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Advice for switching gears from weight loss to maintenance?

thatjeffsmith
thatjeffsmith Posts: 110 Member
edited January 19 in Health and Weight Loss
I've reached my goal weight, several times. I get to my goal, and then decide to set a new one.

I don't think it's realistic for me to lose anymore and to maintain that weight, but my brain has wired these new thought patterns around how I eat and how much I eat, and I don't want to yo-yo AGAIN.

My new goal is maintain my current weight for the next year, so I plan on remaining vigilant about my exercise routines and diet...I just don't know how to do that w/o losing even more weight. I know the simple math says 'eat more,' but I'm afraid if I do that I'll go too far in the wrong direction.

Replies

  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    When I switched to maintenance I found that I needed new goals, and not just "maintain my weight." I started to focus more on lifting and setting personal records. I personally need something to work toward. Weight loss is easier than maintenance because you're getting the reward of seeing the number on the scale go down, but if you set new goals for yourself it helps you feel like you're accomplishing something.

    As for more calories I did the math to figure out how much my true TDEE is. You need an accurate log for several weeks for this to work. I found out that I was burning more calories than I realized so it was really good for my peace of mind. The method is here:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    If you don't want to use the math method then just increase your calories gradually until you find the spot where you maintain.

    Remember that weight fluctuates so choose a range where you're happy. For me it's 127-129 lbs.
  • thatjeffsmith
    thatjeffsmith Posts: 110 Member
    I found that I needed new goals, and not just "maintain my weight." I started to focus more on lifting and setting personal records.

    Ok, that makes a lot of sense. I do have several fitness goals...get to 15 dead hang pull-ups, be able to run 5 miles, and continue improving my CrossFit WOD #'s.

    I think I've figure out my BMR is between 2600 and 3100 cals/day. I'm currently consuming only about 1900-2100/day, so maybe I just need to give myself permission to eat that extra helping at dinner or drink that 2nd beer.

    Thanks for your support AngelAmberL :)
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