Three Year Anniversary
 

Three Year Anniversary

Another year and another candle added to the celebration! Yes I still celebrate, not only the weight loss but especially the lifestyle of maintenance and the changes, habits and mindset that got me here. Was I "on plan" for the last 365 days? No. Did I have challenges and struggles? Yes. There are no secrets, no magical solutions, no excuses........ and no better tomorrow than TODAY!

Maintaining my loss of 60+ lbs takes on a different approach and mindset than when I was losing the weight. I have to find everyday ways to keep me and my weight in check; I have to keep it real. It has to be balanced and liveable. It's about creating and maintaining health, not weight loss.

Here are some of my strategies:
* Plan, plan, plan.
* 3 meals, 2 snacks minimum per day
* Drink water
* Don't skimp on sleep
* Exercise: stay active
* Check in: occasionally weigh and measure portions to ensure I'm on track
* Stay goal-orientated
* Set limits
* Take the boring out of routine by trying new recipes or different spices
* Read food labels
* Support: communicate and share
* Stay committed, focused and determined.
* Don't become complacent; remember how far I've come
* Acknowledge my triggers

Maintenance is a marathon not a sprint. And when things go a little way-ward, get back on the wagon and learn from the experience; it's not a failure.

For those who are new, struggling or are looking for some rekindled spirit, I would like to share the following:

* Small changes add up and will help you to not only lose the weight but will help you develop strategies for maintaining that loss
* Determine "who" you are doing this for and "why". Look beyond the reasons such as special occasions.
* Stop the yoyo. Take charge. Slow and steady approach
* Commit to change
* Set "S.M.A.R.T." goals: Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Realistic. Trackable.
* Change your mindset. Instead of "I can't", say "I get to".
* Set limits, new habits, rituals and routines
* Learn the habits, practice the habits and enjoy the success
* Find your inner motivation. Seek support.
* Stop making excuses and looking for reasons why you can't
* Choose happiness' don't chase after it
* Eating won't always satisy cravings, it can perpetuate it
* Stay accountable. Track your food, activity,and weight loss.
* Identity your road blocks
* Deal with your baggage; its a mind, body and soul journey
* Get moving. Walking is still the best
* Don't give up. Don't give in. Push past plateaus.
* Adopt the strategy of the three A's: Accept, Avoid, Alter
* Be honest with yourself. "Above all else, to thine own self be true"
* Celebrate your success

And even with all of this, it can and will be challenging at times but it's what we do during these struggles that shape us for success!

"If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary"
~ Jim Rohn

Thank you Chris.

Hi Chris,

Just roaming around this afternoon and came upon your post. Great post. I still have a few pounds to lose and then I'll be in maintenance. However, I'm already trying to train my brain for it early. I already know why I am/will continue. Health. This WOE is not a "diet" for me anymore, it is my way to keep the Doctors away. My new moto....I just now thought of it...a LC Way a day will keep the doctors away.

Congratulations to you. You, and everyone here, are an inspiration.

Great post Chris. Thank you! I've still got a ways to go to reach goal but I'm trying to learn all I can about maintenance. If I have to eat every day for the rest of my life the same way that I have eaten for the past year, I feel like I COULD do it. But, I suspect that once all the weight is off, there is much more of a tendency to think "one little bit won't hurt." And that one little bit becomes two, then three, then a habit and then the POUNDS start piling back on.

Ditto - That was a great post. When a low carber in maintenance speaks - I listen. I want to be like you - Chris - one day. It is so helpful to see the keys to your success. Congrats on your 3 years of maintenance!

Excellent post! And congrats on your awesome job maintaining.

3 years maintenance....FANTASTIC!! You are an inspiration to us all! The weightloss phase is difficult but it is the maintenance that is the tricky part! I hope to join you in the maintenance realm sometime this year!
Keep up the good work. :)

KIMBER :)

Thank you bevangel :rheart:

I cannot stress enough, this journey is more about losing weight; its a mind, body and soul discovery. And one of those things is the all-or-nothing mentality. Certainly not an easy lesson but one that can make or break our success and one that we need to be aware of during our weight loss journey. Because as you mentioned, many a good intention led to disaster due to "just one bite".

Keep Swimming my Friend!

Thanks khrussva!

Ken you are doing an awesome job! I have no doubt that you will continue to be successful and reach your goal.

When you stop and think about it, you are maintaining what you lost a year ago!! Celebrate your achievements and embrace how far you have come; don't wait until you've reached that magic number to acknowledge it as a "success"!!!

Keep Swimming my Friend!

Thanks very much jessdamess :heart:

Maintenance begins with a frame of mind which shouldn't start once we have reached our goal weight. We need to put into practice those very strategies that will bring us success while we're losing the weight.

Keep Swimming my Friend!

Thank you so much Kimbersh47 :)

You have done an awesome job, take a bow!! Keep up the good fight!! I encourage you to make your list of strategies that have brought you these amazing results!

Check out this site www.refusetoregain.com I love it!!

Keep Swimming my Friend!