Welcome, Laura! I felt much the same way when I first started maintenance. I think we all do. It takes awhile to wrap our minds around the idea that we're not just going to wake up one day and find our heavier selves looking back at us in the mirror!

My weight has pretty much stabilized using a P3 model, with a few periodic deviations. Since I'm celiac, I can't do wheat, etc., but do allow myself a GF bagel (just a half) several times a week with breakfast. I adjust my eating day by day depending what's showing on the scale as well as my level of activity.

I've found that I really don't crave a lot of the 'bad foods' I used to, which helps to keep everything under control.

Thanks bubbleblower. It is nice to know it is common. I just need to relax. Lol.

Maintenance was scarey...but it's doable. And sometimes I'm still scared, it's this forum that makes me feel less alone. Planning is second nature to me I can tell you what I'm eating sometimes 3-4 days in advance (usually it's 2-3 days), I'm always planning. But I don't write it down on a planner anymore, it's in my head. I've tried to write it down but I never stick to that plan anyway.

So here are two articles that have 'moved' me today.

This one, is still me. I still see me in there and I am almost tempted to post it on my facebook because so many of my aquaintenances seem to think it's ok to comment on others weight gain around me now. This is something I do not do and am usually offended that they think it's 'ok'. I have been at a party when someone was especially demeaning to someone she knew and the VIP grabbed my hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/elizabe...?utm_hp_ref=tw

Here is another one that I want to share with people who've said "it's easy for you". I especially like the paragraph that says "These folks are certainly not "cured"; their weight is "controlled," "managed," "treated" -- whatever you chose to call it. Unfortunately, even the shortest "lapse" in their efforts (like an injury) and they will be back to their former weight before they know it."

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/arya-m-...ampaign=Buffer

Bah, perhaps I'm irritated with the fact that I had to make an appointment to put my winter tires on. LOL

Hope the sun comes out soon, could use a big cup of vitamin d!

Bubbleblower, I have never heard of hogfish either. IP has made me willing to try new things though I might have to try it if I ever get the chance. Sorry to hear your dive tired you out so much but sounds like it was great for you and your brother to be back in the water.

Dak, welcome to maintenance! (Nice to know your name too.) I just survived my first "free day" with P1 day after. I was a little hungry yesterday during the P1 type day but it wasn't terrible. Today back to a regular maintenance day. Do you have all the P4 sheets and suggestions from the stickies? I found that information helpful in understanding how P4 is supposed to work. I have been trying to stick really close to what they suggest so I can have a baseline before I make any modifications.
Only day 9 for me but things are going great!
Crystal

Thanks Crystal. I figured it was about time I use my real name. Lol. By the way, your photo looks fantastic! I bet your DH about fell over when he saw you! Ooh la,la.

I do have all the protocol sheets. I need to re-read P4 and it has been a while since I checked the stickies, so thanks for the reminder. Congrats on your success with IP. It is such a great feeling to see everyone succeed, especially those who started around the same time as I did. I think back on many of our posts and how "green" we all were; wondering if we could do this, confused and questioning every single thing, trying to figure out how on earth we could fit IP into our lives. Relying so much on the support of veterans who are still posting....thank goodness. And now we are veterans! Yay for us!

Ishbel

Thanks for posting those great articles!
I have been saying for a long time that I think the behaviors that got me to 260 are "in remission" (not gone nor cured by IP).

"Controlled", "managed", and "treated" are also good words. Obesity is a disease I will need to continue to treat for a lifetime if I am to stay out of the morbidly-obese range. Weight sure jumps back on easily. I am a former re-gainer so I know full well how quickly it shows up if unchecked.

Thanks again. I've lurked here while my stall lengthened. I'm actually moving off of P1 for a longer time to improve thyroid health, hoping that my return in January will finally allow me to get to my goal weight, which is just into the normal BMI range. The remainder of 2013 will be a self-imposed stall while I learn to maintain outside of ketosis. I joined a gym yesterday so I know the added exercise will help.

I still don't feel like I've "earned" the right to be a regular contributor on this thread. I really wanted to be at goal first. But, since my body isn't cooperating, I'm giving it a break from P1. You all may hear from me from time to time. I just feel in limbo right now.

Ah Lisa,

Don't put such a high expectation on yourself (always be kind to yourself, you are listening). You're a maintainer girl, give yourself some credit that you got where you are. We're all practicing maintenance and you’d be good company. Enjoy your trips to the gym and while you're practicing like the rest of us feel free to post. Don't feel that you wouldn't be a valued member of the thread, all are.

Once again, I state...I enjoy everyone's posts. Sometimes I feel quite alone off line and having everyone post their success and their struggles here makes me feel less alone in my quest to "run up the down escalator".

Ishbel: Those were great articles. I could empathize with those stages in the first one. I also like the weight issue being managed not cured. The second analogy was great. The running up the down elevator is all too true. Thanks for excellent articles.
When you maintain you face daily battles that no one knows about but you. That is why it is so helpful to post and get support.

Lisa32, Keep posting. It helps to have support. Stalling can be part of maintenance. Hope you are doing well.

Dak: welcome to maintenance. It can be done..although it is scary at first.
IP gives you a a good format to stabilize.

Crystalwolf: glad you did well after your first fun day!

Bubbleblower: I adjust my eating depending on what is going on with the scale as well!

Finally got a chance to read these interesting articles. The escalator analogy is very descriptive of how I feel like life will be from now on. I try to explain the rubber band analogy from the one article that was posted here to people but I think the escalator one might be easier to use.

Snow needs to go away! I need a little sunshine!

Hi All! I continue to read this thread during lunchtime, but I realize that I really need to post more often.

Maintenance is a daily effort, and I really identified with the escalator analogy in the second article. Thanks for the links, Ishbel.

I'm fighting 4 pounds and today I'm doing a P1 day. I think I might stay on P 1 for 2 days, then go to P2 until the pounds come off and then some. I'm determined to be the statistic that keeps the weight off. But I understand that it's an ongoing process. I'm really thankful for those of you (Maile, Ishbel, etc.) who are great examples of how to do this for the long term.

I've been on maintenance since April, so I now identify with this body. This is the first fall that I'm at this weight, so I'm in new clothes, some of which I bought at the end of last winter. But now the "honeymoon," so to speak, is over. People no longer comment to me every day; this is just the way I look now. Friends who were supportive during the weight-loss phase now expect me to join them for dessert and rich foods. They really don't understand when I pass on these. I know that I just can't eat like I used to.

I went out to eat a lot over the past weekend when I was out of town. I remembered how, on P1, I gave specific directions to the waiters on what was to be included and what needed to be left off of my order. Now I just order and push it aside or taste a bit of the higher fat or carb foods.

I know I'm rambling here, but I just wanted to touch base with everyone.

Maile, it's true that no one knows our daily struggle but ourselves - and our compadres here on 3FC!

Laura, welcome to maintenance! Stay tuned to this thread for great support and information.

Lisa, hang in there. You are a valuable part of our community. Be kind to yourself!

Have a great day, everyone!

Hi everyone! Thanks to all of you for continuing to check in and post here. I am very appreciative and want to say congrats to all who continue to do well in maintenance. I am realizing it is an ongoing lifestyle change that is called for and I am up for it!

I find that I am sticking pretty close to my P1 protocol as that is my comfort zone for now. I relaxed a little and made some banana bread (grain, dairy and refined sugar free) and also made a loaf of the lemon bread from a site called Primally Inspired. Someone had posted the link on another thread. She has so many great recipes! I have thought so much about processed foods since beginning IP. I truly believe my migraines and other health problems were due to the processed foods and wheat I was consuming. I guess it is mostly organic for me from now on.

I noticed right away that I did not feel sick after eating a piece of the banana bread for breakfast. I immediately felt bad after eating my Thomas Hearty English muffin and my other breakfasts that included wheat.

joysh, maile, ishbel, bubbleblower: I have enjoyed watching your IP journeys. You are all truly inspiring!

Lisa: good luck to you as you phase off. You're perseverance is so motivating. I appreciate your insightful posts that encourage me to keep at it. I hope you hit the 100 lb mark very soon. You look fantastic and I am glad your back is improving.

Hi Joysh, I love that IP has given us the tools to have the confidence to self correct! So glad you are all here sharing your journey.

Laura, how is the lemon bread? I posted the banana bread link from Primally Inspired, but haven't tried any of her other recipes yet. Making myself finish off the banana bread first.

I don't think I will be baking tonight though, I hurt myself working out this morning, popped a rib out right below my collar bone, those little ones hurt so much more when they are out than the big ribs below my chest (my constant battle). I am hoping my chiro can get me in tomorrow otherwise I don't have an appointment until Friday!

Oh, it was you!? Thanks sooooo much. I loved the lemon bread. I would let it cool before glazing next time. But, DH really liked it with how moist it was from pouring the glaze on while it was hot. I am planning to try many more recipes from her site.

Laura: Since you are experimenting with primal cooking you might like the Refuse to Regain book. It promotes primal eating and has recipes. Your bread sounds good.

Crystalwolf: Snow already in ND? I hope you are feeling better and get into the chiro soon for those ribs.

Joysh: I had that at work. People wondering why I keep staying away from treats when I have reached my goal weight. I have been told that I am always on a diet.Not true but that is how it is perceived. It sounds like your maintenance is going well. I also remember being demanding when I ordered food on P1. You did not want an up weigh in. I still make demands when I order.

My new discovery is PB2. I had read about it here before, but never tried it. It is powdered PB..Initially it did not appeal to me as I am a lover of PB and almond butter. However, on the days when I am cutting back on calories and fat, it is a nice addition to yogurt. It is only 45 calories for 2 T verses 200 calories of P B and only has 1.5 grams of fat.

I've had some sitting in the pantry for quite awhile and haven't tried it yet ... Time to break it open and give it a shot!