Sometimes I feel like I've been dieting and on my new lifestyle for so long that I should know exactly what I can and can't do. And yet, now that I've lost 75 lbs, I'm more likely to throw caution to the wind and go over my calories. Time and time again I've had to lose the same 3 lbs. Does anyone else struggle with this? I don't want to hold myself quite as accountable for everything as I used to, it was so exhausting! But at the same time, I find that if I don't, I'm much more likely to slip up.

I'm in the home stretch now of my major weight loss and I guess I'm getting a tad bit too comfortable. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you deal with it?

All of the weight a person loses can be stubborn...but the last little bit seems so fickle. You have less calories to play with because your body doesn't need as many to run, you don't burn as many through exercise for the same reason...It's more of a challenge.

After 75lbs (wow! that's amazing, good for you!) I would totally understand not feeling the urge to keep up with the same diligence. If you find yourself "too comfortable" perhaps it's to do with being happy at the weight you're at compared having those extra 75lbs. Maybe you should try focusing more on what makes you want to be 155lbs versus 170. Personally, I've made some lists of what I like about being 15/10/5lbs less (i.e. I feel lighter when I run; my legs don't rub together; I don't feel self conscious about my thighs; I feel more comfortable wearing close fitting clothing etc.) and read them over when I'm feeling like it doesn't really matter if I feel like veering off plan. I've hung up clothes right where I can see them that I know I'll be wearing with a couple pounds less on me. I dunno if that helps but maybe you just have to think of how far you've come to stop now.

Complacency is exactly what caused my weight gain several years ago and I believe it is the cause of my most current gain. It is so hard to understand that we have to be ever vigilant to lose and keep the weight off.

My weight loss doesn't stay off as if by magic. I have to work at it. It does get tiresome, at times, but is much preferable to having to shop at the fat ladie's store again. Not to mention the health benefits that I receive from staying at my correct weight.

Yes, I absolutely struggle with complacency. When I become aware enough to want to change things I very actively measure and count every single bite that goes into my mouth. For me, it is the best and only way to combat complacency.

leighish, this is exactly what I've been dealing with lately. I started with 20 pounds that I wanted to lose, and I got down 11 pounds. Then a friend visited for over a week, and I decided to maintain during her visit. She left two weeks ago, but I've still been maintaining.

I admit, it's a pain to log all my calories (I'm a calorie counter) and activities. And I got a little more free with eating out. I'm glad that i've managed to maintain, but I'm trying to motivate to begin losing again.

Sweet talker has excellent ideas about how to kickstart things again. Just this morning I hung my "goal pants" where I'll see them every morning. What will it take you to renew your motivation?

Baby Got Back: Looks like we have similar weight goals. I find hanging pants is a great motivator (I lay them in the floor by the corner of my bedroom...it bugs me everytime I see them, but I won't pick them up until I can wear them).

I've been fighting the urge to eat "good stuff" lately. But I am down 6 lbs (yep...I am 149 today!) and being in the 140's motivated me today. I'm going to try Hungry Girl's vita muffin tops and cookies...anybody tried them? They are 100 cal and 1 WW point each...supposed to be good.

It's good to know I'm far from alone in this!

Allison: It's so funny that I remember you from last time I was active on this thread (probably a year ago or something like that). I recognize your dog from your avatar picture....so cute.

I have had this problem! Last year at this time I was about 15-20 pounds thinner (at 158 pounds), and it slowly crept back on because I ate what I wanted. I am going to always have to watch what I eat. Junk food is an addiction for me.

Congratulations on your loss so far!

I am back here several years after losing 30+ lbs. I have gained the last 3 winters but the previous 2 had pretty awful circumstances that had the 'side-effect' of me losing my winter pounds. I'm glad to say this year that nothing has forced me into losing weight this spring but that does mean that here I am again. Ugh is all I have to say! LOL I have not gotten on a scale because I've never been really weight focused but I know my clothes don't fit. I am probably just in denial but for now, I'm motivated by the clothes and it seems to have gotten me going again. I think the number might trigger my all-or-none thinking and that's the last thing I need.

I know a big part of the issue every winter is this problem with I just don't want to police myself so much all the time. I also don't exercise as much in the winter and I moved and lost my walking buddy so this winter was worse than normal. I know so many successful weight loss folks that just 'accept' this is the way it will be but there is something in my personality (probably perfectionism) that keeps me from really buckling down about the things that I should be disciplined about and not just in the weight loss arena. I really need to figure that out. And that just is another Ugh in itself! LOL

Bet that didn't help one bit unless it helps to know you aren't alone on this struggle.

Peg

First of all, I have to congratulate you on your success. You have done an amazing thing for yourself. BRAVO!

Secondly, yes I do know you are talking about. I am dealing with the same two pounds day in and day out and have been for a month. I really would like to be safely into the 120's but it has been difficult for me to get there. I am also not making the choices that are necessary to drop to my final goal. I have eaten over my calorie limits a few days and haven't been exercising 7 days a week like I once was. I am running 4 x's a week now. I know if I became serious I could get into the 120's. I do not hold my body responsible--I hold MY CHOICES THAT I HAVE MADE responsible. There is no plateau at work here!

I weigh each and every morning no matter what. I want to know where I am on any given day. I will not and absolutely REFUSE to ignore my weight and my health any longer.

My complacency probably stems from me knowing I am at a healthy BMI and that I feel good about my size. I also know this is a dangerous place to be which will continue aiding my diligence.

I am curious as to why you feel like that is a dangerous place to be. Would you be willing to share? It was when I lost those two things that I woke up and smelled the coffee a couple of weeks ago.

Peg

Just this morning I was thinking about this. After having gotten back on plan for the past month, I suddenly feel that I've gotten complacent and that's probably why I haven't lost anything this week. I can't let myself do this! I know that my past complacency is what caused me to gain 20+ pounds that I had previously lost (and had kept off for quite a while).

I do understand what you mean when you know you're at a healthy BMI. I am. Regardless of BMI, I know I'm not in a good place with my weight. When I was 20 pounds lower, I didn't have issues with my clothes feeling tight or with my tummy being all jiggly. I don't like jiggly. I need to stop feeling okay with myself at this weight. I need to kick myself in the butt to get back to where I was happy!

Funny, today I was perusing the stickies in the Maintainers section (for inspiration!! I'm just beginning again and nowhere close to joining that group yet) and I remembered one message that discussed complacency in particular:

[Whoops - can't post links yet, sorry, but the thread is under "Living Maintenance" and is titled "Best Of Maintainers - Posts Worth Reading Over And Over Again"; the complacency post is message #7 in the thread]

I found that the words of wisdom in the Maintainers sticky section really put the weight loss/maintenance process in perspective for me. Maybe this will provide some inspiration for you.

Congratulations on your weight loss so far! I will feel so much better if I can lose even 10 pounds at some point ...