Well...

I am trying on a new lifestyle and having trouble figuring out how it is going to work.

I've recently lost 15 pounds or so and have gotten myself in pretty decent shape thanks to about 45 minutes of cardio 6 times a week and about 25 minutes of strength training (weights) 6 days a week. The last time I was in this shape I got pregnant almost immediately (blush) and was able to keep in pretty good shape throughout the pregnancy, but then lost everything after the baby was born and I went into the depths of PPD.

So....now that I'm here again, and need to figure out a way to stay motivated...keep myself from getting discouraged...keep up the energy and desire to stay in shape.

Most days I feel like I want to do it...some days I just don't think I can keep this up for the rest of my life...that can be a little depressing. I am hungry sometimes...I do pass up some foods I would love to eat...sometimes I wonder if it's really worth it...y'know?

Then there is always my devoted dh...who totally loves a svelt wife. Not only do I feel pressured to keep this up for myself...but he'd be pretty disappointed if I quit, too.

I'm rambling...I could really use some support, tho...I guess. Is there anyone who would be willing to give me some BTDT advice...check in with me once in a while?

Hi Kathy and welcome to Maintainers! You’ve found the right place for support to maintain your weight loss (congratulations! ). We’ve got an amazing group of people here all dedicated to keeping off this weight that we worked so hard to lose. Some of us aren’t at goal yet, but NONE of us want to have to go back and RE-lose any of the pounds!

I think the best advice that we can offer is that maintenance really looks a lot like losing. Nothing much is going to change for you even though you've reached your goal. If you just keep doing what you did to lose the weight – and give yourself a little leeway for a few more daily calories and planned treats – the weight will stay off. Your exercise routine sounds great and it's going to be key to keeping the weight off!

In the Maintenance Library, we’ve been discussing Anne M. Fletcher’s Thin For Life. You might want to check out the synopses of the first seven chapters because there’s a lot of good advice there about weight loss and maintenance. And stick around here with us – we have a weekly chat thread and people are free to post about any topic that interests or troubles them.

We’re glad you’re here and look forward to hearing more from you!