Nip it in the bud NOW! I debated with myself too long, and let it drift up to where I'm about +8lbs over where I want to be presently. I'm doing my best to stick P1-P2 in order to get things back down again, but finding it difficult to capture that same degree of enthusiasm and discipline I had during my initial dieting months. It'll be easier to deal with just an extra 3 lbs - I'm kicking myself now that I didn't get serious about it at that point.

In fact, I'm correcting my ticker to show my current weight - that might help keep me motivated.....

Hi everyone,
I am getting ready to start on Phase 4. I am using the myfitnesspal app. and was wondering if anyone is using it and what they have set the calorie, protein, fiber, fat and carb goals at for maintenance?

Thanks, Evepet! I think I needed to hear that.

Hi, Snickers - welcome to maintenance! I do use MFP. I set it at 1750 calories, but I am maintaining in the low 140s. I'd think you'll want a lower number for your lower weight. Some of it just depends on your metabolism. For my first few months I tinkered with it, watching calories and how my weight fluctuated, until I hit the right spot. I don't worry too much about the details, though I try to stay low carb. I'm always under on carbs, over on protein. I think tracking is definitely helpful, and once you become used to doing it, it's really no trouble, just becomes routine.

Thanks Lizzy- I am so afraid to regain. I have my calories at 1200 right now and do exercise, but do not add anymore calories for that. What is to much protein? Im at 133g of protein so far today and still have to have an evening snack....?

I wouldn't worry about too much protein.

Snickers - i think Momto2cs is right. I am usually around 150 grams of protein. Almost never below 120 and sometimes as high as 200. This hasn't caused me any problems. I also tend to feel less hungry when I have more protein, which is definitely good.

I do count my exercise calories in addition to the 1750. (Nothing strenuous, just walking the dog, for the most part.) If you are losing weight at the current level, I would think about counting your exercise and see what happens.

Lizzy63: Good luck on your reboot. Are you planning to do a stricy P1 with the packets? When I work off up pounds I am not using packets and eating low carb..so I think it does go slower than the original IP program. I do not want to grow out of my clothes either! i know you can do it.

Evepet. I hope your P1/2 is going well. You are right..It is good to get working on up pounds as soon as possible. There is no doubt that maintenance is work and doesn't always work as quickly as you want.

Snickers70: I hope you enjoy Phase 4 and figure out the Fitbit.

M35A2: I think your idea of getting the cookbook with the recipes and the same info is a good one. I have also used almond flour, coconut flour and soy flour.

DRegan: I am so glad your maintenance is going well. Good for you! I liked the Wheat Belly book and thought it was worthwhile..but I might go for the cookbook if it has the same information. Have fun on your vacation.

Workingit50: Your maintenance seems to be going well. You have found what works for you.

I found an old lab test in 2010. My blood sugar was 139..1 point away from diabetes. That is what propelled me to lose weight. I am now normal and heading to 1 year and 9 months of maintenance. I am not returning to that weight again.

I like the title "Refuse to Regain" and am waiting for its arrival!

Confessions, I hit my high # on the scale and need to get back on track. Someone else mentioned they lacked the enthusiasm and that is me too. Summer is less structured for me and I think that is a challenge with my eating.

Glad to be able to admit to this. For me, important part of not keeping my head in the sand and acting like I don't notice.

Tomorrow is my birthday, nothing planned, no cravings for cake or anything, planning on drinking some Mango Prosecco.

Anybody try Life Choice high protein bar? Got at Walmart. Just had one, they are delicious (Double Choc).
190 cal
4.5 fat
16 carbs (2 g fiber), net 14 carbs
8 g sugar
21 g protein

Morning everyone! As you may know, I'm currently re-booting as my weight has slipped up a bit. I'm doing a combo of P1/P2. I can't say I was 100% yesterday (I find weekends particularly hard to discipline myself for some reason), but I did relatively well. Somehow I'm full of energy this am. Got up and did a couple of DVD workouts - walking with Leslie Sansome (including hand weights for toning), and then did a first run through of a new DVD I've got which is a standing up pilates toning routine with hand weights...(it's amazing what a difference just holding a couple of 2 lb weights makes)...then I was on to my daily Vibracize machine for those stretching/toning exercises. Then it was time for my breakfast protein shake. Good start to the day. Yesterday I joined a friend and had a 1-hr brisk walk in a nearby park, so my activity level has been good this weekend.

I also made a big pitcher of dandelion root tea this am, with the juice of 1 freshly juice lemon added. It's chilling and I'll sip it through the day. I was reading about detoxing the liver, which helps with weight loss/maintenance. Dandelion (amongst quite a few other herbs) is recommended for this purpose, and I noticed this particular tea at my health food store yesterday and decided to try it. It seems a simple & healthy thing to do... I figure it can't hurt, and since I need to drink lots of water anyway the dandelion herb tea will serve two purposes. Added a dash of liquid stevia - isn't the best tasting concoction I've ever tried - but definitely drinkable.

Have a great day everyone! We've got a gorgeous one in my area - will have to add to my exercise by getting in another 'outside' walk this pm.

I'm not weighing until next weekend. Since I'm doing a mixture of P1/P2 I'm just being careful, sticking low carb, and avoiding all the obvious culprits.
I'm currently at the weight my Dr. had recommended for me when I started dieting last year, so while I'd like to get back down to my former 150 goal I'm not too anxious... it's more important to me to throw out the processed stuff, get back to healthy IP maintenance-style approved eating and keep myself from gaining anymore. I find the structure of P1/P2 helpful, as it serves as a constant reminder not to 'stray' too far. Plus, I know that just by getting myself disciplined again & staying aware, I'll lose these extra lbs again.

Cheers for now - hope everyone has a great day.
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Speaking about not keeping my head in the sand... this is a big improvement for me too... actually keeping track of my weight (weighing myself regularly - what a concept! LOL) and doing something about it if/when I see it's creeping up a bit. In the past I was always either 'on' a diet - or 'off' of it -if I wasn't actively 'on it' I just forgot about it entirely and ate pretty much whatever I wanted. It's no wonder I regained the weight I'd lost, time after time.

Now that I track what I eat (whether it's a good day or a bad one) on FatSecret.com I can't hide. Good or bad - it's there. It's so important to be honest with ourselves.

Happy Birthday for tomorrow! Hope you have a great one. I haven't tried bar you mentioned... my favs are still IsoFemme and Quest.

Happy birthday, workingit50!

Maile - how do you do phase 1 without the packets? Just protein and veggies?

Evepet - how are you doing your reboot? Packets and all?

Probably will start this sometime next week. My weight has been bouncing around like crazy. Almost 2 pounds below top of my range Saturday, then above top today. This is odd for me...

Maybe it's the crystal light margaritas I've been enjoying? Don't usually have aspartame.

I used alternatives for most of my dieting with the IP protocol, and I'm again using my favorite protein shake mixes, protein bars, low carb pancake/waffle mixes, etc. I will be occasionally having 'real' protein for lunch though if I prefer it... tuna with my lunchtime salad, for example.

I know that a higher sodium day really affects me on the scale the next morning... not sure about the asparatame situation though. I noticed those drink mixes you refer to, but I've never been much of a cocktail drinker and haven't tried them. Dry wine is my alcoholic libation of choice.

Evepet: I can gain 3 pounds in one day from sodium. I am going to look for that dandelion tea. I think lemon juice is also good for the liver. I think you are doing a great job of staying accountable on your Fat Secret. That is how I regained weight before..I let the pounds go up, got frustrated, and stopped weighing myself. That is when I regained. For me it is better to face up pounds and work them off.
Lizzy63: Yes, proteins and mainly green low carb veges. Back to omelettes for breakfast..then salads and protein for lunch and dinner. No fruit or low carb bread. Are you going to use alternatives or packets?

HappyBirthday Workingit50! I agree with you about not ignoring the up pounds. As I mentioned that was how I regained my weight in the past. I find reading blogs of successful weight loss or books help me to regain motivation when I hit a cycle of feeling unmotivated. Summer does seem to be harder.

I have changed the level of my elliptical and think it is helping me lose!

Hi ladies, Well I've been in the "reboot" thread for the past five weeks...I got back from vaca in March and was over and never got it under control. Finally I'm back doing P1 and lost 17 so far...10 more to go until goal. I SWEAR...I'll be more careful next time. I certainly don't want to do this again (P1) for an extended period of time.

Once I begin maintenance again I'll record my food in Spark People daily and weigh myself more often. I knew I was over goal and kept away from the scale...Not a proven way to lose weight...

So, I'll be reading this thread to see what other tricks you all have up your sleeves for being successful maintainers.

Have a great day!

Hi All!

I got back from my month-long vacation late last night. I was hesitant, but got on the scale. I was shocked and had some sad soul-searching last night. Also, the air conditioning was out and I'm back where it's in the upper 90s.

Anyway, this morning the scale was down 4 pounds, so I breathed a sigh of relief. However, I'm still 4 pounds more than I want to be, even though I'm below my posted goal of 125. I want to stay right under 120.

I'm home for 4 days before I go to Florida to see my sister. I had decided to do a P1 day today and then stay on P2 for 2 days, then P3 on Thursday. Hopefully that, plus swimming, will work to get me back down to where I want to be.

Lizzy, I, too, have been on maintenance without doing a P1 day until now. But today I woke up and did it. The mango drink and broc-cheese soup for lunch tasted great to me. Can't believe I did that for 9 months! But I did and I WILL NOT go back to what I was. Like all of you, I gave my clothes away so I don't have a choice. I like my new clothes and I like my new me. I'll do whatever it takes.

Evepet, I hear you on the tracking. I did not track on MFP at all during this past month. When I don't track, little bits of food sneak their way into my mouth. It's all "good," like extra almond butter or granola, but I think I tend to lose control when it's "a little munch." I need to track - for my own good.

New Englander, you're doing great on your reboot, too.

Maile, I'm with you. I want to keep wearing my new wardrobe!

I guess I've learned how fragile this is. I'm still prone to weight gain, even though I know I haven't been eating an enormous amount. Ah well, at least we know what to do about it now. I'm thankful for that.

In other news, my trip was really great, even though I taught an online class during the whole month. Also, this was the first time a lot of friends and family saw my since last July, so I really enjoyed showing off the new bod!

Regards to all!