Fear of upping calories

I've spent the last 10 months keeping my calories in a very tight range (600-700). I'm now up to about 850 calories and trying to up it to 1000 since that I've hit my goal maintenance range.

Somehow, I'm finding I have a mental block against going to 1000 calories. I know it's not a scary big number, but for some reason I'm finding it intimidating. It feels like I'm eating all the time and that makes me nervous.

I've been eating some nut butters all along but only a tablespoon a day; I've upped that to two. I've started using milk in my morning smoothie. So I know I can eat 1000 calories - its just a psychological thing.

Anyone else deal with this when transitioning into maintenance?

I can't speak to that - yet - but I'm fully expecting to have a very similar issue like this...I know myself, and I'm already distrusting the thought of having to increase my calories despite logically understanding that I must. 

I'll... uh... learn from your example :D  No pressure!

It was tough at first.  I remember when I dropped down to my low of 101 and needed to up my calories and carbs.  It felt very uncomfortable and counter-intuitive.  It needed to be done, so I did it.  Now, it's not a struggle at all, but it really can be hard in the beginning of maintenance.  I know you can do this.

yes it was scary and also kind of physically hard to do. but after you up them a bit and nothing happens or you keep losing weight, it becomes easier. And eventually pleasant. so take it slow - no big rush.   diane

really hard to go from 1000 to 1200c, when I am not at my goal weight, but seem to have stopped losing... have lost 140# but would have liked 15 lbs more, but it just doesn't seem to be...

Thanks for asking this question. I'm a little ways from this step but I have been doing the planning and studying the mindset needed to transition to this stage. Its similar to the way I have approached each stage on the journey so far - picturing what I need to do and committing it to writing so I can reinforce it daily until its second nature. Mom, Ruggie, Elina and Diane - you have been inspirations for me. Thanks for the good questions and the great answers.

How about up it 50-100 calories at a time, and keep a close eye on the scale? Wait a week or two between each calorie raise so you can see what works for you.

 As you see a steady weight through each baby step, it should help ease your fears.  Too many people jump in full boar and then have a hard time determining which change was effective.

Good luck!

Thank you! And OT, it was incredibly good to see your name pop up on my e-mail notification.

I'm in the 'transition' as well, and it is not easy even after having had metabolic testing all along. I know what my testing says I should be eating to maintain -- about 2000 calories, but it's still hard to push up toward that point.  There's a part of me that really wants to drop back down to 800 to get the last 6 lbs off, but I I know I need to increse calories and stablize my weight.  I also feel like I'm eating all the time because I want to eat 'quality' rather than empty calories or carbs. 

I can get to 1200-1300, now, and I'm stilll losing. 2000 calories is just, well, daunting. I'm at 800 right now, and it's 4:00pm!
 

I know what you mean Mom.  I have a mental block on it as well.  I've upped mine to 1,000-1,100 per day and am still losing.  Albeit slowly, but still losing.  I'll keep on tweaking it till I find out what that sweet spot is that maintains.  Do it slowly like Rose said (yip, so good to see you) and maybe it won't feel so daunting.  Good luck!

Deb