Does it make sense to maintain while you are trying to tone.

I have lost 42 lbs in a year. I have been very sedendary for some time. It hasn't been until recently that I have had more mobility. I do have a  back problem along with uncontrolled diabetes. I haven't been able to do exercise except minimally.  So I have more of a need to do this journey.

My current weight now is 273 down from 313. (THE math is 40-but my last Drs. visit it was 42). Anyhow. I think I am maintaining(plateauing) for a few months. As I see my body I'd like to loose small amounts at a time until toning is more prominent in my body appearance. Does that make sense?

My goal weight is 265 and I am going down 10 lbs at a time, which works best for me as far as motivation.  Any suggestions if this is the right thing to do? Loose small amounts then tone and maintain?

Take care all and God Bless

well its good to take a break now & then. i did once i reached my healthy weight but still needed to lose some more body fat. but anyway i took a break by just maintaining, & even a very very slight bulk phase while lifting heavy weights. now im back to a cutting phase & its much easier (for now).

you could also just do a small deficit, where you eat maintenance one day & the next a 300-500 calorie deficit. i found that worked fine as i was/am doing some pretty intense exercising (intense is all relative tho) so i really needed the extra fuel.

just make sure you are eating mostly healthy foods when you increase your calories & not over indulging in unhealthly ones. like i started to eat more nuts & olive oil instead of what i really wanted all the time which is chocolate & wine .

I think I have pretty much been doing the deficit part and that is why I am plateauing, but I am not for sure.  I determined some time ago I was an emotional eater and I have sense cut having triggers around the house and purchasing fresh fruit. But as a diabetic that raises the blood sugar and I don't seem to control the amount I eat too well. So now I am eating a lot of salads and of course with that comes dressing. Not sure how many tablespoons full it varies by bowl. I reuse what is left at the bottom of the bowl from a previous bowl when I am having seconds.

thanks for the tip and I greatly appreciate your comment. I just learned a few exercises today with a balloon as a substitute for the bands.  It was great to see the speaker come with these ideas at my diet support group TOPS. (Take off Pounds Sensibly)

Take care and God Bless

just a warning, you may see some gains for a couple of weeks if/when you go on maintenance. from what i understand its normal & it happened to me but evened itself out.

yep, im an emotional eater too. just make sure you are taking care of yourself