Just heard again about how quickly people gain back weight after losing on Atkins and I'm hoping to hear from those of you who have maintained about how it's worked for you.

Are you able to incorporate a few more carbs into your diet, i.e., a special celebration or holiday meal? Do you still count carbs?

I am getting close to my goal (can't believe I'm even able to say this! ) and want to be prepared for maintainance. I'm planning on continuing LC and exercise but hope to have a bit more flexibility. Is this realistic?

Amy

I have maintained for approximately 4 months. I have eaten some high carb food during that time. Can't say I craved the high carb stuff so much as just fell into old habits. That's something I'm really going to have to watch. I have added more carbs in the form of beans and veggies. I avoid the low carb products and fake foods due to the expense. I have had a few binges on sugar-free candy and concluded that I am way better off without it. I don't count carbs or calories but I am systematic about water consumption and exercise. I feel great, like the foods I get to eat, and I have a whole new wardrobe. I plan on doing this as long as I'm around. Hope that helps.

The longer you stay on a low carb plan, the more your former insulin resistance seems to normalize. And if those carby things like sugar and starch are infrequent treats, your body seems to handle them. As Dr. Atkins says, you always have the Induction plan when you find yourself gaining a few pounds.

Though I have a few more sneaky pounds I'd like to drop, I have been pretty much maintaining for a while now. I have found that slight relapses into carby meals really don't do nearly as much damage as they used to. I'd like to read some literature on stabilazation of insulin resistance... have any suggestions, tofi?

In general, I have learned so much from low carbing that even my bad choices are usually so much better than the old days. Remember that it is always wise to balance a bad choice (aka, a sliver of birthday cake) with a good healthy dose of a protein/veggie meal. This will lesson the blow.

In maintanence, it is about understanding what your body can handle and what works best as fuel for you. Also, good habits like water and exercise, as csj mentioned, will go a long way.

Good luck sticking with the controlled carb lifestyle for life! It's really worth it since the body feels so much better when it doesn't have to process sugar/ starches.

I lost 40 lbs on Adkins and my Hubby lost 30 on Weight Watchers last year. We both lost focus and both but the weight back on!!! Our fault for falling into our own bad habits!!!!

Just remember you are eating for life and each day counts!!!

You Have Done A Great Job!!!!