[MissChocoholic]

I only have a few more lbs until I reach my ultimate goal. So, I have a quick question regarding maintenance points especially during the 6 weeks of maintenance.

How many points did you have to go up from your original daily points?

Once you calculated your maintenance points (I'll be doing this via e-tools), do you find that you maintain your weight better when using only the daily points values or when you use the extra 35? If you do use the extra 35 often, do you spread them out equally throughout the week or save them for special occasions? Or both?

Thanks so much in advance!

[CharityB]

Congratulations on nearly being there, hon! It's so exciting and your momentum is probably at an all time high! Keep that going, and you'll do great!

About your question, you are told to go up 4 additional points per day to go from "weight loss" to "maintenance" mode. You are still allocated the 35 points as well, but personally, I would recommend doing whatever you're doing to reach goal, and then add the 4 points per day. That should keep you maintaining pretty safely. After the 6 weeks, then you can start to experiment and explore what's going to work for you. Some weeks I just allow myself one meal that is a total splurge, and that's enough. Other weeks, I have a few extra points a day. If I gain, I reevaluate and stay honest...It's a lifelong jouney and some trial and error, but you'll figure it out.

It's pretty scary, to go from losing to maintaining. You've done a great job at the losing part, and if you're anything like me, not so good at keeping it off in the past, so it's a scary time. Just stay on program, go to meetings, and with time, it becomes second nature. Good luck hon!

[MissChocoholic]

Thank you so much for all your words of encouragement. I'm trying really hard to get to my goal but it's been SOOO extremely difficult. I'm only losing 1 lb a week at most....and this is with exercise 5x a week (strength + cardio) and sticking to my daily points values EVEN on the weekends.

I think I may have to speak with my leader regarding maintenance mode. I've been reading online and they're also saying to increase your daily points by 4 pts. However if I calculate it via e-tools, they're telling me to increase by 2. I'm sure that e-tools is being conservative, but I guess we shall see.

Thanks again!! I'm not gonna let the 1 lb a week weight loss discourage me...gonna keep on going!!

[CharityB]

Your welcome MissC...I've only lost 13 lbs. since October, myself...The closer you get to goal, the harder the weight is to lose. It's totally natural, so if you're doing 1 lb. a week, I'd say that's pretty fantastic and right on track. You stick with it, talk to your leader, follow your instincts with what's working for your body, and you will get there...Get healthy! Non-scale rewards are just as valuable, and getting fit, is a huge reward to yourself. Enjoy!

[Tuca125]

1 Pound a week and close to maintenance is perfect ,so just keep going it will go down.