For the past three weeks, I've weighed in at 154 - which is great. It's a big improvement over 172. But I want to lose at least another 10 lbs.
Here's the thing: I can't blame this stall on a plateau. It's my own fault. I don't know why, but I seem to have lost the motivation I had in the beginning. I've stuck to my workout plan, but I'm eating an average of 1800 calories a day. I know that to lose a pound a week I need to shave about 200 calories off that, but I can't seem to make myself do it.
I've obviously got some kind of mental block going on, but I'm not sure why. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, how did you push through and get back on plan?
I know the feeling, I almost "settled" for 130 until someone issued a 5 pound challenge and that get me going again , just that little nudge got me out of the rut I was in.
I can understand how you feel. It's somehow easy to fall into a comfortable place, even if it's not ideal. I've done that in the past and I've realized that I don't want to live that way. Sometimes, it's not a matter of motivation. Sometimes it's a matter of planning. How about setting your calorie limit and plan out your meals ahead of time? If you can't cut back by 200 calories, what about 100? Then, maybe increase your workouts (you didn't mention those). Once you start going through the motions and seeing some results, your motivation might just follow. I do think it's great that you have maintained for 3 years! That deserves a lot of credit. If you can manage that, I'm sure you're strong enough to pursue your final goal.
Maybe the thing to do is to leave your calories alone, and try to add about fifteen minutes of aerobics to your workouts. Over time that should do the trick, slowly yes, but does speed really matter?
I have been maintaining for over a year--although I really have dropped about five pounds in that time. During that period, I've tried to lose more, but come up against a wall where I eat on program for 7 to 10 days, and then overeat, almost against my will.
I'm currently trying different things. First I changed the amount of protein I was eating. I also let my calories be--ate closer to my resting metabolic rate of calorie burn. I have continued to maintain. Now I'm lowering the carbohydrates I eat. I don't know yet whether that will make any difference.
So my suggestion would be--try different things. Check your nutrient ratios. Don't give up, but see whether you are eating foods that trigger you, or whether you're trying too hard to keep your calories too low.
Bargoo and LuckyMommy- I do feel like I'm "settling," even though I haven't reached a weight I want to settle at!
Jay - You're right about my nutrient balance. I know I need to eat more protein. I've had a hard time getting enough lean protein since I moved into a vegetarian household (no meat allowed, and I don't like tofu or tempeh).
I'm going out of town this weekend (camping and climbing Mt. Elbert) . When I get back on Sunday, I think I'll sit down and plan my meals for the following week. Maybe doing that will help me snap out of my "settling" mentality.
I couldn't but help notice we are similar... in heights, starting weights and current weights. I had a 2 month relapse recently. What snapped me out of it was getting more support and better food planning. All of a sudden I lost the weight I regained and then lost more. Now I am back on track and this is fun again.
Wow, we really are similar! I think you're right - food planning is important, and up to now I really haven't been serious about it. Hopefully that will work for me too!
I am where you are... I lost 26 pounds since 12/26/07 and since mid-April I have not lost any more. It is my own fault because I am endulging on things I shouldn't but I am not disappointed because maintaining is a feat in itself. Be proud of yourself that you are maintaining. The same mental block that you broke through to lose your initial weight will show itself again....just continue to maintain and try your best and don't give up... We are obviously still committed... because we are both still on this forum.
Hey, I see you've joined my 'maintaining' club! I was on quite a roll and had lost 19 lbs by the end of June of this year. Had some parties, got an allergic reaction to a plant, went on vacation so figured I'd just maintain through July, which I did (oh, gained a couple of vaca lbs but got them off). I figured come August, I'd get right back at it full force. Uh, no. BUT the one thing that I did consistently, regardless of if I was eating 'OP', 'sort of OP', 'completely blew it' -- I stuck w/my exercising and I think it helped tremendously in the maintaince department. I also think that my body needed time to adjust and the timing of summer and all -- well, I'm delighted to still be at the same weight I was at the beginning of the summer. I'm back OP (took me a bit but the kids going back to school really helped. Hmmm, maybe 'lack of routine' in the summer also played into things).
Stick w/what you're doing, don't spaz about the calories and up the exercise a bit. Since my kids went back to school I've added more exercise into my day. Even if it's just walking the dog (just got back from a 1.5 mile walk that only took me 20 mins. ) You will start losing again; just stick w/it and perservere.
Great advice has already been given. The only other thing I might try in your shoes is maybe mixing up your food choices.
I'm bad about getting into a routine of always eating the same things. After a while I'll get bored and it becomes easier for me to eat more calories than I'd like because I'm sneaking in extra fruit or nuts or even something unhealthy.
I try to be aware of when that starts happening and plan whole new meals to become interested enough in the foods I'm eating that I'm not tempted to go over my planned caloric intake.
I'm Maintaining...
) You will start losing again; just stick w/it and perservere. 
