Comments on: ? for Weight Loss Maintainers…. How do you do it?

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:20:55 +0000

I have been maintaining for more than two years and I don’t know if it gets easier or if it is “just life”. I will always have to think about what I put in my mouth, I will always make myself be active, I will always be an eater. I know this, so maybe it is getting easier. I know that for me always being conscious of what I eat helps and also enjoying being active. I would have never chosen to do some of the things that I do now before I lost weight. Exercise and activity are such a big part that if I don’t get to “move it” during the day because of a meeting or whatever I have a huge void. On the food front I have been eating the way I do for so long that it is lifestyle and I know that it has to stay that way.
Thanks for your post you are definetely my AA for maintenance.
Rebecca

By: Healthy Weight Loss Girl

Healthy Weight Loss Girl — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 19:46:44 +0000

Great Post! A lot of people have issues when it comes down to weight maintenance. Once we drop those extra pounds we are often tempted to go back to our old eating habits. Rewarding yourself seems like a good idea, I’m a believer in all food (minus fast food and fried food) in moderation.

By: Laura

Laura — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:27:47 +0000

Wow, this could not have come at a better time. I lost 40 pounds on WW and have been maintaining for almost a year. The last few months have been difficult and I have been really down on my self, doubting my ability to maintain. Hopefully writing out what helps me maintain will get me back into a good state of mind. These are some things that help me. 1. Talk about WW- Any chance I get (in the right setting), I like to talk about WW and how it has changed my life. I swear sometimes I feel like a walking advertisement but it helps remind me that I've come so far and don't want to go back. 2. Look at old pictures- I always thought, "If I just weighed XYZ I know I will be completely content with the way I look." Well low and behold that was not the case once I reached my goal. I started thinking that since I still wasn't completely happy with the way I looked, then what was the point of working so hard? One look at an old photo and I am reminded that although I may still have things I would like to change, I look a heck of a lot better now! 3. Give myself freedom with food- When I began WW I really followed the idea that you can eat whatever you want as long as you stay within your points. I was in college so fast food and uncontrolable eating situations where inevitable. As time went by and I was living on my own, I slowly started eating healthier foods. I know that if I had tried to only eat grilled chicken and veggies in the beginning I never would have made it. Even though I eat fairly healthy, I still incorporate my favorite foods into my diet. Knowing that I can have a piece of cake or some chips keeps sane. As soon as I try and cut out certain foods or really restrict myself, I go crazy! Especially after a few days of making poor food choices, the best thing for me to do is still allow myself whatever I want just making sure to stay within my points. It's almost like I have to wean myself off the junk food. Roni, thank you so much for posting this question. I really feel so lonely as a Maintainer. I don't go to WW meetings very often but when I do, I feel like an outcast. I swear I get looks like, "What is this skinny girl doing here?" When it comes up that I'm on Maintainance people ask what my secret is, like I have some special WW plan that no one else knows about. I don't feel like there is anyone I can talk to because to those who are trying to lose, I feel like I sound ungrateful and that I should just be thankful I lost the weight. Thanks again for posting this, I am hoping reading all of these great comments will refuel me to continue on with Maintainance. Check out Lauras last blog post..Bleh Bleh Bleh

By: Jen

Jen — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:42:56 +0000

Thanks for the post Roni. I am not in maintenance, but the things you said resonated with me. It has to be a lifestyle, but you can't let it RULE your life. Check out Jens last blog post..Emotional Eating Anyone?

By: Lanette Hopkins

Lanette Hopkins — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:37:02 +0000

Who would want to lose weight if it’s harder to keep it off. I disagree that it’s harder – it takes work but it’s much more fun because you can wear cute clothes and you feel great and know you’re healthy. I do say that I still lose 50 lbs. a year – it’s just 2 lbs from my goal. In our society it takes work to stay healthy! It’s all in the attitude.

By: roni

roni — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:06:50 +0000

Rachel – I used to think that way. But that’s where the change in attitude comes into play. I’m not depressed that it’s “harder” I embrace that these changes I made (although may take more work) make me a happier healthier person. I’ve never been as happy as I’ve been these 3 years. Not because I’m “thin” but because I am being the best person I can be. Just a thought. :~)

By: roni

roni — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:03:38 +0000

Beth, I’d say that’s about right. For me to lose, my points would be 20. I eat anywhere from 27-35 a day and I’m maintaining quite nicely. Notice I don’t count weekly so that would average to 30 a day plus a dip into flex now and then.

Most people (myself included) thought I’d have to eat like I did while losing for the rest of my life. It’s not true. Maintenance is totally different.

By: Beth

Beth — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:40:28 +0000

For those maintaining, what’s the average amount of your point increase? I read somewhere it averages 10 points above the weight loss point target. Does that sound right?

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:54:41 +0000

Does anyone else that’s still losing think it’s SUPER depressing that maintenance is harder than losing? It’s like we’re all trying so hard just to get there, but then when we do it will be harder than it is now? Sigh… but these are all great comments and tips! Even though it is harder, I can’t wait to be at maintenance!

By: BethanyH

BethanyH — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:20:03 +0000

Roni, I love this post. Today I was talking with my hubby and saying, I can’t wait to be that skinny chick, instead of the girl that has lost a lot of weight. The compliments are great right now, I feel like EVERYBODY is saying how good I look, but I want people to not remember how big I used to be and just see me like this. I just made goal 3 weeks ago, and I have 3 more weeks until maintenance. Personally, I am trying to lose as much as I can before the holidays, so I have a little wiggle room. I shared a half slice of cheesecake from the cheesecake factory and it was DIVINE, and I didn’t feel one once of guilt. This has been a huge breakthrough for me, the guilt factor. Thanks again for the great website, I’m getting addicted!