If you’ve spent the past few months (or years) carefully logging every calorie and sweating through every workout, first of all—congratulations, you absolute champion. But what happens when you finally reach that magical moment where your reflection in the mirror is winking back at you like, “Yes, we did it!” You might be ready to move into the elusive “maintenance phase.” Not sure if it’s time? Here are the telltale signs that you should stop chasing the scale down and start working on keeping those results you’ve worked so hard for.

1. The Scale (Finally) Hit a Happy Plateau

Remember when the scale numbers used to yo-yo so drastically it felt like watching a soap opera? Well, if they’ve now leveled off, it could mean your body has found its comfortable equilibrium. Of course, no need to break up with the scale entirely—just take its calls less frequently. When the numbers stabilize without drastic leaps, it’s a good indicator you’re ready for a new chapter.

2. Your Clothes Fit Just Right

There’s no bigger confidence booster than slipping into jeans without doing the wiggle dance or crossing your fingers hoping the button doesn’t pop off in a meeting. If your wardrobe consistently fits well—and you’re not secretly pining for the next size down—then you’ve probably arrived at your “goal zone.” Go ahead, do a little happy dance to celebrate (but try to avoid popping any seams).

3. You’re Not (Constantly) Hangry Anymore

Remember when your diet was so strict that hearing someone open a bag of chips across the office made your stomach growl loud enough to startle coworkers two cubicles away? One sign you’re ready for maintenance is that you’re not in a constant state of hunger or counting down the minutes until your next allowed snack. If you’ve found a sustainable way of eating that keeps both your nutrition and your sanity intact, that’s a clue you can ease off intense weight-loss tactics.

4. The Compliments Are Rolling In (and You Don’t Hate It)

Has your mom’s neighbor’s cousin started asking if you’ve found the Fountain of Youth? Do coworkers keep pestering you for “weight loss secrets”? While compliments shouldn’t be the only reason you’re proud of your progress, the fact that people are noticing your healthy glow might mean you’ve reached a point that’s visually and physically noticeable—and possibly your ideal spot to settle in.

5. You’ve Hit Your Goldilocks Numbers

Whether it’s your weekly weigh-in or a quick calculation using a BMI measurement tool, noticing that your numbers are all in that “just right” zone is a pretty big sign you’ve arrived. Remember, these tools are guidelines, not absolute truths etched in stone. Pair them with how you feel overall—energetic, well-rested, and free from any major health red flags—and you’ll know if you’re in a good range to maintain.

6. You’ve Got a Routine You Love (or Tolerate)

Who knew you’d actually enjoy that spin class or genuinely look forward to a morning jog? If you have a routine that doesn’t feel like a constant battle—something that fits your lifestyle without constant drama—it’s a green light. Maintenance mode is all about continuing healthy habits you can stick with over the long haul.

7. Your Motivation Has Shifted

Instead of obsessing over losing that next pound, you’re more focused on maintaining energy levels, building strength, or simply enjoying life without a hyper-focus on the scale. When your goals naturally transition from “I need to drop X pounds” to “I want to keep feeling this good,” you’re primed to embrace maintenance.

You can’t keep losing weight for every, so if you spot these signs, it’s time to move to a new chapter in your continuing health journey!