Who is planning to be on Maintenance THIS year?

[LC Sponge]

At this time next year, who will be looking back at 2002 and say "This was the year I hit FINAL goal" ?

Nothing like some good success stories in the making to keep folks motivated!

Come on, don't be shy. :) LOL - like ANY of us are 'shy' ;) Declare!!!

Then on Jaunary 1, 2003, we'll look back on this post, and say - "There see? I was right. I did it!"

[Natrushka]

I plan on making it this year. I didnt realize until I read this post, LC, that this was 'the year' - LCing has become such a WOL in our household that reaching goal is something I have been taking for granted!

The date I set back in August was June 2nd, 2002 (no clue why - it just sounded good at the time). So, on that note, I will be back to check in at that time!

Nat

[Karen]

This is the year for me. I won't say when because I like happy surprises!

Karen

[Homegirl]

I plan on hitting goal sometime this year. Originally I thought that by the end of February 2002 I would be at goal but my little self-induced setback over this past week of holidays makes me think that perhaps by the end of March or April? In any case, it will be this year.

My other goal is keeping up with the weights. I would really like to see a change in my body composition. I want to look the best I possibly can.

So here's to us, eh?

[Elihnig]

I'm going to be trying a maintenance plan for the next 8 months or so. I'm sure it will have it's ups and downs while I'm getting used to it. I'm planning on gaining a normal amount of weight for a pregnancy, and not the 55-60 pounds I gained 9-10 years ago when I had my last child. I weigh less now then I did when I first got pregnant last time and hope to gain sensibly eating at a maintenance level of carbs.

Wish me luck!

Beth

[LC Sponge]

You are probably all-round more healthy now that you've been low-carbing Beth - it'll be interesting to watch your progress as you compare how you feel this time around compared to last pregnancy. I'd be very surprised if you didn't feel like a million bucks the whole time.

[Elihnig]

Well, last time, I threw up every morning, either while in the shower, or while brushing my teeth.

This time, while I have felt nausea, I haven't thrown up yet. I sometimes can't eat, and all my former favorite foods sicken me, and I fall asleep on the couch about 7 p.m. I managed to eat a whole lunch yesterday, it was the bacon and eggs that I couldn't eat for breakfast. The smell of it cooking bothered me. I'm eating about half the meat I normally would for supper. Though, twice, it has been overdone, but hey, I didn't have to cook it, so I shouldn't complain.

I lost a pound this week, not trying to, but if you can't eat it makes a difference. I've been trying small meals, and 2 snacks. I can only seem to put so much in at a time. Also, I've been eating many more carbs that I have been, it seems they go down easier. Mostly, it's been raisin bagels with cream cheese, and Total Raisin bran with milk. Last night I had creamy tomato soup. I have had no bathroom problems since I started this.

Low carb queens, do not shun me! As soon as I can eat again, I will eat more in my former style, I'm sure.

Beth

[LC Sponge]

You're eating for 2!!!

And one of you isn't a low carber!!

It's a given that that small fact will alter your WOE somewhat for the next little while.

Glad you are not feeling the morning sickness as you did last time.

[Elihnig]

Yes, but the other one of me only needs about 300 extra calories right now.


(Munching ham slices now...they sure are salty!)

Beth

[liddle]

I wont say when, but I will be on maintenance sometime in the year 2002. I know I'd love to reach goal before my 29th birthday. (march 20) Something about 30 being so close and not being in shape scared the beegeezez outa me. So far I only have 8 pounds to go, but who knows how long that could take. I have a feeling, not long after I meet goal, I'll be changing it again. This weight on me just seems different than it did 6 years ago. I don't think 8 lbs. will make THAT big of a difference. We shall see. Either way I will be on maintenance sometime in the year 2002!

Till later,
Heather

You can never reach a goal you don't set.

[Chrissy]

I will definitely hit goal this year, at least I will try my dam hardiest. I learnt my lesson last year by falling off, last year. I just know I will get there for sure from all support, motivation and inspirational stories from this forum! I can see myself on Dec 31st /2002 at a New Year's Eve party in a nice sexy black dress. LOL

It just feels to good to go back to my old habits! ;)

Thanks LC!

[ruby]

:) :wave: Hi All!
I'd like to hit goal this year. Next New Year's Eve I'll be wearing that Calvin Klein that's been hanging in the closet for four years now.

I'm currently on Induction Day 4, lost 5lbs so far and now at 157. I think maybe by August sometime I'd like to reach my goal. (125lbs). Does this sound realistic?

Ruby :) :)

[DivaDani]

(Best read while quietly humming the Rocky Theme to yourself)

I doubt I'll make it before my 30th birthday (May 13), but I'll look and feel far better than I did on my 29th birthday. I am trying and hoping (like so many brides-to-be) to make it before my wedding (August 17). Even if I don't quite make it by then, I will be full of energy for the big weekend, able to run around with the kids (20 MAS!), and showing off my new, super-toned muscles in tank tops and shorts (BFL!).

However, I will definitely hit goal before this year is out!

[LCer in NW]

Ruby,

The goal of getting to maintenance by August is really possible. Keep it up. Your stats of 5 lbs in 4 days crys out at some of us. This would indicate much of it might be water. If your consumption is less than 8 cups of water (hopefully more like 9), your body will have a harder time expelling toxins, etc. The induction is fairly hard on your organs. Also, hop onto any fairly complete multivitamin like Centrum. The first 14 days of any diet depletes calcium, including Atkins. If you have been drinking lots of water, then you have a wonderfully responsive metabolism and will have a good trip to your goal.

Charlie/42

[Karen]

The first 14 days of any diet depletes calcium, including Atkins.

I had never heard of calcium depletion being a problem so I searched it out and found this at atkinscenter.com (http://206.67.99.180/faq/search.asp?type=keyword)

Q: Doesn't Atkins increase the risk of osteoporosis? It's been said that high-protein diets cause a loss of calcium in the urine.

A: In the actual research studies conducted on this subject, calcium loss lasted only two weeks. The body then re-adjusts itself (returns to a regular state of homeostasis) and the calcium loss stops (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1983 Jun; 37(6):924-929).

Karen

[ruby]

Hi,
Thanks for the calcium tip. Yes, on induction I lost 9 lbs and was floating in water. I did drink a lot. Now in my 3rd week, continuint induction and I find it harder to drink the water than at the beginning. I have a good multi-vitamin too.

Thanks for your encouraging me about my August goal date. Will keep you posted monthly gals.

Bye, Ruby :spin:

[LCer in NW]

Having read the above in Atkins (more details in latest books), I wondered about people that bounced off the LC pattern and regained the weight. The next time (and next time after that), they will lose some more calcuim. If the cycling in and out of LC continues, you may conclude that eventually it will amount to significant bone loss. Calcium loss/usage is also present in other diet approaches. Atkins or LC should not be singled out.

[Pixie]

I know that ive got a long way to go, but i am determined to make it this year, even if its on the 31st dec :D

Emma

[Erin4980]

So with 14 lbs left to go I'm hoping that seven weeks from now I will be 127....yahoooooooo. That's about mid-march, but I will definitely be there by my 22nd bday in April.
I thought I would be hitting my original goal (135) by Feb. 15th (wow, now looking back, it seems like I set that soo long ago - 10/11, it sure has gone by fast)...so I may be a little behind schedule, but I'm not worrying about.

We will all hit our goals. It's almost like we're graduating or something...I guess from OWL to Maintenance...lol Now if I only got a diploma for that. I saw this commercial (I think it was for Subway) and it showed this girl opening her locker or frig door (something anyway) and it had her before and after pics side by side. I hope my bf won't mind, but I'm definitely going to do that, b/c to be honest, I'm soooo proud of myself. We all should be :D

Good Luck,
Erin

[LCer in NW]

:idea: No kidding. We should have some sort of certificate for every 10% weight loss, and a big you've made it banner when someone reaches below 20% overweight.

[John2001]

At the rate and weight I'm at, I will hit "goal" this year. Probably in the first quarter, but, I will be lowering my goal weight. At first it was 200-lbs, then joined the "Countdown to 199" club. Wanted to see a below 200 weight. Now being 4-5 lbs from that, I know it's not enough. Probably settle on the 185-190 range after I get to 199.

Figure at approx 2-lbs a week it will only take a 3-months to reach the 190's so I'll guess-ti-mate April 1st. (Maybe I will fool myself that day ;) )

After reaching the 199 mark I will be doing a lot of hard core working out to rip up the body and expect to gain some muscle mass weight, so will have to see how it goes. The scale won't dictate my life anymore, the look of my body will be the determining factor to me at that point.

Cheers all,
John

[eebee]

I am aiming for the end of July.

[Demi]

I'm almost there - hopefully will be on maintenance within the next couple of months :) I started Atkins in August last year, and cannot believe how far I've come.

[razzle]

I'd love to, but I'm a true turtle, so I have learned not to put expectations on my rate of loss. I do know that by December 31, I'll be at least a size smaller and feeling great!

Congrats to all of you who truly are on the verge--just 5-15 pounds away. whoo hoo!

[Pearl]

I do not think I will be hitting my goal this year. Because my husband and I have decided we would like to be pregnant within the next month or two. But I definately need to get to my goal by June 2003 for a family wedding that I am in.

Pearl :wave:

[Scottty]

I'm off to a great start so far. I know that my weight loss rate will slow down; it's already starting to.

But, I only have to lose 0.935lb/wk to reach my goal in early November. That's quite doable. :yay:

[ruby]

Hi everyone,
I'm on track. Today, 147, and feeling great. Hope you're all doing well.

Ruby :wave:

[press]

I sure hope I reach my goal this year. I only have 10 1/2 more pounds to loose. But just can't get the scale to go any lower. I have even gained weight some weeks.

Pat

[fiona]

Thanks LC Sponge - I needed to renew my goal.

I started in April 2001 on a low-fat diet. The original plan was to reach target of 57kg by June 2001 - yuk! I gained to start with but it was great because the anxiety of becoming reeeeaaaaaaaaly fat, uncouth, more unhealthy and unfit intensified my search and led me to Atkins.

To start with I lost quickly and steadily but have been on a stall hovering on the 62kg for a few months now.

Renewed determination to focus on the road leading to 57kg by April 2002. Love your idea of keeping a chart.
Take care.

[neener_15]

I know I will reach goal this year. I would like to reach it by summer. If I would get started on the weights I know I would do a lot better. Planning on starting the weights next week so we will see.

[Shirlfe]

Hi,
This going to be my year. I said It, and I am going to do It this time, no more Messing Around for me.
Can't breathe, because of my weight, and dh is in bad health with emphysema, so I need to be there for him. I can't pussy foot around, anymore.
Shirley :thup:

[rtjdk2]

I plan on being on mantience by the end of this year... I told my husband that by Christmas I plan on being at my goal weight........ Im about half way there now.. YEAHHHHH...

Tammy

[fiona]

Fiona: Renewed determination to focus on the road leading to 57kg by April 2002.

Just weighed myself. 61kg. I really tried VERY hard to stay LCing but had too many temptations (from within and without) whilst in non LC-company. I guess it could have been worse (I have had plenty of carb-loading binges recently), but it is definitely time to give myself a new deadline to achieve my goal.

57kg - December 2002.
Next Step: Back on Induction starting TODAY.

Take care.

[Bonnie]

I have been so close to goal many times but unfortunatley it seems that for me personally when everyone tells me how great I look I get a little lax... hubby who has lost 50 lbs. started weights at a gym and I can see a noticeable improvement in his overall toning... have read a few journals here on BFL and weights and am contemplating that route to help reach maintenance...I have always used the excuse that when I reach my goal I will start with the dedicated retoning ....in the past I have been an active exerciser (swimming, tennis etc) but it appears by reading the success of a few posts here that weights seems to be the way to go....

Bonnie

[Libbyfcr]

I hadn't even thought about when I would be reaching my goal. I know that setting dates and giving myself deadlines in the past has backfired in my face.

I imagine that I too will be reaching my goal this year. I have lost more than 40 pounds in a short period of time....so heck.... whats 15 more pounds in 7 months? I think I will be able to do that.

I will be checking in with you all come December and see how everyone is doing!

:wave: Libby

[irish]

I also hope to start maintenance this year. My current goal is 150, but i'll wait to see how that looks and feels before I decide if that's where I want to stay or if I want to lose maybe 10 more.

It's so odd. I am fitting into the clothes I wore when I got married 11 years ago and was 18 lbs lighter! I think it's because I am doing weight-bearing aerobics and walking at least a mile a day on my treadmill.

Regardless, this year should be it!

Irish

[Bloom]

24 pounds in 7 months sounds doable so yes I hope to be at goal this year :D
Nice and slim and trim in time for summer, thats what im looking forward to :cool:

[PatHawk]

I have been on maintenance for just over 2 years now :exclm:

I actually am just a bit under my goal weight (and this is my revised goal weight, which I was reluctant to share initially cause I wasn't sure I could do it) - being on maintenance has been relatively easy for me :)

In the two years, my weight has varied no more than 3 pounds in either direction. I do not really binge, although I do occasionally have some dark chocolate as a treat. I do most of our cooking to control my carbs more effectively. I do like lots of flavor and variety, I am just careful about how I get it. After a while it just seems to become second nature. I don't even think of bread as part of my food plan :thdown:

It may be easier for me now that my husband is also LCing - I don't worry about trying to do something different for him that won't tempt me. He is as dedicated as I am, although he can have more carbs than me and still maintain. We are convinced that this is the healthiest way to eat :D

We still keep daily dairies and weigh ourselves weekly to stay on top of where we are. It really helps to track things and then review them. We do a weekly summary and I do charts so we can follow our progress. It is not that time consuming and it sure helps to keep things from getting away from you :thup:

Cheers to all. I know you will get there, and once there, it is easier to maintain than you think :D

Pat
www.lowcarbliving.ca

[trisharau]

Wow it looks like some of you are either close to your goal or have achieved it already. :D

I am just under my original goal weight on lbs but not there on body fat percentages. I suspect that to achieve the latter I will need to go down a few more pounds say to around 110 pounds.

I started losing weight from the 1st January of 2002 but it wasn't until the middle of March that I began low carb eating. The rest of the weight poured off and I had to keep introducing nuts etc after each bit of weight loss to slow it right down and have a rest from losing.

For exercise I do light weights for approx 30 mins 3 days a week. I also walk on the treadmill for 20-30mins 3 days a week.

I am currently in losing more pounds mode so that I can fit comfortably into size 8 (Australian size) Jeans and skirts. It is the tummy that is still way out of proportion with the rest of my body. :(

So hopefully I will reach my new goal by the 1st september or at least by my daughter birthday on the 10th of that month. :)

:wave:

[zuzu]

will start atkins in march 2003. i am doing reading and research 1rst. want to lose 15-20 lbs, should be able to lose it this year. i think maintenance is the BIG thing especially on atkins, i will have to totally change the way i eat and think for the rest of my life! i don't cook, but it looks like i will have to learn, so i'm reading LC recipes. its a big thing for me to do, i'm disabled and don't have much energy due to my disability. hopefully the atkins way of eating will take care to that (lack of energy, altho fatigue is a big part of my disability), it was recommended by one of my doctors! i weigh about 175, maybe a few pounds less, and want to go down to about 155. i'm tall, 5"8 and large boned (really!) 46 yr. old woman. i was on atkins at age 20 and 33, was able to lose pretty easily, but eventually gained it back due to boredom in eating! but now there are alot of LC products, which weren't available when i was 20 and 33 yr. old.

[gary]

I lost my weight to the target in 3.5 months induction from April 1, 2002. Since then I have been on maintenance for 7.5 months. When I was on induction I wondered how hard it would be to maintain. I had planned to do OWL but was too impatient and wanted to continue the success of induction. Reached my target and then there is this letdown of sorts that people talk about. :( There is a lot of excitement losing weight in induction and then you stop and the excitement goes away. One person told me when the excitement and attention goes away then you will start getting lazy and gain back weight.

Well that did not happen - I found out quickly that just adding fruit and low carb cereals was enough to maintain and it is remarkably easy. I will say that I use the scale everyday except weekends to check where I am. (For all scale haters :D ) Today I am 1 lb under my target. So that means if somehow I was passing by my favorite authentic mexican restaurant :thup: I could cheat and have a burrito or enchiladas with refried beans. I have been good in those situations and do not have the rice. Also only eat a few chips with salsa - I used to eat the entire bowl of chips before my meal came - it was sort of a challenge and goal. If I am 1 lb heavy I know that I can not cheat and so on.

My observation as a key to maintenance on any diet or just to do any diet is that one must develop an entire new menu with as many choices as one can to make it interesting. Otherwise it is very difficult to maintain if you are truly bored of your choices. For example I first read the Zone and just could not spend the time to calculate for every meal the correct protien to carb ratio and design an entire new Zone menu. With Atkins I found it much easier to just throw out the bread, rice, pasta etc. After induction I had to reach out and try LC products buying over the internet. Many times you hear "I am tired of eggs" Maybe induction you can eat eggs every morning, but can you do it year after year on maintenance? Maybe a few people can. But now I eat eggs maybe twice a week. Almost everyday I eat a low carb cereal and fruit for breakfast - right now clementines and red grapes. Sunday I cook up LC pancakes, eggs and bacon. The other meals are easier - so I am totally adapted to these new choices and look forward to these LC meals. This makes it easy to leave the old menu in the past and truly maintain.

The last thing in my long dissertation is that once I developed the menu choices - the portion sizes are always the same - so this lends it self to steady results on the scale. Good luck to everyone! Please hit your targets and reach maintenance :wave: