Confused!

[SlimUnderneath]

Hi Everyone,

I'm a bit confused.

I've read on the forum here that once in maintainance we can basically eat like the last day of refeed, and my guidelines state that quanity wise we are meant to be eating the same amount of protein and veg as the last day of refeed, but my consultant told me that those portions should be reduced once off refeed....

Also, does that mean that the 3 pieces of bread, 50g of carbs, 2 sweet biscuits, 1 glass of alcohol, 2 bad fruits etc are all okay to have daily too?

I have the guidelines here and it says the bad fruits should be limited, but good fruits and new vegies are fine. Obviously I wouldn't have the 2 biscuits every day or alcohol but would love some clarification. I understand it's all relative too to how we individually handle the foods.

I'm just about to sit down to write out some menu plans and wanted to get it right, so thought i'd ask.

[mcpsych]

depends
did you gain weight during refead, is your weight stable on last day portions
trade off of carbs for booze is still applicable
not useing processed food where possible (bread) is still applicable
in your plan for maintenance there is a guide to what to eat as much as possible

[SlimUnderneath]

I dropped weight during refeed, and put on a little for one day, then dropped again and was my lowest weight on the last day of refeed. Think i'm getting the hang of things, i've done some reading up on what others do, but feel a little lost still. Just following the maintainance guidelines and mostly eating similarly to my refeed plan.

[Kohinoor]

Hi Slim,

From what you have learned during your Cohen walk, I'm sure you will work it all out. I believe the MAJOR learning to take into Maintenance is to take "baby steps" - like, if you want to test something, don't be in a rush to do it. You have PLENTY of time - so don't try too many different things at once.

Softly, softly, is good. Now, with refeed amounts, and your consultants' words, why not just settle first - like, try a week with maybe "last day of refeed, less 2 days" - see how that goes. If you still feel good, and weight stays stable, stick around that amount - or, have less one day, and more the next....

I believe Maintenance is ALL about "learning to maintain" this new (very new, and sensitive) body that you have earned. So, treat it that way.... Even a small change might provoke a big reaction - so, be sure to try just one thing at a time, and then even wait a couple of days to be sure nothing MAJOR has happened.

Depending on your lifestyle, you might need more, or less, food. e.g. if you start to exercise, you may need more food than someone who doesn't. With the "Rules" you would have now (and the learnings you have made while on Plan), I'd think you are now WAY ahead of "Joe Public" re maintaining what you have now.

Shell (the Mod) used to "mix it up" a bit while maintaining - eating more one day, and less the next. Like, keep the body guessing, yet not "deprived". A fine line?

Well, as I read, it is not as fine as you might think. Most skinny people seem to remain pretty good - even with more food one day, and the next "they don't feel like they want so much". Listen to your body too, Slim, and I'd think you are looking good for the future.

You have the maintenance rules now - read them regularly for a few weeks until the truths become "second nature" to you. From then on, you'll be sweet - and, if things happen, there are other rules to set you straight, yeah? Main thing is, "Don't let things get out of hand before setting them right again". Sound about right?
Koh

[SlimUnderneath]

Thank YOU KOH! You're a legend and so wise. I started a maintainance diary too so I can spill my ''guts'' in there and keep my learnings in the one place

[Mich]

Hi Slim, What a gret place to be in!! i can't wait until I am positng about maintenance!!!

Good luck and congrautulations!