I was just thinking over the lessons I have learned about my eating and exercise habits. In particular, the lessons I have learned since hitting goal, and more recently since I've had a relapse. I figured it might be helpful to post them here (to remind myself if not to help someone else).

My lessons learned during maintenance (and not while losing):
* I can't eat desserts in moderation unless it is in a controlled situation (like a restaurant, where I have only a single portion), or the dessert comes in a single-serving package.
* If I set a goal of going to the gym 5 days a week, I will always go at least 3 days a week, probably 4. If I set a goal of 3 days a week, there's a good chance I won't go all three.
* Pasta and rice are pretty high-cal foods. I still eat them all the time, but now I am more aware of my portion sizes.
* If my meal has no protein, I will probably be hungry again sooner.
* It's easier to eat healthy in the summer than it is in the winter.
* If I stop lifting weights, my muscles will go away.
* If I stop or decrease the intensity of my cardio, I won't be able to go back to the previous intensity without working up to it again.

Anyone else have any lessons learned while in maintenance that you hadn't learned while losing?

Amen to that!

I read something today that I like:

Remember your ABC's--All Bites Count!

All the good veggies are fresh in the summer.. that and I can grow some of my own.

My lessons learned?

Making a meal plan each day gives me a structure and makes problem foods or situations easier to evaluate and resist.

Exercising in the morning makes the whole day go better, so if at all possible, I need to work out earlier in the day rather than later.

I don't stop thinking about weight loss, niturition, etc., but it's no longer the focus of my day as it was when I was losing. It seems normal now to eat as I do, vs something new and different and difficult to figure out.

I need to keep looking for ways to improve my diet, fitness, esp. to keep myself from being bored with things and possibly backsliding. New recipes and exercises give me the feeling I'm "doing something" vs. just drifting along.

If I miss a snack I will be sorry and so will those around me. I become quite grumpy without enough fuel and food of the right kind.

I need to remind myself that I no longer look for pounds to drop off - instead, I'm happy to maintain myself in a 5 pound range. I have lost enough weight, and I'm in a great position right now.

People who offer you cookies, candy, etc., are not trying to sabotage you, they are just thoughtless, and you are not responsible for their hurt feelings if you decline the food, either.

Other people can just eat what they want, it's best for me to keep my mind on my own situation and refrain from food envy or letting myself feel sorry about things I can't eat anymore (I have restrictions due to diabetes issues).

I am a little bit vain now and it's all right!