Wow 5lbs! Good for you! Seems you were able to handle your weekend away very well.
Not sure why you wouldn't stay on CD til goal - especially if the steps out of CD help you learn how/what to eat and how much in order to maintain. For me the steps will be important to learn the effect of re-introducing carbs, when to eat them (ie morning/lunch, but not at night) and to figure out how many calories I need / day to maintain, because for use it isn't 2000!!!
I have been exercising from day 1 (was going skiing when I began and wanted to be in good shape), and I'm glad I have. As I get smaller, I can see my muscles come through, I feel strong and toned (tho' I do have loose skin in places) and I'm convinced the exercise helps boost my metabolism and losses, esp now.
Recently I've started Pilates a couple of times a week as it targets your core muscles (torso) where I still have too much fat.
My CDC advised me to give up exercising at the beginning, because we take in so few calories. Instead, I have a hard-boiled egg, or some grilled chicken, on the days I work out - had to do this as otherwise I got quite dizzy.
I'm doing well, thanks. Was in France most of the past week for work and was pleased to see that, on my own scale, I lost 0.5lbs, despite 2 meals with clients and 1 with the work team. Eating salads, veg, protein and no bread/potatos, does seem to work....amazing!
