~Week 4 Maintenance Calorie Trajectory~
Since I'm down another pound, it's time for another 2% caloric increase or 30 extra cals per day. I will be eating approximately 151 more cals per day than I did when I ended the deficit. Below are my caloric targets.
It's such a mind set shift. I gotta say I was convinced I was going to see a gain on the scale this weekend. I knew it wasn't fat, but I felt bloated as if I had retained more water. I was completely ready to write the post indicating I would hold steady with last weeks calorie target.
But, low and behold I hopped on the scale and a new low appeared. I realize it's good for this brain to see weight loss associated with an increase in food, rather than always associate it with something I have to take away or reduce. I also know this won't last forever. There will come a point when I am bound to hold steady or show a gain and begin to sort out where maintenance cals begin.
In the meantime, I continue to make positive gains with strength training and am enjoying what the results are of increased protein in the diet. It's also nice to be able to fit in a hard boiled egg and some string cheese with my lunch time wrap again.
The size 8 jeans arrived from Old Navy and they fit snug, but comfortably. I was a bit uneasy about ordering that size. But, they may come in handy if I continue to release a few more pounds.
I'm beginning to ease into this process and find myself enjoying the adventure of taking my strength training to a whole new level. I am a high rep low weight kinda gal and make no apologies for it. But, there is definitely room for an increase in weights in addition to some new exercises to help develop the upper back.
Anyhow, have a blessed week everyone!
