I was talking to a friend on Twitter who is quickly approaching her goal weight about the changes in her appearance. I was mentioning to her that although losing weight is great, I feel like maintenance is the most important part. I liken losing weight to preparing for your wedding day and maintenance to actually being married and dealing with your spouse everyday. When you are in maintenance mode, you and your body are working on that happily ever after and it's not all roses. But it's worth it!

When I lost weight and got in shape, I vowed that I wasn't going to do it again unless it's post pregnancy. Besides that, it would hurt my pride to get down to my fighting weight and then gain it all back. After I lost weight in 2001, I put myself on a maintenance plan that I still follow loosely.  The goal for year 1 was to maintain a steady weight. I know that doesn't sound like a lofty goal, but people can gain 5-10 lbs in a year if they aren't careful. The first year after losing weight is the most important IMO because that is when it's the most easiest to gain it back. I was very strict about my eating for the first year and that is when I became serious about exercise. During the first year I also did weekly weigh-ins and a monthly check-in with a friend. My goal weight was 135 lbs and when I reached it I stopped losing weight and entered maintenance.  Before I reached my goal weight I had increased my calories, so I knew how much I needed to eat to lose and how much I needed to maintain. Based on that goal weight, I gave myself a +/- 5 lbs buffer and if my weight dropped below 130 or went above 140, then the warning bells would go off and I would cut back on my calories. I picked 5 lbs, because that is more manageable. 10 lbs on my frame is major weight, and I don't want to let things get that bad before doing something about it.  During that year, I was under 135 a few times, and in month 11, I was at 141! But at the year mark I was at 139, so I met my goal. I did have to cut back a bit in order to reach it but by that point I knew my body very well. For me, cutting back on food is how I lose weight.

After that year, I stopped weighing myself regularly and my weight has been pretty steady for the most part. I know what weight gain feels like if that makes sense. I can feel the extra 5 lbs in my stomach and see it in how my clothes fit. Last time I weighed myself the scale said 141 and I didn't stress to much about it, because the clothes still fit. I still try to watch what I eat 80% of the time. I crave fruits and veggies and my body can only take a day or two of junk food. After that I lose my appetite for them or my body protests. Exercise is what I use to maintain my weight and I try to get in 5 days a week unless I'm on vacation.  I don't think I've gone more than a week without working out. Even in those cases, I still went for walks to do something physical. It's just a part of my life.

My plan is to stay the size I am for the rest of my life except during pregnancy. I look in the mirror and see where I could lose a few lbs, but I never want to have to lose more than 5 at a time, so I try my best to stay within my happy range. You really have to find what works for you, but that is what works for me!