Hit my target weight, not sure what to do now!

[redblonde]

Late last year I realised I hated my body and not fitting into clothes so decided to make 2026 a year to lose weight and get fitter. Aiming just to get to a “not overweight” BMI. My plan was to lose 2 stone, roughly a kilo a month, so slow and steady. I cut out all booze, cake, biscuits, sweets etc and no snacking.

Turns out I did it quicker than I thought and today I got to my target weight. It’s been boring and I’ve realised how many of the “treats” I give myself are good/drink related, but do-able. I’m 58 and last time I tried to lose weight it felt impossible so I’m really pleased.

Im not sure how to start eating treats again! I think I’m a bit worried a custard cream or two will turn me back to inhaling half a packet! I’m considering just saying one week each month is a “no snacks/booze/cake” week to keep me in the zone. Could that work?

Watching this thread because, like you, I hit my target weight. But, unlike you, I was not wise enough to ask how to not get back to where I was before getting close to it and having to start over!

Is there any way you can re-frame food/drink, so you don't see things as 'treats'?

Maintaining weight loss is - I think - actually harder than losing weight in the first place! But if you were used to a diet of treats before, you know that these are the things that contributed to your weight gain.

No reason why you shouldn't have them, but you need to be really disciplined about how/when/how often to indulge.

Congratulations on your weight loss

Have you googled reverse dieting? You add more food over a few weeks until your weight is stable.

I agree maintaining a weight is hard after a loss and you need to use the discipline and knowledge you used to lose it.

I’ve slowly reintroduced sugary treats in moderation and haven’t fallen off the wagon yet, but I was genuinely worried about starting to eat them again.

Hi, I'm also struggling with this to the point I continued to lose weight past my target and now trying to gain, although with a mental challenge of not wanting to put on weight (go figure).
I know I need to gain as I just look gaunt and it doesn't suit me, and my lovely new clothes just hang off me. But I've been so disciplined and, like you, actually found it pretty simple to lose once I got into routine.
I've now upped my daily calorie target although gradually, and within this still eating healthy options, rather then a Colin the Caterpillar every other day. Adding in avocado, eggs and healthy fats has helped.

Set yourself a limit.

We do sweet treats only at the weekend and then only one per day. So if we want dessert after Sunday lunch we can’t have biscuits with tea or ice cream at the park. We tend to have an ice lolly on Friday and then Saturday/Sunday I make a pudding and we have a small portion each afternoon (this week it’s Victoria sponge). Leftovers go to neighbours/colleagues. Then Monday-Friday there’s no sweets.

We don’t eat any crisps or fried things because it’s not worth the calories tbh. We also don’t drink any alcohol because it makes us both sick as a dog.

I agree with previous op that maintaining can be more difficult!

I’d advise:

1. weighing yourself everyday (I know many disagree with this!)
2. take measurements of yourself
3. don’t beat yourself up if you have a ‘slip’ ie/ don’t let one pack of biscuits (for example) become a takeaway become a day written off become a week etc
4. Up your physical activity
5. don’t have easy access to your trigger foods in the house (difficult if you have kids etc!)
6. be kind to yourself- you’ve done really well
7. throw out your ‘big’ clothes - but keep one outfit to show yourself how far you’ve come

Following with interest.

I’ve lost a life changing 52kg on Mounjaro.

for me the idea that food is a reward, an indulgence, a reward, a hobby, an occupation, a focus of so much time & attention is lethal.

I want food to be nutritious & functional. I want to be interested in food to this end only.

I am working on emotional fulfilment, celebrations etc to be separate from food.

That’s my plan anyway.

I’m not sure if your calorie counting but if you are I would increase cals by 100 per week until you get to a point where your weight is stable.

Give yours a weight range. Ie you are happy between 70kg- 73kg. Weight yourself regularly.

Your weight will naturally fluctuate like when you go on holiday/xmas etc so having a range of more realistic.

Have faith in yourself! Things like having two custard creams and not the full pack takes practice so allow yourself slips ups if they happen and learn from them.

If you want to keep the weight off long term you need to incorporate the foods you love but maybe not return to the frequency you had them before.