Next steps

mulderpf

So I've been strictly calorie counting since June and I've reached the top-end of my goal. I'd be happy if I stay this weight for life, but I'm not done yet. Firstly, I set my goal slightly lower than my "original" target, so technically I've reached it, but I'll keep going just a bit more.

But, I've got another 7.4kg (16 lbs) I'd like to lose. I don't have to and if I don't, it's not the end of the world, but that would be my "perfect" weight. It's my goal for 2013 and basically, the plan is to get nearer maintenance, but rather than suddenly adding a bunch of calories (like I did when I went from 1 lbs per week to 0.5 lbs), I'd like to cushion it a bit more and basically play around to get to know what my actual calorie needs are.

First off though, I've got a two-week holiday to South Africa booked for the last two weeks of November. Basically, I'll probably just get to goal and then be off. I've made up my mind already that I am not counting calories (most of their foods only show kilojoules anyway) and whilst I'll try to be good as far as possible, I'm not going to be too restrictive. (Have the food and the wine I want, but still go for long walks etc). It's sort of the two week holiday before the long haul of getting to maintenance.

The other reason for doing this is also that I know I've probably underestimated my calories and need to get to a point where it all works out. Even though my goal is 1 lbs a week and recently went down to 0.5 lbs a week, I've consistently lost about 1.5 to 2 lbs a week.

Ultimately, I'll be happy if I reach my final goal around June next year, but I'm not going to sweat it. I'm going to use the next 9 months to get myself into a routine and see what works for losing, for maintaining and for gaining. (I'm so in the mindset of having to choose stuff for losing weight, that it's difficult to change - and when I change, I go for the extreme - I had a McDonalds breakfast muffin and fish & chips yesterday - although, I still came in way below target due to the amount of walking I did - started logging EVERYTHING).

Does anyone think this is a dangerous thing to do (I know the speed is great, because it's a lot less stress on my body, but I'm thinking in terms of losing motivation or coming back from holiday and just not getting back on that wagon????)