I started this post yesterday and then got side tracked at work and left with it still sitting on my computer screen. Let's see if I can remember it all.
My name is Shawna, I am a mother to 4 (ages 21, 15, 12, 10). Four years ago we moved for me to start grad school, then we moved again last year when I was done. In the past, I've been fairly healthy and active and these last 4-5 years I've really had to work at keeping weight off (I don't always succeed).Two years ago I did P90X and followed the nutrition program, and lost 20+ lbs. Last Monday I was back where I started weight wise two years ago
. I hadn't been working out due to lack of space (excuses, excuses) and just the fact that I feel unmotivated when I see myself in the mirror. It gets so depressing to have to go buy new clothes because they are too tight.
I saw co-workers having great success with IP so I decided to try it. I have never done any type of program such as WW or this, so its very new to me. So far, my husband has been very supportive.
I am currently on day 7 of the Ideal Protein program. I did a bit of high protein, low carb and gave up soda 4 days before that. I have my first WI this afternoon. I'd love to see big numbers but I don't think I will (I've watched my scale at home-I know its a no-no). Some of my clothes are already less tight, especially across my belly. So that's promising. Ideally (pun intended), I'd like to lose 30lbs in the next 9 weeks. I know that may be too lofty of a goal, but hey... its a goal. We leave for vacation that day.
Giving up soda has been hard, but not as bad as I thought. I've enjoyed the packets for the most part and have some that I really like and some I probably wont get again. I don't feel like I have experienced any of the side effects listed (good for me). It is hard to get all those veggies in, but I think I have succeeded. My only sip ups this week were 1 drink of milk at a dinner where my kids had set the table and I honestly just forgot, cough drops and gum. I do flavor 1/2 of my water with crystal lite.
I do have a few questions though.
1. My coach lets me have one restricted thing a day, I read on here that many do not at first, why is that? Should I not be having them? I could probably get buy without.
2. I tried turnip fries and they were completely soggy, are they supposed to be crisp? Maybe I just didn't cook them long enough. They weren't terrible though, esp with a little WF BBQ sauce.
3. Are there any cough drops that don't have sugar or sugar alcohols that anyone knows about off the top of their head? (I'll search but thought I'd ask too)
4. I have the same question about gum. The gum I usually chew has Aspartame and I read on here that we should avoid that. Why is that? Gum helps me from putting stuff in my mouth (i.e. food). Are there any out there that do not have Aspartame in it.
5. I have friends doing the 17 day diet (some having good results). I feel cheated as they get fruits and dairy but only b4 2pm. Has anyone had experience with both to know the difference in results?
Thanks in advance and I look forward to getting to know many of you. I feel like I already do since I've been lurking for so long
Shawna
and watching those pounds
forever!!! We are 
you on!!!!
Hope you have a super fabulous day. 
