Originally Posted by Kas0818 (Post 5155859)

Poppadum, I would say I lost 30-34 pounds (this morning apparently only 30 pounds but that's a rant I will get to in a minute lol). I am in maintenance but having some issues. I don't like calorie counting because I feel it restricts what I can eat unless it comes from a chain restaurant or a box (barf and barf!) simply because I don't like the hassle of eyeballing food, guesstimating serving sizes and so forth. My goal is to eat clean but I assume I will gain some weight back if I do. I keep reminding myself as long as I eat smart and exercise, my body will regulate itself. I openly admit that I eat a fair amount of junk. With that I mean sugary cereal and carbs. I maintain my caloric intake and exercise 6x a week but I treat myself. If I have 500 calories left for the day I eat that last piece of carrot cake, but lately I think I may be doing that too often because my cholesterol is still up. This week was very odd. I gained 4 pounds and although had a cheat night, don't know how to explain it. I cheated but had a calorie deficit to make up for it followed by two extra exercise sessions. From a mathematical standpoint of calories in, calories out, I should not have gained an ounce. I have been drinking a ton of tea and barely peeing which is irregular for me so I suspect I am clinging to water weight as I was recently taking a tidy sum of Ibuprofen for an injury. :Groans: Lovely, seeing as I have a wedding to attend this Friday. Ain't diets fun? Honestly, it's stressful and exhausting most days and I wish it were easier but alas, I am not one of the naturally thin. I need to work hard and rigorous to maintain. That's why I love that I found this site......empowering people to help and to be helped by! Best I can say as I have been maintaining for quite some time....you're not alone. It's stressful but remember the end goal you have set for yourself. Try and make it fun. Summer is approaching which means my fiance and I will drive through the lesser known parts of the state in search of little farmer stands offering up fresh fruit and produce. You will get there, it just takes time! Don't let any set-backs derail you. Glad to help!

Originally Posted by VegTraveler (Post 5157336)

Hi there! Great to meet you. We're the same height, though I have quite a bit further to go, whoops. Haha.

I'm vegetarian, but I eat about 75% vegan. Have you tried nice cream? I have it for breakfast every morning. It's amazing! That's my ultimate vegan recipe. Haha.

Originally Posted by Poppadum (Post 5157378)

Hey!

Lovely to meet you too!
No what is it? Is it the frozen banana thing? :)

Originally Posted by VegTraveler (Post 5157417)

Yes! Just frozen bananas, blended up until they're the exact consistency of soft serve ice cream. It's like weird fruit magic. I usually add peanut butter and vanilla and that keeps me full for HOURS.