I don't post here much, just lurk a lot. But Tigerlvr52 I just have to say you look amazing and you are doing an amazing job! GO YOU! Keep up the great work!

Welcome to the IP family, You will learn CONTROL on this program, its really easy and very strict but also very good results. Sounds like you are ready to make this about YOU. Start the program with an OPEN mind, don't think about the things you CAN'T have, think about all of the options you DO HAVE. You will learn to eat what your body needs to function and get the energy you need. This is a wonderful program, BEST of luck to you. Use this site as another tool for support, we are all in this together, just different parts of it. All of our bodies are different so we all lose different, remember NEVER compare yourself to ANYONE here because NO TWO people will lose the same.
Welcome back, sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I am sure she is looking down on you smiling and very proud of what you are doing with your life and getting healthy. Don't be discouraged with the scale, its only a number. Are your clothes looser? are you feeling better? those are the things you should measure your success by

Good morning! Finally the scale moved at my WI...in the last 2 weeks another 4 1/2 lbs & 2 inches disappeared! I am a very happy loser this WI Now I've got only 17 lbs left to go!!!! My goal is to get there before Thanksgiving. I know that seems like a long way out for 17 lbs, but I had 3 weeks with -0- loss, and I know the last 10 - 20 come off even slower. Plus no walking (for exercise) for 2 more weeks p/foot doc's orders. I do plan to begin lifting some very light weights and beginning Calenetics exercise again soon, at least the ones that don't work the muscles in my feet. (I've never in my life had a 'flabby saggy' butt before, but do now - this has to change!!!! LOL)

A BIG congratulations to all that have also had good WIs recently.

I posted this on the Fab 50 thread, but wanted to share it with everyone...I talked with my coach re: the clinic keeping up-to-date on IP changes (updated P1 & P2 sheets for instance). She said IP does not let them know when there are changes, and as a rule, they do not check the Protocol sheets when they are sent new batches for changes. So she made copies of my up-to-date sheets and went over them with me to see what the changes were. So who is at fault re: clinics/coaches not keeping up with changes...the clinics themselves or IP????

I am so very thankful I found 3FC, because I truly believe I would not have been so successful on my journey without all of you, your support, research, and recipes. So a HUGE Thank You to each of you!!!!

Hey ferrousgal!!! It is so good to "see" you back, you have done amazing given the loss of your mother, my condolences as I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you. It really is a great testament that you have maintained so well after all you went through - and don't be discouraged - remember the WHOOSH happens fast & furious after teasing you for days on end. The fact that you are 'rebooting' so to speak also plays a factor - as you have already gone through the 'carb detox' not too long ago.

Welcome Kay2012!!! You will find there are a lot of mom's on IP, and we have all found that it makes us better caregivers. I have a TON more energy to play with my son, I make healthy, whole, fresh foods for my family using the vegetable recipes I learned on this site, and I feel FANTASTIC. Truly, a happy mom means a happy family and you are doing the BEST THING for YOURSELF and for YOUR FAMILY. I lost over 70lb in 5 months of Phase 1 and the time FLEW BY - you will be reaching goal before you know it and cheering on the newbies soon enough!

Welcome learning to fly!!! I am 38 years old and actually started out at 220lb. My ticker says 214lb, but I actually lost 6lb 'on my own' pre-IP, it took me 4 months to do that with "diet & exercise" - I lost more than that my 1st week on Phase 1. This program WORKS, but I won't lie - the first week is HARD, so it is very smart of you to go through the first few carb detox days over the weekend, but stick with it. Yes, this program is strict, but it FORCES you to stay on program and gives you the chance to really figure out 'how to eat'. It sounds silly when I say that, but honestly - I never ate when I was hungry, I ate to STUFF myself - when I was bored, tired, angry, happy, etc. The first week was hard physically - the second week was hard MENTALLY. After that it became easier and easier every week - and suddenly I dropped 70lb.

I started at a super-tight size 16 (I actually ripped denim - refused to upsize, so probably an "in denial 18/20") and ended Phase 1 at a size 2. My first few weeks into Maintenance those size 2's are getting loose on me - so I may have to downsize again (your body continues to 'shift' and 'settle'). My best advice is to follow the sheet, don't try to trick, treat, or sneak anything in - copy that Phase 1 sheet, keep one with you at all times, and if you have a question come here and ASK.

There is always someone here who has 'been there, done that' and we all are in this together. I have been heavy my entire life - I hit 185lb in 8th grade and never really stopped from there, at my 10 year reunion I was at an all time high of ~240+lb (refused to step on a scale), I am looking forward to my 20th reunion this weekend at my all time low. I have NEVER been this size before and have a 100% completely new wardrobe because I shrunk out of all my clothes. YOU CAN DO THIS.

It's a "cool day" in Dallas today - all the way in the low 90's!!! I may have to get my winter coat out this weekend since it's forecast to hit the 80's....BRRRR!!!!

I love using zucchini noodles for "Italian dishes", cucumber noodles work better in "Asian". Pesto is usually a puree of fresh herbs, nuts, spices, and EVOO - You can always mix up the herbs to use basil, etc. And in lieu of nuts you can add in a dollop of WF Peanut Spread - I can't stand that stuff on it's own but it makes a GREAT addition to sauces and I bet it would work as the perfect nut puree substitute that is used in pesto. Hmmm....I feel a new series of recipes for my 'Fun With Veggie Purees' thread....

2RIDEROLLERCOASTER posted up a cilantro pesto recipe in the Archives:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/3839177-post442.html
3 bunches of cilantro
2 garlic cloves
4 tblsp EVOO
4 tblsp worcestershire sauce
2 - 3 dashes of hot sauce
2 teaspoons splenda
1 - 2 tsp lime juice

I first chopped the cilantro fine in a chopper, then transferred to my "miricle blender" added the rest of the ingrediences. Blended until a Pesto like consistancy.


Don't buy new clothes until you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO - trust me on this. It will get EXPENSIVE at the end, you will literally go through a new size every week when you get closer to goal.

Congrats on knocking out another DECADE!!!!

Morning everyone!
Working on the dreaded budget today at work and needed a little chill time to read how everyone is doing
Kay2012-awesome first WI! I am going to my first meeting with my coach Tuesday, and I can't wait! I am in MS too, by the way
Tigerlvr52-congrats on reaching 60 lbs! That is great!!
Hope everyone has a great day

Go for it!! You absolutely deserve it!

I am down to such a small number of things that fit now, I can't afford to wait for the laundry fairy! Have to wash at least twice a week to have things to wear to work. I am just really unsure about what size I will end up at and so I have invested in just a few nice things in my current size...

Welcome to the newbies! Stick around here and you'll do great with all the wonderful support and advice.

60 lbs is A-MAZ-ING!!!!! Way to go

In regards to your question about inches - I actually lost more inches my 5th week than I did my first .... Don't get those final touches done just yet

I started last friday and weighed in this morning, I am down 9 pounds. The Dr. said that was great but when i read so many people here losing a lot more there first weigh in, I wasn't sure how I felt. I am here for the long ride need to get healthy. Its really easy just time consuming with the salads and raw veggies. I need to try some new dishes and Ideas. Great site.

Hope everyone is having an awesome thursday!!

I'm slowly weening myself off IP products and switching to just using whey because I'm way too poor to continue using it . I've become very paranoid. Everything I see, or eat I'm immediately calculating numbers and calories and fat, which isn't a bad thing but it's almost made me obsessive, I'm only doing one IP pack a day right now(breakfast), still losing consistently but i'm absoloutly petrified of eating real food.

I'm scared I will gain the weight I have worked so hard to lose like I did on my last diet (lost 30...ended up gaining 50), but I do not want to starve myself or deprive myself. I'm trying to do "phase 2" righ tnow and want to move on to phase three but I've becme so stuck in IP ways that I feel overwhelmed.

My recent NSV is that most of my summer pants (mostly capri's and clam diggers) are starting to look really bad on me - in a good way!! If we'd ever get out of the 90°+ days I'd start wearing jeans. I still have a few of those in a smaller than my normal size. Still haven't lost enough to go down a shirt/blouse size.

Good afternoon fellow IPers.

I am 9 days in and I have a couple of questions:

1. Can I have Edamame as a vegetable?

2. Have any of you ever had any back pain in the kidney area when starting this diet? I have had some for a couple of days now, and it was at its worst this am. Called my coach and haven't heard back from her.....any ideas?

Thanks

This diet definitely does put a toll on your kidneys since it is high protein. Have you had kidney issues in the past? Make sure you drink plenty of water to help your kidneys filter more efficiently and flush your body. If it's very painful and tender, I would call your doctor. You don't want to mess with kidney infections.

Also, unfortunately edamame is not allowed in P1 :-(