Maintaining healthy weight

[joystir59]

I've lost 4st 7lb over the last year and am now just above target weight of 10st. I have not lost weight through dieting but through just eating like a normal person and didn't find it difficult- nothing is off the menu, just limited, and me and OH did it together which made a world of difference. I think the biggest challenge is fast approaching of not continuing to lose weight but to stay at ten stone. I've bought weighing scales to be able to regularly monitor my weight, and have started increasing daily calories a little bit to find the point at which I stop losing, and the loss now is little and slow. Does anyone have any other advice?

[joystir59]

Anyone?

[WhoAteMyNuts]

Daft question but if you are eating normally e.g. stopping when full, no restrictions etc why are planning on upping your calories.

Isn't the point of eating mindfully rather than being on a diet that you will get to a weight you should be naturally.

That's certainly my approach. I am within a normal BMI but if I lose more then great and if I don't then that is also fine but I'm not changing anything as this has to be sustainable rather than yo-yoing.

[joystir59]

What I mean is that we eat three portion controlled meals a day. I watch calories, I weigh amounts. Saturday is a day when we can eat treats, such as crisps, choc, takeaway. I am eating mindfully. I have always yoyod in the past, but am in my sixties now and know for the sake of my health, I need to maintain a healthy weight. I'm a bit anxious about doing this long term as I haven't managed to do so in the past

[Cary2012]

@joystir59 Well done on your weightloss! You've done really well. I'm late fifties and still losing, and it certainly is much harder post meno, isn't it? My advice, for what its worth, would be to weigh yourself at least three times a week so that if you see a steady rise you can rectify it before it gets out of hand. Increase your calories slowly, say 50 extra at a time, and only increase again if you're still losing after a week or two. Our bodies take time to gain and lose. And be mindful of what your additional calories are. Keep them healthy, an apple or half an avocado, or a few nuts is better for you than a bag of crisps or chocolate. May be the same calorie wise, but I would strongly recommend avoiding sugar, because it will trigger cravings that may cause you to think you can have a little bit more and before you know it, you're gaining. Good luck.

[joystir59]

Thank you, that's really helpful, and congratulations on your own weight loss. I agree about avoiding eating empty calories, and am adding little snacks of healthy stuff, such as a carrot,an apple,a few walnuts etc, exactly as you suggest. I've accepted that controlling my weight consciously is going to an ongoing requirement, including the regular weigh-ins, but this control is well worth it to be slim and healthy and able to choose what I want to wear instead if being stuck with the only clothes big enough.