Help

Hi everyone Im almost 2 years out and Iam struggling everyday  what to eat to maintain. I was 262 and got down to 119 later I settled out at 128 after having a lift and implants. My husband is in the military and has been deployed for 5 monthes he well be gone for  a year. I feel lost and scared Im going to regain my weight. Right now I stay between 128 and 132. I seem to self sabatoge myself i grave choclate and sweets now. I dont dump on these so makes it a everyday battle. I do not have a support group out here were im located and Iam feeling alone and disappointed in myself. Any advive on how to maintain my weight would be great.

thanks Misty

Misty, first off, Congratulations on your success!!! It sounds like you've done a great job so far. Maintainance is scary b/c most of us have never been good at it. I too struggle at times b/c I enjoy candy and sweets and then I pay the price when I feel like crap and the scale begins to move upwards. I weigh myself daily so I know where I'm at and I stay within a range~when I get to the high end then I cut out all of the extras and stick with a back to basics diet. Pushing dense protein to fill you up and keep you full is important. We also need good carbs from whole grains, veggies, fruits to give us fuel for exercise. I like to log my food and exercise at thedailyplate.com~this gives me a clear picture of exactly what I've taken in for the day and I'm honest about my intake even on the bad days~you'd be surprised what foods you can find on there, LOL!!!! Sticking with the no drinking w/meals and 30/30 before and after is also important and can sometimes be overlooked. Also, are you taking all of your vits?? I'm sorry to hear you don't have a support group in your area~that stinks! But, don't ever feel alone b/c we're always here with help a hug or even a kick in the butt if needed!!!!! Wishing you continued success!!!!

Thanks so much for that advice. I take 2 multi.b1 ,b12, calicum and iron everyday. I do the 30/30 to. Im righting down everything I eat and going to start a exercise program again this weekend.

Hello there EDWARDS! *waves from Mojave!*

We do have a support group that meets in Lancaster at the Baptist Church if you are interested...It's a quite a drive for you; it's every Tuesday but the grads meeting is once a month and the other meetings have themes too...grads, eating disorders, pre-ops...stuff like that.

I have been stressing over every ounce that I've gained because I think the same way..>I dont want to lose control. It's a long road to losing control but it can happen...

Yah I know of that one I use to attend the one is rosamond cause it was on saturdays and they cancled it. Lancaster is to far and late I have 2 kids so not very convient for me unfourtunaltly.

I used to go to that one in Rosamond too but I spend enough time away from the family already during the week...That two hours on Saturday just didn't work for me either so I go to the one in Lancaster when I can on my way home  from work on Tuesdays.  I would rather go to two a month (oldies and eating issues) but lately with all the stuff going on in my life this last summer, I need to start back up again...My daughter got married in Hawaii in October and my life is just now starting to get back to "normal."

So on a more often basis, THIS is my support group...LOL

My NUTs maintenance plan calls for you calories to come from 30% protein, 40% carbs and 30% fat. As for what to eat its still the same plan as always - protein first, lots of fresh veggies, some fruits and limit the starch/carbs. If you are struggling with the chocolate/sweets try holding yourself accountable for what you are eating by food logging - seeing how these foods effect your daily nutritional goals may help you limit/make better choices. I also tend to fall into the sweet trap but try and keep it a treat, I also limit the amount available to me - if I want some sort of candy I buy it from bulk bins where I literally just get a few pieces and I take the time to really enjoy them - I keep it as a treat and not part of my daily nutrition. Sometimes 'good for me' treats work well too, like SF popscicles and SF jello pudding etc... but othertimes I want the 'real thing'. You also may need to address why you are reaching for the sweets - are you bored? stressed? depressed? etc... if its more emotional then work on dealing with that side. There are many books out there to deal with the mental side of eating.. I personally liked the Beck Diet Solution, there is also a workbook that goes along with it - its not a diet, but more dealing with the mental/emotional side of eating.

Your so right I do need to hold my self accountable. Im trying hard to get back on my way I signed up at the dailyplate and Im going to start a emotional journal tonight. Thanks again