Tips from those who've reached their goal weight

SuffolkSally

Firstly congratulations!

I joined MFP a year ago, and have exceeded my original weight loss target. I've revised my goals, and I'm now 6lb from achieving my new target weight.

Other than the obvious answer (patience!) I wondered if anyone had any tips to share about shedding the last few pounds, as according to what I read on the message boards they are notoriously stubborn! What was your experience?

Did you, as some suggest, reduce your projected weekly loss? Try varying your diet regime in any way? Change your exercise type or intensity?

Very interested in any thoughts to prepare me...

TIA

RunningTowardsFit

Hey TIA,
Great post! I am at my ideal weight. I went from 130 lbs. to about 115 lbs. over the course of two years. Honestly, I was not trying to lose weight so my plataue literally lasted a year. I have found what works for me is having one cheat meal a week. This kept me not only sane but really able to relate to the real world without "dieting," or counting calories all the time (this will help boost metabolism too).
Also, the most important step I did, and I am so glad I did. Was set my caloric intake to what I would be eating at, at my goal weight. For example, I set my caloric intake at my goal weight of 115 lbs. is the weight loss slower? Yes, it is, will it boost your metabolism- yes it will Eventually you are going to have to up your caloric intake, so why not do it now? You may gain a few water weight pounds in the beginning but give it three weeks and I guarantee you will have lost a pound. I lost more weight eating at maintenance then I did otherwise.

Feel free to message me if needed.

SuffolkSally

^^^ thanks for that! Yes I've read some info about eating at maintenance for your ultimate goal weight, and it does make sense. I think I might be a bit too impatient for it though!

I don't exactly allow myself a regular cheat meal/day, but I do have spells of a few days when I choose not to log - I'm usually eating sensibly but just want a break from the drudgery! I also have times when I plan to just forget about the calories, weddings, parties, and so on. And then I've had several patches where I've just totally fallen off the wagon - it's a great tribute to the support of MFP friends that I've had the motivation to climb back on.

The advantage of this lack of consistency is that I think my metabolism must be pretty confused, lol. I haven't really hit a major plateau although of course my weight loss slowed after the initial few weeks. It certainly hasn't been consistent, but the trend has been good (36lb in 12 months).

So maybe the last 6 will just come off naturally with the same approach... anyone out there who changed their strategy towards the end to achieve their goal?