Mainting new weight?

samfan121
samfan121 Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
I've never tried dieting before, I only did it now because I am Maid of Honour at my sister's wedding next month and I want to look my best, those photos will be around forever!

I am 5ft 10 and was 160lbs. In 9 weeks, using the app and following a 1400, then 1370 calorie a day regime (eating a bit more when I had gained exercise calories) I am now 151lbs. This is the weight I used to be, up until about 2 years ago when I let the gym visits slide!

I am very happy with this weight and after a routine checkup at the doctor yesterday she told me I would be crazy to carry on and should stop where I was. 1370 was not enough calories to be healthy in the long term.

My BMI is now 21.8. I was a UK 12-14, I am now a definite 12 (US 8).

My question is, the app says I can eat 1850 calories to maintain this weight now. Is it really that simple? Won't I put on a few pounds at first?

Sorry if it's a stupid question, I've never done this before!

Replies

  • Poods71
    Poods71 Posts: 502 Member
    Not a silly question as far as I am concerned. I am very near my goal weight and am worried that upping calories will make me put weight on again. As even on 1200 cals I am only losing about 0.5lb a week.
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    I've been maintaining for almost 2 weeks now at 2000 and I have not gained. Granted somedays I come in around 1800 bc of my schedule but I also have 1 high day a week. I didn't use MFP bc I think with their calculation you still eat back your exercise cals even maintaining. I used the TDEE formula to give me a better guide. Some might fluctuate and gain but I feel food choices and your activity reflect that. Some tend to slack off a little when they reach their goal.
  • londoneye
    londoneye Posts: 202 Member

    My question is, the app says I can eat 1850 calories to maintain this weight now. Is it really that simple? Won't I put on a few pounds at first?

    Sorry if it's a stupid question, I've never done this before!

    I think it probably really is that 'simple'. BUT! Not so easy. Maintaining weight loss is notoriously hard. After all, if you're over your 1850 by just 50 cals per day, the weight will creep back on. 1850 might seem like a really easy goal when you've been eating less, but long term, it will take an effort to stick to it.

    You might find the National Weight Control Registry's study on the habits of successful maintainers a useful place to start:

    http://www.nwcr.ws/Research/default.htm
    http://exercise.about.com/od/gettingweightlossresults/a/successweight.htm

    Good luck!
  • schnarfo
    schnarfo Posts: 764 Member
    I was on maintenance for a long time last year and it really is that simple but to get started I suggest upping your calories by like 100 a week or 150 until you get to your maintenance calories - other wise you might gain a little at first as your body wont be used to it.... if you do gain a lb or too tho it will come off again its just a waiting game lol
  • Poods71
    Poods71 Posts: 502 Member
    I was on maintenance for a long time last year and it really is that simple but to get started I suggest upping your calories by like 100 a week or 150 until you get to your maintenance calories - other wise you might gain a little at first as your body wont be used to it.... if you do gain a lb or too tho it will come off again its just a waiting game lol

    Interesting, think I might try this :happy:
  • Squashypig
    Squashypig Posts: 60 Member
    bump
  • tdfarmer
    tdfarmer Posts: 176 Member
    No not a silly question. I started my journey in October 20¹1 and lost 30lbs in 6 months. I've been in maintenance since April 30. Approaching maintenance I tried to slow my low gradually, but still approached goal sooner than expected. My first week I gained 2lbs. So dropped my calorories from 1930 to 1800. My goal was 145 now at 142 and have maintained for 2 weeks. HAave a mental goal of 137 but not sure. Focusing on fat%, not pushing. BTW anyone can add me for support, life long journey!
  • ElizabethRoad
    ElizabethRoad Posts: 5,138 Member
    To maintain your weight, you eat the same number of calories as you burn. It's physically impossible to put on a few pounds if you aren't eating more than you burn.
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    Those that are maintaining as well with MFP calculations do you still eat back your exercise cals? My TDEE is 2000 but of course MFP is 1850.
  • tdfarmer
    tdfarmer Posts: 176 Member
    Yes I do eat back most of my burn calories unless I have a huge burn day and its hard to.
  • Christi6604
    Christi6604 Posts: 247 Member
    Bumping to save for later. :smile:

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