Maintaining Weight Loss?

[Myra]

I recent lost ~20 lbs with strict calorie counting. What is the best way to keep it off? Continue counting calories, just up the number? Low carb? Low fat? What works for you?

FWIW, I have always been a pretty healthy eater and I run/exercise 4-5 times a week, but I still managed to put on 5 lbs a year for the last few years, so pleeeease don't direct me to the healthy living thread.

[Meredith]

I think you can keep it off if you follow what you have been doing. Your weight will level off eventually and you won't lose as much weight as quickly. And if you are losing too much weight, add in another 200-300 calories a day to "level off".

I would say the key thing though is to plan what you are going to eat, ideally the night before if you can. Plan out what you will eat the next day so you always stay within +/- 300 calories. There will always be instances (eating out, b-days) that won't fit into that plan for you every day, but that is ok!

Also, now would be a great time to visit with a nutritionist for one or two sessions so she can help you find the plan right for you. Keep up the great work!