Kathy--yes, that's exactly the point--it's NOT so overwhelming, just having to worry about 5 pounds. It's wierd, how it works. Sometimes, I can be stuck hovering in a 5 pound segment for even a couple of months, but then, suddenly, I jump down into the next segment....and never go back UP to the one above again. I think the 5 pound "rule" will also work for maintenance, once you reach a goal. You can allow yourself to fluctuate within a 5 pound area, but not go above it. Maybe I should write a book, LOL, "The 5 pound diet, " LOL.