How wonderful, I think reducing stress is so key to being able to live HAPPILY with your program! Great job finding what works for you!

But I must say, some, not all (certainly not most of our maintainers here I would think), would say that what YOU are doing IS BEING *very strict* - adhering to a set amount of calories, tracking them and frequent exercise. Now of course it doesn't matter one iota what "some" would say - because what counts is only what YOU say.

And I from what I think I'm hearing you say - I'm very happy for you as it sounds like you've found something very livable and something very healthy. I look forward to another update come a month from now of how well this continues to work for you.

I do not mean to imply that just staying on plan is being "very strict."

"Very strict" in my use means having a plan that is inherently difficult to stay with, one that leaves a person hungry all the time from the food level and worn out and sore all the time from so much exercise.

I am trying to get away from the idea of being "on plan" or "off plan" anyway. There is food every day, and I choose what I eat.

Thanks to everyone for your encouraging posts!

Jay

Thanks for keeping us updated JayEll & glad it is going well for you. I was wondering how it was going.

One size never can fit all and one maintance or losing plan never can fit all.
I am glad you found your perfect fit and I hope to find my own perfect fit one day.

Oooh that doesn't sound too good! Being hungry all the time and constant soreness, that doesn't only sound "very strict", but very, well, ummm, very - unwise and not very sustainable, yet alone enjoyable. I for one don't get the impression that many 3FC'ers are going that route fortunately!

I do get this statement though. It seems kinda silly in fact for me to say that for the past 4 years I've been (mostly) "on plan". My days are my days and I eat what I eat. But I think we use the term on plan to describe our healthful way of eating. Of keeping our food intake where we'd like it to be. And I guess until another "term" comes along, that's the simplest way to describe it. Especially when speaking on the internet, so to speak.

I think setting the right calorie intake is what it takes to maintain. I have been maintaining and staying within a 5 lb range for only 7 mo. and I have not figured out my calorie intake I need to maintain yet. I'm finding it really hard to figure out, so I end up eating too much til I gain, then eat much less to lose. I wish I could know the magic number so i wouldn't have to do it that way. Good for you for staying within a 2 lb range!