Food noise returning in maintenance

[Elliebird2]

I was able to average 14-1500 calories a day when losing weight.
ive reached goal near enough, I would like to lose a couple more pounds but overall I’m happy.
all of a sudden the last two weeks, I feel like the food noise is back, I can eat more. I’m averaging 18-1900 calories and terrified I’m gonna start gaining. Before I couldn’t snack and now I can, and my craving for wine is back. At the same time, my body can’t always tolerate it and I’ll eat and feel sick. I found it easier before but I’m now starting to struggle again. Still continuing with the gym and I am tracking everything but it’s not stopping me reach for the sweets but I guess it is stopping me from going over maintenance calories.

I wanted to start weaning off, but I feel like maybe I’m getting a harsh reality check.

is anyone else finding this in maintenance that you can eat more easily?

It's really normal for this to happen. After a while some of the effects wane. MJ is still there doing its thing, but the appetite suppression is not what it was. Some people counter this with a higher dose, others with lifestyle changes, but if you're able to maintain on a slightly higher number of calories (which you'll need when you stop losing) it will still be working for you - it's just not the dreamy first few months of not even thinking about food.

Oh ok so it is normal? Its just strange as on this I could easily take it or leave it, but now I’m seeking out sweets etc but I guess it is still working in that I have some self control in that I’m not eating 1000 calories worth like I would before. It is making me nervous about coming off though, it’s going to be hard

Everyone's experience is different, but yes, what you're experiencing is what many others have. I also feel hungrier and want more treats - but still less than before. I do find that one treat makes others more appealing though, and can lead to more, and the food noise can get loud. So I'm trying to manage that.

It's partially for that reason I'm not planning on coming off meds any time soon! And it means titrating down is tricky as that can also lead to more hunger, so finding your best dose is important.

Yes I don't think we can go back to those heady days of the beginning, completely ignoring food. I allow treats, but they are measured out and once they're gone they're gone, I do have dark chocolate, and deliciously Ella chocolate almonds, as long as you don't go mad and start ploughing through mindlessly, I don't have crisps for example as I could happily eat bag after bag.
I am maintaining on a small dose, and I definitely know when I haven't had it, I also have a very repetitive diet 95% of the time, so I don't get carried away with the novelty of choosing lunches etc.
I had alcohol at the weekend for the first time in about a year, because I was fancying it, it knocked me sick, and bloated me so I won't bother again, I was previously a very heavy drinker too.

Do you need to come off?

as far as I can make out Food noise is quite normal.

i I think you can limit it by eating well - low sugar and low UPF are key - but you have to learn to live with it if you want to be healthy

I'm not at maintance yet but I already find this a bit. I had a good year of easy dieting when I really wasn't intersted in food at all. Now, if I veer off my healthy eating plan at all, I start to find the hunger creeping back.

Not enough to put on weight, but enough to stop the losses for sure. I know it's upfs that do it and I need to avoid them especially for now. I think it will get harder when I start to taper down and I'm not sure how I will deal with it.

Yes I have it and I lost all my weight 7 years ago, it’s a constant voice in my head and I hate it. Constant temptation. You have to learn to handle it or stay on a low dose. I wish WLI had been around then because I’d probably stay on a low dose permanently if it shut it out.

Why do you frequent this board so much posting advice , when you’re not on WLI?

Op my food noise has returned a bit, I’m on 15mg with 4lbs to go. I’ve increased protein and fibre which has helped.

I like to show support for anyone losing weight no matter the method.