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Maintenance Support??

beseckha
beseckha Posts: 2 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
Hi! So I have lost about 20 pounds since August, but started using MFP 67 days ago apparently. Anyways, my goal was 135 pounds but I am struggling with the idea of switching to maintenance. I am currently 137 pounds so the switch over is coming soon. I have accustomed myself to eating about 1.1k calories a day. I will have to eat more than this to maintain but I am afraid that I will not be able to keep myself from eating too little. I am looking for a few friends to help hold me accountable for meeting my calorie goal within the next two or three weeks.

Replies

  • MeiannaLee
    MeiannaLee Posts: 338 Member
    Yes, for me maintenance was the most difficult part of losing weight. Not because I couldnt count calories or exercise frequently, but because I had a fear of weight gain(which is natural-you gain about 5/10 pounds when you switch to maitenance).
    But it gets better :) So dont worry! You can do this!
  • beseckha
    beseckha Posts: 2 Member
    Does it go away again?
  • CrystalFlury
    CrystalFlury Posts: 400 Member
    Le sigh.

    I've been on maintenance for a while and struggled at the beginning for the exact reason you mentioned; worried about weight gain. I was maintaining for a while at 130-135 lbs, just under 5 ft. 7 inches and I have a small bone frame--I was eating 1200 for a LONG time. Looking back, I probably was bit light being in the low 130s. I realize now it probably wasn't doable to stay that low. I've been naturally staying around 137-141 lbs. I still work hard at staying within that range, but it's mostly because I let myself go a little too often. I have days where I don't log, so I couldn't tell you what my calorie intake is on "bad" days, but on good days for a long time I was doing 1700 calories or so. Now, take into consideration your personal activity level. I don't do much, usually, other than workout 4-5 days a week and I try to change it up, I don't want a workout to always be the same thing.

    I'm currently doing 1500 calories because I just got a Fitbit Charge HR and have worn it around enough and it confirms what I suspected; I am not very active and usually burn 1600-1700 calories in a day. It totally explains why if I overdo any meals I "gain" easily. Staying on the lower end of calorie intake it best for me. Now, you're not ALWAYS going to burn the same amount of calories every day so varying your calorie intake to maintain will be normal. Sat around most of the day, barely walked around? Chances are you don't need a ton of calories that day and going out to eat will only make it worse. Spending barely anytime sitting, always moving around being active? Chances are you'll be eating more that day.

    It's all a balancing act you will learn and continue to learn what your body likes and doesn't like. My personal mistake after having lost my 40-45 ish lbs? I restricted a little much so when I found I could eat a little more it kind of turned into an eating frenzy! It's been a little over 3 years now and I've yet to gain the bad weight back. I am working to lose back down to 135, if it's feasible, but I'm not going to starve myself to do it. If you've developed good habits along your weight loss journey then the maintenance part of your journey won't be too difficult.
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