Maintenance calories for holiday

[Blankiefan]

I've been managing a 1000 calories deficit per day for 4 months. Steadily losing 2 pounds a week (3.5 stones down so far - whoop!).

Just been on a holiday and didn't want to be a misery guys so went to maintenance calories (my usual is 1200 so went up to 2000 - not quite +1000 as I wasn't going to be in the gym).

Anyway, just back and weighed and I've put on a pound and a half! . I'm assuming now I'll lose it again but what did I do wrong and how can I avoid this on future hols?

1.5 can easily be water weight: it's nothing in the grand scheme of things

I'm not too worried about the gain itself, more just looking at how to do this long term. I've another 3 stone to lose which I expect to take another 6 months before moving to maintenance permanently, In the meantime, I've got xmas, birthdays, holidays, etc and I want to plan for them effectively but realistically

This is the 5th time I've lost a lot of weight and really want to be able to manage this long term so its sustainable - that needs to include ways of managing "time off" ( previously I've taken a "fuck it" approach of just eating when not "on plan" which has led to big sprials downwards). Any help much appreciated.

You probably ate more carbs than usual and this causes water retention. It'll go quickly I should think

I agree that it could well be water retention but I'd say 2000 calories as a maintenance diet might be a little high. I think you may have to reduce calories slightly more.

I've lost 3st 1 lb in 5 months with 3lb to go. Ive been on 1200 calories weekdays and 1600 max weekend ds. I'm 5ft 9 and active but my maintenance calories are going to be around 1800 to stay in the middle of my BMI range.

My 1.5 pounds disappeared the next day so looks like it was water weight. I'm back on 1200 calories and have lost another 5 pounds since so it's all good. Think I'll just have to play around with my maintenance calories til I work it out.