Can't get out of weight loss mode

I'd recommend ramping up the workouts (start going to new classes, try Insanity, try martial arts, weight lifting, etc) and switch from "calorie counting" mode to just doing a sanity check before you eat something as to whether there is a healthier substitution. That way you can eat badly on occasion and go out drinking with your buddies and your metabolism should be able to just compensate as long as you have significantly more good days than bad days.

Hearing you talk is like hearing myself! Lost 80 lbs. from Dec 2011--May 2013, and wanted to lose more--but I've been struggling to just find a balance to maintain! The obsession you're discussing with counting calories and weighing in is totally my life. The fear of re-gaining is absolutely paralyzing.

I saw my doctor a few months ago and she was fearful that my mindset might cause a "full blown" eating disorder--even though I already know I have disordered eating--and I am also obsessive over things just like you are. I started seeing a counselor a few times a month, which as been really helpful in establishing balance. I know counseling isn't for everyone--but my underlying anxieties really manifested themselves in my weight gain (OVEREATING) and then, in my weight loss (OVER-OBSESSING). If anxiety was a trigger in your weight gain, and you're still experiencing it in your weight loss, consider talking to someone. I'm telling you--it's been helpful. I can see how crazy my obsessing is when I'm more mindful of it and someone else discusses it with me and helps me reflect.

Things I've done to help myself stop obsessing include: weighing in once weekly, taking measurements (so that I know a few pounds are not "real" fat gain if the scale goes up), and trying to breathe and realize it's not worth it. You've come so far--I hope you (we) find balance soon!

It is scary and tough when you enter the maintainence mode of your weight loss journey. I've been in maintence since around April of this year. I have played with what calories I need to eat and what exercised cals burned cals I need to eat back too. I got as low as 124 for my 5'4" height but since I up'd my cals from 1200 to 1490 and eat back some of the burned exercise cals I am usually at 130-132 range which is fine with me. I go up/down a pound or two daily. I do weigh myself every morning to keep myself in check. Some might say that isn't good but for me I need to since not weighing is what got me to the 270 pounds I used to weigh. I will continue to log all food, water, exercise and other things in MFP. I realize I will have to do this for life since in the past that is what also got me in trouble after loosing weight. I will quit logging food or tracking calories and the weight crept back on.
I have never with held any type of food from me since starting my weight loss journey but practice portion control. If I want some ice cream I will have it but will only eat 1/2 cup not 4 big scoops like in the past. I feel there aren't any "bad foods" but eating in moderation and portion control is the key.
Good luck!


This is totally me! And I am scared to death to start maintenance mode!!

I'm in the same boat, so I can't say I have advice but I understand everything that you are struggling with because I'm fighting the same battle.

Same here...