Hi, I have lost 60 pounds since I started myalli last June, 2007.  For the past three months, I have not been logging in my food and my fitness plan.  It seems that I have lost interest or something.  I have gained 5 pounds back and I don't really want to put any of it back on.  I still have about 25 more pounds to lose.

How do I get back on track?

I also seem to be eating more at night.  I always seem hungry.

Is there something I can do?

 Congratulations on your 60 pound weight lost - wow!  I am so impressed! 

It is normal to lose interest, specially after losing 60 pounds and feeling on top of the world.  It is important that you continue with your good eating habits and exercise.  I will recommend you continue the program until you reach your goal.  Here are a few tips to get you back on track.  Also, place a "before picture" of you right on your refrigerator to remind you of how far you have come to let yourself go back.  I will also recommend you keep some low fat and low calorie foods available for the cravings attack at night. Here are some options:

• Fat free fudgesicles
• Fat free popcorn
• Fat free Jell-o or pudding
• Low fat yogurt, cottage cheese or chocolate milk
• Fruit
• Veggies with fat free dressing or lemon juice, etc.

Also, don't forget to Keep yourself well hydrated, we tend to confuse thirstiness for hunger.

Here are some more tips:

·         If you need a snack, make it 100 calories or less and very little fat or fat free. For example, Popsicles/sugar free Popsicles (my favorite!), fat free yogurt, low fat cottage cheese, etc.

·         Don't eat while you are engage in other activities (specially sedentary activities).  For example watching TV, reading, driving, talking on the phone, etc.

·         Eat slow, I mean really slow...

·         Plan meals in advance. 

·         Think before you eat.  Remember, every calorie counts toward your target, even a tiny bite!

·         Plan a strategy to avoid "uncontrolled eating" and drinking at special events, or when emotions urge you to binge.  Stay away from the food table.

·         Serve all the food from the kitchen; avoid bringing the casserole dish to the table. 

·         Promise yourself that when you feel the urge to snack (or eat more), you will engage in some activity that will distract you away from food.  For example, put a CD, call a friend, visit your local library, organize a drawer (my favorite!), etc. 

·         If you are bored, find a hobby or interest that gets you off the house. 

Hope this helps.  Remember that losing weight is hard but not impossible...keep up the good work!

Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, MS, RD, LDN, CPT - registered dietitian