This is such a quiet forum. I'm approaching my goal and would like to talk to others at or near maintenance. I've been low-carbing since 8/9/02 on the Atkins plan. I have gradually increased carbs but not in the 5 per week increments he recommends. (shame on me...) My less-structured approach seems to work for me. Any long-term maintainers out there? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

thanks,
Cindy

HI Cindy!

I suppose you can sort of call me a maintenance member. I seem to maintain my current weight for months at a time before dropping another pound.

It's pretty neat being able to actually eat stuff and not worry about the scale going up and never coming down no matter what you do. I have to say the comfort zone this diet provides is a Godsend.

I have been low carbin it for about 19 months now. I'm not exactly at my desired weight yet, but I am exercising and losing inches instead of pounds, so it's all good.

How about you?

It's pretty neat being able to actually eat stuff and not worry about the scale going up and never coming down no matter what you do. I have to say the comfort zone this diet provides is a Godsend.

I couldn't agree more! I believe I have learned what my body needs and am planning to stay at that level of consumption. The super-cool thing is that I simply do not want the things that used to be my favorites (popcorn, chips & crackers of all sorts. potatoes, bread, pasta) so I am encouraged that this truly is a life-change.

Good to hear from you,
Cindy

hehehe

I do still have one vise. Hog dogs at a baseball game. I just can't seem to get past that desire for hot dogs at a baseball game. At least now I can eat one and not gain 20 pounds, probably a good thing also that during baseball season we go to one game a month.

That may change come next year. They are bringing up a minor league to the Dallas area so it would be cheaper to go see them play instead of the MLB.

Hello Maintenence People!

I have only just hit my desired weight. And I mean just. Today was the first day I saw my scale register that fateful number! Yippee! Now here's the rub, I'm going on a cruise next week This should be a happy time but I'm terrified I'm going to blow it. I plan to bring some walking shoes and do the onboard track every day. I don't usually exercise so with luck, that will be enough to counter what ever foolishness I get into in the dining rooms. I'll be truthful and let you know how much I gain during the next week but for now I'm at goal and very happy about it!

BTW, I must say the last 2 pounds took forever to come off. I've been hanging in there for nearly 2 months waiting for them to go away. But as you said, I can splurge once in a while without gaining and that's a great feeling!

Congratulations, Chillygatr!!!

I hope you enjoy your cruise! Don't put too much pressure on yourself, but do remember that sugar hangovers, cramps and bloating could ruin a good time.

Congrats to you, too, Cindy! You're practically there!

If 'less-structured' is working for you, don't worry about not doing it exactly by the book. I pretty much wing it, too. I don't do a lot of carb counting anymore. I know the drill; I've settled into good habits.

One of my bad habits is neglecting my vegetables, so I still keep track of my daily menus in my journal for this reason.

Veggies first, then add protein. I remind myself that "fat is for flavor and not for foodgroup!"...and I add some for taste only.
Amazing at how easily this MAKES A MEAL.

Some things are so simple. Carbs? Who's counting?

Not me. That's what graduating to maintenance was all about.
N

Really like the idea of planning the veggies first, then adding protein. I've been doing it the other way around. This WOE has me eating a lot of veggies I didn't eat before and enjoying them so I might as well take full advantage of that.

I've fairly recently given up totally on the "fake" foods (low carb bars, shake mixes). At first they tasted good and seemed like a treat. They don't taste good to me now so I'd rather spend $ on real food.

Cindy

hi- anyone out there in their 20s, on maintanence, located in northern cali?