https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:47:06 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size/page/2#post-809385 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 15:22:08 +0000 Angie 809385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has been a VERY interesting thread, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. My take on this subject is that everyone is different, and that you have to listen to your body. It takes a while to find a groove that works for your body and mind. </p> <p>Personally, my body cannot handle a large breakfast - and I don't enjoy brunch. For most though, breakfast is vital - for me it is not. I feel ill and awful after a large breakfast. I like to have a small sweet breakfast and a satisfying lunch. I also have to have a great dinner otherwise I feel under nourished. I snack in-between in order to keep up my reserves. I never skip a meal. </p> <p>I find drinking lots of water extremely uncomfortable (bladder feels awful, tummy is bloated and I can feel nauseous too). Again, for most - the water drinking of lack of snacking is a must. It does not work for my body. That's what I meant by needing to listen to your body. </p> <p>My weight does not fluctuate. The only reason I can think of for that is that my eating habits - and movement habits - are very routine. Like Denise, I eat whatever I want and do not diet. But I only eat when I am hungry, and stop when I start to feel full. I do not eat: mammals, coffee, alcohol, or anything "fake" as I call it - like eggs beaters or low fat cheese. I cook at home a lot so that we always have healthy and nutritious options in the fridge. But we also go out about twice a week because we enjoy eating out.</p> <p>I'm not sure this has helped. There is SO much that can be said about this topic! I wish you the best of luck Kristen, and congrats on your weight loss </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size/page/2#post-809298 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 07:20:02 +0000 ManidipaM 809298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the short answer, in my case, would be: I don't. </p> <p>I assume that the body changes over time. Even when my weight doesn't change, I find my shape can and thus the fit of garments is affected. Maybe I'm just an oddity?</p> <p>Otherwise, I have many of the same strategies already mentioned, though I will say I'm actually not very good with 'good habits' alone --- I need it to be immediately rewarding in some way too.</p> <p>For example, though overall I eat most like Denise (throw in a side of IK's processed carb avoidance), I find I am best off routinizing breakfast to 2-3 healthy choices each season. BUT, and this is crucial, I have to enjoy those 2-3 choices a lot, or I start craving a change. So I make my own muesli or granola tailored to my tastebuds, rely on eggs for a hot breakfast because I love them, and smoothies for summer. This is apparently my best bet for avoiding the lure of pancakes and traditional fried breads and things on a regular basis (I reserve those for travel and other times of day when I'm less vulnerable to 'lazy choices').</p> <p>With exercise too, it has to be enjoyable even if it is a habit --- especially for a habit, or I won't stick with it. So a daily walk or swim is a habit, but I don't enjoy walking in wet weather or when it is excruciatingly hot and humid. For those days, there's music to motivate me, and maybe resorting to the treadmill in the gym to keep dry (and again, plug in the music). Finding a pleasant park to walk in goes a long way when I'm not in scenic surroundings.</p> <p>And yes, I'm with Team 'Weigh Every Day'. I don't panic over the measurement, since I know what I ate, when I ate, the time of month all factor in. But it is motivation for declining the extra ice cream and choosing an espresso over a whipped-cream-topped confection.</p> <p>Also, when I'm happy with my weight and shape, I reward myself --- not necessarily with food, but sometimes, yes, that too.</p> <p>I also find avoiding boredom is a big one for me. Like Rachy's trigger is sitting down, I need to make sure I'm not bored --- especially not with food, or I'll try to eat more of it! So I make sure my meals are delicious. If I ate an unsatisfying meal, my chances of reaching for a treat to soothe the disappointment are a whole lot higher. Also, I NEVER tell myself I 'can't eat' X, Y or Z. Instead, I tell myself I do eat/love fresh fruit, salad, oatmeal with cinnamon on top, casseroles with half a dozen veggies, lentil soups...mmm! Focusing on the enjoyment of healthy food means I don't feel denied. Enjoying a pizza with friends means I don't stress about eating 'awful stuff' --- unless it tastes awful --- which in itself is a weight gain trigger. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size/page/2#post-809175 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 02:22:13 +0000 Anonymous 809175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You have gotten lots of good advice. I've kept the weight off by committing to 40 minutes minimum of exercise a day, trying to get more by taking stairs, parking further out, etc. I've also cut back on portions, eat low carb ( modified South Beach), and try to eat slowly. By doing that I can be satisfied with 2or3 tiny bites of stuff I like but shouldn't have. Eventually small changes become routine. Like others I have the same breakfast every day and a very small lunch with 15 carb snacks in between. Dinner is 4 ounces of protein and lots of low carb veggies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size/page/2#post-809158 Sat, 05 Jan 2013 01:40:09 +0000 Janet 809158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think everyone has techniques and ways that work best for them, but I am nodding along in agreement with the others who have said that deprivation is not a sustainable method for long-term weight management. I eat whatever I want. Period. But I try to be mindful of a) portion sizes, b) what I've been eating most recently, and c) how active I have been recently. I find that once I have a day or two of indulgence, I simply don't want to keep it up. Case in point: I'm on vacation, and two nights ago had my biggest dinner since Thankgiving, and yesterday had cookies and pizza. Today? Fruit and salad, and I started the day with a quick run. </p> <p>As for exercise, I have found that the thing that keeps me moving is participating in events/races. As a new runner (started less than two years ago), I feel like the way to keep myself in the habit of running is to always be training. I sign up for at least a 5K or 10K every month or so, and at least one half marathon a year. That way I know I have to keep the habit of running 3-4 times a week.</p> <p>All the same, I'd love to get another 5-10 pounds off, but I'm not fretting it. My body seems kinda stuck at this 140-ish mark, and it may just be that this is a set point that will take some work to overcome. Not sure if it means that much to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size/page/2#post-809065 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 23:29:09 +0000 DonnaF 809065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There's a number of foods, generally sweet carbs, that I find difficult eating in moderation. I try to keep those out of the house. Quite a bit of junk food came home with me today from Trader Joe's; college freshman DD stuck them in the cart, and I fear she is on her way to the Freshman 15. I just bought her a larger suitcase, so it all should be out when she returns to school. Once I get started it is hard for me to stop, like I am in a carb coma or something -- so it is better not to get started.</p> <p>I know I overeat when I get overly tired and/or overly hungry, so my New Year's resolution it to be very mindful of this and to try not to get too tired/hungry, or at least not overeat when this happens.</p> <p>I try to go for quality rather than quantity. If it is not real butter why bother? I really dislike fast food because it never tastes as good as the promotional photos imply. Fake food never truly satisfies in the way that excellent food does.</p> <p>For me, spandex DOES lie, so I need to weigh myself several times a week. I am now four or five pounds above my ideal so need to become more vigilant -- which is to say, "Do as I say, don't do what I do", lol! (I am short, so extra weight is more noticeable.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size/page/2#post-808328 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:16:35 +0000 Nanabear 808328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't really diet, but I do watch my portion sizes. That's probably why my weight is pretty constant and I don't see fluctuations of more than 1-2 lbs. Slow and steady is the way to go. </p> <p>I find that sitting down to eat everything helps to control snacking because it makes everything seem more like a meal. Also, I don't eat when I'm doing something else (watching TV, surfing the net etc.) because it's easy to lose track of what I eat due to the distraction.</p> <p>Do reward yourself a little for doing well, but keep it all in moderation </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-808319 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:03:26 +0000 Mia 808319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I follow a "everything in moderation" kind of regime. No denial for me. I do not own a scale but rather use my clothes and a measuring tape to guide me. Muscle weighs more than fat!</p> <p>I find that eating a substantial breakfast with some protein and trying to eat 28 or so different foods a day helps. Obviously 10 kinds of candy don't count:) know your kryptonite and fight it. I eat before I get really hungry and it helps me control portion size.</p> <p>I keep active and use exercise buddy and a trainer. This is expensive but worth it if you can do it even periodically to keep on track. Muscle building and weight bearing exercise becomes critical as we age for bone health and to counteract gravity as much as possible. I do exercise that I enjoy. I have a plan even if I do not always adhere to it.</p> <p>Do not be hard on yourself. You are totally on track because you recognize the need to reign in a little. Best wishes to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-808316 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 03:02:09 +0000 Mia 808316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I follow a "everything in moderation" kind of regime. No denial for me. I do not own a scale but rather use my clothes and a measuring tape to guide me. Muscle weighs more than fat!</p> <p>I find that eating a substantial breakfast with some protein and trying to eat 28 or so different foods a day helps. Obviously 10 kinds of candy don't count:) know your kryptonite and fight it. I eat before I get really hungry and it helps me control portion size.</p> <p>I keep active and use exercise buddy and a trainer. This is expensive but worth it if you can do it even periodically to keep on track. Muscle building and weight bearing exercise becomes critical as we age for bone health and to counteract gravity as much as possible. I do exercise that I enjoy. I have a plan even if I do not always adhere to it.</p> <p>Do not be hard on yourself. You are totally on track because you recognize the need to reign in a little. Best wishes to you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-808281 Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:16:14 +0000 Anonymous 808281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I walk, bike or swim everyday for 20-40 minutes. I tried running recently, but as I suspected, my knees just couldn't handle the pounding. I do a modified Eat to Live plan. I weigh once a week or so to make sure I'm not in the danger zone. I have a range of weight that feels healthy for me and ever since my weight loss about 15 years ago, I've been able to stay in that range, and in the same size. </p> <p>When I was in the middle of a big weight loss, it was so exciting to see progress every week and have people notice. It was easy to feel motivated and I had the power of momentum on my side. But when I reached my goal weight, all of that excitement died down, so it was easy to want to be *done* and to just relax and eat like I used to. My main motivation is to stay the same size so that I don't have to replace my clothes. Sometimes my weight creeps up on me and I have to buckle down and get serious. A bag of Lay's potato chips with a pint of sour cream is not a healthy supper! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-808157 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:45:59 +0000 annagybe 808157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, a modified South Beach Diet. A lot of salad. My coworkers make fun of me for eating a salad everyday at lunch. I also go to the gym on days I'm not working. I do weigh myself almost daily.<br /> One thing that did make me gain five pounds I couldn't lose was moving from a third floor walk up to a first floor place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-808146 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:36:28 +0000 Raisin 808146@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If its not something that you feel will rule your life, then I've heard or read that people that weigh themselves everyday are more likely to keep weight off. I guess because you can catch any pounds creeping n quickly and adjust. But I know for a lot of people they feel like its not healthy to do, and starts to make them obsessive. I like to weigh in about once a week, it's not too much time to gain a lot, and I find I don't get obsessive that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807981 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:43:08 +0000 Mo 807981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do weigh most every day. But I don't get weird about it. I notice a trend up and make adjustments accordingly. This way I don't suddenly find I've gained 8 pounds without noticing it.<br /> As for what to do to actually get and stay thin - I use a pedometer daily and when I am less busy I food log. I like to run when the weather is agreeable and I try to do planks and or push ups most nights. I eat mostly what I want, but in smaller doses. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807753 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 17:03:34 +0000 Dana 807753@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure if this will be helpful to you or not, but I only buy, for the most part, fairly expensive clothes. ( I'm not saying this to brag, but cheaper things don't ever seem to fit or flatter my body.) I only buy clothes that I absolutely LOVE!! So...my motivation comes from wanting to be Able to wear my clothes that make me happy. If my clothes get tight, I put the eating brakes on. I also won't let myself buy clothes in a bigger size.</p> <p>All of that said, I do want to stay healthy. (even though I love to eat!) I'm the only one in my family (mom, dad,sister)that doesn't have diabetes. So it's a big motivation. But I'll echo with a few others...losing weight is fun, but maintaining is pretty tough and not as rewarding. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807733 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:35:56 +0000 Suz 807733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"One thing I know is that once healthier behaviors are learned they're never "unlearned!" We never start at the same place...our knowledge and experience always puts us ahead of where we were."</p> <p>Words of wisdom, those! </p> <p>Also echoing VC and Gaylene on the identity shift. I AM an active and healthy person; this IS what active and healthy people do -- they eat well and get up and move and incorporate movement into their daily lives. </p> <p>It was tough for me to believe this. For a long time I couldn't even recognize my reflection! But then I met some new people; they had never known me before. And they thought I'd always been a paragon of fitness. HA!!! Still, getting their perspective was enlightening and made me realise I really am in this for life. </p> <p>At the same time, l do not believe in diets or deprivation, so I allow myself reasonable portions of all the foods I love -- always making sure, however, that I've eaten what will truly nourish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807726 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:29:01 +0000 rute 807726@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>maintaining is the most difficult part!<br /> You have to figure what you can eat each week to mantain your weight and check regularly if you are not gaining weight.<br /> Going regularly to the gym is also very important! Seeing the body change and beeing more toned is a big motivation.<br /> Clothes are a major motivation also! When I reached my ideal weight I renewed my wardrobe and now I CAN'T turn back! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807714 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:18:43 +0000 Vix 807714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Kristin --</p> <p>Congrats on all the healthier lifestyle steps! When I read the comments yesterday I was beginning to think I was alone in having to pay pretty close attention to what I eat, how I eat, stress, sleep, and exercise...glad to see others have chimed in with such great strategies.</p> <p>It really is a life-long process. Personally, I'm not one who weighs often -- too triggering -- but clothing fit is a great substitution for that. </p> <p>I also think many people, including me, have a "ideal" size/range and it can be tough to accept that sometimes we aren't in that range. Medications, pregnancy, injury or illness, lifestyle shifts or urgent matters that really make it tough to stay on track without neglecting other areas of our life -- all these can affect how we look and I really believe we have to give ourselves permission to accept that.</p> <p>I understand too many "easy rationalization/excuses" are not condusive to creating or maintaining healthier habits, but too much rigidity can be damaging too. </p> <p>One thing I know is that once healthier behaviors are learned they're never "unlearned!" We never start at the same place...our knowledge and experience always puts us ahead of where we were. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807501 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:59:29 +0000 Kristin SF 807501@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful - great solutions, all. </p> <p>I think the key for me will be what MaryK has said....there is no finish line. Just because I've hit my goal weight does not mean WOOHOO! BRING ON THE ICE CREAM AND COOKIES! </p> <p>....which is sort of how I've been behaving these past 2 weeks. Chalk it up to the holidays, I suppose. Now it's back to work and a lifestyle that will help me to maintain what I've achieved over the past year. Definitely a period of adjusting my attitude and a re-training, for sure. </p> <p>Well, it was fun while it lasted.... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807496 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:47:11 +0000 Gaylene 807496@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never felt that deprivation, or elimination of entire food groups, was an effective way to keep the pounds off. The same goes for exercise regimes that require diligence and motivation to maintain. Sudden health changes, a family crisis, or a change in your environment can play havoc with this approach to weight and fitness goals. And, human nature being what it is, sometimes we can just default to taking the easier route instead of always struggling against what tempts us.</p> <p>I guess that's why I kept trying to think of my diet and exercise program as a re-training program instead of a weight-loss/ fitness regime. First, I tried to re-train myself to think of some foods as treats, to be enjoyed a few times a week in reasonable portions. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains/nuts, lean protein, and a small amount of dairy were what I needed to eat, in reasonable amounts, on a daily basis. Secondly, as VC so eloquently said, I also needed to re-train myself to develop the "I am an active person" mindset. Regular visits to the gym are only one aspect of my fitness program. Far more important, I think, is to look for ways to incorporate lots of movement in my daily life; in my case, I walk or ride my bike instead of driving, take stairs instead of elevators, golf in the summer and ski/snowshoe in the winter, and, in general, just try to keep moving. </p> <p>I weigh myself once a month; as long as my weight is within a 10 pound range that I've set, I'm happy with it. In the summer, I might be at the lower end, while in the winter, I might creep nearer the higher end. If I get too close to the higher end, I'll deliberately wear some of my more body-con clothes for a week or two to remind me to watch the treats and to get moving. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807494 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:43:56 +0000 CocoLion 807494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me the key to weight maintenance is making quick adjustments. Monday and Tuesday I was at my boyfriend's house and ate healthy, proper meals but also snacked a lot. So today I had only one meal which I split in half between lunch and then dinner, plus 2 pieces of fruit. </p> <p>I eat whatever I like, period. I like to eat cake, chocolate and french fries, that's what makes life enjoyable. But just not all the time and not a lot of it.</p> <p>In sum, I do not have a restrictive diet in the least, but I practice portion control and try to make sure I fit in the healthy foods that give me energy. If I eat delicious but unhealthy foods for too many consecutive days, I start to feel fatigued, then I eat more for energy. I have learned that this is when I need to put superfood in my body like salmon, fresh veggies or an acai smoothie.</p> <p>I look at my diet not in a one day view but over several days -- as in, have I had enough dairy, enough protein, vegetables, fibre etc. That way if I have a day of eating cake and french fries, I don't beat up on myself as I look at what I'm taking in over the course of 2-3 days.</p> <p>I hope some of this information is helpful Kristin. Congratulations on your weight loss. Is there anything else we can do to help? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807474 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 04:45:34 +0000 MsMary 807474@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bottom line: There is no finish line. I don't think of myself as somebody who used to be fat and is now not fat; I think of myself as somebody who has chronic obesity that is in remission as long as I continue the behaviors that allowed me to lose the weight in the first place. The minute I relax, the weight starts to creep up. So...</p> <p>I weigh myself every day. I know myself, and I know that if I'm avoiding the scale that means I am out of control and need to get a grip. I also log my weight every day and have records going back years.</p> <p>Like Suz, I have much of my eating and exercise routinized. I eat the same thing for breakfast every day. I have the same exercise routine every week: Classes on certain days, personal trainer on certain days. I don't have to think about it, I just have to do it.</p> <p>I plan my meals for the week on the weekend, and do my grocery shopping so I will have the ingredients on hand for quick and healthy dinners. That helps avoid the temptation to go out or get takeout, both of which are way more caloric than what I'd cook. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807473 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 04:41:15 +0000 qfbrenda 807473@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I"m another who lost 30 lbs almost two years ago and am determined to keep it off.</p> <p>Everybody has already given great advice so I'll give the one suggestion that many don't like but it works for me: I weigh myself almost daily. Some people can get obsessive about it and shouldn't do that, but it helps me a ton. The mirror lies to me and tells me I'm thinner than I am. I find it easy to convince myself that my tight jeans have always fit like that. But I can't argue with the number on the scale. I know all the factors that make that number change a little and usually know why I'm up or down a bit. So I don't panic but I use the number to keep myself honest. I have a number I prefer, have a range I'm ok with, and have "red light warning" weight that tells me I've been over-indulging. I can't possibly gain 10 lbs without noticing since I see the numbers every day and stay on top of things.</p> <p>When I find myself getting out of control, I go back to keeping track of everything I'm eating. There's nothing like seeing it all in print. I also workout often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807468 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 04:35:39 +0000 Sveta 807468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't diet at all - cannot stand it. So when I decided to loose my extra weight 10 years ago I decided to change my eating habits. I eliminated all junk food from my house and focused on getting more fiber into my daily ration. It was hard to get used to it in the beginning but then I just got used to it and it became a second nature. Another change I did was watching the size of portions - I was amazed to discover how much food I consumed before. Again now it is very natural for me.<br /> I don't refuse myself if I want something but I watch the portion size. And I try to get more exercise into my life - be it fitness classes or walking to work. It really adds up! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807413 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 03:49:41 +0000 ironkurtin 807413@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know if this helps, but I don't really cardio myself into comas these days. I do short high-intensity cardio workouts (jumping rope, etc.), plus weight training. To be honest, I see the biggest return from being very, very strict about what I eat. I just do not allow myself to eat processed carbs. </p> <p>I don't tell myself I can never eat them, or that soon I can eat them again. That's not the point. It only matters that right now I am not eating them. Inevitably I will be somewhere where the ONLY thing I can eat comes with bread or pasta, and then I fudge as best I can. And I allow myself a cheat meal once or twice a week - and I make sure it is DELICIOUS.</p> <p>It is hard. Especially when there is fresh bread around. But it works. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807399 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 03:35:19 +0000 velvetychocolate 807399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am one of those who came to YLF after losing a bunch of weight and neglecting my clothing for a long time - and am currently battling a minor (well, it's not minor to me) weight gain - up ten pounds. Thing is? I lost over a hundred pounds, so as long as I get these ten pounds back off, then it'll all work out. </p> <p>In terms of maintenance (I know what works for me, even though I'm battling right now) - I'd say that exercise/being active is the #1 way to maintain one's weight loss. </p> <p>During weight loss, it seems like diet is of 80% importance, while exercise is the other 20%. Once you reach or get close to your overall goal - it shifts quite a bit. You aren't going to keep "dieting" forever, and this is where exercise becomes more important. At goal weight or close to goal weight, I think the balance shifts to 40 or 50% 'diet' (what you eat) and 50% to 60% exercise. </p> <p>Now granted, we're not all going to hit the gym five or seven mornings a week and "train" like some sort of elite athlete. </p> <p>What I find *really* helps is to keep reminding myself, "I am an active person..." </p> <p>That means taking the stairs, walking, cleaning my own house, doing gardening, walking even more, taking the long way around or what have you. </p> <p>It's not realistic to always be on some sort of "diet" and it's also not realistic to expect to be in the gym ten or more hours a week. Thing is, that mantra, "I am an active person" goes a long, long way toward keeping things in check - even in the face of no longer being on a "diet" such as you might have been while you were actively losing weight. Real life means having a bit of chocolate here and there, a slice of birthday cake or what have you. </p> <p>Moving more, being more active - makes a huge difference (imo). Like I said though, this doesn't mean being at the gym at 6 am - it just means taking the opportunity to walk instead of driving or taking transit. It means thinking of housework as a 'workout', it means looking forward to spending time in nature - hiking through the woods or tromping around on the beach. It also means siezing the opportunity to shovel snow and deciding you'll also shovel your neighbour's front walk (and maybe even their driveway too) as well, since you're out there anyway. </p> <p>Seems a little too simple to work, but thinking, "I am an active person" goes a long way toward being able to stay in place (weight and size-wise), while being able to enjoy life (not dieting) post weight loss. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807347 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 02:46:54 +0000 Freckles 807347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have the going out rule. I totally get one bite of whatever I want and dh is always happy to comply and choose something that is agreeable. Mind you we don't go out very often... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807260 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:59:19 +0000 pil 807260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I totally hear you Kristin. I lost 30 pounds 4-5 years ago and managed to keep it off no problem. That even included a couple of cruises and trips to all inclusive resorts. Then my thyroid went hyperactive, I felt like crap and lost another 10 pounds. Since starting on meds I've gained about 15 pounds back and am really beating myself up about it. We've tried med adjustments so it's hard to know how much is what goes in my mouth and how much is the meds. Sorry to whine.</p> <p>Such good advice from other members, I hope you get back on track no problem! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807249 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:49:37 +0000 Suz 807249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Rachy said. </p> <p>Motivation is hugely overrated.</p> <p>What works for me is organizing my life in routines. It saves me from making decisions all the time. </p> <p>So...I have my exercise quite routinized. 3 days a week I take a cross fit class. Two days a week I will be lifting weights. I put it in my calendar. It's an appointment, like going to the doctor. Some days I'm totally eager to go. Other days, there is nothing I'd rather do less! But that's irrelevant. I go anyway. Unless I'm sick, obviously. Or there's some emergency. </p> <p>My eating is similar. I two or three breakfasts that I rely on . Sure, I might have something different once in a while. But mostly, I rely on the standbys. Ditto for lunches. Suppers are much more varied but still include the same food groups. I try to eat a diet that is mainly composed of whole, unprocessed foods. I eat slowly and watch portion sizes. But I DO still indulge in wine a couple of times a week (sometimes more) and the occasional desert. </p> <p>When you've reached your goal weight, you can also consider setting new fitness goals. What would you like to DO that you presently can't? That can be motivating to some. </p> <p>Also, it can really help if the people around you are fit and care about maintaining their health and fitness. If you don't have fit friends, try to find some! </p> <p>For me, another motivation is simply the desire to keep wearing my great clothes! I don't want to be like I was before. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807247 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:49:10 +0000 Nicole D 807247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kids don't need that cr*p either! Lead by example healthy mom! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807233 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:42:32 +0000 Kristin SF 807233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nicole, that is EXACTLY it! I don't hate my weight right now, so what's one more Caramel Machiatto (extra caramel of course) going to hurt? But over time.....</p> <p>Rachy, you are so right. It's the habit I need to change.</p> <p>IK and Lyn - of course you're right, too - it's all about lifestyle changes that are sustainable. Intellectually I know it, and yet....</p> <p>I also think I just need to stop buying certain things, like ice cream and cookies. They can't be in the house anymore. Sorry kiddos. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/clothing-fit-question-how-do-you-maintain-your-size#post-807205 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:25:53 +0000 rachylou 807205@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You know, probably what helps me most is routine. Things go buggy when I can't eat at regular times. Also, sitting makes me eat, like at work or watching t.v.</p> <p>It's interesting, there's inspiration, motivation, and habit. Habit is really the strongest force of all. So I'm working on breaking old habits and developing helpful ones. </p>