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Need help with maintenance

jwhitch
jwhitch Posts: 51 Member
edited January 6 in Health and Weight Loss
This morning I actually saw my goal weight on the scale! I am thrilled that I have finally reached it but I have no idea how to stay there. I've lost 40 lbs and I've lost this same 40 lbs more than once. As others have said, I know how to lose, I just don't know how to keep it off! Any tips/suggestions on how to modify my eating (I currently eat between 1200-1500 calories per day) or is there a method to calculate how many calories I should eat to maintain my weight? My main exercise is from walking (I walk 2 miles every morning). I am definitely going to continue to use MFP to log my food because I attribute my success to this website and the support I've received!

Replies

  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    Set your MFP goal to 0 loss, and eat back exercise calories.

    Bingo. That's it, there is no other secret to maintenance.

    I have been maintaining for almost a year now. It took me about a month to settle into my new eating groove but it has really been pretty easy. My goal weight was 145 but I give myself a 5 lb. range to fluctuate in (I am good with anything between 143-147-ish). I weigh myself about once a week, sometimes every couple of weeks, just to keep everything in check. I am more concerned about how my pants fit vs. that magic number on the scale.

    Eating like this has become second nature. I no longer log weekends or when I travel and I still stay about the same weight. It will become second nature so long as you are committed to it.

    Congratulations on joining the maintenance club!
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    You just have to play around with the numbers and see where you can stick. Add 100 calories for a couple weeks and see what happens. If you continue to lose, add another 100. You'll eventually find your happy place and going slow gives your body a chance to adapt.
  • BCSMama
    BCSMama Posts: 348
    You just have to play around with the numbers and see where you can stick. Add 100 calories for a couple weeks and see what happens. If you continue to lose, add another 100. You'll eventually find your happy place and going slow gives your body a chance to adapt.

    Yes, this. I am also working on maintaining and finding my sweet spot as far as how many calories to consume. I will admit though I am more nervous about keeping it off than I was about getting it off, lol
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