Chapter 1: Understanding the Challenge

Sustaining weight loss over an extended period often requires a refresh of your motivation and approach. When you're not on an intense calorie-restricted diet aimed at rapid results, it’s common to feel fatigued by regular weigh-ins and the discouraging ups and downs of your weight.

During this phase, it can be tempting to throw in the towel or settle into a plateau. However, if your target weight remains unmet, it’s crucial to persevere. Here are some insights from my own journey.

After four months of effort and extensive travel—totaling 42 days away—here’s what I achieved:

• First month: lost 5 pounds
• Second month: lost 2.4 pounds
• Third month: lost 2 pounds
• Fourth month: lost 2.4 pounds

Overall, this adds up to a loss of 11.8 pounds, averaging about 3 pounds per month. Although this isn't a rapid decline, it’s essential to consider the challenges posed by frequent travel.

Following my trips:

• After the first 11-day journey, I gained 1.1 pounds.
• The second trip, lasting 8 days, saw a minor loss of 0.5 pounds.
• The third 11-day trip resulted in a gain of 2 pounds.
• Lastly, after 12 days away, I gained 1.8 pounds.

In total, the travel led to a net increase of 4.4 pounds! Yet, I feel encouraged by this outcome because, previously, a week-long trip could easily lead to a weight gain of 5 pounds. It’s reminiscent of the challenges many face during the holiday season, where maintaining healthy eating habits can be quite difficult.

Chapter 2: Keeping the Momentum

How can you keep the momentum going in such a gradual weight loss plan? The answer lies in sticking to your dietary choices as much as possible. Upon reviewing my last trip, I recognized that several dinners deviated from my usual routine, resulting in consuming more and richer foods than I typically would. Those indulgent meals likely contributed significantly to the weight gain.

After returning from the trip, it took three days to return to my pre-trip weight. Shortly after, we hosted one of our sons, which meant dining out for three consecutive nights. As a result, I regained much of what I had lost. Fortunately, my calendar is now clear for several months, providing an opportunity to increase my weight loss rate.

Another key aspect is maintaining a consistent exercise routine, assuming it’s part of your plan. For me, swimming season is in full swing, allowing for nearly daily sessions, along with regular walking. In July, I swam on 18 days, often twice a day, leading to a weight loss of almost 8 pounds before my final trip. If I can sustain that level of activity in the upcoming months, I’m optimistic about reaching my goals.

While I may not be at my college weight yet, I’m within striking distance of maintaining it through the holidays, aiming to lose the last 10 pounds, which would bring me just 15 pounds over my college weight.

Ultimately, I gauge my success based on two factors:

1. The positive changes in how my body feels without the extra weight.
2. The affection from my wife, who appreciates the closeness that comes with my weight loss.

To summarize, here’s how to keep pushing forward in your weight loss journey:

1. Tune in to your body and celebrate the positive transformations.
2. Seek support from family and friends.
3. Adhere to your eating and physical activity regimen.