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Maintain Weight Loss: One Woman's Daily Battle To Not Slip Into Old Habits

"Maintenance is hard, probably even harder than losing the weight."
Kimberly Olsen

In this new weight maintenance series, we interview some of our Lost It participants who have previously shared their successful weight loss stories. In this series, we revisit some of their fitness and eating habits, and find out how they really keep up with maintaining their new bodies and mindset.

Occupation: Seafood monger

City: St. Catharines, Ont.

Age: 29

The Numbers: Current weight: 165 pounds and a total weight loss of 95 to 111 pounds over the years.

After Losing The Weight: I fluctuate with 10 pounds right now, going up and down on the scale. Is it the end of the world? No. Is it challenging and annoying? Yes.

The hardest thing is being happy with yourself, accepting yourself, getting over the flaws and realizing it's a lifestyle change that doesn't happen over night. The one thing nobody told me about weight loss was that it's totally a mind game. I know I look different, I can see it, but it's hard to feel it. I don't think anyone really understands this unless they've been through it.

After losing the weight, I've had great reactions. I have amazing support from my family and friends. I have some friends and customers that don't even recognize me. I always get the, 'How did you do it? How long did it take?' and they are shocked to know I didn't go on a "diet" or have surgery.

Your New Mindset: I do and I don't feel like a new person. I feel like the old me but I know I am different. I notice my confidence level is different in certain situations. I am more aware of foods around me. I know what to bring and what to eat when I'm in situations where no healthy options are there.

I wish I did it earlier in life. It took my years to get here.

The Food Element: There are no foods that I don't eat, but I try to avoid processed foods and junk. Do I still enjoy a cookie, ice cream and chips? Yes, but all in moderation. I've also learned healthier options for each one of these foods, which makes it fun and exciting. Who knew you could make delicious cookies out of almonds?

I also portion control how much protein, fruit and starch I eat. Little hint: drink more water — you usually aren't hungry and just might be thirsty.

"Sometimes inches mean more than a scale number. I can see some muscle on certain body parts where I've never seen it before."

On a typical day for breakfast I have an Ezekiel wrap with almond butter and a banana. Lunch consists of a fresh salad with hemp hearts and chia seeds, an apple, 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt with cinnamon and a glass of water. For dinner it's usually a portion of chicken with a side of vegetables. I also have a protein shake at the gym.

Do I have cheat days? Of course, you have to, or else you'll indulge in everything at one time and that isn't good. I treat myself if I crave it.

The Exercise Factor: I see my trainer twice a week and play sports two to four times a week these days.

It's hard to say how much of my weight has changed because of muscle gain because I don't like going on the scale all the time. Sometimes inches mean more than a scale number. I can see some muscle on certain body parts where I've never seen it before.

I still want to get stronger, have a better endurance for cardio and one day, get a flat stomach.

The Current Day-to-Day: I would still like to lose weight, but I'm more focused on tightening skin up and building muscle.

I do have bad days where I eat junk and do I regret it? Yes. But it isn't going to stop me. I'm human and I want to live life. I don't think my brain would let me go back to my old habits.

I often wonder if I will ever be where I want to be, but I know I have to work at it. I am not one of those girls that can lose weight at the drop of the hat. I have to work for it and have to work hard. Do I get frustrated? Of course. Do I want to give up? Heck yes, but I don't.

Maintenance is hard, probably even harder than losing the weight. You think it's all about working out and eating right, but it's such a mind game that no one tells you about going into it.

Do you have a weight loss maintenance story to share? Send us an email at CanadaLiving@huffingtonpost.com to be featured on our Lost It series.

Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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