exercise and weight gain

I seem to be leveling out with weight loss---haven't really lost more than a pound or two in the last 6 months or so. Have been eating more--but haven't gained (yet...) I go to the gym 4-5 mornings a week. I'm still pushing myself harder and harder there. Right now I do 30 minutes random on the eliptical---with some level challenges, then I either do 15 minutes on the bike (random -- and between levels 4-10) or circuit training. Then I stretch. So basically, I'm doing a minimum of 45 minutes cardio 4-5 days a week (usually five, unless I'm traveling---or it's a holiday weekend). I am also trying to start running. I can run up to 1.5 miles without stopping (on a good day). My question is this. If I keep up this exercise---are my chances of regaining much lower??? Even if I begin to eat more "normally"? I'm not loggin everything I eat, and I am not perfect. My biggest downfalls are dark chocolate and peanuts---but I don't binge. Advice???

In my humble and personal opinion, regular exercise is key to keeping off weight long term.  Regular exercise does at least two things.  First, it burns calories!  That's great as we get further out and can eat more.  Second, your strength training will build muscle, which in turn will increase your metabolism.  Again, that means you'll burn more calories every day.   And get this -- over time, you may actually need to eat more if your metabolism goes up nicely!  I'm 27 months out from surgery, started at 396 pounds, currently at 191 pounds, working out 8-9 times per week (strength training 4x week, cardio 4-5x week at 45-50 minutes/session), still losing about 3-5 pounds per month, and eating 2200-2400 calories per day.   I still like food, so exercising allows me to eat at a level that I find comfortable.  Also, in terms of maintenance I think it's all about finding a balance you can maintain between daily caloric intake and how much you're willing to exercise.   Good luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

I think you're on the right track! I honestly feel to regular exercise is one of the main components to long term weightloss. I know there are a few that hate exercise and still maintain well, but I think they are pretty strict with their diets~that's what they have to do to be successful and it works for them so that's great! I do think that if you want to eat normal (like I do b/c I enjoy eating), then exercise is a HUGE step in the right direction to keeping the weight off for the long haul. Good Luck to you and keep up the good work!!!!

Keep exercising!  Keeping your muscle mass up is key to being able to eat and not gain.  Also try cutting your carbs and up your protein.  This helps keep my blood sugar steady and keeps me from getting hungry.  Good luck!

I believe my long term success will depend on exercise.  I exercise 6 days a week and include body building.  My average caloric intake is around 3,000 per day to maintain.  I do have a lot of muscle to maintain though.  Once you get far enough out, it's all a matter of what goes in vs what you burn just like regular people.  Keep exercising!  It's good for your heart.