Well I'm back and cannot express how much I missed this board over the holidays!!! I hope you all know how wonderful it is that each of you are willing to post and share the challenges and successes of your personal stories.
Like others the Christmas weekend was challenging (i.e. off program), but I got right back on program. I still have a long way to go, but have a lot of hope for 2010!!!
Welcome to all the newbies. You can do this, and you've found the perfect place for support!!
Welcome Back Mirazon! Just imagine next Christmas weekend and all those great outfits you'll be wearing to show off your new figure.
Well, I started the program on Thursday, and now I am on day 4. So far so good. I know we are only supposed to weigh in 1/week, but I couldn't help myself. My scale says I am 5 lbs down! I am not having a problem following program, yet. I actually think this is the perfect plan for my lifestyle lately: busy at work, hungry after work and don't want to wait to cook a proper meal. So the packages work great; meals in minutes! I have a ton of veggies washed and chopped, ready to eat. When I cook my meat, I cook enough for a couple of days. Today's supper becomes tomorrow's lunch. I have decided to eat my own protein (meat) at work so my co-workers don't ask a lot of questions if they see my packages and shaker. I find that people want to know what you are doing, but then they criticize the plan you are on ("oh, that doesn't sound healthy", "Ewww, packaged food", "I could never do that plan", "How much does it cost...I couldn't afford that", "That is so restricted, you'll just end up gaining all of it back", etc.). So, I plan to tell that them that I am just watching what I eat and exercising if they ask; for now. When I get to maintenance (which has always been my weakness on other diets...fall off plan before then), then I will "let the cat out of the bag".
Hi Fuzzma! I like your great positive attitude.
RE: eating IP at work. When I first started I also "hid" my packages. I remember once I was munching on a big leaf of romaine lettuce while reading a magazine and someone commented "Is that all you're having for lunch?" I didn't tell them I was also drinking a thick chocolate pudding shake from my glass.
Re: maintenance. This program has a great maintenance plan. It is very realistic. I have posted this before but it bear repeating for the "newbies:"
My brother and sis-in-law have been in maintenance for over 6 months now and have not gained any wt. back. In fact, my brother lost his last 10 pounds after he reached maintenance. He had been on maintenance for a few weeks then he decided he wanted to go a little lower so he went right back on Phase I, lost the 10 pounds and is now back on maintenance. He is 5 ft 11 and lost 90 pounds since April 09. He now weighs 190 pounds, his high school wt. and has the energy of a teenager.
So I am a true believer that IP works. It's our last diet, Folks!
HI fuzzma. Wished I had followed your lead regarding work. I have been eating my IP meals at work and have had to field a whole whack of comments from the food is "space food" "alien food" "army food" and my personal favourite is "dog food" I tried to explain the plan but it always falls on deaf ears. Now that I simply have my large salad with the soy nuts added in and my pom drink - the comments have begun to dwindle. Wonder if once the weight starts to come off, if they will be a little more interested? (and supportive?)
Hey Newbies, go back and read the threads.....we had somewhere...maybe in November?...a discussion of our coworkers' takes on this diet...not pretty. What I do is not even pay attention to them, it would only bring me down. But WE know that this works, and for you people just starting, see how much most of us just straight went off the diet for 1 or 2 weeks during the holidays. The most I remember reading that anyone gained back is 5#...and I think that those of us who have dieted before know you always gain the water-weight back....that is a small amount to gain back. So maybe just smile at them and say it's for your health/medical reasons. You know, it was hard for me to accept, but even people I really LIKE are saboteurs(hey you French Canadians..spelling on that, please?)
And on the body odor thing, yes, GAMEY is exactly how I would describe it. Fully expected, and it means you're on track.
I have a question for the more experienced IPers (or anyone else who can weigh in):
My school is having their annual holiday party in two weeks, and it is being held at a local restaurant. We are renting a private room, and there will be a buffet of undoubtedly fattening, carby appetizers and dishes. Although I'll be at 2 weeks then on the diet, I'm not sure that I could resist the temptation (or to trust myself at that point not to go on a carb spree). I don't really know what to do; I could go and not eat anything, but the cost is $20, and I definitely can't afford to throw that money away, especially now that I'm on this expensive diet! And I could choose not to go, but I'm new to the district, and this is the first non-mandated event that they've had, and I feel like it is important for me to show my face there. A couple of fellow teachers who I don't know well are in charge of planning the event, and I've considered approaching them to ask if there's a way I could pay for my own food -- but I'm worried this will open up a can of worms. Any advice or suggestions?
I have a question for the more experienced IPers (or anyone else who can weigh in):
My school is having their annual holiday party in two weeks, and it is being held at a local restaurant. We are renting a private room, and there will be a buffet of undoubtedly fattening, carby appetizers and dishes. Although I'll be at 2 weeks then on the diet, I'm not sure that I could resist the temptation (or to trust myself at that point not to go on a carb spree). I don't really know what to do; I could go and not eat anything, but the cost is $20, and I definitely can't afford to throw that money away, especially now that I'm on this expensive diet! And I could choose not to go, but I'm new to the district, and this is the first non-mandated event that they've had, and I feel like it is important for me to show my face there. A couple of fellow teachers who I don't know well are in charge of planning the event, and I've considered approaching them to ask if there's a way I could pay for my own food -- but I'm worried this will open up a can of worms. Any advice or suggestions?
All of us were always worried for our first social situation, but be at ease, you CAN handle it. They'll have meat and salad an dmaybe vegetables. Just don't eat your "meal" beforehand and have your real food then....on program. It will be easier than you think. Have a great time.
Week 11 done and down another 2.2lbs
Total lost 45.6 in 11 weeks.
I've noticed some of the ladies are commenting on not eating the restricted item we are allowed every day. I have 1 restricted item every day. Love the BBQ chips & the lemon poppy seed bars. Can't imagine not having one every day. Knowing that I have a way to go yet to get to my goal, it's important to me that I enjoy all my meals so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.
When I started 11 weeks ago I was totally counting carbs as I thought I had to keep it in the 20 - 25 range to stay in Ketosis. I have the sticks though and check every so often and I'm always in Keotsis even with the restricted item every day.
Keep up the great losses everyone. 2010 is going to be our year.
WOW, Simplymar amazing results! I am really interested in your daily food intake. Can you tell us what you eat on a normal day? I have also been on the diet for 11 weeks and still average only 3 lbs per week. (not complaining I just wish for more) On week 10 you got 9lbs, that's wonderful. I'm really glad to see that you still have a restricted item daily. I also keep restricted items in my cupboard for those just in case cravings....you just never know! I try to avoid them and eat the lesser carb items though.
My favorite IP food to date: I'm totally in love with the vanilla/peanut bars, vanilla premade drinks and the hot chocolate. They are all an absolute treat.
Keep up the great work everyone.....can you believe some of you are already close to your goals and the new years just started!!
Ogdog-thanks for all the wonderful recipes and posting the vegcarb listings.....the Frittatas sound great. I think i'll try one tonight.
Regarding the turnips, they peel a bit easier than potatoes. The skin is a little looser. I've been putting them in my stir fry with my own home made sauce (spicy brown mustard and Kikkoman's soy sauce) because they absorb flavor! Once I can have dairy again, I will be replacing mashed potatoes with turnips and mac and cheese with cauliflower and cheese. I am really trying to rethink how I use food for when I go on maintanence. Also, will be using grated cauliflower instead of rice (for my low carb stuffed peppers and "fried" rice I posted a link at the end for the rice one)
As you can see, I love FOOD! I'm also on sparkpeople.com my name is baseballmom4, what's yours MeghanO? I usually enter my food ever day, love how it keeps track of my food and weight!
Congrats to all the successes this week, torchlaker good luck with the car issue!
It would not let me post the link, I am going to post it in recipes discussion!
Regarding the turnips, they peel a bit easier than potatoes. The skin is a little looser. I've been putting them in my stir fry with my own home made sauce (spicy brown mustard and Kikkoman's soy sauce) because they absorb flavor! Once I can have dairy again, I will be replacing mashed potatoes with turnips and mac and cheese with cauliflower and cheese. I am really trying to rethink how I use food for when I go on maintanence. Also, will be using grated cauliflower instead of rice (for my low carb stuffed peppers and "fried" rice I posted a link at the end for the rice one)
As you can see, I love FOOD! I'm also on sparkpeople.com my name is baseballmom4, what's yours MeghanO? I usually enter my food ever day, love how it keeps track of my food and weight!
Congrats to all the successes this week, torchlaker good luck with the car issue!
It would not let me post the link, I am going to post it in recipes discussion!
You know, ever since I first made the mashed cauli (not on I.P., but before...and I used cream and butter!) I actually prefer the taste to mashed potatoes. I think I'll try the fried turnips tomorrow night. Thanks.
Hi everyone, I need to catch up on the posts, but wanted to say hello in any case. Again, thanks for the great suggestions and ideas! The great thing about the holidays I think was regardless of whether you stayed "on" or "off," everyone seemed to learn something about themselves in the process. :]
In December, someone had mentioned the food as reward mindset. Exorcising that demon was hard for me too. When I came across Louise Hay's You Can Heal Your Life Affirmation Kit, I found that working through the exercises helped me remember past events and understand how they shaped me. For example, as a child, I had one parent who used food to punish/control me and another parent who used food to comfort or reward me. Talk about mixed messages! Once I understood this, I was able to forgive and move forward. I still need to check in with myself now and again to see if I am falling back into old patterns, and renew that understanding and forgiveness. But it's so much better now.
So way back before Thanksgiving, I ordered up 4 more weeks of I.P. food (I order online from aimtobehealthy.com) I now realize that I ordered without thinking, and have only the restricted-to-once-a-day items left, and maybe 7 jellos. Good thing I paid attention today so I can order more super low carb packets. Maybe when I run out(before my new stuff arrives) I'll just eat boiled eggs with my salads. That's sort of like phase 2 right. Anyone else ever do this?
Now that is awesome self control!! FYI If you want to enjoy a cookie of your own at your party, there is actually a recipe for cookies using the pancake batter! Not sure who originally posted it, but here it is!
Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients:
2 oz water
1 packet sweetener
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 packages IP Chocolate Pancake Mix
1 Egg white
Preheat oven to 350
In a med bowl mix the water, egg white, sweetener, and vanilla. Add 2 packages Chocolate Pancake Mix and stir until well mixed.
Drop by rounded spoonful onto a cookie sheet. Makes 6 cookies (3 cookies per serving).
Bake about 15 minutes.
Cool on a rack. Then enjoy!
Awesome recipe! Well....I am SOOO HAPPY to report that not only did I avoid the cookies, crackers, chips, cheese ball, BBQ Sandwiches, and veggie dip....I wasn't even tempted!!!! Not one item made it to this mouth that wasn't supposed to be there! Just me and the red peppers. So good! I haven't had as much water as I should, but I am just SOOO stinkin' pleased with myself that I avoided so many tasty treats! It feels good!
Also....got on on the Wii Fit and it says I am down 7.8 lbs since Christmas (last time I was on)!!! I am not even sure how that is possible. I refused to see my actual weight at the dr to know how it compares to the Wii Fit, but right now I don't care.....7.8 lbs since Christmas is GREAT with me!
I have added coffee or a shot of espresso & the SF flavorings to my PreMade Vanilla, PreMade Chocolate Drinks, the Cocoa mix & The Cappachino drink & it did not appear to set my weight loss back. I ALWAY double the water in all my drinks, including the Pre Made drinks & when ever I heat a drink up it is ALWAYS for 30 seconds at a time.
The GYMNEMA that my coach put me on is a 4g tablet with the suggested use of 1 to 2 times per day. I swallow my GYMNEMA but my coach has suggested chewing it if the "craved" food is directly in front of me before I give in. Also, I quote taking it for about 1 month because I felt like I was not craving as much carbs & sweets. During that time, my BM slowed to every other to some times every 3 days. Since starting on GYMNEMA again, I am back to having daily BM's.
Also, I have tracked my carbs the past 4 days prior to eatting them & have been able to keep it under 25 the past 3 days & I have lost 2 lbs according to my scale. I am not familier with FITDAY & I use Sparkpeople to track my food every evening for the next day. If what I WANT puts me over 25 carbs, I will adjust so that I can have that higher carb item. For example, I will be going to lunch today at Salad Creations & will have a Romaine/Spinach mix of greens with cucumbers, RED ONION, mushrooms & GREEN PEPPER. The in CAP words are higher carb & so I had to replace my normal TOMATOES with mushrooms to stay under the 25 carb limit I have set for myself. Give in Take. What did I want more...TOMATOES or RED ONION. Wednesday I was in the 38 carb range, but got back on the horse on Thursday & things are going better this week for my weight loss.
I also JUST started exercising. On Sparkpeople or even YouTube you can find short exercise videos, things you can do in your home with out much need for space or equipment. THis week I am liking the 15 min Stability Ball exercises. And last night I ran my own stairs. I have 15 stairs & I ran them 20 times...I thought I was going to DIE!!! But it felt good! YA ME!
Good luck fellow IPers this weekend! Stay on plan, you CAN do it!
Meghan
Meghan -
let me know how the working out goes. I have found I need to increase my packet intake to keep up with working out because I get so exhausted and they say I am not taking in enough calories. I am wondering if you will find the same thing with the oh so low carbs you are taking. so nice we have this forum to see how everyone is.
So glad someone brought up the turnip fries. I remember them from Atkins so I bought a turnip a couple months ago but when I mentioned it to my coach she said "no turnips 'cause they are a root vegies and root vegies are not allowed on phase 1" So I threw it away! today I pulled out my approved foods list and YES they are listed as allowed! Fries tonight!
A friend of mine (who is also on IP) asked our coach about Turnips - yes, you are allowed turnips but rutabagas are restricted. Here's the confusing part - lots of grocery stores and even seed catalogs just call rutabagas (and swedes?) turnips. Her weight loss had stalled and so she cut out "turnips" (which actually turned out to be rutabagas) and she lost that week. I think she figured out that turnips are the white fleshed (rather than slightly yellow) ones with purple top.
Awesome recipe! Well....I am SOOO HAPPY to report that not only did I avoid the cookies, crackers, chips, cheese ball, BBQ Sandwiches, and veggie dip....I wasn't even tempted!!!! Not one item made it to this mouth that wasn't supposed to be there! Just me and the red peppers. So good! I haven't had as much water as I should, but I am just SOOO stinkin' pleased with myself that I avoided so many tasty treats! It feels good!
Also....got on on the Wii Fit and it says I am down 7.8 lbs since Christmas (last time I was on)!!! I am not even sure how that is possible. I refused to see my actual weight at the dr to know how it compares to the Wii Fit, but right now I don't care.....7.8 lbs since Christmas is GREAT with me!
So motivating Thanks for the recipe!
Committed, I'm so happy for you....I think the Wii scale is right...it seems in keeping with all the rest of us for the first week.
Just remember, that every week won't reward you this way (who knows why not?) but every single one of us, (if you take out Christmas and New Year's,) have averaged 3+ lbs. per week. Even the people who only want to lose 20 lbs. I know for a fact that there is no other diet you can say that about.
So here's the deal: You have to keep the faith and stay on your path. I so wish the people who have graduated on to maintenance would come back again to reinforce that for the brand new people.....It sure made an impact on me....
Good thing I paid attention today so I can order more super low carb packets. Maybe when I run out(before my new stuff arrives) I'll just eat boiled eggs with my salads. That's sort of like phase 2 right. Anyone else ever do this?
Thanks for the recipe!
