Posts: 401
11/11/09 2:14 P

Add me to the "pick a range and worry on either extreme" devotees. But then I can gain/lose 2-3 pounds in a day according to the scale. That much scrutiny would make me crazy.

Everyone's suggestions were really solid; I'd only add that particularly when you first hit goal, it's still very easy -- even automatic -- to stay in a "dieting" mentality.

It takes a while to relax into a routine of watching your weight without giving it the sole focus or energy that "dieting/weight loss/term du jour" can or did.

I couldn't tell if you were freaking out about the weight gain -- it didn't read like you were, but you never know -- but the whole idea of "maintanance" gets much easier if you don't approach it with the same mentality that you did the dieting itself.

They're similar but very very different animals.

Grats and keep rocking it out!!!

Posts: 134
11/8/09 8:42 A

Maybe take a look and play around with your nutrient levels. Especially Carbs, Fiber, and Protein.

I try to stay within my Carb range (I'm usually at the higher end when I eat naturally and don't restrict) and boost up the Protein as much as I can.

Since beginning Maintenance in mid-August, I eat about 200-300 calories more per day than when I was focused on losing weight. I'm burning fewer calories per week, but still working out 3-5 days.

I'm using the same principles as before, but my approach is a bit more relaxed. seems to be working. I've stayed within my 7 lb window.

SparkPoints: (103,545)
Fitness Minutes: (83,083)
Posts: 17,748
11/2/09 11:41 A

I did not increase my calorie range when I hit goal. In fact when I hit a plateau, I needed to consume more and that was difficult.

You are going to go up and down a pound or two here and there, that is to be expected. Personally, I would not increase my calories intentionally every day, maybe just here and there.

current weight: 107.0

128 122.75 117.5 112.25

107

Posts: 561
11/1/09 5:46 P

Rylinstephens, and tryinghard60, thanks so much for your comments. I usually don't have too much a problem with salt, even when I go over my limit for the day (I try not to do that too often). I am hoping that its just my body getting use to things.

Zucchiniqueen- Thanks for your comment about the range. I was thinking that I may try bumping down my calorie range by 100. I think more then anything it freaked me out that I gained the first week. I am going to try one more week, if its the same way I am going to start playing with the numbers.

Thanks so much everyone for your help. I am going to look at each suggestion seriously.

Edited by: TALLTABBY at: 11/1/2009 (17:48)

Posts: 561
11/1/09 5:35 P

NEWLIBRARIAN I have 2 weeks till my period is due. At this point I should not be gaining weight. As a matter of fact I am on the pill, and I usually don't gain any weight during my cycle.

Posts: 19,906
11/1/09 3:57 P

That's right. It's a good idea just to go up 100 calories at a time as your body has been used to less calories. See how you go with each 100. Most of us lose a little more but don't mind.

113,552 SparkPoints

Posts: 7,089
11/1/09 6:17 A

Everybody's body is different. Just because Spark says you can increase your calories a certain amount does not mean that you personally will not gain by doing that. You have to tweak it a bit and find out what is the right calorie level for you.

Posts: 18,273
10/31/09 9:52 P

Have you set for yourself a maintenance range? My goal was 145. My maintenance range is 140-145 because I never want to go beyond the healthy BMI again.

Pounds lost: 24.0

0 26 52 78

104

Posts: 19,906
10/31/09 9:36 P

Fluid retention can up your overall weight dramatically. You will find, as many of us do, that weight fluctuates for all of our lives daily so it is good to know that you are doing the right thing and that it will settle down.

Entering this new phase of your journey in living well can be a bit daunting. Be assured that you will not put the weight back on overnight and that as long as you are doing the right thing you will be okay.

113,552 SparkPoints

SparkPoints: (152,202)
Fitness Minutes: (148,152)
Posts: 29,536
10/31/09 7:51 P

Your calories in vs. calories out looks good to me, in fact I think you might have a calorie deficit some days.

Have you tracked your sodium? That could be the culprit. Quite a bit of your foods is processed and/or pork and both are high in sodium.

If sodium is the problem, you can flush it out of your system with water during this next week.

current weight: 122.0

210 187.5 165 142.5

120

Posts: 7,972
10/31/09 7:42 P

Where are you at in your monthly cycle?

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 16.025 32.05 48.075

64.1

Posts: 18,273
10/31/09 6:25 P

I have upped my calories, but I still do calorie cycling and it seems to help.

Pounds lost: 24.0

0 26 52 78

104

Posts: 561
10/31/09 6:08 P

This is my 1st week trying to maintain my goal weight. I don't know what going on, but I have gained 2lbs this week. Any suggestions? I have upped my calories just like was suggested by spark, but yet I gained. Also I have not changed any of my habits as far as measuring my food, I use a food scale, always.
PS I have my food journal available on my spark page.