Has anyone successfully managed to switch to a higher weight maintenance?
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Francl27
Posts: 26,371 Member
I think I'm starting to realize that it might just not possible for me to maintain 135 pounds. I'm just too hungry and miserable because the only way to maintain is to really deprive myself...
Has anyone been in the same situation, gained back a few pounds, then managed to maintain that weight successfully? I'm hoping that maybe my hunger will calm down if I gain a couple pounds back? My main worry obviously is that I'll end up gaining the weight back because the hunger won't go away (I've been around 133-135 for 2.5 years now). I'm 5'5" so it's hardly too little.
Man, I knew it would be hard, but I didn't except to be so miserable and worried all the time. I've hardly had any days when I'm not hungry in the last couple months (my cycles have been 3 weeks instead of 4, which totally sucks). I still hit my protein, fat, and fiber goals most days, but it seems that as soon as I eat a treat, even if it's just a 200 calorie one, I end up too hungry and end up going over by 200 at the end of the day.
I know that hunger isn't necessarily bad, but I get dizzy and just feel awful most of the time when I am (except that one week a month when it doesn't bother me, but that hasn't happened in 2 months now).
I don't believe my goal is too low but who knows? I've calculated my TDEE at 2200, but I don't seem to lose if I go under 2000, or to gain if eat 2300 for a week, so it's just confusing to me. I do 1.5 hour of cycling/uphill walking every day in average, some lifting 2x a week or less, with a rest day every 10 days or so, and other than that it's normal household work, cooking, groceries etc. I've been eating closer to 235-2400 calories a day for 2 weeks now (but I'm PMSing too, so there's that).
You'd think I would stress out less about it after this time.. but nope.
Has anyone been in the same situation, gained back a few pounds, then managed to maintain that weight successfully? I'm hoping that maybe my hunger will calm down if I gain a couple pounds back? My main worry obviously is that I'll end up gaining the weight back because the hunger won't go away (I've been around 133-135 for 2.5 years now). I'm 5'5" so it's hardly too little.
Man, I knew it would be hard, but I didn't except to be so miserable and worried all the time. I've hardly had any days when I'm not hungry in the last couple months (my cycles have been 3 weeks instead of 4, which totally sucks). I still hit my protein, fat, and fiber goals most days, but it seems that as soon as I eat a treat, even if it's just a 200 calorie one, I end up too hungry and end up going over by 200 at the end of the day.
I know that hunger isn't necessarily bad, but I get dizzy and just feel awful most of the time when I am (except that one week a month when it doesn't bother me, but that hasn't happened in 2 months now).
I don't believe my goal is too low but who knows? I've calculated my TDEE at 2200, but I don't seem to lose if I go under 2000, or to gain if eat 2300 for a week, so it's just confusing to me. I do 1.5 hour of cycling/uphill walking every day in average, some lifting 2x a week or less, with a rest day every 10 days or so, and other than that it's normal household work, cooking, groceries etc. I've been eating closer to 235-2400 calories a day for 2 weeks now (but I'm PMSing too, so there's that).
You'd think I would stress out less about it after this time.. but nope.
3
Replies
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Ten years ago, I got down to my "perfect number"--you know, that number that had been in my head forever as the weight where all my problems would go away and I wouldn't think about food all the time like a fat person does.
I maintained it for about 3 years, but the honest truth was I obsessed about food and working out CONSTATNLY. I woke up thinking about food, went to bed thinking about food. I would finish a meal, and instantly start thinking about the next one.
Long story short, I had some ups and downs and then some major ups where gained back almost as much as I had originally lost, and then a little over a year ago, I got serious about taking off what I had put on.
This time, I set my goal 20lbs higher than my "perfect number." For one thing, I learned that number wasn't "perfect" after all: I stressed about eating perhaps even MORE than when I was fat, and being that weight didn't magically make the problems in my life disappear like I somehow imagined it might.
I chose the 20lb higher number because, during those ups and downs, it seemed like the number where I was still more or less comfortable in my body, didn't suffer from the aches and pains of a much higher weight, but also didn't obsess about food all the time like I did when I was much lower than that. It was also a weight where the maintenance calories and activity level were reasonable to me.
I hit that goal last February, and have actually lost about 7 lbs since then eating a reasonable amount of calories (+-1800 per day plus some exercise calories), and exercising regularly but not obsessively (1 hr 2 - 3 days per week).11 -
I haven't lost enough to maintain a certain low number, but my future plan is to hit a number then let my weight settle up or down on its own while eating reasonably. Maybe try that instead of picking a new specific maintenance number? You basically eat what would reasonably be satiating, do a sustainable amount of exercise, try to strike that balance where it isn't too hard or too easy, and see where your weight ends up.6
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I maintained for quite a while at 164lbs and dipped lower occasionally for cycling events but found that a real struggle and took a lot of effort.
Over time as I recomped and got leaner I found I was far more hungry and feeling low on energy and strength.
That was by no stretch of the imagination very lean by the way, I have no ambitions in that regard. (Too old and it's not my personal preference.)
It started to feel like I was dieting / food conscious full time rather than maintaining happily.
Decided to just let my weight drift up 4lbs and now finding that far easier to maintain and I'm feeling more energetic and less hungry. Can't really pin down why but it just feels a more natural and sustainable weight for me right now.
You can always experiment.
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I think I'm starting to realize that it might just not possible for me to maintain 135 pounds. I'm just too hungry and miserable because the only way to maintain is to really deprive myself...
Has anyone been in the same situation, gained back a few pounds, then managed to maintain that weight successfully? I'm hoping that maybe my hunger will calm down if I gain a couple pounds back? My main worry obviously is that I'll end up gaining the weight back because the hunger won't go away (I've been around 133-135 for 2.5 years now). I'm 5'5" so it's hardly too little.
Man, I knew it would be hard, but I didn't except to be so miserable and worried all the time. I've hardly had any days when I'm not hungry in the last couple months (my cycles have been 3 weeks instead of 4, which totally sucks). I still hit my protein, fat, and fiber goals most days, but it seems that as soon as I eat a treat, even if it's just a 200 calorie one, I end up too hungry and end up going over by 200 at the end of the day.
I know that hunger isn't necessarily bad, but I get dizzy and just feel awful most of the time when I am (except that one week a month when it doesn't bother me, but that hasn't happened in 2 months now).
I don't believe my goal is too low but who knows? I've calculated my TDEE at 2200, but I don't seem to lose if I go under 2000, or to gain if eat 2300 for a week, so it's just confusing to me. I do 1.5 hour of cycling/uphill walking every day in average, some lifting 2x a week or less, with a rest day every 10 days or so, and other than that it's normal household work, cooking, groceries etc. I've been eating closer to 235-2400 calories a day for 2 weeks now (but I'm PMSing too, so there's that).
You'd think I would stress out less about it after this time.. but nope.
IDK if anyone's said it... but here you go.
You have an issue with the scale more or less... like you shouldn't be so focused on the number on the scale but more focused on how you feel... find that happy medium and go from there. I don't see the purpose to any of what you're doing if you feel like crap all the time... like that's not a good or healthy life.
You shouldn't feel dizzy all the time eihter, should see your doctor about this and not ask people here as none of us have access to your medical history, blood samples etc. all the kind of stuff you'd need to check to give a real response.
To answer the question I fluctuate every year up and down 40-50lbs however I following bodybuilding and workout all the time and my weight gain is controlled and done purposely.
also cut the cardio a bit and focus on weights more, you'll look better from lifting weights then you will from doing tons of cardio.8 -
There was a time when my weight was stable, I was never hungry, and was not food obsessed per se. That was when I was 210lbs. Makes sense, for a person of my height (5'5"), that was a decent number of calories for a very lightly active lifestyle.
I've accepted that it will always probably be a struggle for me to not be obese. Gaining more weight won't really help because I will just adapt and want more until I am 210lbs again. This is just me, just saying.
I second seeing a doctor to make sure something else isn't going on.1 -
Yep! I got down to my goal weight of 143lbs last year, and it was an exhausting struggle to stay there. I now hover between 148-150lbs and this weight seems to match up perfectly with my natural appetite. I've all but given up trying to get down to my goal weight.. for now. For reference I'm 5"8.4
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I think I'm starting to realize that it might just not possible for me to maintain 135 pounds. I'm just too hungry and miserable because the only way to maintain is to really deprive myself...
Has anyone been in the same situation, gained back a few pounds, then managed to maintain that weight successfully? I'm hoping that maybe my hunger will calm down if I gain a couple pounds back? My main worry obviously is that I'll end up gaining the weight back because the hunger won't go away (I've been around 133-135 for 2.5 years now). I'm 5'5" so it's hardly too little.
Man, I knew it would be hard, but I didn't except to be so miserable and worried all the time. I've hardly had any days when I'm not hungry in the last couple months (my cycles have been 3 weeks instead of 4, which totally sucks). I still hit my protein, fat, and fiber goals most days, but it seems that as soon as I eat a treat, even if it's just a 200 calorie one, I end up too hungry and end up going over by 200 at the end of the day.
I know that hunger isn't necessarily bad, but I get dizzy and just feel awful most of the time when I am (except that one week a month when it doesn't bother me, but that hasn't happened in 2 months now).
I don't believe my goal is too low but who knows? I've calculated my TDEE at 2200, but I don't seem to lose if I go under 2000, or to gain if eat 2300 for a week, so it's just confusing to me. I do 1.5 hour of cycling/uphill walking every day in average, some lifting 2x a week or less, with a rest day every 10 days or so, and other than that it's normal household work, cooking, groceries etc. I've been eating closer to 235-2400 calories a day for 2 weeks now (but I'm PMSing too, so there's that).
You'd think I would stress out less about it after this time.. but nope.
Yes...I was down to 175 for a time and it was rough...180 was really pretty easy. Of course, that had a lot to do with my alcohol consumption...I had to curb it more to maintain 175...not so much at 180...at that time I wasn't interested in curbing it.0 -
Plus, in my honest opinion life is too short to be suffering and white knuckling through every day for the sake of a few pounds/ that ever elusive number on the scale.9
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just a thought....i have been doing low carb high fat and losing since Jan this year. never hungry no cravings...maybe try more fat and protein and fewer carbs?6
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I agree that when I eat more protein and fat and lower my carbs to 35% I am MUCH MUCH less hungry. Especially when I'm at the bottom of my weight zone.6
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Yeah but that's the issue too though - I still have to be miserable and deprive myself to maintain a lower carb diet. I hate it! And it doesn't always work either, like 2 days ago I only had 11g of carbs for breakfast (from an apple! rest was eggs and sausage) and I was starving after 2 hours... I have to completely change my diet for it to work and it's really not a long term solution at all (plus I have to seriously deprive myself to do that. I like carbs. I still try to make them whole grains/fruit/veggies as much as possible).
I also was never able to handle too much fat (I would get diarrhea and/or stomach pains, two doctors never figured out what the problem was).
So yeah. Plus I can't wrap my head about the fact that I have to restrict more now than when I was losing.0 -
Yeah but that's the issue too though - I still have to be miserable and deprive myself to maintain a lower carb diet. I hate it! And it doesn't always work either, like 2 days ago I only had 11g of carbs for breakfast (from an apple! rest was eggs and sausage) and I was starving after 2 hours... I have to completely change my diet for it to work and it's really not a long term solution at all (plus I have to seriously deprive myself to do that. I like carbs. I still try to make them whole grains/fruit/veggies as much as possible).
I also was never able to handle too much fat (I would get diarrhea and/or stomach pains, two doctors never figured out what the problem was).
So yeah. Plus I can't wrap my head about the fact that I have to restrict more now than when I was losing.
so gain back to 140 and see how you get on and how that feels?
I am 136lbs as of today and losing slowly but consistently (my happy weight is 130-133ish), and can manage on around net 1900 to maintain.
being dizzy all the time doesn't sound right, i agree with see a doctor for that.
sounds like you need a break from the mental torture you have created for yourself.2 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Yeah but that's the issue too though - I still have to be miserable and deprive myself to maintain a lower carb diet. I hate it! And it doesn't always work either, like 2 days ago I only had 11g of carbs for breakfast (from an apple! rest was eggs and sausage) and I was starving after 2 hours... I have to completely change my diet for it to work and it's really not a long term solution at all (plus I have to seriously deprive myself to do that. I like carbs. I still try to make them whole grains/fruit/veggies as much as possible).
I also was never able to handle too much fat (I would get diarrhea and/or stomach pains, two doctors never figured out what the problem was).
So yeah. Plus I can't wrap my head about the fact that I have to restrict more now than when I was losing.
so gain back to 140 and see how you get on and how that feels?
I am 136lbs as of today and losing slowly but consistently (my happy weight is 130-133ish), and can manage on around net 1900 to maintain.
being dizzy all the time doesn't sound right, i agree with see a doctor for that.
sounds like you need a break from the mental torture you have created for yourself.
Yeah but a break is not an option if I end up gaining weight...
I have to schedule my yearly check up though.0 -
Do you know how many calories would satisfy you?
You could always work out what weight you would be at your ideal calorie intake and go from there.
I also wonder if cutting back the cardio may help decrease your appetite. Try dropping to 1 hr 3-4 days cardio, 2-3 days resistance training, and a day off each week. 1 day in 10 may not give you enough recovery- stress may be a factor.
There is also reverse dieting. Slowly up your calories by 50-100 a day hold at that intake for a week or two then up them again. Do this until you see a consistent weight gain then drop back your last increase so you maintain at the weight you are at but with more food.
(I did this over 2 month and gained an extra 150 cals)
You could do this but apply it to the exercise side of things too. Reduce exercise slowly maintaining your calorie intake.
And remember no one else will probably notice that you have gained 5lbs (if that is what it takes to fend off the hunger) unless you get your weight tattooed on your forehead.
Cheers, h.
Glad a check up is on the books.4 -
Ever thought about bulk & cut cycles with strength training?0
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Am interested to see the feedback on this post ... I seem to have no trouble staying at 129/130lbs (I average 2000 cals which is a good amount for me at 5ft 2", any less and I feel deprived) but staying a few pounds lower for long periods just seems too much work - even more activity/less food does not make this gal a happy bunny!
Finding a happy medium is important imo.5 -
robdowns1300 wrote: »Ever thought about bulk & cut cycles with strength training?
Unfortunately part of the maintaining mindset for me is that I need to do something that is sustainable. I hate strength training... I still do it about 20 minutes 3x a week but it's a real chore for me. And considering that I haven't been able to cut to lose my last 5 pounds in over 2 years, it's safe to say that the cutting part is just never going to happen, lol.
About how many calories make me satisfied - it really completely changes from day to day and where I am in my cycle, unfortunately. Some days I'm happy on 1300, some days I need 2600. It's been averaging out more or less but it's a problem when the 'not hungry' days are few.0 -
TavistockToad wrote: »Yeah but that's the issue too though - I still have to be miserable and deprive myself to maintain a lower carb diet. I hate it! And it doesn't always work either, like 2 days ago I only had 11g of carbs for breakfast (from an apple! rest was eggs and sausage) and I was starving after 2 hours... I have to completely change my diet for it to work and it's really not a long term solution at all (plus I have to seriously deprive myself to do that. I like carbs. I still try to make them whole grains/fruit/veggies as much as possible).
I also was never able to handle too much fat (I would get diarrhea and/or stomach pains, two doctors never figured out what the problem was).
So yeah. Plus I can't wrap my head about the fact that I have to restrict more now than when I was losing.
so gain back to 140 and see how you get on and how that feels?
I am 136lbs as of today and losing slowly but consistently (my happy weight is 130-133ish), and can manage on around net 1900 to maintain.
being dizzy all the time doesn't sound right, i agree with see a doctor for that.
sounds like you need a break from the mental torture you have created for yourself.
Yeah but a break is not an option if I end up gaining weight...
I have to schedule my yearly check up though.
so you wont consider gaining some weight back?0 -
TavistockToad wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Yeah but that's the issue too though - I still have to be miserable and deprive myself to maintain a lower carb diet. I hate it! And it doesn't always work either, like 2 days ago I only had 11g of carbs for breakfast (from an apple! rest was eggs and sausage) and I was starving after 2 hours... I have to completely change my diet for it to work and it's really not a long term solution at all (plus I have to seriously deprive myself to do that. I like carbs. I still try to make them whole grains/fruit/veggies as much as possible).
I also was never able to handle too much fat (I would get diarrhea and/or stomach pains, two doctors never figured out what the problem was).
So yeah. Plus I can't wrap my head about the fact that I have to restrict more now than when I was losing.
so gain back to 140 and see how you get on and how that feels?
I am 136lbs as of today and losing slowly but consistently (my happy weight is 130-133ish), and can manage on around net 1900 to maintain.
being dizzy all the time doesn't sound right, i agree with see a doctor for that.
sounds like you need a break from the mental torture you have created for yourself.
Yeah but a break is not an option if I end up gaining weight...
I have to schedule my yearly check up though.
so you wont consider gaining some weight back?
Not on purpose, no, lol. It's going to happen at this rate though.0 -
TavistockToad wrote: »TavistockToad wrote: »Yeah but that's the issue too though - I still have to be miserable and deprive myself to maintain a lower carb diet. I hate it! And it doesn't always work either, like 2 days ago I only had 11g of carbs for breakfast (from an apple! rest was eggs and sausage) and I was starving after 2 hours... I have to completely change my diet for it to work and it's really not a long term solution at all (plus I have to seriously deprive myself to do that. I like carbs. I still try to make them whole grains/fruit/veggies as much as possible).
I also was never able to handle too much fat (I would get diarrhea and/or stomach pains, two doctors never figured out what the problem was).
So yeah. Plus I can't wrap my head about the fact that I have to restrict more now than when I was losing.
so gain back to 140 and see how you get on and how that feels?
I am 136lbs as of today and losing slowly but consistently (my happy weight is 130-133ish), and can manage on around net 1900 to maintain.
being dizzy all the time doesn't sound right, i agree with see a doctor for that.
sounds like you need a break from the mental torture you have created for yourself.
Yeah but a break is not an option if I end up gaining weight...
I have to schedule my yearly check up though.
so you wont consider gaining some weight back?
Not on purpose, no, lol. It's going to happen at this rate though.
not sure what you think your options are then? or what you were hoping to get in the way of suggestions?
You have 2 choices really:
Stay hungry eating as you are now and be miserable
Make some changes as people have suggested, play with your macros and/or reverse diet up a few pounds?12
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