Maintenance Frustration

[sallyseachange]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Isn't it funny the way when we hit goal we instantly crave the nasties? But, if you're anything like me, you'll probably both find that after a while on maintenance that feeling fades and you get into the swing of maintaining. That becomes the challenge. You'll need to be ever vigilant and in many ways it's harder to maintain than to lose, but at the same time it's more rewarding.
It's even better to be able to say "I've maintained for..... weeks/months/years!" than it is to say "I've got to goal."

Hope the high fat phase works as well for you as it did for Condor, knicknack.

I think you're both wise to want to have a few lbs "leeway". If you do, you'll find it less stressful to maintain, I think.

[Condor]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Knickknack, good to hear that the high fat has worked. I just love that avocado/mozz stuff. My only problem with the high fat ( and it seems to have afffected you too) was the complete lack of appetite which is both good and bad. It can be kinda boring not having an appetite, but I have to say that everytime I manage to zip up that pair of skinny pants it helps. (I am incredibly vain!). Anway I still go by what the good Dr said which was always try to stay only 5/10lbs away from goal. I give myself some leeway in the winter (probably cos those clothes are slightly bigger) but get tougher come summer. However overall this whole wol is the only way to go for me and exercise is vital - mentally and physically. I have struggled since childhood to get over a terrible body dismorphia and like everyone here, I know that these mental issues can contribute to how we deal with our weight issues. For a very long time I could just not accept any idea of myself being remotely attractive. Luckily I have an amazine husband who never ever gives critisim (to me or anyone) and makes me feel a million $!
I totally believe in this woe. I just read today about sugar contributing to wrinkles, of which (fingers crossed) I have relatively few for my age. Women ask me all the time what products I use etc. etc. - (just a good cleanser). There is just so much other undiscussed stuff about sugar, maybe we should start a whole thread on that!!
This site is full of amazing and inspirational people and I am extremely thankful to have found it and don't we just love this thread about maintenance!

[sillygirl]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Hey knicknack! You made it here!

ok, starting today I am back to the Berry rung and will try to eat no more than 40 carbs per day for 2 full weeks. I have blueberries in the fridge and they're kinda higher carb so 40 a day sounds good to me! I'm at the upper end of my leeway and I can't begin to tell you how awful it makes me feel. I'm also upping my fat for sure.

I mean I still feel good and all about what I've acomplished. Before I restarted Atkins in '05, I was still maintaining a 40 pound loss for around 10 years. BUT, that last 13 took absolutely forever and I want 145 again NOW!

I'm glad this thread's been revived this week!

[Maerow]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Heya all

Still maintaining, and finally got back to 130, and holding it. Higher fat really does help with this too. I also added coconut oil off and on, in the form of coconut bark, and that helps up the fat too. As soon as I am done using up my stick of butter for cooking I am going to cut out eating coconut oil directly and start using it in my cooking.

Glad to see everyone posting, and GRATS Joy on hitting goal! DEATH TO SUGARY TEAS!!!! *hugs*

[Condor]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Maerow you look great, glad to see your holding out there. I gave up on the coconut oil as I don't like the taste - had loads left over and it's doing wonders for my skin. Now I'm back in maintenance and imbibing in alcohol a little I'm trying to think how I can use it for an occasional pina colada - any ideas anybody? I'd like the pineapple taste but can't find anything lower enough in carbs. to satisfy.

[sillygirl]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Condor, what about pineapple extract (sugar free of course)?

[knicknack]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Condor - how do you use the coconut oil on your skin? Just slather it on after a shower? I do that with baby oil sometimes...

Well, i've managed to curb the munchies, so that's good. I was at a conference the last two days though so although I ate entirely low carb, who knows what was in the sauces and stuff. HOpefully nothing really dire! :P

[Condor]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Sillygirl - I currently live in Bermuda and finding any great stuff is rare - does that extract come in a corn-syrup base or alcohol base and who makes it (McCormick?). We do get quite a lot of US stuff here but it's usually the most popular items.
Knickknack - I let the co stuff get to melting point - here in Bermuda it just does that in the cupboard and apply to wet skin after the shower. It stinks, my husband hates it for about two hours but the next day my skin is amazing. I tend to stand under the ac vent to help dry out the excessive grease and I don't use it if I have to go out and wear nice clothes!

[ValidRouge]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Thanks, Maerow!

[sadie147]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

I use just regular - not the expensive organic - coconut oil on my skin. i just take it out of the jar as is..solid, and rub into my skin. i find it works amazing on my heels, knees, elbows etc.


I'm too glad this thread was revived. I need to do something. i'm really feeling out of shape lately, not size wise but bodyfat wise. i'm feeling bulkier than usual..think maybe too much dairy/wheat might be bloating me along with not enough exercise. it's funny, i think i look fine in the mirror in the a.m...but then once i eat, i seem to bloat and look completely different.

[thirteenlbs]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Maerow you look great, glad to see your holding out there. I gave up on the coconut oil as I don't like the taste - had loads left over and it's doing wonders for my skin. Now I'm back in maintenance and imbibing in alcohol a little I'm trying to think how I can use it for an occasional pina colada - any ideas anybody? I'd like the pineapple taste but can't find anything lower enough in carbs. to satisfy.

Might try this:

http://www.bajabob.com/pinaColada_32.html

I've tried the margarita mix and was pleased. Perhaps the coconut oil could add extra flavor?

[Condor]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Thanks for that info.

[Maerow]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Sadie> I know how you feel. I feel good and great in the morning, but at night before I go to bed my stomach seems to stick out far more. I actually measured myself, and I am about an inch wider in the pm then the am >.< Makes sense for the food and water I have eaten during the day, but I never noticed it until I got thinner. >.<

[thirteenlbs]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Same here-- a full inch difference! Sometimes an inch and a half!

[sillygirl]

Re: Maintenance Frustration

Day 4 berry rung is going fine. I HAVE to make it thru the weekend and then I'll be good to go. I gotta say, I feel much less bloated myself! Whoopee!