I was wondering if anyone else is nervous about this. I've been dieting (off and on) for a year now...and, I am so close to where I want to be that I am beginning to be nervous. I would think maintaining is harder than dieting.

Anyone's thoughts?

Im not there yet but its one thing I have read on alot. Alot of the information I have read on it is, a 5 pound rule. If you go over 5 pounds than you go back on your plan with dieting since water weight and Aunt Flo can easily add on a few pounds.

Good Luck, I find maintaining hard also. I have dieted and lost many times over but have a very hard time maintaining.

We were discussing maintenance over at the Ladies who Lift forum recently...there's a great thread there...

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/show...threadid=27552


Also, I would HIGHLY recommend reading a book by Anne Fletcher called "Thin for Life". Some good stuff there. Right now I'm finishing up with a book called "Fed Up!" that has some great info in it as well...I've been doing this for a long time now...the dieting thing that is...and I'm working towards my goal of just NOT spending all my time thinking about food and what I should be eating and when I should be eating and working out...I just want it to become as natural as breathing...so I can concentrate on other things in my life that matter. The thing about weight and dieting is that it can become overwhelmingly obssessive...you find that you're forever talking about the subject - and this can be very trying for the people in your life that aren't as interested in the subject, ya know...

Just rambling on a Monday...but do check out the thread above!

Thanks, Mrs. Jim. That made me feel a little better to know that other people are worried.

I kind of figured that I would have to closely monitor my weight and food intake for the rest of my life. But, to be able to wear regular clothes and not have to wear big ones....it's worth it!

I definitely think a little extra attention is worth the time and effort if the results are that you are able to maintain your weight loss. I know I'm going to have to pay attention to what I'm eating for the rest of my life. Every time I go on vacation I gain a few lbs...that means I can't go on vacation from watching what I eat...I've done it before and gained all the weight back.

This time I'm journaling my calories. It has helped me immensly to feel in control of what I was eating. At any given time in the day I can see where I am calorie-wise and adjust accodingly. I average 14 days together to see what the avg. intake is and note if I gained or loss.

I try to get in at least 20 min. of exercise daily and I'm eating much better foods as well as limiting the total calories. I have to keep it up...I know what will happen if I don't. I've worked too hard just to have to do this all over again.

Yes, maintenance is a big responsibility but I'm going to stay on top of it.