Temporary shift to maintenance--good idea?

almc170

I’ve been losing weight consistently since December and am currently about 6 lbs from my initial goal weight (168, 90% of my start weight). Ultimately, I’d like to get my weight down to 150 or so because I feel I’m still too heavy for my relatively slender, 5’9” frame. I’ve been working with a nutritionist who suggested that I take a break from weight loss for a couple of months and switch to maintenance once I reach my initial goal. This idea makes sense to me for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is that I’d like to focus a little more on fitness than I have been. I was in abysmal shape when I started MFP. I’ve slowly increased my activity to 6 days/week of moderate exercise (mainly yoga, barre work, low weight/high rep training), but I’ve got a long way to go.

Losing weight has always been fairly easy for me. However, I tend to fail at the maintenance part. I’ve just sort of tended to quit once I’ve reached my goal, gradually letting terrible eating habits and general laziness take hold again. Deliberately shifting focus for a few months seems like it might be a good way help me stay on track for reaching long-term goals, but I’m a little nervous about sustaining the progress I’ve made. I’m wondering if anyone else has tried this approach? Also, any suggestions for making the transition to maintenance or ramping up the fitness routine?

beemcbe

Personally, I think it's a pretty good idea. First, it will give you "practice" for when you DO reach your goal weight and then maintenance it what needs to be done. You can think of it as sort of a trial run to figure out what works and what doesn't, so you don't start adding pounds back on once you're at 150. Set a specific time frame and give yourself a range (ex. "For the next three weeks I won't lose or gain more than two pounds."). Like you said, work on your fitness and figure out how to adjust your calories accordingly. Good luck!

engineman312

what kind of loss per week are you at now? try switching to 0.5 lbs per week for a little while, and don't be afraid of going over by 200 calories.

Langlady

I am totally the same way. When I lost 50lbs several years ago because I got way to heavy for my frame I got to my goal weight. I was able to keep it off for 3 years, then I got lazy. I still do it when I see progress. I see a 5lbs loss then I eat like crap again and get upset because I gained ( the cause of my yo-yo weight loss). If you have a nutritionist helping you by all means do it. It will give you the practice of maintaining. Maintaining is another lifestyle change to get used to again. I have a hard time but if you have help definitely.

almc170

Thanks for the feedback! Calories are currently set at 1550, which is slightly above my BMR. According to MFP, I should be losing about .7 lbs week. In reality, it’s been more like 1-1.5 lbs. So I’m def going to try adjusting that.