Dim question about weight loss / maintaining weight

[latrucha]

I recently started calorie counting for the first time with My Fitness Pal. The weight dropped off me. Then for various reasons, I stopped for three weeks. I didn't 'over indulge' at all, just didn't watch myself or calorie count but put back on all the weight I had lost.

So, does this mean I have to be eating 1460 calories (which is what My Fitness Pal recommend on order for me to lose 2lb a week) pretty much forever?

I'm leaving the question of exercise to one side, as I'm always sporadic with this, although I always walk a lot.

Might not be back on until the kids are in bed.

Yes and no.

Firstly, how many pounds did you lose? How long did it take?

Secondly what did eat when not dieting? (Both what sort of food and roughly how many calories?)

I can easily gain 5-6lbs over a weekend - its not fat just water rentention.

I suspect that to maintain the weight you could eat more than 1460 but you might need to eat less than not watching yourself. Also easy to gain right after a diet, best to up calories gradually to see what maintenance levels are - and for me I can basically eat as much protein as I want its excess carbs which lead to weight gain.

Ooo Over three weeks I lost about 6lb. I can't remember what I ate but a friend came to visit and we drank every night, though not to excess, (ok maybe a little excess) which I don't usually do.

So, calorie counting to around or just under the recommended daily intake might be a way forward once I've lost all the weight I want to lose?

Ok, so only 6lbs over 3 weeks. And gained over 3 weeks....Most of it probably water retention which was easily gained with the drinking. I lose 4-5lbs every week and gain it every weekend.

Yes calorie counting for a bit to see how much you can eat and maintain.

Thanks for that.

I've just got a head start by comign down with a tummy bug. Apart from half a pack of jelly babies and a cup of tea, i've had nothing today!