[luvmy3]

Hello! I'm just trying to get an idea of which way of eating is best for me in the longterm.I need to lose 120.I need to get healthy and be here for my children so I want to succeed but I also want to maintain it.Has anyone lost weight with Medifast and kept it off?TIA!

[AshleyA]

I lost my 25 lbs. by Jan. and have been messing around with losing this last 20. I've been simply maintaining. It's not difficult. I pretty much try to stick to the plan during the week, and then I don't on weekends, and I've been able to prevent gaining that way. Also, I went on vacation for 10 days where I ate and drank whatever I wanted, while working out every 2-3 days, and I only gained 3 lbs. I don't think it's any different than any other weight loss program as far as keeping it off.

I haven't been on any of the programs for awhile. Now, I eat better and have been getting more exercise. That's the key. You can't go back to eating like you used to. That's why I always suggest folks using the time they are on program to read and research what style of eating and exercise they would like to do for life.

[suesully]

Originally Posted by luvmy3

Hello! I'm just trying to get an idea of which way of eating is best for me in the longterm.

Healthy eating in proper proportions is what works...for everyone. Nothing new there. Where you have 120#s to lose you will have plenty of time to learn how to eat properly. The L&G is your training ground for how to prepare a healthy meal. Also, as the months go by you will become accustomed to proper portion size and not eating junky foods.

For maintenance (over a year now) I borrowed principles from YOAD, South Beach and frequently visit the Vegetarian boards here on 3FC. (I'm not a veghead but veggies & beans/legumes are a large part of my diet.)

Personally, right now I would concentrate on working the Medifast plan and once you are closer to goal, take a look at some of the healthy eating diets here to get ideas.

I really believe that the secret to Maintenance is remembering that you can NEVER go back to your old lifestyle of poor eating habits. I know it sounds impossible when you are just starting out losing weight but by the time you are thin, it really can be easy. Another crucial point is that when you see the scale creep up more than 5#s...knock off whatever it is that you are doing and lose that weight before it gets out of control. I think that's how thin people live. Good luck on your weight loss journey!

[Itstime]

suesully - do you mind my asking ... approx. how many calories do you consume per day in order to maintain?

[suesully]

Originally Posted by Itstime

suesully - do you mind my asking ... approx. how many calories do you consume per day in order to maintain?

The big thing I learned about maintenance is that it is different for everyone. Like weight loss, it's a whole bunch of variables like age, activity, etc. Once you lose weight you can quickly tell how much is too many calories and/or not enough physical activity.

For me, I have on average about 1200-1300 cal/day. Some days I have more and some, less. It's a balancing act which becomes pretty much second nature if you pay attention to the scale/how your clothes are fitting: Clothes get snuggish; need to eat less.

I try to eat mainly whole foods (no processed/packaged stuff). I gave up fast food & sodas long ago. With that kind of eating there are really no surprises. It's when I go out to eat or have too many starches that I have to balance things out by eating better the next day or so afterwards.

That's the maintenance calorie range for me. Yours will probably be different.

[Lost68lbs]

I have heard of both people losing weight and keeping it off and gaining it back. That is why I love Medifast... they give you a free Health Coach. Mine has helped me so much, especially during those really hard times. My health coach is 3wayfit.com. Without my health coach, I can see it being very hard to keep the weight off!

[BLMiller]

I was just wondering about this-- maintaining! Just like with any weight loss plan, you have to make a lifestyle change. I think that's the only issue I have with Medifast. I DON'T want to eat it for the rest of my life! I know they eventually "wean" you off of it, but I also need more accountability when it's off. My plan is to join weight watchers when I get close to my goal, for the accountability and the resources!

The programs do have their Transition and Maintenance plans also. You can get them on line. I didn't use them and have been able to maintain anyways, but, I've always eaten pretty healthy and I put together a personal cookbook while I was losing.

Once I started blasting, I got a lot more exercise. Now, that I'm not working, I get even more by getting off my big one and just doing it. Plus, I've started walking almost anywhere within reason instead of driving. Just got the "Ten Minute Trainer" in the mail and gonna start with it. Personal preference is to spend my money on home equipment and such rather than going to a gym, but, you have to decide on your best path.

I'm presently going for another 20 lbs or so like I've been doing so far. I should be able to maintain it like I have these other self-imposed plateaus so far.

IT CAN BE DONE!!! I'm proof of that. Also, one of the guys at work told me his FIL was on it 10 yrs ago and hasn't gained it back. You will just have to want the maintenance as much as you want the loss.