Weight loss is generally about drastic calorie and carbohydrate restriction, and portion control. Maintenance is generally about a food intake plan that gives you the illusion that you are freely feeding, and maintains your weight. Weight loss works well with 200 calorie protein portions – a quarter pound hamburger without the bun, a chicken breast without the skin, 3 eggs, etc. Maintenance works well with permitted food groups – Meat Fruit and Vegetables, or No Flour No Sugar, or Nothing White, etc. Weight loss is about cutting calories. Maintenance is about cutting food choices.