Page Title

Introduction Text Guess this could use a little update! I have maintained for 15 years now. That does not mean without some ups and downs! I still say that Maintaining is not for sissies! When I'm "up", I know that I have to very seriously get right back on program and get the weight off before it becomes a permanent problem. Just don't use your age as an excuse! I started the program at age 70, and am now 87. So, believe it is possible. My husband died in 2008, so I just cook for myself. And, yes, doing one's own cooking is definitely a help to staying on program. Sometimes I cook in big batches and put individual servings in the freezer so when I don't feel like cooking, there is something handy. I try to get in 7000 steps every day. More serious physical activity is limited because of my age. My biggest challenge is surviving when "the kids" (now 51-63) come home for a few days to visit. The grandkids eat constantly, and it seems as if I cook constantly. I have more "goodies" on hand when they come...and of course I eat them, too. I also stock up on fruit when they come, which helps, and carrot sticks. Unfortunately, those preparations go down the drain in the excitement and confusion of having 6 or 7 extra people here in our small house, and I end up having to take off a couple of pounds every time after they've gone home. Still I search for the "answer" that will help me not to gain the weight when they are here. I am the lightest I have ever been in my adult life, and I love it. I love the clothes, the energy, the favorable comments, the whole thing! I joined WW in March of 2003, and reached Lifetime in Nov. 2003. I continued to lose so that I was at my wedding weight in August of 2004, when we celebrated our 50th anniv. Since then, I've lost another 7 lbs., and am very happy right where I am. I hope to stay right there! I still babysit some...a 10year old and a 11year old neighbor. I don't know if I can call it babysitting any more. They come to see me after the bus comes because they like to come. I did babysit them until they went to school. Does maintenance get easier??yes, and no. It still requires thought and vigilance. I can pick out the safer things on a menu more quickly now. Once in a while my brain shifts into neutral, and it would be so easy to slide back into old habits. Holidays are still difficult. But I no longer beat myself up when I have a bad day (or two or three!). I just get back on the program and work at losing what I gained....again and again. It doesn't stop me from going off the wagon occasionally, but I do know how to recover from the lapse. I love the WW Simply Filling program! I do still go to WW meetings almost every week. It helps to be in the company of like people who "understand". Spark People is a wonderful help to me in maintaining my weight. I love the people I meet here in the message boards! I love the informational articles, and the tracking pages. Thanks, Spark People, for being such a big help in my Maintenance Program!

I intend to maintain. I don't ever want to go back to where I was!

Eating healthy. Keeping a food journal.. Looking for new healthy recipes. Walking 3 mi. a day. Drinking lots of water.





Add a Link
Save Changes