Maintenance, or the prospect of it, seems to scare us as we all worry about regaining the weight. As you've seen in my other posts, I have managed to maintain for sixteen months and although I still monitor my foods, it is far more relaxed than before, often just a rough guess in my head. (the difference now is that now my guesses are much more accurate than they were when I was fat ...lol )
Anyway, I read some interesting points from maintainers on an american site, which I think are worth sharing. What comes through is this:
Successful "losers" who relied mostly on eating healthier and in less quantity, find subsequent maintenance easier. But the "losers" who relied more on exercise or have "eaten back" their exercise calories, are far more likely to regain the weight.
To me this supports the idea that, in terms of weight control exercise is important for your health, but is no substitute for what or how much you eat .
Written by
elliebath
Maintainer
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Agree 100% with your thoughts elliebath - I have only been maintaining for a few months, and still feel I need to weigh myself daily to keep on track.
I lost the weight very gradually (sometimes less than 4 oz in a week!) and did it by giving up crisps, reducing my phenomenal chocolate intake, and generally consuming smaller portions of healthier food. Don't seem to eat much potato these days, or as much bread either. I do walk a lot more, mainly because my hip hurts less now I am lighter, but I don't do any "proper" exercise. Slow and steady wins the race!
Interesting 😊 I also read that losing weight slowly seems to be more successful too, I suppose your body has time to adjust 😊 I definitely do not get as hungry nowadays, can rarely finish a meal when we eat out, which I am hoping bodes well for maintenance 😊
I agree Anna, I too find I have no interest in big meals anymore , even healthy big meals. Some days I find it hard to eat enough calories , approx 1500, of healthy food without resorting to a bit of cake or glass of wine. But the difference in maintenance is that I don't beat myself up if that happens. I try to keep a supply of nuts, greek yoghurt and even a spoon of peanut butter to top up my calories if needs be.
I also leave food unless I am really enjoying it 😕 We bought steak pies for a treat, and it wasn't. I'm afraid I spat it out and threw it away. Unheard of previously! It just wasn't worth the calories. 😊 Lol 😊
I also gained 2 lbs on a recent two week holiday . So on return home last week I reduced to 1300 cals and shed 1pound of it. But today for reasons unknown ( still on 1300 cals ) I am suddenly 3 lbs heavier, ... frustrating isn't it?!
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Maintenance and Holidays
exercise v food query 
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Exercise
