Thoughts from those on Maintenance - various authors

[Kohinoor]

This thread will contain classics arising from those on Maintenance sharing their journeys.


Koh

[Kohinoor]

This link takes you to a thread from the earliest days of the forum (check the dates). Back then, it started with a question re Refeed, but soon became a wealth of knowledge re "Maintaining", principally from Kristine.

Her words and thoughts are well worth a read for anyone with questions relating to "after Cohens". She has probably already answered all of the questions that you might have been thinking of asking.

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3517

Kristine's words are always well-considered and well-written - I'm sure many of her current posts will find their way here too.

Koh

[Kohinoor]

...and the emotional upheaval one faces on leaving the "structure" and excitement of the Plan and Refeed.

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=195718#post195718

Lucylou shares her early thoughts and concerns - a "must read" for those approaching Maintenance. Some sobering thoughts, but brilliant introspection too. Thanks for sharing, Loulou,

Koh

Later: It's over a year on, and that whole diary has become quite a journal of cycles - well worth a read for some interesting learnings about maintenance - the good and the bad, but mostly good !!

[Kohinoor]

Jlou pointed me to THIS special post from Shell's Maintenance Diary. Shell shares her learnings that meant a lot to her in helping her to "settle in" to Maintenance. Well worth a read ....

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=161632#post161632

Nice one, Shell,

[Kohinoor]

Seems to be common - Maintenance is a whole new learning experience - fortunately, "those who have gone before" come up trumps to help....

Here's one such occasion, where SMS goes in to bat :-

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=279438#post279438

Do read the WHOLE thread (to get context) and learn from a Master !!
Maintenance is all about "maintaining what you have learned" - not as easy as it sounds, but it is possible....

Originally Posted by SMS

I embraced the programme for what it claimed it was and accepted my life would have to change. If I am to be successful, I was, I am, and I will continue to be a Cohenite. I got rid of HBP after a decade, high cholesterol, and elevated uric acid levels (gout). I've been pill free for two years now after having been on meds for all of them for over a decade.

In the end, once on Maintenance, the "rules" are relaxed (if you allow them to be). Maybe they shouldn't be? Many like "rules" - maybe you need to set them for yourselves?

Rules keep us from chaos (what if people decided they could drive on EITHER side of any road? )

There is a kind of freedom in having limits - might be time to embrace those limits (seems SMS thinks so - and me too).

But, in the end, all Cohen graduates now have the tools to keep themselves on track - sometimes the tools are forgotten. Is it just another whole new learning curve?

Even a "lifetime" of learning? You tell me.....

Koh

[Kohinoor]

A pure gem from Connie, ably supported by SMS, Hayley, and others.

"Maintenance works - if you work it". Thanks to Hayley23, this thread was bumped, and is now included in "Classics" (deservedly so).

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8348

If you are on Maintenance, this is an absolute must-read,

Koh

[Kohinoor]

A top discussion about ways to "remain mindful" of what you are eating as you live your Life.

From around the end of 2007, but the ideas are timeless. I specially liked Pandora's idea - pretend you are a star, and the cameras are on you - or

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4159

[Kohinoor]

Many maintainers found writing these letters was very cathartic for them !!

Certainly, reading them gives me a whole new insight to the pain that is often inherent, but hidden, in people who are overweight.

Go tothe link below to read of others who chose to write a "Goodbye" letter to their old selves - maybe it will work for you too?????

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5373

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Very worthy thoughts (and ideas) flowed on here tonight from a maintainer. She has a go at answering the question of "WHY some find it difficult to maintain their newly-found weight?"

Her answer is about one screen-page in length, but the thoughts that were included, and the value of those few words could lead to a whole book. Go here and see for yourself.

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=385834#post385834

And Reenna, top post !! Thank you.....

Koh

[Kohinoor]

Collie took on a "project" at the request of a fellow member and came up with this awesome post.

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=395340#post395340

It outlines a recipe for success in maintaining, touching on all of the food types that she found "problematic", and those that didn't. She also added a holistic look at things like mindset, attitude, etc.

All in all, it's a grab bag of great Maintenance ideas and a structure to build on, whether you are just starting out or have been at it a while.

Top stuff Collie !!

[Kohinoor]

I've read this so many times from so many Cohenites. A post here, a saying there....

I've agonised over those who might have reached goal, then the first taste of Sugar into Maintenance has them reaching for more, and before they know it they can't stop....

Unfortunately I don't have too many answers, except to quote those that say "Sugar to me is like alcohol to an alcoholic - once I have a taste, I can't stop!!" Is that perhaps the key to handling sugar too?

Anyway, here are the words of one newly into maintenance who has been caught in the Sugar trap (temporarily) and who has shared an outstanding post with us.

http://newyouforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=400672#post400672

Ciors, top marks sweetie, and I hope your words will be a beacon to others on this journey,

Hugs
Koh