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Anybody else worried about life after MFP?

kvr414
kvr414 Posts: 111
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
So this has been on my mind a while, I thought I would throw this out there to see if any of you fabulous people are feeling the same way, or maybe have some helpful advice.

To start, MFP has changed my life. I have lost over 30 lbs in 3 months, and I feel better than I have ever felt before. Usually I aim for about 1200 cals/day and I hit my other nutrient goals consistently. However, I have had some days that I either binge or I'm out with friends or something will consume closer to 1500 or 1700 cals/day, or sometimes more than that, and I feel WAY too full. Granted this has only happened maybe 4 times since October, but I noticed that the days that follow those big calorie days I won't lose any weight, I get constipated, and I even feel depressed. It's the kind of depression I used to feel when I would look in the mirror when I was 31 lbs heavier. It's awful. I feel like I've come this far, I've worked so hard, but if I want to head toward maintenance soon I'm concerned my body won't be able to handle even 1700 cals/day. I don't always want to have to log my food, or say no to some delicious foods/drinks, or feel like I can't go out with my friends when they want to go to some crazy sports bar to watch a game and everyone shoves food in my face.

Is there anybody out there who has switched to maintenance mode and had similar concerns/worries about it? Or more generally, how does your body handle heavier days? Any advice or tips you could share would be awesome.

Replies

  • roylawrence87
    roylawrence87 Posts: 970 Member
    Ive learned enough from here to take it and run. Ive learned so much from the people and it will be a long time before I leave. I have too many friends on here. I haven't lost any weight and I haven't counted anything in a long time. But that doesn't mean I am not improving daily.
  • Thomasm198
    Thomasm198 Posts: 3,189 Member
    Well when I hit my target I intend to keep using MFP to keep myself in line to make sure I don't slip back into my old habits and pile back on the weight.
  • xarrium
    xarrium Posts: 432 Member
    Don't worry about the 1700 cals--as long as you keep up the good eating habits. I'm assuming the days you go out with friends you're eating junkier food, which gives you the crappy physical/emotional side effects. When you're in need of more "healthy" calories you can resort to nuts, cheese, avocado, etc. As for logging, you don't need to do it forever, you'll re-program yourself and stop craving bad food. Besides, you can't be "good" all the time for the rest of your life, so don't stress about the "bad" days that will happen from time to time.

    Congrats on your weight loss thus far, and keep up the good work!
  • sara_m83
    sara_m83 Posts: 545 Member
    Well when I hit my target I intend to keep using MFP to keep myself in line to make sure I don't slip back into my old habits and pile back on the weight.

    Me too! My problem stemmed from overestimating my hunger or underestimating my caloric intake in the first place. I will definitely need to keep using MFP to keep me in line, but it has taught me a lot about approximate numbers of calories in certain foods and how much I burn from certain exercises that I think I will be fine in situations like going out with friends or family. And if you find yourself gaining a bit of weight, you know you can always come back! Just don't let all 30lbs come back!
  • LoriT129
    LoriT129 Posts: 312 Member
    Is there life after MFP?? Beginning, middle and end of journey and beyond will include MFP. This is a life style change and I will continue to use the tools that work for me!
  • Aeriel
    Aeriel Posts: 864 Member
    I see this as a lifestyle and don't think I will ever leave, or quit keeping track of my food. I may not log it every day, but I will be here checking calories, serving sizes and motivating and being motivated by my friends on here. My food challenge will never end, but I am much better equipped to cope with it now! :drinker:
  • Erinzee
    Erinzee Posts: 1
    Hi there - I lost 25 lbs on weight watchers, which I find very similar to MFP, and hit my goal weight. I went about a year in maintenance mode, but that did involve tracking my food daily, as I found when ever I tried to "estimate" it, I was always over. Then one bad summer came and there were lots of bbq's, camping, that sort of thing, and the weight slowly crept back. As soon as I "let my guard down" it came back. For me, I needed to hold myself accountable. I could have the occasional splurge, but if I didn't manage it (weigh myself weekly) and make sure I was not gaining, and if I did gain I had to go back into weight loss mode until I was back to where I started. I found this all very exhausting and constricting which is probably why I said, "hell with it" and threw it all away. Now what I have learned is that a more realistic weight for me is one which is a bit higher than my "rock bottom" weight from before (but still in my healthy weight range) and that is something I can maintain with my normal day to day healthy eating plan with the occasional splurge or meal out. I think the most important thing, if you don't want to track your whole life, is to weigh yourself regularly and REACT if you see a change for the worse. I knew that I was eating and drinking too much that bad summer but I choose to stay off the scale in denial. If I would have had a weekly weigh-in, even if that was just at home in a book I kept to myself, that would have helped. Now I am 10 lbs from my new goal weight and hopefully this time I can keep it off for good!
  • kvr414
    kvr414 Posts: 111
    Is there life after MFP?? Beginning, middle and end of journey and beyond will include MFP. This is a life style change and I will continue to use the tools that work for me!

    I hope there is life after MFP. Granted this website has changed I completely view food and eating. However, I can't see myself being here like 10 years from now, given career, possible children, etc. MFP is a huge part of my life right now, but I don't want to always be dependent upon nutrient tracking in order to maintain my weight. I want it to be a habit. For the most part, I think it is already.

    Also, let me clarify, On the days that I do eat more than normal, I feel depressed, constipated, and overly full and disgusting for days following. Will this always happen if I have a "bad food" day?
  • elid
    elid Posts: 209 Member
    Personally, I will probably keep tracking my calories for the rest of my life. I'm too prone to mindless eating if I'm not watching myself diligently. Your mileage may vary, of course. :smile:
    Also, let me clarify, On the days that I do eat more than normal, I feel depressed, constipated, and overly full and disgusting for days following. Will this always happen if I have a "bad food" day?

    It's possible. Whenever I go overboard and eat like I used to before I started tracking and counting calories, I end up feeling physically ill.
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