Tips to avoid weight gain after weight loss

[LewWagner]

All,

Excellent on-line list of common things to do to avoid weight "regain" after weight loss:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/10/02/tips-to-avoid-weight-gain-after-weight-loss/?intcmp=obmod_f...

It's been a little over a month since I reached my initial weight target of 170 lbs.  I'm still at or a little below that.  Experimenting with various nutrition intakes and exercises to see if I can lose a little more to get to within my "normal" BMI for my height. 

How have you maintained your weight loss?

Lew

[TCG · Accepted solution]

I keep posting what I eat on My Fitness Pal app on my phone. My trainer has upped the weights and lowered the reps when we train this makes me work a little harder in the same amount of time. It takes continue diet and exercise to maintain the weight loss.

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

I learned last time I was on WW that if I log, I lose and can maintain the loss.  If I decide I can "do it on my own" then in a few months I'll start climbing back up the scale and slacking off on exercise.  So I continue to log.  Having a Fitbit also helps since logging steps with it is automatic and since I sync it with MyFitnessPal and a couple of other apps through MFP I can easily review the day.  For logging I don't worry overly much about being exact every meal of every day, but I do want to be close for the week.  So, for instance, this week we splurged, calorie-wise, by going for a pizza.  I had half of a 6" along with a salad. I used numbers from a chain pizza place to estimate what I had and doubt it was the same but it should have been close enough.  Also, I'll review the day before dinner and depending on where I am I may have a glass of wine, a cocktail or just some tea.  I've eliminated about 90% of desserts and sweets and have cut way back on bread and flour-based products and high-starch foods.  I could probably lose the last 15 pounds by being more diligent and have plans to do so starting in December when I retire and can get to the gym on a more consistent basis and do more of the cooking than I have been doing and can experiment more.  However I also know that not all plans work out so I'll see how things are shaping up by next May or so and if I have made any progress or lost any ground.

[Lambchoplewis · Accepted solution]

I agree that continued weighing, posting and monitoring is the only way for me. I stopped doing this and managed to gain almost 20 lbs back. I am back on track and have 16 lbs to go. It is what works for me. I have to weigh myself everyday. It stops me from shoving things into my mouth as I have to face the scale in the morning. I know it can fluctuate a few lbs due to water but the overall trend should be down!!

[Zen_Ness · Accepted solution]

i have to agree, being accountable and being consistent is the only answer, good luck

[BurdsNest]

Tracking is the sure way to go.  When you see what you're consuming and what calories you are burning....you are more accountable.  I track with WW and FitBit.  Weight Watchers and FitBit have teamed up so that my calories burned, turns into activity points on my WW tracker.  

I too are at maintenance, and it's difficult.  I still want to lose another 3-5 pds and I've found it more difficult than when I was initially losing.  But I keep at it.....no matter how frustrating it is and even though the scale for some odd reason is moving the other way, I know that tracking and posting is the key.  We will do this!  Keep up the good work!

Good luck, and see in the cloud!

[sonjabti]

Continue logging, but I find that having a mental threshold of 5 lbs helps too.  I log very regularly and will occassionally skip, but if for any reason (ie: vacation, holidays, etc.) I gain more than a certain amount, I immediately return to 'diet mode' to get myself back to the weight range I like.  For me is between 140 - 145 lbs.  If I get too close to 150, thats the trigger that I need to re-evaluate what I am doing.  It stops me from having wild swings in my weight.  I have been able to keep a 30 lbs weight loss for 7 years.

[xxrockrchickxx]

All I have to say is watch your alcohol intake. I can't even stress that enough.

Originally, I was 220, and I dropped to 153 at my lowest. I had about 18 pounds to go until my goal weight. I turned 21, and I started drinking a lot.

I had lost the weight gradually, and I've always maintained what I've lost. Well, those frequent drinking sessions turned into 30 pounds in about 7 months. It's no joke.

[dancefoxtrot]

Hi Burdsnest,

Last few lbs. seem to be resistant to leaving me too. 2.1 more to go to reach 134 which is my new goal. We have established a healthier way of eating that can last a life time. We can do this and maintain it for life so we can remain healthy and fit.

Barb G