Staying motivated after goal weight is reached?

kuhristeee

Hey guys!

I started my weight loss journey LAST January and hit my goal weight (down 50 lbs.) sometime back in October. It was quite a ride, but I accomplished what I set out to do and I'm happier than ever. Yay, right?

Since October, I've basically spent the winter trying NOT to regain any weight, and struggling to become comfortable with the transition into 'maintenance.' It's taken me forever, but I think I'm there...

My problem now is, I need something to keep my fire stoked. It's easy when you're trying to LOSE weight, that motivation is easy to cling to when you're facing a hard time. The new year has come and gone, and for once my goal ISN'T to lose weight. And I'm left with an empty feeling of sorts...kinda like, well now what am I supposed to do?

So on to my question - for those of you who have reached your goal(s), what are some of the things that keep you going? Your new fitness goals? A new fitness program? I'd like to maybe get a few ideas so that I no longer feel as though I'm idling at a stop light.

Sometimes I think maintaining weight is trickier than losing it! Something I never thought I'd say.

bcattoes

I think maintaining is trickier, for exactly the reasons you mention. That's why so many people yo-yo with weight loss. You lose, you're happy, you relax, you gain. Then you start over.

I myself have yo-yoed a few times. I've even maintained for several years before slacking off and having to lose again. What helps me maintain the most is shifting my focus to health, instead of weight. Eating healthy and exercising regularly. This keeps me healthy but it also maintains the weight loss. It's the exercising regularly that I have the most trouble sticking with.