The mindset of maintenance without logging

I maintain without logging. I simply got tired of tracking. A lot of people don't mind tracking and plan on continuing to track forever. Either way there's no need to fear maintaining.

The rub with hitting the goal is too often it signals a finish line. "I hit my goal, I'm done!". I think it's important to set a new goal. A specific fitness goal can help with staying focused.

I have learned a lot about portion size, nutrition and exercise over the past almost three years. More than I learned in the previous 60 years. I know what a serving is just by sight, but, as Raspberry says, we are all different. Logging is the only way for me, and I will continue to do this for as long as I am able. I will not go back to where I was 3 years ago, and to continue to achieve this, I must log.

As in losing the weight, we all have to do what works best for us. The success rate for long term keeping the weight off is astoundingly low. Losing the weight was the easy part, maintaining is going to be a commitment that I have to make for the rest of my life.

Congratulations and best of luck to all of us!

I'm just going to wait here for the several posts claiming that you must log for the rest of your life.

Very sensible. I am only 2 months into maintaining - but must say, its going well. I am still logging daily - though I admit to not weighing everything now. I get on the scale daily as well, part of my morning routine, but just eyeball to see that I'm in range. And I too don't bother with stripping to nothing unless I'm about to be in the shower. I know 129 with clothes on fits in my 126-128 ideal range. (And 125-130 is my overall comfort zone.)

One major thing that changed for me, and helped me to get it right 'this time' - I changed my way of thinking about food. Food is something I should think about, not just randomly grab whatever is nearby or easy. With a little thought, its easy to be prepared. I don't limit foods - but do focus on protein/fruits/veggies.

I don't expect to log for life. Thinking in the next few months (maybe at my 1 year on MFP anniversary?) I will mentally log. Have considered this tactic: mentally set aside 350 calories for breakfast, 400 for lunch, 500 for dinner and 500-700 for snacks. (I snack alot!) Instead of logging each item, just keep daily track within my little categories.

Excellent post and as has been said,it is my ultimate goal.....logging now is helping me learn portion size and the impact of high calorie foods and drinks....that's all knowledge to be used later when i am not logging

I decided to experiment about 8 months ago and have maintained weight and leanness despite eating a more "normal" diet including... ahem... having a 2000 calorie double doughnut burger a couple of weeks ago.

Basically, I make sure I lift weights 3 times a week (30-45 minutes) as well as participate in sports regularly. I swear I've grown muscle in the last 8 months, too.

I have been maintaining at 102-107 for about 4 years. My SW was 128-130, with a goal of 105.
I learnt how much to eat and portion control whilst losing, and that is what I use in day to day living. If I feel my tummy is getting bigger ( apple shape), I cut my overall portions for a couple of weeks.
In general I rarely weigh myself.
All that being said, I am actively counting at the moment because I want to maintain at the 100-102 level for a few months, and I have changed my exercise routine.
(I am going on a cruise in March, and from previous experience I know I want to be as fit as possible, and be a couple of pounds under my ideal weight because of the 3-5lb water weight gain that always happens to me on a cruise. I don't mind the water gain per se, I do mind that half my clothes don't fit me if I put on the 5 lb. Getting a whole set of new clothes just for 2 weeks is a lot more hard work than adjusting my weight down for a few months.)

Maintenance is an individual thing, I am enjoying calorie counting for 3 months or so each year when circumstances dictate; and relying on my self knowledge the rest of the time. It makes me feel I am in control; not the food.

Cheers, h.
A couple of pics from the last cruise added. ( done from my phone so sorry if they don't turn out right)

I've been at my goal weight for about a month, and I just quit logging. I weigh in daily and I plan to log if I ever see the weight creeping back up. For me, it was all about breaking bad habits and making good habits.

Awesome for you! I hope to one day be able to achieve this as well.

Thanks for the positive post! I've only been maintaining for a few months and I pretty much know where I'm at for calories before I even log my food, but I still can't seem to bite the bullet and stop logging altogether. Maybe one day

Well for what it's worth, my guess is that it would be easier for people who didn't have that much to lose to maintain without logging. People with binge issues, or who would regularly eat 4000 calories or more in one day might have a harder time doing it than people who, say, ate 300 extra calories a day.

I can't speak for anyone, but I *need* my diary to keep me in check. Of course I have a much better idea now of whether I'm eating too much or too little, but I can't trust my hunger signals one bit (half the month I could eat at 1600 calories, the other half I'm always hungry). And I love sweets, and we all know that they pack the calories, so if I want to fit them in, I have to log.

Plus let's be honest... Even if I didn't log my food, I'd be calculating the calories in my head, because it's how I am. So, easier to just log it so at least I know it's more accurate.

sheepotato wrote: »

Francl27 wrote: »

Plus let's be honest... Even if I didn't log my food, I'd be calculating the calories in my head, because it's how I am. So, easier to just log it so at least I know it's more accurate.

I still do that, everyday.

I agree it's easier for some than others, but eventually will be doable for most. My myriad reasons for becoming overweight and having an unhealthy relationship with food all stemmed from growing up with zero understand about how calories or exercise worked. Once it clicked in my head that every food has a specific calorie value it's been easier to make informed choices without needing to see exactly how they all add up.

That said, I would never attempt to lose without logging, I need to meticulously watch the numbers. It's such a tight fit trying to get in proper nutrients with a deficit, especially since I won't budge on my allotted 'junk' calories.

But I always knew about nutrition. The issue wasn't lack of information, but resisting temptation. It's still hard some days but logging keeps things in perspective.