Maintainers questions
HappyGrape
Posts: 436 Member
Total weight loss
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
What method did you use to lose the weight?
How long are you in maintenance?
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
What method did you use to lose the weight?
How long are you in maintenance?
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
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Replies
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About 50 pounds.HappyGrape wrote: »Total weight loss
About a year.How long did it take you to lose the weight?
That's a tough one to answer. To lose weight, I had a consistent calorie deficit. To consistently be able to stick to a calorie deficit, I weighed and logged and counted calories, and ate food I like, in regular, balanced meals. I prelogged and planned my meals, shopped guerrilla style, didn't buy anything I'd binge on, didn't stare forlorn into biscuit and snack shelves at the grocery store.What method did you use to lose the weight?
25 months.How long are you in maintenance?
I eat what I want when I need it. It's at home, alone, doing nothing, that makes me prone to overeating.How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
The biggest challenge is actually that it is too easy. I have doubted if I'm doing it right, because I've always heard that losing weight is a battle, and maintenance even worse, a daily struggle. I have gotten lots of reassurance here on the forum, both directly, and through reading others's success stories.What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
I am eating much the same way and mostly the same things as when losing weight, and it has many similarities to how I ate growing up, and when eating out, and on vacation. I have reintroduced more carbs (I developed a hunger for bread, grains, pasta). I still plan/log, but I don't focus so much on calories; I just weigh and count, don't track. I eat fewer, larger meals (reduced from up to 7, to normally 3, maybe 4).What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
I am much more relaxed. But I walk much more than before I lost weight, and I dance, and generally move more.What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
My plan leaves room for occasional splurges.What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Luckily, I haven't had any injuries, illness or other setback.Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
Make things as easy for yourself as possible. You'll be doing this for a long time.What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Oh, and set a weight range, weigh yourself regularly, and be ready to take firm but non-panicky action whenever weight starts to creep.12 -
Total weight loss:
80 pounds.
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
15 months. Slow and steady.
What method did you use to lose the weight?
CICO. Watching what and how much I ate along with moderately exercise. I tracked my food and exercise in a written journal and I continue to do so today.
How long are you in maintenance?
It will be 4 years in May!
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
For events or dinner parties I like to save up calories for the week and enjoy myself in moderation at the event. For vacations I usually would eat a good sized breakfast and a good sized dinner. Or sometime I'd eat tapas style meals and small treats during the entire day. I like to stay active by walking a lot and normally I still get in a good workout in the hotel's gym or in my room doing bodyweight work or a DVD on my laptop or a Youtube video.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
My biggest challenge is still thinking I am larger than what I am. I still see a photo of myself or I would catch a glimpse of my reflection and still think, "wow that's me?!" Or when I go shopping for clothes a size large looks like it will fit when in reality a small or maybe a medium fits me perfectly, but it looks so tiny when I hold it up.
Often I forget that I can shop in the Juniors section now after shopping in the plus-sized area for so long.
I've been overweight most of life. I don't know when this mindset will ever completely go away. Hopefully sooner then later!
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it change? How did it change?
I used to eat 5 - 6 times a day because I thought you needed to do that to keep the metabolism going. I strongly disliked it, but I continued with it. I was never satisfied and always looking at the clock for my next snack or small meal. However, I was willing to do whatever it took to lose and keep the weight off.
One day I got fed up and started combining meals and snacks. I did not see weight gain so I stayed with it. Now I just eat 2 - 3 substantial and balanced meals spread out throughout the day. And I'm a very happy girl with less dishes to clean! Also for the past year I've haven't eaten any meat, but it has nothing to do with maintenance, just a preference.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
I workout more often because I enjoy it and very fit, but my workouts are less intense overall.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday.
I don't get off track. I plan ahead, I work treats in and I work some of it off with activity. This is my way of having the best of everything. I eat what I want (I just watch how much) and I still maintain my figure without getting bloated or weight gain (other then temporary water weight from too much sodium).
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
I've only had one setback, a lower back injury a couple of years ago. I could not workout and it sucked. Badly. Working out is my therapy and me time.
I dealt with it by eating less food and I did some very light chair workouts on Youtube to stay somewhat active. I was out of commission for 3 weeks. I lots a lot of gains and I looked frail after I healed up. It took me months to get back to normal.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight?
Do things during weight loss that you can sustain for the rest of your life. It will make maintenance so much easier and less stressful.11 -
Total weight loss: 25 pounds
How long did it take you to lose the weight? 6 months
What method did you use to lose the weight? MFP - logging calories; eating at deficit
How long are you in maintenance? over 5 years
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? If there will be abundant food involved and I need more calories, then I will exercise to earn more; just keep logging as usual; when backpacking in the wilderness I may take a few days off completely, but that's always enough exercise to not have to worry about calories.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? Coming up with new ways to challenge myself - like new fitness goals.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? The only difference is that on maintenance, I have more calories to eat than I get in a deficit. Nothing else changed. All the same foods.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? It's probably not too much different. Maybe a little less now, since I have more calories to eat in maintenance I don't have to work out more to earn extra calories like before. Exercise is now more for fun, fitness and personal challenges than for earning extra calories to eat.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday. Just get back to it. I don't starve myself to make up for a bad day. They don't happen that often so I don't make adjustments for that. I just get right back to my normal routine.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? My weight isn't all that dependent on exercise, personally. If I couldn't work out, it wouldn't matter in terms of weight because I have always been set to sedentary activity level anyway. I just wouldn't be able to earn extra calories for treats that go above my calorie allotment. I don't NEED exercise to maintain. I DO exercise because it feels good, gives me energy, is a stress killer and it's good for my health. I also look good when I'm fit.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight. For loss, I would say that whatever you do to lose the weight should be something you are willing to do forever (as a permanent lifestyle) or else as soon as you stop doing it, you'll just go back to your old ways and your old weight. And keep it simple. There is NO need to make this complicated, or treat it like a punishment, or go to extremes. For maintenance, just keep up the good habits you've established and enjoy the extra calories you get to eat now that you are on maintenance. And remember, this is not a race or a special event. There's no deadline or end point. You just keep moving forward, trying to be the best version of YOU possible. You've got the rest of your life to get yourself in order. So don't rush it and burn out.10 -
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
5 months for the main chunk of weight loss. Nibbled away a further 10 - 14lbs in a series of steps of maintenance/loss over an extended period.
What method did you use to lose the weight?
5:2 dieting, MFP eat back exercise calories method on the 5 maintenance days.
How long are you in maintenance?
4+ years but deliberately at a few different weights.
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I enjoy them. If that results in a weight gain I sort that out afterwards. Life is too short not to enjoy yourself.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
Love good food and drink plus my intuitive eating level is, and always has been, higher than I actually need. Greedy I suppose you could call it!
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
Typically 3 meals and a few snacks a day but it varies,
Biggest change is I simply don't have 2 low eating days a week.
Never changed what I eat, just the weekly amount.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
More energy so better performance and recovery - stronger and faster. Probably do an even higher volume of exercise because I enjoy it and enjoy the results it gives me.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Breakfast skipping.
Making lower calorie food and drink choices. I don't log food but am still calorie aware.
Nibbling away chunks of calories in bits and pieces rather than an everyday deficit which bores me.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
Both wrists got mangled by an errant car driver which restricted my strength training badly.
Took best part of nine months to get back to where I was before the RTA.
Switched my exercise focus to something I could do while my wrists healed.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight.
Think long term in terms of sustainability, health and enjoyment of life.
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Total weight loss
80 lbs (I gained back 10 lbs but measurements haven't changed)
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
1.5 year
What method did you use to lose the weight?
TDEE-20%
How long are you in maintenance?
2.5 years
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I try to bank calories for them. I just eat under maintenance most days. I try to stay active on vacations and to stick to healthier options whenever possible (I usually fail).
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
I still have to really watch what I eat because I'm much hungrier than when I was losing.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
Same as when losing. The only difference is that I eat more one or two days a week.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
WAY more active. I used to exercise an hour a day, now it's not uncommon for me to walk 3 hours a day. I average 22k steps a day.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Just stick to a deficit 90% of the time.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
Being sick. I try not to eat too much and get back to being active when I can.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Learn to moderate and learn to cook. And be active.
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Total weight loss: 60 lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight? 8 months
What method did you use to lose the weight? Eat less, Move more.
How long are you in maintenance? 2 years?
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? Moderation.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? I can't really think of one.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? No more logging food.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? I'm faster and I climb bigger hills. Also, I tend to choose a cafe as a destination for a bicycle ride. I didn't do that so much before because I was more interested in staying below my calorie goal than replacing the calories I burned.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday? I don't worry about splurges. I counted calories through the holidays this year because my weight was running a little high. I also make a effort to fit my exercise in around other activities. I frequently haul a bicycle with me when I travel. Short of that, hotel stairwells are a great place to get your heart rate up.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? If you need time to heal, take it. When I can't exercise, I make a conscious effort to eat less.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight? Weigh yourself weekly and don't let calorie counting become a hobby. There is so much more to life than the food you eat and knowing how many calories are in it. Get outside. Meet your neighbors. Grab a bicycle and discover the things in your city that you can't see from a car. Join a sports team. Go for a hike in the woods. It is fine to focus on weight loss for a while, but at some point people need to quit focusing on food and start focusing on the things that losing weight and getting fit allows them to do. Live life while you can.7 -
Total weight loss
30or 35Lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
4 months
What method did you use to lose the weight?
Low Glycemic (similar to South Beach Diet, but before the book came out). Didn't count calories, but was obviously in a deficit
How long are you in maintenance?
15 years
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I aim to generally eat the same, but know I'll indulge a bit.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
peri-menopause and menopause. I dealt with it by joining MFP and looking more at what I eat. Menopause is different for each of us.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
It looks basically the same, with a bit more calories. I still eat a mostly low glycemic load diet. Whole foods, plant heavy, limited heavily refined carbs.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
I wasn't as active then. I lifted and did cardio. Now I walk, ride everywhere I go during the week, run a few times a week do Yoga and Pilates.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
If holiday eating was out of my control, as in someone else was shopping and cooking and I couldn't do what I wanted? A week of something similar to the SB diet P1 (I eliminate things that tend to cause cravings for a week)
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
just menopause and the odd changes it brought as it was approaching and happened.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Figure out what works for you. Work WITH your body, not against it. If lowering carbs makes you miserable, don't if refined carbs make it hard to eat to your goals, find better ones with more fiber and less sugar etc. Find what works for you. Oh, and definitely have a weight range.4 -
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Total weight loss: 20 lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight? all of last year (i did it SLOWLY!) I splurged too much on weekends and vacations and it set me back but I still eventually lost the weight.
What method did you use to lose the weight? CICO
How long are you in maintenance? 2 months
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? I TRY to eat intuitively and watch my portions but I'll never ban foods.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? Not knowing how many calories I can really take in. I still find myself eating too high of a deficit during the week so I can bank calories for the weekend. I havent lost any weight, so I think it's working for me? It'll take more experimenting with upping calories during the week.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? About the same plus 300 calories worth of dessert lol
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? I used to work out 6 times a week and beat myself up if i missed a day. Now I'm fine with 4-5 days a week.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday It's a mental struggle for me to get back after hardcore splurging so I try to stay away from overdoing it for that reason alone. I went through the whole binge/restrict cycle for many years, and am much happier eating everything in moderation. Balance is key.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? I injured my lower back and had to adjust my lifting around it. I actually started running more instead of lifting during that time and started enjoying it more. Now I run 3 times a week and really like it. Other than that just the usual being sick and not being able to workout. I make sure I keep my eating in check during those times.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
For food: eat what you like and eat in a way that is sustainable for life. Dont ever ban foods you love and don't listen to diet myths!
For fitness: similar to diet, do what you enjoy most that way it'll stick for life!2 -
40 Lbs...about 9 months.HappyGrape wrote: »Total weight loss
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
I counted caloriesWhat method did you use to lose the weight?
Going on 4 yearsHow long are you in maintenance?
I enjoy them...they are immaterial to the big picture. If I know I'm going to a BBQ or something, I usually eat a little lighter earlier in the day.How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
None really...when you do the things that lean, healthy, and fit people do on the regular, maintaining a healthy weight is pretty easy. I do usually put on 8-10 Lb over the winter due to a decrease in activity overall...but it comes right off in the spring when I resume my normal training protocols and I'm out and about more in general.What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
It looks pretty much the same except I can eat a few hundred more calories...basically a slightly larger portion of X or an extra snack, etc...it's just a handful more calories.What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
Pretty much the same...I exercise on average 6 days per week...mostly cycling and I lift 2-3x per week.What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
I enjoy eating healthy...I don't need to get "back on track"...I enjoy the way I eat. I don't have an all or nothing mentality so indulgences here and there don't set me back...they are immaterial to the whole.What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Yes, it comes with the territory. You compensate for decreased activity with less food. Barring that, I just focus on getting well...doing my rehab work, etc. I'm recently back from a pretty extended injury period...I put on a little weight during that time...no biggie...I'm back into my normal training protocols and it's coming right off.Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Be consistent. Try to keep an eye on the bigger picture rather than drowning in the minutia of this one day or that one day.5 -
Total weight loss: 70lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight? Almost a year
What method did you use to lose the weight? CICO
How long are you in maintenance? 6 months
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? I don't have many vacations, so I just enjoy them. Social situations are getting easier -- I simply stop at 1 drink and try not to eat like a crazy person.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? It's getting easier. I still weigh, log and track, but I've been able to diversify my palette and explore new foods
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? Not much change- I eat the same foods, just a couple hundred calories more now.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? About the same. Walk 10k steps daily, run 3x per week and lift 3x per week. Adding in Pilates, sprints, biking.
What strategies do you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday? I just start again the next day. I don't even try to make it up. It's insignificant in the big picture
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? I got plantar fasciitis while training for my half marathon last year. I just ran through it and eventually got relief from cortisone shots.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight? Relax. This does not have to be a painful white-knuckle experience. Go slow and be patient.3 -
HappyGrape wrote: »Total weight loss
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
About a year
What method did you use to lose the weight?
Eating smaller portions : eating until I am full but not stuffed.
And calorie counting
How long are you in maintenance?
2 years
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
Ate whatever I wanted BUT once again, ate a reasonable amount.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
Wanting to build muscle but too lazy to do strength training. I dont deal with it
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
I feel more confident , eat more , feel more energetic.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
Same. I dont exercise that much
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
I simply do so by eating at a slight deficit for some days. Not that difficult as I know that
I do not want to gain weight.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
No
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Do not over think it and relax. Do not stress over food or over calories or whatever and enjoy life. I knkw that many social events involve food and my advice is : ENJOY THEM. Because when you grow up , you are not going to look back and happily say ' Ah remember that night that I stayed in because I did not want to go over my calories?'
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Total weight loss- 30#
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
8 mths
What method did you use to lose the weight?
CICO
How long are you in maintenance?
Not anymore. Am back to losing.
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I ate what I wanted, trying to moderate. I got back on track afterwards.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
When I was in maintenance the biggest challenge was that I wanted to stop logging, and just eat in moderation.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
3 small meals and a couple of snacks. Since maintenance was only 150 more calories than weight loss, not much changed, which is why I slipped back into weight gain. I felt deprived and restricted.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
Same. I love to do cardio with a little upper body.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Start logging again right away. This is where I failed. I got to where I didn't log anymore, and ate too much.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
Can't jog anymore after 42 years because of foot problems so switched to a stationary bike which I thought I'd hate, but love.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Maintaining is forever. If you slip, just start again. Better to start sooner, rather than when you've gained a whole bunch back. Work on understanding what maintenance means for you. It's different for everyone, but constant vigilance for most.
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Total weight loss: -- 25 kg (55 lbs)
How long did it take you to lose the weight? -- Two lots of 16 weeks each
What method did you use to lose the weight? -- CI<CO
How long are you in maintenance? -- A little over a year, I guess
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? -- Diet breaks and/or lots of exercise
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? -- Not going too overboard with the eating when I participate in my ultra-distance cycling events. It's kind of a balancing act that's hard to get just right.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it change? How did it change? -- My day of eating is the same as it was before I set about losing weight, while I was losing weight, and since I lost the weight. It's just that when I was losing weight, and through maintenance, I track my calories and eat somewhat less.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? -- More ... because I can!
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday? -- Pick a date to start tracking again, and start tracking again on that date.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? -- Yes, a lengthy illness -- about 6 weeks last August/September/October. I stopped tracking, gained a little bit of weight, rested a bit and yet still tried to keep somewhat active. I'm now losing that weight. Maintenance is a series of ups and downs.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight. -- Make it a habit and stick with it.2 -
Total weight loss 33 pounds
How long did it take you to lose the weight? One and a half years, with a small break in there.
What method did you use to lose the weight? MFP, CICO.
How long are you in maintenance? On and off since 2013.
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? Log calories and stay on maintenance if possible; eat sensibly if I can't and make up the difference later.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? Consistency in keeping within my weight range, especially around the holidays.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? Eating much the same food, just a little more of it. Also, there's more room in my diet for beer.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? I'm lifting more now than I was during weight loss, but that's just because I didn't know better. If I knew then what I know now, I would have started lifting heavy to begin with.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday Log all my food, weigh in almost every day until I'm back in my weight range.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? My setbacks have all been mental: not wanting to continue to follow through or letting myself get too busy. I deal with it by recognizing that I'm not staying on track, then readjusting my life.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight Commit to it, whatever your goals are. Don't be wishy-washy.1 -
Love all answers! Thanks so much to all that took time to reply4
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Total weight loss: 34 lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight? a little over a year
What method did you use to lose the weight? eat less move more
How long are you in maintenance? a little over a year
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? ?? same way I always have
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? Not overeating. I love to eat so I pretty much have to be conscious of intake all the time.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? Not much of a change. I lost slowly so even calories didn't change much.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? I've always been fairly active though I didn't used to 'exercise' (as is exercise just for the sake of getting exercise) much. I do exercise some now but I constantly change up my exercise. I get bored with exercise easily.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday I don't really have a strategy. I just get back to normal
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? I had surgery and was not able to do much during recovery. I gained a couple of lbs but then quickly lost them once my routine got back to normal
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight Find an eating pattern that feels natural to you. Eat foods you enjoy. Do exercises/activities you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick with it if you are happy
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HappyGrape wrote: »Total weight loss
80 lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
8 months
What method did you use to lose the weight?
CICO logging everything
How long are you in maintenance?
8 months
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I enjoy them and I don't worry about it. I've developed the mentality in the chest success pattern to know what I'm doing the consequences and had to compensate. To put things in perspective when into maintenance September 2016 my weight was about 220. in October I went on vacation for a week they were probably a couple days where I drank my calorie limit alone. Also went on vacation over New Years for about a week did the same exact thing ate too much drink too much had a great time. My current weight is 208..
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
Really it's just being self-aware and not getting into the old habits that cause me to gain all the weight.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
Only difference between weight loss phase and maintenance phase is I'm meeting some more now. During my weight loss face I still ate Wendy's hamburgers pizza and had beers on the beach it's just a matter of fitting the calories into your calorie goal. During my weight lost face and now in my maintenance phase I eat whatever I want have no restrictions.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
Exercise is more intense cuz I don't hurt as much due to the excessive weight. Also to take away any excuses I've had a double hip replacement 2 years ago I have an arthritic knee that needs to be replaced and I have an arthritic shoulder that also needs to be replaced. I'm probably in better shape now than I was at 35
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
It's a simple mindset I know that success pattern and the mentality I developed to lose the weight and I apply that plus I have dreams that I want to fulfill
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
Going back to a previous answer double hip replacement arthritic knee and shoulder that needs to be replaced. I listen to my body more than anything else I'm currently doing P90X and there are days I don't do it because my body is telling me it's not a good day today I don't feel guilty about it I just realize it's one of the ups and downs of life
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
The weight loss is a total mental game. Once I made the decision to lose the weight it was the easiest thing I ever did. Never once did I feel like I was sacrificing anything. I don't look at this as a diet. Diets suck. You're constantly miserable and you're giving things up. In the past 16 months I've still enjoyed the foods I've always loved and I don't plan on giving them up at all. The other thing is you have to find a very selfish and personal whyperiod that why can't be about the kids or the significant other it totally has to be about you. Buy it being about you or your otherwise will take care of themselves. one last thing enjoy the journey
2 -
HappyGrape wrote: »Total weight loss
42 lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
About 4 months
What method did you use to lose the weight?
Ate in deficit and exercised. I did P90X3, where I lost 30 lbs during the program.
How long are you in maintenance?
1 year
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I eat during social gatherings. 1 day isn't going to kill me. I eat what I want during vacations. I try to ensure I have 1 to 2 healthy meals a day. I usually gain 5 to 10 lbs during vacations, but I'm still in a healthy weight range since my maintenance weight is at the low end. I know how to lose weight, so I eat in deficit when I get back home.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
This is my lifestyle now so I'm used to it.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
I can eat a bit more, not much, but I can eat more. I love to snack on cereal, so I've added in cereal snacks I guess, and ice cream every now and then.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
I primarily did P90X3 during weight loss, walked my dog 3x a week, and did Zumba once a week. In the last month of P90X3, I started running once a week. I liked it so after P90X was over, I gradually added in more running and started taking Body Pump classes. I finished my 1st marathon 3 weeks ago.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
The same as I did to lose weight: eat in a calorie deficit and exercise.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
I've had minor injuries that kept me from running, but I was still able to exercise.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Diet is the most critical aspect to losing weight. If you exercise and eat a bunch, you'll gain weight and no, it isnt "muscle." Track everything you are eating and stay in your calorie goals, and the weight will come off. Expect to be hungry. Find an exercise you enjoy and be willing to try new things.
1 -
Total weight loss - 25lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight? 1year (slow and steady was my mantra!
What method did you use to lose the weight? CI/CO, going by MFP and then Fitbit
How long are you in maintenance? 4 years
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? Eat as I always eat now, being mindful, keep an eye on the amount of breads and sugary desserts and keep active.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? first year slipping in to the thinking I can eat what I wanted because I am very active - nope! had to learn to just be vigilent all the time with my calorie intake
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? it hasn't changed, I just got more calories to work with (2100 cals for a small person aint bad
), I eat 80% wholesome/nutritious food and 20% whatever I fancy and that's usually chocolate.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? a little less than when losing, now I do 1 hr/6 days a week and active in general.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday Straight back to being mindful and watching my intake, its the only way imo
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? so far, no injury (touch wood) sometimes siatica but I still keep active as it actually helps it (I just have to not lift when I am suffering a bout of it)
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight It never ends! we have to keep an eye on our intake or over time we would gain if we stopped being consistent. Keeping active is key.1 -
Total weight loss: 25lb
How long did it take you to lose the weight? 6 months or so
What method did you use to lose the weight? eating consistently in a deficit, increased activity: gym, walking, running etc
How long are you in maintenance? Around 4 months
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? Its a little tough dealing with family/friends judgements. I just try to enjoy myself - sometimes take a day off logging and just be mindful
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? Trying to not worry about my weight, I keep feeling like I am gaining weight/look bad when I don't
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? Things are similar, I eat a couple hundred more cals now which equates to an extra snack or less limited meal
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? Still about the same, but more so now because i want to not just to get extra cals to eat back lol. I am focused more on gaining muscle than the amount of calories I burn
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday - generally I don't weigh myself often maybe monthly. So that I wont freak out about a bad week or two. Things happen I'll admit to taking a break from working out, but just remember your progress and get back to it
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? My best advice is listen to your body, if you are hurt or tired theres nothing wrong with taking a couple days break.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weigh: Think about what motivates you, whether a specific goal or event. Every time you exercise remind yourself why you are doing it. Even when you reach the goal, make new goals and do what makes you happy2 -
Total weight loss
110 pounds
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
1 year 2 months
What method did you use to lose the weight?
MFP- ate what I wanted within my calorie limits and about 6 months in started moving more with a Fitbit goal of 10,000 steps a day most days of the week
How long are you in maintenance?
6 months, 2 days
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
These are no different than their days. I would say I just eat less calories for breakfast and lunch in preparation for parties etc.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
Making myself eat the additional calories. I am terrified I will gain so I am still very meticulous. I also don't like to lose the high of getting on the scale each week and seeing a loss. Don't get me wrong I like seeing I maintained but six months in I still ponder each week what will the scale show despite knowing I stayed within the calories. I am actually ten pounds under my goal right now because I am still trying to get it just right.
I just deal with it by still weighing in weekly and taking it Day by day.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it change? How did it change?
It looks the same pretty much except for trying to add a snack to maintain.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
The same. I really focused on making sure what I did to lose would be something I could maintain for life. I don't have time nor want to be in the gym five days a week like when I was in my 20's. I read diet was 80%diet and 20% exercise and boy was that freeing for me. All I do is move more with the use of my fitbit. I park farther away take several trips up the grocery aisle etc. I will say that I tried to find a new focus as in goal to achieve since I'm no longer trying to lose- I am dong Couch to 5 K. If you had of told me that last year I would have laughed at you!
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
Hmmm these days are like all days. I just preplan how I will down my calories.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
No injuries but during Couch to 5 k I got the flu for a week and was worried I would not be able to pick up where I left off but I just took it slow.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Slow and steady really does win the race. Treat your calories like a bank account and you can't lose- don't overdraw, save when needed and it really will all add up! Also weigh weekly not daily because that messes with your mind! I have a tips post if you want it - just inbox me!4 -
I just reached what I think will be my goal weight yesterday and I've lost 90 pounds. This has been a great thread to read. Thank you to those that responded
1 -
Total weight loss: 75ish pounds
How long did it take you to lose the weight? 8 months
What method did you use to lose the weight? flexible dieting with an emphasis on getting enough protein and fiber.
How long are you in maintenance? 3.5 years / weight has remained within 8lbs and gains are always controlled. Body composition has been the priority
How do you deal with social situations and vacations? I do what I want.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it? can't think of one off the top of my head.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change? about the same, just more free calories to play with.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss? well, I'm better at all of it. I ride faster, I ride longer, I lift more weight with more volume.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday? I dont worry. I adjust and revert back to what I learned in the beginning.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it? bulging disc between L4 and L5 and Super Ventricular Tachycardia. I just have to be careful with my back and take it easy if I tweak it. As for the SVT, I am following my medical teams plan.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight? Lose weight the way you want to live your life forever and maintenance will be a piece of cake.
2 -
Total weight loss
120lbs
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
about 1 year
What method did you use to lose the weight?
Just stuck it out with MFP, ignored the exercise calories mostly, logged, often times weighed my food, walked for exercise mostly
How long are you in maintenance?
about a year
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I have a hard time with it. I try to just stay active, and watch what I eat. I'm slowly able to adjust to the idea of splurging a bit on these occasions and making up for it later as needed.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
I don't want to log forever, so I need to figure out how to survive without logging. The app keeps me accountable, but I need to keep me accountable.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
The same foods, just more free calories for snacks or beer or whatever. Im actually cutting a bit of the winter weight right now.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
More intense, I can workout through the sweat and work my muscles hard. I have ran several half marathons, done 1 bulk and cut, and now just focusing on being athletic and healthy.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday?
I haven't gained any weight during those events. I try to run, walk, and just be active during vacations so it normally isn't a problem.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
Knock on wood, but that hasn't been an issue yet.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight?
In the loss phase you need to log every bite, every lick of the peanut butter knife, everything. When you hit maintenance keep logging for awhile. Stay active throughout the day walk, take the stairs, it all helps. Most of your calories are burned throughout the day in your regular movements, rarely is an exercise session going to be your prime calorie burner.
3 -
Total weight loss
Initial goal was 45 lbs, but I'm currently 69 lbs down from my highest to get to my running race weight.
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
Initial weight loss took 9 months.
What method did you use to lose the weight?
Tracked my food and exercise, ate a deficit.
How long are you in maintenance?
6-1/2 years. That timeline has included bulks and cuts, plus getting down further to my running race weight, but they've all been planned and controlled weight changes.
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I plan for them and enjoy them.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
After the first year, it felt kind of difficult to keep it up with no goal other than to maintain weight. Having fitness goals changed that and gave me a reason to pay more attention to my macros/micros.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
I eat smaller portions, and higher protein items like Greek yogurt. Also, I lost weight paying attention to only calories. Right now maintaining my weight, I tend to eat more vegetables and fruit than I did when I initially lost weight, but that has more to do with paying more attention to nutrition as I got further along and learned more.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
I'm much more active these days since I took up long distance running. But that was because I started looking to fitness goals once I reached my weight goal.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
There is no getting back on track really. I just accept and plan to have occasional splurges. It's part of eating in a sustainable way for the long term and life.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
Yes, I went from 40-55 MPW running to hardly being able to walk 2 months this summer due to an illness and hospitalizations/surgeries resulting from it. I just ate less. It sucked, but since I was bound to the couch, I also wasn't eating out as much so it wasn't as difficult. Plus my hunger tends to go up with my calorie needs so after getting used to the reduced volume of food and fewer treats, hunger wasn't a big issue.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
Start off with the basics. Eat at a deficit, buy a cheap food scale, eat reasonable portions, and be honest with yourself. Don't over complicate it. I may take some trial and error to find a new way of eating that you find sustainable. Find an activity you enjoy. Exercise shouldn't be a punishment.1 -
HappyGrape wrote: »
Total weight loss
250 lbs.
How long did it take you to lose the weight?
2 Years
What method did you use to lose the weight?
Maintaining a calorie deficit and exercising, including cardio and heavy weightlifting
How long are you in maintenance?
Over 6 years now
How do you deal with social situations and vacations?
I eat the food available, just in reasonable amounts. On vacation I still exercise, be it using a hotel gym, running,
hiking, swimming, etc.
What is the biggest challenge for you since you are in maintenance and how do you deal with it?
I haven't had any big set backs during maintenance so far. I regularly weight my self and still track my food, so I can deal any changes in weight that happen.
What does a day of eating look like for you now, compared to when you were losing weight? Did it
change? How did it change?
When I was losing the weight, I ate 3 meals a day, but almost never had any snacks or desserts. Now that I'm in maintenance, I eat more frequently, but in smaller quantities.
What your exercise is like now, compared to during weight loss?
I actually exercise more now than I did during the weight loss.
When I was losing the weight, I would do 2 hours in the gym, 5 days a week, half cardio, half weighlifting
Since I lost the weight, I've gotten into running and biking with a few folks at work during lunch, and now my morning gym time is focused mostly on lifting and building muscle. I go the gym 6 days a week, 3 days by myself, and 3 days with my son. I run or bike at work 4 to 5 days a week, plus a day on the weekend.
What strategies you use to get back on track after splurge, vacation or holiday
I just get back into my routine. I don't beat myself up for going over on calories and putting on a few lbs. I know how to take it back off, and just do it.
Have you dealt with setback or injury preventing you to be active? How did you deal with it?
I've had a couple of lifting related injuries, where I had to back off on the weights I was using to rehab the inhury,
but nothing that prevented my from being active in some form or another.
What is your biggest tip you would like to give to someone looking to either lose, or maintain weight
The biggest tip I have is that you need to find your motivation, your reason for wanting to make a life style change. Mine was being healthy to be there for my kids and to set a good example for them.
For maintenance, its no different than losing, you just get to eat a little more. You still need to be aware of what you are eating, and stay active.
5 -
This is probably one of the best topics I ever posted and I love reading all replies! You are all awesome for being so honest about it0
-
Bumping old discussion, hoping for some new replies1
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As I am approaching maintenance, I find this incredibly helpful!1
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