Josie,
Maintaining is the hardest thing I've ever done. It's much harder than losing weight in the first place. We read it so much that it sounds like a cliche, but "it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle" is 100% true. Everything that you did to lose weight, you still need to do to maintain. Sure, you have a little more wiggle room with your food and workouts, but wiggle too much and you've already seen what happens.
Maintaining isn't exciting- you aren't seeing numbers steady go down on the scale, or needing to buy new clothes because the old ones are falling off. After a while people stop complimenting you, and you'll meet people who never knew you were heavier. But the alternative to maintaining is regaining, feeling worse about yourself, and having to start over
None of us wants that!
I've found that it still helps to have new goals. Not scale related, but fitness goals or activity goals. Learn a new sport, if you enjoy running, sign up for and train for a 10K in the spring. Do anything to keep yourself motivated.
As a previous poster suggested, check out the Maintainers Forum. Last year we did a book discussion of Ann Fletcher's
Thin for Life. Check those threads for a sysnopsis of each chapter of the book, then responses by maintainers here
Best wishes,
Mel
I'm struggling
. It's so difficult for me. Losing the weight was a cinch, but keep it off is not so easy
. Lately I've been eating more than I should and not exercising enough. As a result, I've gained six lbs, putting me at 136. Sure, six lbs isn't a big deal, but I'm afraid six will turn into 10, then 20, etc. I really want to get these last lbs off, for good. So, I've decided to just do it! I can't just sit back and stuff my face , and then be puzzled when I gain. I can't let my desire for food control me, and I can't rely on motivation alone to help me lose this weight. I will be in control. I will do this!
