I'm feeling a bit philosophical today and hope you don't mind my ramblings ...

Like several others, I've been struggling with a few pounds gain over my maintenance "window". It's a bit scary because I've done this so many times before ... lose weight, keep it off for months (even a couple of years), only to backslide and regain everything and more.

So what happened this time? Well I can certainly point to a family "stuff my face" vacation as a major contributing factor, plus out-of-control weekends, with some of that-time-of-life hormone wackiness adding fun to the mix. But the bottom line is that I've lost focus. I know that eating certain kinds of carbs will throw me into a cycle of carb cravings, but I've eaten them anyway. I've fallen into the trap of "well I've blown it today so may as well eat anything for the rest of the day". I thought I'd licked that thinking, but I haven't. The laws of physics haven't changed, I know full well how many calories I can eat in maintenance and I have eaten more than that, too many times. Period.

The difference is that I am NOT going to bury my head in the sand this time. I won't avoid the scale, reach for the larger sizes in my closet and pretend the weight gain doesn't exist. It does. I know how much better I feel at my optimal weight and it is WORTH the self-denial. Because frankly, that's what it is ... denial of the high sugar/fat/calorie foods that I like and the self-discipline to do what is best for my body. The momentary pleasure I get from eating that stuff simply isn't worth the consequences.

I wish this was easier, but it's not. I have to regain my focus and re-commit to the lifestyle that is best for me. And I'm doing it now, before I fall right back in that yo-yo cycle.

I'm breaking the cycle - right here, right now.
(thanks for listening)

Good for you. You will definetly reclaim your goal.
As a long-time maintainer I agree it is difficult. Sometimes the most difficult part for me is that it is a never ending war. At time the battles are easily won, (dressing on the side) at times they are are a blood bath (brownie sundae). In the long run its comes down to not giving up and from your post you have that nailed.

Well there you have it! You've outlined what the difference is. And that my dear is what will make all the "difference" between now and those other times. It's all about the catch. Like I've read here over at MAintainers' for years now. Catch it. Before any lapse turns into a relapse, and then onto a full blown collapse.

Make this your priority once again. Your tippy top priority. Yup, re-focus, re-commit. Your past means nothing. Nothing. You've got your here and now.

I know for sure you will do this. You will stop this in its tracks and get back to where you need to be. Not just weight wise, but "head" wise. You'll be back in that "groove" before you know it!!! Keep us updated.

AWESOME post. Yes - you absolutely CAN do this. You know what to do. You know how to do it. You have everything you need to be successful.

Keep posting to help you stay accountable, and you will be back down in no time