Does anyone else struggle with maintanence?

[Snowangel81598]

I've been maintaining for about a year now, and lately it's gotten harder. I think the urgency of "being good" wore off some and carb creep began. I'm sure it doesn't help that this year (2009) has been full of change after stressful change for me and finding the time to make quality food has been hard. I'm not making excuses, just talking about what's been happening.

Anyway, I'm up about 5-8 lbs, which is not too bad, but I'm having a hard time getting serious again. I still eat fairly low carb, just not low enough to lose the few pounds I gained. It's frustrating. Losing was much easier for me. I was in the groove, I had my eye on the goal and I didn't get distracted.

I know that the biggest problem is that I'm out of ketosis and I get cravings now and then. Getting back into ketosis would help, but it's a bigger challenge that i ever thought it would be.

Anyway, I'd like to hear from others who've been here and find out what they did to keep themselves "in the game".

[PaleoRainy]

I'm just thinking what might help me if I was in your shoes, is there some low-carb food you loooovee? But really LOVE??
Would you surf the recipe section here looking for something low carb that you absolutley want to cook?
I find that many times, it's not just the urgency to be 'good' and stick to the maintenance but also evil boredom because you know, when you don't have time, or are tired, or stressed, or just caught up by routine, you cook always the same things, in the end you'll hate them. So a good motivator for me is to fond something ALLOWED that I really like or really want to try.

[Snowangel81598]

I was thinking about that yesterday, actually. I don't cook any more. I'm always eating "grab-and-go" stuff, which is almost never very LC. I have so much going on that the only time I have to cook is after the kids are in bed (anywhere between 8-10 pm) and then I have no energy for it.

I need to find some new recipes, something I'm excited about trying, like you said. Something that will override the evening fatigue that usually has me vegging in front of the tv or computer.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[vee716]

I found with maintenance that I had a range that I stayed within, for me it was 167-175. I sure prefered being down at 167, but I couldn't find the motivation to get really serious about getting there until I hit around 175. So, I'd float up and down in that range. 175 was my red line though, if I hit it, it was danger time, I was gaining too fast and I got serious about reducing/improving my food until I got safely down towards 170 or lower again.

Do you have a number that is unacceptable? A number at which you'd suddenly find that losing the weight is the most important thing to do again? I always found it helpful to remember that accepting little gains leads to accepting more little gains and eventually regaining it all. That's why I had the red line weight. If I crossed it, I no longer felt like I was at maintenance, but that I was on my way back up to 340 lbs and when that happened, suddenly losing weight is far more urgent than anything else.

[PaleoRainy]

Originally Posted by Snowangel81598

I was thinking about that yesterday, actually. I don't cook any more. I'm always eating "grab-and-go" stuff, which is almost never very LC. I have so much going on that the only time I have to cook is after the kids are in bed (anywhere between 8-10 pm) and then I have no energy for it.

I need to find some new recipes, something I'm excited about trying, like you said. Something that will override the evening fatigue that usually has me vegging in front of the tv or computer.

Thanks for the suggestion!

I think I know what you mean, grab-and-go or very little (tasteless) cooking here, it's when work becomes too busy and I've no time for anything else.
On those occasions I rely a couple of says on low carb rotisserie food (yes, high in sodium but it's ok with me as I use no other salt in whatever else I eat). Since I'm single, 1 whole chicken lasts up to 3 days to me, pork leg up to 2 days (and it's more expensive). Anyways they do allow me a tasty break from routine. And then all the leftovers are over, also hoping it's the weekend, I try something new or just make again something I already know I like.
Sometimes it means cooking three things at the same time, because I cook dinner and next day lunch together so anything 'special' is the third one, but it helps on motivation when I taste it.
And, if possible, you can make a lot of that thing you like and freeze it, that is "almost" grab-and-go. My mother used to freeze cakes, and my aunt used to freeze everything included cheese, salami and eggs, I grew up thinking that you can freeze just about *everything*!

Now I'm going downstairs to check if my grandmother is still in her bag the freezer!

[BellaHMB]

I found that at the very bottom of my losing phase I reached 138 even though my goal was 150. (May 2007) My medium now is 145 which is doable, and sometimes I gain to 150and when that happens I get back down, but it's not always easy! Once I got to 156 and then panicked and lost back to 140 which took about 8 weeks. Maintaining for me takes focus and weekly checkins.

Bella

[JuliaL]

I think everyone struggles with maintenance. Maintenance is the hardest part of this whole process. One reason is that, as you said when you're losing you 'get into a groove' because you have a tangible goal. You get gratification and motivation from seeing the number on the scale go down. Once you get to your goal weight you no longer have that daily validation of the scale.

What helped me was to refocus and set new goals around fitness rather that weight loss. I set exercise goals and watched my measurements and clothing size rather than the scale. I still weigh myself at least once per week, and I still use a food journal to track calories and carbs, but I don't obsess over the scale anymore.

Exercise has been a huge factor in my maintenance. When I exercise I'm more motivated to eat right, and vice versa - they go together. Also, exercise allows me to eat enough so that I don't feel deprived and don't get tempted to go off plan.

Like other successful maintainers who have posted, I have a "happy weight" range (140-145) and if I get above that I take action - cutting back on carbs and/or cutting out alcohol for a while.

I can understand being too tired in the evenings to cook or prepare food for the next day. I raised three kids and worked full time, so I know how worn out you are in the evenings. What about taking one day of the weekend to fix food for the week? I used to do that, and put the pre-portioned food in the freezer so that during the week I could just grab it on the way out the door.

[ladyathome]

Originally Posted by Snowangel81598

I've been maintaining for about a year now, and lately it's gotten harder. I think the urgency of "being good" wore off some and carb creep began. I'm sure it doesn't help that this year (2009) has been full of change after stressful change for me and finding the time to make quality food has been hard. I'm not making excuses, just talking about what's been happening.

Anyway, I'm up about 5-8 lbs, which is not too bad, but I'm having a hard time getting serious again. I still eat fairly low carb, just not low enough to lose the few pounds I gained. It's frustrating. Losing was much easier for me. I was in the groove, I had my eye on the goal and I didn't get distracted.

I know that the biggest problem is that I'm out of ketosis and I get cravings now and then. Getting back into ketosis would help, but it's a bigger challenge that i ever thought it would be.

Anyway, I'd like to hear from others who've been here and find out what they did to keep themselves "in the game".

I honestly could have written your post. Yes, I deal with some challenges in maintanance and in some ways it is harder than the weight loss phase.

I don't like the hunger and then when I eat I feel yucky because sometimes I eat too much even if it is lc. Also, like others said , you don't have the reinforcement of seeing the scale go down and feeling the accomplishments.

If you have gained 5-8 pounds, there is a way of dealing with it. Dr. Atkins recommended going back to induction if you gained 5 pounds or more. I am not sure if you are doing Atkins, but just wanted to mention it.

[Snowangel81598]

I keep trying to get back on induction, but I don't make it very far. I always seem to be able to justify some of the higher carb foods to myself which is really

I think I need to do what Julia said and make new fitness goals for myself. Controlling my food has always been easier than making myself exercise, but the back issue's I've been dealing with might help get me going.

Thanks for the support and advise, everyone!

[vee716]

The fitness goals can help a lot with the last few "vanity" pounds. I haven't been able to lose the last few pounds focused on the scale or clothing sizes, but now that I'm focused on getting my running times down lower, it's a little easier.

Sometimes its about the motivation and I just needed a better, more motivating reason to lose weight.

[BonnyLass]

When I first started on low carb in 73' Dr. Atkins was pretty adamant about sugar alcohols and the fact that we should keep away from them, and if consumed count them as carbs. Flash forward a hundred years and now we have the "Net Carb."For the longest time I avoided the concept but have been having trouble sticking to the plan. I want to eat pancakes once in awhile(2 net carbs when made with Cardquik). I want to eat a meal replacement bar when I'm rushed for time(18carbs-2net carbs). I want to make some of the desserts in the recipe room(dying for a slice of that coconut impossible pie).
A few days ago I consumed about 25 net carbs and I've got to tell you, cravings were back, showed slight gain on the scale and I must say the whole thing left me shaken and confused.Dr. A was still alive when the Advantage line came out so he must have been ok with the Net Carb concept but I have some doubts. I know if you consume a lot of anything it's not good but trust me when I tell you I did not go nuts with these products.One day I had pancakes(2net) lunch I had a pita sandwich(10net) protein bar(2)and late nite snack of a toasted pita with butter and spread(6). Second day was similar, then the cravings hit. The third day all I kept doing was going in and out of the kitchen, not eating anything but wanting everything. Weighed myself and saw the 2lb gain. The old me would have just said"Oh, I probably had too much sodium, it's just water retention." But, I went right back to straight protein and now I am back to the weight I was right after I completed the 5day pouch test(145).
Has anyone experienced this? Has anyone used these products long term with success? Has anyone stayed purple with the addition of these foods(I haven't used Keto sticks in years, too expensive and sometimes too addictive). Any insight would be appreciated.

[homestretch]

I have been having issues with maintenance. My biggest mistake was thinking that because I was addicted to the scale, I could maintain without it. HA! Silly me!

It is harder to lose the pounds regained than it was to lose in the first place. I had this silly notion that once I went back to eating on plan the pounds would just melt away and that has not happened. I am working them off slowly. I have also become very sensitive to induction level carbs and I get insomnia so bad that I just cannot do it. It has been a struggle but one that I am up for. No way am I going back to where I came from!

[LoraJR72]

I am having the worst time maintaining the weight that I have lost, too. I basically have to start from the beginning which is okay, I enjoyed the journey.

I don't want to buy a size 6 pair of slacks! No no no no no no no no no no!!

[BellaHMB]

Originally Posted by homestretch

I have been having issues with maintenance. My biggest mistake was thinking that because I was addicted to the scale, I could maintain without it. HA! Silly me!

It is harder to lose the pounds regained than it was to lose in the first place. I had this silly notion that once I went back to eating on plan the pounds would just melt away and that has not happened. I am working them off slowly. I have also become very sensitive to induction level carbs and I get insomnia so bad that I just cannot do it. It has been a struggle but one that I am up for. No way am I going back to where I came from!

Yea, they dont melt away do they!

Bella

[LoraJR72]

Originally Posted by homestretch

I have been having issues with maintenance. My biggest mistake was thinking that because I was addicted to the scale, I could maintain without it. HA! Silly me!

It is harder to lose the pounds regained than it was to lose in the first place. I had this silly notion that once I went back to eating on plan the pounds would just melt away and that has not happened. I am working them off slowly. I have also become very sensitive to induction level carbs and I get insomnia so bad that I just cannot do it. It has been a struggle but one that I am up for. No way am I going back to where I came from!

I am afraid to get on the scale. Terrified is more like it.

[JuliaL]

Size 6 is big?

[LoraJR72]

Originally Posted by JuliaL

Size 6 is big?

I don't feel good being that size. I worked so hard to get to a certain size or shape. It almost feels as though I am failing.

[Snowangel81598]

Size 6 was a dream come true for me! I've crept up to an 8 and need to get back there again.

I did it before, I can do it again.

[FitnessWanabee]

Nothing tastes better then thin.

[vli1127]

Hmmm, and I am happy being a 8/10/12 LOL.

[Snowangel81598]

OK, there are enough of us here that need to get back on track for a few lbs that we gained that we could form a group/challenge.

Anyone else up for it? I could use the accountability.

[JuliaL]

Originally Posted by LoraJR72

I don't feel good being that size. I worked so hard to get to a certain size or shape. It almost feels as though I am failing.

See? This is the trap that so many of us get into with maintenance. Being a slave to the number. Lora - I'd be willing to bet that if you did have to buy a pair of size 6 slacks, no one would know you were a size 6 to look at you. So what difference does it make what the tag on the inside of your clothing says?

I'm not flaming you at all. I totally understand that we all have to be happy with where we are with our bodies, but size 6 is small! Size 6 is like, way smaller than most people.

[vli1127]

Originally Posted by LoraJR72

I worked so hard to get to a certain size or shape.

I am not flaming you either Lora, but if you had to work that hard to get to a 6, maybe it isn't realistic. Wouln't you rather have a weight or size you can maintain with minimal effort? Allow yourself some slack too, a size range might be more realistic or even a weight range. Besides, I can wear three different sizes depending on style and brand.

[hummingbird11]

Originally Posted by LoraJR72

I don't feel good being that size. I worked so hard to get to a certain size or shape. It almost feels as though I am failing.

Hey Lora

you are most def NOT failing. you've had great success.

and guess what? at 5'7" size 6 ~ U R healthy & beautiful.
(i don't care what you weigh; scales are stupid & pointless)

what is your bodyfat% ? I bet you are lower than you think

you eat healthy & nutritious; you exercise; you're on the small end of ladies sizes (there's only 2 below you!) ~ why do you let size/scale rule your mind?

[JuliaL]

Just to clarify - I think Lora is actually a size 4. She said she didn't want to have to buy a pair of size 6 pants. How are you doing, Lora?

[hummingbird11]

oops, sorry Lora! well, whether you're size 4 or size 6 or somewhere in-between; you're Tiny & Gorgeous (+ you're beautiful on the outside AND on the inside) and I agree w/ Julia, why worry about what some tag says on the inside of your clothing? I know it's a difficult mindset to get past for some; but it is truly liberating if you can do it. I don't worry if I wear 8 or 10 or 12; as long as I look and feel good in my clothes; that's what matters. And girl, you are way smaller than the majority of women in this country! I'll never see a size 6; forgettahbout 4; and I'm only an inch taller than you!

[fischdeb1]

Wow, I thought I was doing well at size 8. I'm 5'5". I used to be a 16.

[melsreturn]

I'm pretty regimented with my eating plan... especially Monday through Friday when I have a routine of what time to eat, what I drink, what I eat, etc. On the weekends, I lighten up a bit and enjoy some of the things I want.

But, sometimes (esp during that time of month) if I gain a few lbs, I start to think, "What if I gain the weight back?" It can be an overwhelming feeling but I push it back and try to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Sure enough, within a few days the gain is gone and I'm at ease once again.

I know what to do should I gain a few lbs, and I weigh in once a week to keep a constant watch... but I think that fear will always be there.

I used to be a 22/24 and now I am a size 4. My all time lowest weight was 116 but when I had a kidney stone and ended up in the ER, it scared me that I felt so frail and had no body fat should I ever need it in case of a real sickness. And, it got to be too hard to maintain that weight. My body landed on 129 and loves it there, though I would love to be at 125... my body says "NO".