most healthy in the long run. Now that I'm in my new clothes, I can be smarter about the "plan". I will probably add more calories back in pretty soon but I want to do this gradually. My new goal is to not add the extra calories in as empty calories or excess fat. I'm now set to lose 1 instead of 2 lbs a week. Will add more calories as I feel I can without the rubber band effect.

Now I just have to keep reminding my subconscious thoughts that this isn't giving up or failing to meet a goal that I've set. I can do this but I can see the potential for an inner turmoil as I make this change. This may be harder than losing the weight.

"It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle."
"It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle."
"It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle."
"It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle."

OK better now.

Bermudabarbie

Check out the maintenance thread, Ray. It is a very long one. Multiple pages.

Many of us had similar concerns before we "switched over." Let me tell you, maintenance is not as easy as it first appears. Yes, you can add calories and you can eat a bit more freely than when you are in the active loss stage, but it is a very slippery slope. There is no "reward" of seeing the pounds drop. There is a lot of mental adjusting as well.

It takes a long while before you adjust to your new body image. It will happen, but it takes awhile.

I have a maintenance "range" -- 133-138 pounds -- rather than one specific number. I've been holding at 136 for about 4 weeks. I only weigh in every other week, and do body measurements as well. I have lost 84 pounds total. Not all of them on MFP because I did not know about it.

Congratulations on reaching your goal. You did great! Post some before and after pictures, if you'd like. Do a little blogging about maintenance challenges. Test and stretch yourself a bit. You're there, Ray! Great job!