Maintenance Success - Overcame my Fear

kluvit

I've been at or below goal since mid-June and slowly eased into maintenance by first setting a 100 calorie per day deficit. I kept losing at that rate, so I was brave enough to move to true maintenance for a month or so, then I decided to stop logging for a month or so with the idea that if I had a gain of 2 lbs that stuck for a week I would begin logging again. I am happy to report that 5 weeks later, I'm still well below my goal weight with just the daily fluctuation and no "sticking" change. Everytime I think I may have gained a pound, the next day I'll step on the scale and be down 2 or 3. YEAH!

My husband decided to start logging this past weekend, so I joined him in support and logged a few days after-the-fact. What I found was that in my non-logging maintenance mode, I was still slightly under for the week, but my daily totals fluctuated a little more than when I logged daily...with one day under by about 500 calories, another over by almost that much, and most +/- 100 calories or so. The big ah-ha is that when I was logging daily, I would try to eat most of my remaining calories end of day whether I really wanted them or not. Now, I know that my natural tendency is to eat less some days (less hungry or fewer "special occaisions") and to indulge a little on other days as long as it stays in balance.

I'm only 4.5 months in on maintenance, but I'm learning that I can be successful in the real world without training wheels! And, the great news is that the wheels are still available if at some point I do need them.

Now, I know how much I enjoy the holiday treats, so I'm revving up my workout programs to make room for the things I really want to eat. The time change is a blessing that's helping me get out of bed an hour earlier to burn a few hundred before leaving the house!

Looking forward to starting the new year with no diet, exercise, or weight releated resolutions!

erinm2629

I was really glad to see your post! I am 1 freaking pound from my goal and read that i should move to more of a maintenance setting but i am afraid to do it. I think maybe i will try your approach of taking it slow and see what happens. Good work and thanks for the motivation!!

kluvit

Congrats Erin...I highly recommend baby steps to ease into it and ensure success.