At the maintenence stage, but slowly losing control...encouragement needed!

Ok so I've been at maintenence for about 2-3 weeks now. This is where I've wanted to be for years and haven't had the willpower. finally I am here and I can see myself slowly eating a little more and a little more each day--calorie by calorie I can see myself gaining my weight back (I haven't gained yet, but I'm just trying to nip this in the bud) so if any of you have some words of encouragement I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation and we would all appreciate it!

I've been on maintenance since around December of last year.  Basically, I still count calories and keep up my old exercise program.  Since I lost all my weight with a 400 to 500 cal deficit, adding those back in turned out to be not really all that much more food.

However, it sounds like maybe you're worried about your mental discipline and that you're just going to start eating whatever?  Honestly, I would just keep using the tools here and keep your eat cals even with your burn cals.  I still worry that I'm going to eat too much and gain the weight back, but continuing to log my food and staying dedicated to working out I think will keep doing the trick.

Thanks meganr that really helps! especially since a friend of mine dropped off a huge pan of cupcakes at my dorm...chocolate with fudge icing and caramel. ah! maybe i'll have half of one if my cals allow it.

Megan has is right - this is a new eating plan for a healthier life, not just a diet.  Continue to count your calories in and out.  Go ahead and eat a cupcake, then walk it back off again!  Denying yourself will just make you crave it more.  If you make sure your clothes don't EVER start getting tight again, you should be fine.  You can do this, Alyssa - you've already proved it!

you're right I can do this! I think I need to start eating more for breakfast because my problem right now is that I get home, log everything, see I have 4-500 cals left over and just go crazy in my dorm (tonight it was tortilla chips and then cereal). Maybe it'll be easier to stay within my calories if I don't have so many left at the end of the day. Thanks guys!

hey alyssa! wtg on getting to maintenance!!

i think you have the right idea adding to breakfast... it's the most important meal of the day! :) especially while in school! When I wanted to add cals for a more nutritious breakfast I started drinking a glass of milk with my breakfast.. whether you drink soy or regular, it's a great, healthy way to get another 100 cals for breakfast... I like 1% but am now drinking skim... You could also add toast, or just one egg has 70 calories... not sure what your limitations are allergy/prefence-wise.. but you have lots of options :) also, by eating a more nutrient-dense breakfast, it will keep you fuller throughout the day and you'll be less likely to overeat by the end of the day...

best of luck! i have faith in you, you can do this!! :D

thanks krrpt08 that's really sweet of you. it really helps to know people are so supportive on here!

Be strong!!

 Do what i just did , pull out the old pictures of yourself. Remind the new you what is at risk here.

Were not only talking just looking like that again, were talking all the health problems as well. You did this for a reason , now stick to it!

This is a life long struggle, you fall down , get back up! Stop beating yourself up for slipping up, you are just going to slip up more by doing that.

Move past it and be healthy.

On a side note , if you are finding you arent eating enough calories try adding in a supplement like a whey shake in the morning. I use optimum nutrition whey, either double chocolate or vannilla ice cream flavor. Skim milk and 2 scoops  of whey and a sliced up banana...mix that up...yummy! =)

(sorry if this post sounds a bit harsh, just sounded like you needed a kickstart)

If you are like me, you have some addication to eating.  I agree with ubiquitous, get out the pictures and play back the feeling you have after you eat too much.  I have gained and lost so many times only to gain again.  You are young keep the weight off for a better feeling about yourself and to be healthy as the years go by!

Good luck...Carol

Here's one good reason NOT to go back to your old ways:  I am 54 and have been a yo-yo dieter all my life.  Every time you gain weight back, you get more fat on your body, not just the pounds.  So now, at 200 pounds, my body has a lot more fat on it than the last time it did when I weighed 200 pounds.  I went up to 277 and am now down to 200 but the percentage of fat is much greater and it's very unattractive and hanging all over.  You don't want this to happen to you!  Don't let it!  Good luck to you and THINK SLIM!

You can do it. It has to feel good to be at a point where you feel like you are gaining control! My word of encouragement would be FAMILY...that does it for me everytime. Good Luck :)

wow this huge of a response is amazing! unfortunately i kind of overdid it and am now underweight! eek! now my challenge is going to be to gain enough weight to be healthier without going back to my old habits. geez, it never ends

I would love to have your problem!  LOL! 

hey girl! just wanted to see how maintenance/gaining is going for you :)