Nervous about maintenance

[SunnyB2]

I'm about half a pound from my goal! I might go a few pounds below that as well, but that's not the issue here.

What I'm concerned about is maintenance. I lost the same 25-30 lbs 4 years ago, and while I kept it off for at least two years, after that it came back, little by little. I hardly even noticed it until last fall. I got back on the bandwagon in January, and I'm now down 26-27 lbs, and right where I want to be. I've designated my 5-lb "danger zone," which will alert me that I'm slipping.

But I'm concerned about maintaining. Losing is easy! I've ramped up through the rungs, somewhat, slowly adding in a few new foods. But not all. I would say I'm on the legumes rung now, though I haven't had any legumes yet. I'm still pretty low on the daily carb level (30-40), and I'm not sure how high I can go and still maintain. (And I'm going on vacation next week!)

Any tips? Ideas?

[vitaminc]

i am also on the maintenance phase as well.
i read the maintenance part in the book at least 3 times already and i already failed once. i dont know how to safely add carbs back either. I had to go back on induction for 2 days to drop back down to 165. i really just dont want to gain anymore pounds and i want to stay where i am for life.

[sallyseachange]

I agree with you, Sunny... maintaining is harder in many ways, than losing. Good to have a "danger zone" designated.

How's it going? Are you back from your holidays yet?

[ttdriver]

Yes, maintenance is truly where "the rubber meets the road".

Don't be scared; be focused. Stay vigilant, diligent and disciplined. You have the knowledge and most certainly the power WITHIN you to do this for life.

Believe me, I never thought I'd EVER be able to stick with Atkins for nearly 7 years. But its been remarkably easy. Just know what you CAN and CANNOT eat ... enjoy the truly satisfying and luxurious foods we can endulge in (i.e. BUTTER, SOUR CREAM, CHEESE, FAT!!!) and still keep the weight off.

Exercise is not optional either ... IMO, its more important to have a rigorous exercise plan in maintenance than during the weight loss phases ...

Dieting will lose the weight; exercise will gain the strength, endurance and stamina .. its a WIN WIN combination that adds up to good health FOR LIFE!

Betty

[Heart Ace]

In order to maintain you should control your food and list what food is not good for your health.