I think maintenance calories is a great idea. I plan on doing that as well. We're going to be at my Mom's this year and it'll be challenging because she makes sure everyone's favorites are on the table, which means LOTS and LOTS of choices. She also tends to use paper plates to save on cleanup and gets the huge rectangle ones. My plan is to get in the cupboard and get out one of the plastic 'grandkid' plates. It'll be a bit smaller than a normal plate and lots smaller than the disposable ones. I will fill to my heart's content. When the plate is empty, I'll drink a full glass of water and wait 10 minutes before allowing myself to get more. This way I hope to avoid the "I'm so stuffed I think I'm going to puke" syndrome.