I've lost weight! Now what?

[Zander]

Those of you with good memories will recall that I set out to shed 2 stone (28 lbs, 12.7 kg) at the end of May.

I'm pleased to report that I've now done that, taking me from officially "obese" (or "a beast" as my GF says) to "normal" going through "overweight" on the way.

My problem now is how to stabilise my weight. I neither want to put it back on nor continue to lose it. How do I balance the two?

It seemed much easier when I was heading for a direction rather than trying to maintain a steady weight.

 

[der_kluge]

Congratulations!

The best plan is to make new habits. Don't buy lots of junk food, instead keep fruits around the house to snack on. Avoid pop. Water makes a better choice. If you stick to these main habits, you'll probably be well on your way.

 

[DragonTurtle]

I second the congratulations. I lost 60 pounds over the course of a year, now a year or so later I put back on 45 pounds. Make your goal maintaining it. For me splurging on vacations and ignoring the scale allowed most of it to creep back on.

 

[Greatwyrm]

My problem now is how to stabilise my weight. I neither want to put it back on nor continue to lose it. How do I balance the two?

I'm no doctor, but maybe you should talk to one. They should be able to give you some tips or even let you know if it's a good idea for you to lose a little more (or a little less).

 

[Dungannon]

Congratulations, Zander. As for keeping the weight off, simply watch your diet and maintain a reasonable level of activity/exercise. Like der kluge mentioned, substitute fruits and/or veggies for junk food, avoid fast food, and eat smaller portions than you used to. As for the activity, go for a walk on a regular schedule, or buy yourself a bike and go riding a couple times a week. I found that very helpful when I was trying to maintain my weight. Heading down to the corner store to pick something up? Instead of getting in your car and driving, walk or ride your bike. Not only will you stay in shape, but you'll reduce your gas usage and save money.

 

[Bront]

Best thing to do is keep up your habits. You can be a bit more flexable, but don't slip too much. You weight will probably always fluxuate by 3-5 pounds, and that's normal, just don't fall back into bad eating habits, and if you've been excersizing, keep doing that.

 

[green slime]

Congratulations Zander! Well done indeed. I did something similar, but failed to maintain that profile. It is tough to maintain an exercise schedule or diet in the face of others around you. I found it tough in the long term to resist the pizza culture amongst my friends. I wish you all the best. The longer you can maintain your new lifestyle, the easier it will get, with time.

 

[fusangite]

Those of you with good memories will recall that I set out to shed 2 stone (28 lbs, 12.7 kg) at the end of May.

I'm pleased to report that I've now done that, taking me from officially "obese" (or "a beast" as my GF says) to "normal" going through "overweight" on the way.

My problem now is how to stabilise my weight. I neither want to put it back on nor continue to lose it. How do I balance the two?

It seemed much easier when I was heading for a direction rather than trying to maintain a steady weight.

I think the strategies that allow one to keep weight off are very much contingent on the methods used to lose it in the first place. Maybe if you could remind those of us with bad memories of what your method was, some suggestions will be forthcoming.

 

[Zander]

I think the strategies that allow one to keep weight off are very much contingent on the methods used to lose it in the first place. Maybe if you could remind those of us with bad memories of what your method was, some suggestions will be forthcoming.

Calorie counting with a view to not eating more than 800 per day, walking 10 - 15 miles per week and 2 hours of martial arts per week.

The excercise was not a problem and I hope to keep doing it, especially the martial arts. I did miss certain foods though, sc. chocolate, pizza and peanut butter & jam.

I didn't drink alcohol or fizzy drinks much before so cutting those out was not a problem.

 

[orchid blossom]

800 calories a day?? No wonder you lost weight!

I'd recommend keeping up the exercise and upping your calorie count. But don't add lots of fats back in. If you can do it, a slice of pizza now and then, or a pb&j sandwich isn't going to hurt you.

The thing you really need to do is keep an eye on your weight, and if you gain more than about three pounds go right back on your losing wieght plan and get rid of them again. Eventually you'll figure out how much you can indulge and maintain. It's really trial and error.