I think my problem is I am not getting enough calories during the week which leads to a day of being ravenous. I need to work on getting the right amount for my activity level and I think this will help.

As far as the 3-10 pounds go. The 10 pounds was a one time thing and it freaked me to see it, but it was gone within a few days (this also happened to occur at the same time as that time of the month). Generally it is more in the 3 pound gain and again it is generally gone within 3 or 4 days (which is why I assume water weight).

It has been a tough battle trying to learn to "maintain" after losing so much weight. I am trying to find a balance between thinking like someone who doesn't need to lose any more and someone who doesn't want to return to the eating habits of the old days.

As far as the cottage cheese goes, when I go nuts it's generally a large size tub over the course of the day.

As I said, I think I need to just allow myself to have a treat (like Coldstone ice cream or whatever) once a week and not go hog wild, this way it's mentally a good thing and not such a body blow to my plan.