so even though I am "practicing maintenance" and holding steady at 204 (lovely...) I am still packing all of my food for the way down and planning/journaling while we are on vacation. I take a big cooler with enough food for the entire family and we just stop and eat along with way from it (it's a 13 hour drive.)

I am ready to get back to LOSING but have committed to taking the entire summer to reset my metabolism... let me tell you after the initial jump of 6 pounds my body is sticking like GLUE to 204. Ug. I'm eating 2200 calories a day right now and while I am enjoying the added bits of fat, more protein and occasional treat I am sticking to my plan like I have all along.

Hey... this is a really rambly post isn't it.

I guess I just wanted to say I'm here. I'm reading. I'm replying. But since I have no real exciting losses or nsv's to post I'm not all that involved. Ug. Trying to find my place in this maintenance phase.

Thanks for your post! I just got back from vacation and managed to stay on plan. I'm looking forward to practicing maintenance at 195 or so when I get there to re evaluate, so I'm going to continue to look to your posts to see how you're doing (and doing it!). Thanks for the inspiration and update!

thanks for responding Passionista That means a lot to me

Sounds like you're doing a great job. I can only wish that I had handled my vacation as gracefully.

You will have some a new skill set on maintanence when you do get to your desired goal weight. It takes a lot of courage to just take some time off actively losing weight and holding steady. I think that will be something that I will struggle with.

I always look forward to your post and to hear how your journey is going. You have so much great advice and encouragement for everyone. You have done a fabulous job! I am fighting a stall in weight loss and reading success stories like yours keep me reminded that hard work pays off.

Have a great vacation!

Where are you going on vacation?

What shines through to me about your post is the thoughtful planning you are putting into this aspect of your life, which is a prime example of why you are such a great 3FC role model.

Enjoy your vacation - you deserve it!

I'm excited to hear about your plans... I like the idea of resetting your metabolism and seeing what happens if you maintain for a while.

Lately I've been keeping my calories super low and my body seems perfectly content to adjust my metabolism downward at will. The idea of maintaining on 2200 cals a day sounds wonderful!

You are a sensible woman. LOVE how the planning has continued.

Have a great vacation.

I look forward to having you be an active participant here once again - you are missed.

I love reading your posts. You are very inspirational and give newbies hope. I pray that on my next vacation I will be even half as prepared as you obviously are!

HAVE FUN!

Really happy to see you pop up again. I'm glad you're getting along well during your practice maintenance phase.

Really good vibes to you - you are a total inspiration to me. I have just returned from a three week vacation in Florida - I managed to lose 15 lbs. Whoot, whoot. I am sure with your focus, and positive mindset, you will do well. Thanks for always being so positive

Yeah, I love your posts. Good for you on the planning!