Hi peeps!
Well, I've had my first cheat day (fun day, unrestricted day, etc etc- pick your term!) and followed by P1 day- not as easy as I thought, btw, but def doable!
I didn't go nuts on my cheat day but I did have a cup of light blue bell ice cream and 2 slices of thin crust supreme pizza. To die for!!! Lol

I didnt plan the p1 day well but did fine. My question is what are you using on those P1 days? IP packets, alternatives, just no carbs and low cal, or what? I'm curious. I have enough ip food to get me through 2 more p1 post cheat days but then I'm out.
Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?!
As always, thanks!!! You guys are awesome!!
Ken

Don't start maintenance until next week, but my understanding is it's phase 1 as written on the sheet - 3 packets, 4 cups of veggies, 8 ounces of protein. If not, I'll have to give it some more thought!

I try to do them as Phase 1 days and I still use IP packets (I'm about 4 months in P4).

Sometimes the P1 days are great (especially if too much sugar was part of the fun day), other times I am truly hungry and might make the day look more P2 (think extra protein at a meal).

I keep them low carb and low fat, which makes them lower cal.

If you only think in terms of calories, If I'm at 1500 for 5 days then go 2000 for fun day then the next day needs to be 1000 calories, which is somewhere between p1 and p2, for it to average out and be balanced over the course of a week.

I rarely do packets. Only Ready Made Drinks and a Bar.

I use IP packets, I've done both (Phase 2)...or just plain meat...or alternatives. My Phase 1 day is always better when I use IP products.

Ever since I got into maintenance I've been on alternatives.

Great job on getting to P4!!! The battle has now begun...bahahaha!!! (evil laugh with a smile).

Either ip packets or alternatives. I find trying to do a phase 1 day with "real food" does not result is as good results. One day of phase 1 using ip and all the water retention disappears.

Thanks, guys! I will use either Ip or alternatives. I've discovered the Atkins series bars that only have 3 or 4net carbs, so I have some of those, and some whey protein "pure protein" brand that my son uses working out. Both are much much cheaper than IP. but I have enough Ip packs left for 2 or 3 weeks of P1 post "fun" day. I like the calorie balancing approach, infoplease. and Momto2CS, Iappreciate your insight on the water retention piece, and really admire you being in maintenance for so long and doing so well. I want to be like you when I grow up!!! LOL
Have a great Wednesday and thanks again to all!
Ken

I still have quite a ways to go until I get even close to P4, but I've heard some about this "cheat day" followed by an IP P1 day when you get to it. Is that something you do at a set number of times (like once a week, once a month, or just at holidays or special events), or something you just do whenever you decide to have a "cheat day"?

Nolegirl, on the front page there are two stickies. They have information about all the phases of this diet.

Just be careful with the Atkins products - they tend to be very high in fat (more than 30% total calories from fat). Pure Protein's stuff is good, and I think someone has posted before that the Quest bars are pretty comparable too.

And check out the simply bar. They taste good and a few are even non restricted.

Which ones are non restricted??