Supercharge Change for Better Health

Help, I need any and all advice...

I am now at the point, physically and mentally, where I want to start the lifelong maintenance portion of my weight loss and to be honest, I am scared to death! I know it is the hardest part, and I have lost weight before, but have never kept it off. I really, really want this to be the last time I lose weight. I want to keep my healthy habits that I have learned and implement them in healthy weight management, but I really don't know how to start.

My stats...I am almost 37 years old (two weeks), I go to the gym 3 times a week and work hard for 30 minutes on the ArcTrainer (burning 400 calories) and then I do stomach, leg and arm machines with weights. I also do some free weights at home as I can. I would like to maintain my weight at about 135 pounds. I currently average about 1470 calories per day. I *think* maintenance for me is about 1850 calories a day (from various websites).

So, how do I start? And what are some of the things I really need/should know before I start?

Congratulations!  That is great to be at your goal. 

I know how you feel.  I was nervous about maintaining too. 

Some people say you shouldn't weigh every day, but I still did, or at least every week.  I think it helps you keep ahead of any weight gain.  Also, since your body weight fluctuates so much - give yourself a 5-lb window.  My goal is 125, so my range would be 123-128.  If I go over 128 consistently, it's time to start tracking what I eat and cutting some calories. 

I would take a few months of from tracking my food on fitday, and then if I noticed I was gaining I'd go back to it for a few weeks. 

I managed to keep the weight off for 5 years doing this.  Last year I had some mental health issues (anxiety and insomnia) and had to go on Lexapro.  Since then I've gained 10 lbs.  I don't attribute it all to the meds, I think I just had other things going on and my weight was not at the top of the list.  Now I'm feeling better and ready to tackle it again. 

Good luck!

I am no expert on maintenance, but maybe gradually up your calories to see what you can 'get away with'

If you keep tracking your calories, you should be able to nip any problem weight gain in the bud right away.  If you get above a certain range (say 135-140), then you will know you may need to journal your food.

I am nowhere near maintenance yet, but I am pretty sure if I lose weight and keep it off, I will have to 'think about' food to some extent for the rest of life.

Good luck, what an awesome accomplishment!

Thank you so much! I am not at goal yet, but close enough that I want to know what I am doing when I get there. I am hoping to give myself the gift of goal for my birthday, Feb. 23rd. So, that is 4 pounds, but you never know. If I don't get it by then...no big deal. It is more a motivational factor than anything else. And, hey, if I hit it by then...HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! :)

I chose 135 so that if I start getting up into the 138-140 area I can nip it in the bud, so that is my *padding* number.

Thank you so much for the advice. I really appreciate it!

Yes, I will continue to keep track of my calories, so that will help. I also will try to only get on the scale once a week (TRY!--I'm really bad at *peeking*) so that the daily fluctuations do not frustrate me.

I really want this to be for good. I have never lost this much weight before, as I have never been that heavy before, so thank you so much for your words of wisdom and advice. It is very much appreciated!