Cohen's Lifestyle A question for those who have completed refeed but went below their "optimal" weight.

[angelspit]

When I spoke to my Cohens consultant about the refeed (which is a fair way away for me yet), she told me that the refeed should start around the point of your optimal weight. Hunger pangs start, weight loss will stop, it will be harder to continue on the program etc. But I have noticed there are quite a few people here in the forum on the program who are continuing or have continued for another 5 - 10kgs after their Cohens weight.

My question is...does the program actually support weight loss after what is supposedly your "optimal weight", and if so, surely the refeed would bring your weight up to the equilibrium.. or is the number given to you more of a guide than an iron clad goal?

What have your experiences been with going under the Cohens goal weight and maintaining?

 

[ilovewinnie]

I finished my re-feed on Dec 23, 2006. I lost a total of 17 pounds. My weight goal for Cohen's was between 104 - 110 pounds. (I thought was way to light) But I don't think it is now. So at the end of re-feed I was 116 pounds. It has been 2 months since I finished and I am still 116 pounds. Tomorrow I am actually going back on hardcore Cohen's to get to at least 112 maybe 110 if I can. I am sure it will be very hard now that I have been off for awhile but I will do it.
My advice to you is get to the weight you want to be BEFORE you start re-feed. There is a chance you might lose a little bit on re-feed but it is not guarantee. So get to your weight and be happy with it and then start the re-feed. I really wish I would have done that.
Keep up the good work! Good Luck!

 

[waterlily]

I totally agree with you ilovewinnie. I was just under 62 kg (top of Cohen's weight range) when I started the refeed and am now about 62.5. My weight has fluctuated by about 2 kg, but only if I eat a lot of the wrong food. My body doesn't behave the way it used to, nor are my tastes the same. I can pretty much eat what I feel like, but I don't feel like the same things. I am so glad I got to the weight I wanted to be before I started refeed. I would suggest you go by the weight you want to be rather than the weight Cohens dictate - be it lower or higher. You will most likely stabilise at that weight. The refeed is even more demanding than diet. Once is enough!
Having said that, I will add that I hit a 2 week plateau at about 64Kg and nearly gave in and started the refeed then. Now I'm glad I stuck it out!