I say I'm doing Atkins, but not quite like anyone I've ever heard of.

I've always consistently kept my carbs below 30. I simply do not crave pasta or sugary stuff anymore. When the occasion calls for a cake, I'm perfectly fine with a Netrition low carb cake and a little whipped cream. I can see eating exactly the way I do for the rest of my life, making exceptions for things like my daughters' weddings, etc.

My weight loss has slowed waaay down, and I recently got the opportunity to work out in front of a big mirror. I like how I'm looking now. Nothing's ever going to make the loose skin from 2 pregnancies disappear (short of a tummy tuck), but that's all it is now. My size 6 jeans are baggy on me.

So, my big question is, can I do maintenance like this? Is it ok to eat very low carbs for the rest of my life, as long as I eat enough fat and protein to provide my body the fuel it needs? I'm thinking that, probably, I'll just stop losing, as long as my fat intake is high enough. I just want to make sure that I won't be doing anything harmful to my health, KWIM?

My husband weighs 137 pounds, up over the winter from 132. He eats almost 0 carb and was never in danger of getting too skinny. This is just a healthy way to eat for him. I think you'll just get to you natural set point and stop unless you restrict food. Congratulations on reaching your goal!

Thanks for your quick reply! Your husband may not be overly skinny, but I'm thinking he's not in danger of getting fat anytime soon. I'm glad to hear that my newly natural eating patterns probably aren't going to be unhealthy for the long term.

I've had so many people freak out that I don't eat corn or potatoes! Being that I think they're trigger foods for me, I don't ever want to touch them again. I'd rather tell myself that I just don't like them.

IMO, you should do whatever you feel is right for you, and if you're happy with your newly natural eating patterns, then there's no reason why you shouldn't stick with them to maintain. There is no right or wrong; we are all different and those of us who are already maintaining are each doing so in the way we feel most comfortable with.


YAY! Doesn't that make it all worthwhile