[run4change]

Hey everyone. I have been doing pretty ok lately, but sometimes just forget the WW and eat a whole bag of chips or whatever. Does this happen to you guys too. If it does, what do you do to get back up. i ate a bag the other day along with some other junk, but am moving on. Over the last year on lifetime I have learned a lot. I never really lived a maintenance lifestyle and I like it. I want to lose about 7 lbs for a particular race that I am doing in May but can't seem to get those lbs off. It seemed so much easier before.

[Domina]

Dear run--Hi! Sure I think we all have problems like eating a whole bag of chips or cookies or whatever. For some of us, food is tied to our emotions. We have to recognize that it can happen and when it does, do as you said and move on. Also, quit beating yourself up, but then get back OP.

You said it was easier to lose before, well that is because you were OP every day and you knew that you had a weigh-in each week and you had a true goal. I think once we reach lifetime (6 years for me), we get a little lazy, a little cocky and think: "oh, I can eat those french fries or that chocolate torte..." It's a mind thing.

Regarding your earlier questions about marathons. I am not a marathoner myself, but my DH is. He has run 36 of them (congrats to you BTW). I have seen a profound difference in him in the past couple years. Mind you, he had knee surgery and that slowed him down. But I've noticed that he is just not crazy about doing so many marathons. If one is coming up and he is interested in it; he'll train, but he doesn't get mad at himself if he walks part of it. This is a big change for him. So, if you don't want to do a particular marathon, don't do it. Also, mix in other activities. My DH is now an avid bicyclist and he loves it. He would do triathlons if he could swim, but he can't.

Hang in there.

[run4change]

Thank you so much for the kind words and advice. It was very useful to me. Thanks again

[MelissaL]

Oh boy does it happen! I'm the same way with a bag of chips, tortilla chips, Fritos, etc. As Domina said, when we were in the losing mode, aka OP we didn't let those obstacles get in our path. We saw the light at the end of the tunnel and wanted to get there. I think that as we get comfortable in the maintenace phase (for Me it's 9 years) we get a little cocky--hey I can eat those fries and I don't have any repercussions the following week so I figure I can let some of my favorites and not have to worry. It's a slippery slope and we've all been on it at one time or another. Again, the key is to not beat ourselves up but to rather learn from it. I try not to buy large bags of chips, etc. but rather buy the small bags (snack size) so I won't be tempted to eat the whole big bag.

I still attend weekly meetings and weigh in--it keeps me honest and accountable. There was a member at the meeting I attend who said losing weight is only the training for maintenance because you have to keep doing what you did once you reach your goal--how right she was!

You've done a great job and have come a long way--one day won't undo what you've accomplished unless you let it continue.

Keep up the great work!

[run4change]

THanks. I also go to weekly meetings. I love it. So far so good on keeping the weight off. I think I have learned a lot especially these last months. Great job on your guy's long time on maintenance.