Lizzy63, I think with time that your body's metabolism gets too used to your eating and exercise and slows down. The exercise experts keep saying to vary your workouts and to vary your intensity. This is hard to do when you are working at just getting the exercise in!
In Refuse to Regain she comments that a previously overweight person actually burns less calories doing the same exercise as a never overweight person. Our metabolisms have definitely been altered.
In the State of Thin she talks about revving up your metabolism with mini high protein meals.
Working on up pounds is part of maintenance. I am glad you are on your way to a one year anniversary!