Hi Xena
Well, I maintained my loss for 6 years before gaining some of it back. I am losing again and it's much harder this time (age doesn't help but I also think it all takes longer in repeat mode). Luckily I have a lot less to lose this time because I caught myself before I was too far gone.
FWIW, here's what I learned.
- how do u eat now?
I am back to a solid Phase 1.5-2, minimal grains. not much fruit because of the time of year, plenty of root veggies. My personal adjustment is some whole corn but no wheat
- what is the key to your success?
Recognizing that this time it wasn't just a diet and when I hit goal I still had to stick with the plan. When I made too many exceptions and got too lax that's when the weight started to creep back.
- do u feel like u are still on a diet?
I still feel like I have to eat thoughtfully. that's not the same as being on a diet. I absolutely need to eat mindfully always and forever because otherwise the weight pops back. The "normal" first world diet is just a set-up to gain weight - too many carbs paired with fat paired with salt. Label reading and planning are absolutes for me.
I would love to tell you that I lost the weight, kept it off effortlessly for years, and gained it back because of some outside circumstance but that's not the way it was for me. I kept it off because I stuck with Phase 1.5-2 95% of the time and exercised at least 5 days a week. I am looking for a middle ground now, maybe with a goal a little higher than my low weight but a little easier to maintain. I will still stick to Phase 2 and exercise regularly, but I hope to give myself a little breathing room this time.
All that said I do think it might be easier for those with less to lose and/or less years of obesity than I had
The most important thing to know is that it is absolutely worth it. I have more energy and feel better mentally and physically, have less headaches, and less moody when I follow SB principles