In the 15 months I have been low carbing, I have gone on maintenance several times for a couple of weeks when vacationing or when I was under a lot of stress. I have found that by doing that I avoid risking going totally off plan and bingeing on carbs. I have never gained weight by going on maintenance -- I just up my carbs a little by adding a few more healthy carbs (fruit, nuts, and sometimes some whole grains) and I also up the quantity of food I eat each day a little.

I've noticed that a lot of people who hit vacations or periods of stress in their life without a plan end up totally going off their eating plan. Planning occasional periods of maintenance seems much more rational to me. It also helps me know that when I do reach my goal weight I will be able to very easily maintain it.