[MDLoser]

Its been 3 years now and i have never fluctuated far from my goal weight.

I still can't believe I used to weigh close to 40lbs more than I do now. I lost that weight in 6-7 weeks and have kept it off.

I should have done this a lot sooner. Before I did this I couldn't imagine being fit, not I can't imagine being overweight again. This is all mental. Its about committing and being discipline. Once you change some habits you fall into a routine and it doesn't seem hard anymore, it just seems normal. I still think about almost everything I eat.

Key to keeping it off for me have been
-Carb & sugar Avoidance
-Running 3-4x a week for 25-45 minutes.

This post is for anyone out there with doubts about keeping it off. If you are willing to make some changes in your life, you can keep it off.

[Lynn Margaret]

Thanks so much for posting, MDLoser!!!! I reeeeeeeaaaaaalllllllly, like really, needed to hear this today!!!
Congratulations on the maintenance and your amazing self-awareness!!!

[M0vingon]

Congrats on 3 years of maintenance! You are an inspiration.

[MDLoser]

The most important thing to realize is that it gets easier as time goes on. It was really hard when I began this.

When you start exercising it. Is miserable. I was out of shape and weak. It hurt to run. I was slow. After a month or two my legs got stronger, my stamina increased and it just got pretty easy. The challenge was getting through that first couple months when it just feels like punishment.

Its very similar to new eating habits. Over time eating healthy began to feel natural.

[Slipfree]

Congratulation!

[Jenny38]

Congratulations MDLoser! 3 years is a huge accomplishment so happy for you. Keep up the great work and you'll make it to year 4. I found running/exercising really helpful for maintence and quality of life. Working my way back after an injury now.

[Kalaya]

Wow congratulations! About how many servings of fruit would you say is in your routine?

[Ishbel]

Way to go!

[canadjineh]

Good work MDLoser! Keeping it off IS the difficult part because it's for the rest of our lives, lol. And I agree, we will always have to be aware of what we are putting in our mouths. And focusing on healthy exercise too.
Cheering all on with lo-carb broccoli, lol.

Liana

[catlady1981]

Congrats!! I'm so happy for you. Next month will be 18 months in Maint. for me I admire your stamina and being able to figure it out. I'm still a work in progress. Up about 11 lbs above goal weight but can't seem to be steady about exercising and I know that is key at this point. Staying away from sugar is key for me. It's a big trigger.

[Elsie]

Wonderful news. Congrats!!!

[MDLoser]

Originally Posted by Kalaya

Wow congratulations! About how many servings of fruit would you say is in your routine?

I don't eat much fruit anymore. I have a few bananas a week and an occasional apple. I don't want the sugar. I eat a lot of vegetables.

Another thing I have kept out of my diet is pasta. I may have a serving every couple weeks.

I do splurge on pizza. Have a few slices a week, I like it too much to give up. I try eat healthy 75% of the time, and work out every other day. That works great for me.

[GilaMonster]

Great job! I'm finding maintenance to be the most difficult because i CKD mon-fri and overindulge sat-sun.

keep up the good work! quick question - how old are you?

[crashtested]

2nd month into maintenance and my weight has been steady. Running 3x week and looking forward to an active summer.

[imfree]

Wow, what an inspiration you are! Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I'm just starting IP and it's so good to hear of your success. You sure lost the weight quickly!