Anyone take a "maintenance break" before you hit your goal?

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  • annaskiski
    annaskiski Posts: 1,212 Member
    I've read that maintenance breaks are really required when you're on a long term deficit, in order not to damage your metabolism.

    Just don't use it as an excuse to go crazy. You also may learn a lot of useful info, such as what you currently calorie count need is to sustain your weight. (its definitely changed).
  • grandmothercharlie
    grandmothercharlie Posts: 1,063 Member
    edited September 2015
    Try mixing up your workouts! How about a class of some kind with others; it might be a new source of motivation. If you run, how about a walk? Or an ellipical or rowing machine? I find creating a new workout playlist helps me, too.

    If you feel stressed, how about something more relaxing. I started Tai Chi this year. Once you learn it, it is very aerobic (I know wouldn't seem to be), but it gives me a workout AND really has helped with stress (even the stress of dieting).

    I felt the same way about my workouts and had to mix it up to keep up the momentum and not give up. Unfortunately, for me, if I don't log and trust myself to eat correctly, I will gain. Maybe you are luckier.
  • MichelleH267
    MichelleH267 Posts: 3 Member
    janiep81 wrote: »
    I think I'm bored with my workout plan. I run and lift. I like the results that come from heavy lifting, but I'm no gym rat. I'd rather be outside, but I don't want to "just run," and not work on my strength. Maybe I'll take a break from lifting and run a bit more.
    Not sure if it's feasible for you (finances/location etc.) but you could hire a personal trainer just for a session or two to go through some workout options that you can do outside - I've seen people in parks lifting logs etc. using benches for dips and so on.

  • marciaholland77
    marciaholland77 Posts: 85 Member
    Around Christmas last year I took a break from my diet...food wise. I did maintain my 15,000 steps daily. I wanted to keep one foot in the door, so to speak. After about 3 months I had gained 5 lbs. I got back to watching what I ate and lost it. So for me it worked.
  • beastmode2718
    beastmode2718 Posts: 108 Member
    I totally feel you on being burned out. I only have four more pounds but I am soooo sick of restricting. I have bad influences all the time too like oh you want some chocolate cake cause if you don't you must have an Ed. I personally am burned out with eating but if you are burned out on exercise maybe take a break week and eat a little less. Taking a week off will NOT undo all your progress it can actually get you ready again. I have been lately mainly eating at my calorie deficit but if I feel like cheating on a meal a couple days a week I do it and I have not gained weight. Just don't get super lazy for a long period of time.
  • charmmeth
    charmmeth Posts: 936 Member
    annaskiski wrote: »
    I've read that maintenance breaks are really required when you're on a long term deficit, in order not to damage your metabolism.

    Just don't use it as an excuse to go crazy. You also may learn a lot of useful info, such as what you currently calorie count need is to sustain your weight. (its definitely changed).

    I read that too. There is an interesting site put together by Swiss health care professionals and researchers here: http://www.smartbmicalculator.com/. When I put in 89kg as my start weight and 75kg as my aim, it recommended that I don't try to lose all at once, but start with losing 7kg - 10kg, then maintain that weight for a while, and then move on. I didn't plan it that way, but in fact it is what I did - lost 9 kg, "maintained" a while ( a year or more - but I gained a couple of kgs back) , and now I have lost 12kg and am aiming to maintain.
  • kyrannosaurus
    kyrannosaurus Posts: 350 Member
    I'm on a diet break at the moment. I've lost 58lbs and am now at a weight within a healthy BMI and my doctor is happy with weight. I'm planning on eating at maintenance for a month or so before losing the last 15lbs to get to my ultimate goal. So far I've been doing this a week. I am still weighing and logging everything.
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