anyone else reach their goal - need advise

ratkaj

I want to start out by saying that I know this isn't necessarily rational... but....

So I have finally reached my goal weight, but I'm "afraid" to stop the program or raise my calories. I know it sounds stupid but I feel so lucky to have been able to get the weight off as quickly as I did, but now I have the idea that if I change anything it might come back.

Has anyone else finished the program and been able to keep it off?
Have you relapsed?
What do you do?

I don't plan to go back to my "old ways" but with the calorie difference I'm thinking I might put on weight (currently eating 1440, maintenance is 1880)

Please some assurance... or better yet, advise!!

rnroadrunner

check out my profile. I made the mistake off not logging and getting lazy. This time around I will set myself for maintence and keep logging. Thats my suggestion. good luck and keep me posted friend me if you like.

Xaspar

Haven't gotten to that point yet, but have thought about it. Maybe try upping your calories one hundred at a time for a week or so each time until you find that combination that works for you and you are comfortable with. This may help you define a certain number of calories and activity level that you can manage for the long run and keeps you where you need to be.

kje2011

Probably a good idea still to keep a food and exercise journal. Maintenance.
Good luck!

bunnysone

im at my goal, but fortunately still have plenty of pounds that i can safely take off and still be in the middle of my bmi healthy weight, so I'm not stressed if I lose a little more.

I have a half marathon coming in 6 weeks, so I'm encouraging a bit more of a drop before then, it will make me run faster.

However, I'm slowing the weight loss now gradually - I'm also afraid of the same things you have.

Happy to work with you on this one - I am getting great advice from my PT and also my husband who has been through the same thing. I'm mostly worried about the fact that I am very active, and if i get injured or stop stop training I will put it all back on, which is what happened last year, so I am going to work closely with them to make sure it doenst happen!

Mtsidad

Wow - no advice yet because I haven't reached the goal yet - but from my hazy memories of 30 years ago when I lost 30 or so pounds and kept it off for about a year - the downfall was reverting to my previous eating and exercise habits.

For *me* I have to be careful on how I eat. I have to choose certain portion sizes, avoid trigger foods and trigger situations, and exercise regularly. And as food was a solace, I have to find other methods for comfort, because food is a false friend - whispering "all is well" and then sitting around and making me large and lethargic.

Ely82010

I reached my goals in December 2010 and lost 4 lbs and some inches while on maintenance. I did increase my calories but I also increased my workouts so I kept loosing.

I log every day (even on vacation), and the same with my exercises calories. I actually like doing it because I learn so much about food, nutrition, and about myself.

I also keep measuring and weighting my food and I became more selective with my choices. Yes, it is time consuming, specially cooking and washing pots and pans all the time, but I like the results.

I still have a way to go trying to tone my body and loose more body fat, and I think that at my age I will never get there, but I feel strong, healthy, and happy.

Don't despair, it is easier than you think and you can do it!

sweet_lotus

I've been maintaining for several years now - I gained 10 pounds initially as i stopped being careful with my food! But I lost them and have since found a good equilibrium. (Am on MFP experimenting with macronutrients.)

Remember that if you do gain a pound or three, you *know* you can lose them successfully again. So, don't be so afraid!!!

I'd try the maintenance calories and watch your weight/inches carefully - check in with your scale once a week. Then you can tweak, if necessary, until you find the best daily intake for you.

Congratulations, btw!