Torchlaker - glad to see you're back, but sorry to hear the stress of losing your husband hasn't diminished even though the "legal" stuff is over. I hope things start looking up for you.

On the one hand, I am sad you are back to IP, because who wants to go back, but I'm happy to see you on the boards again, so welcome back!!

I know this forum doesn't get a lot of activity, and I try not to post here unless I see something simple. Regarding pickles, YES! Have the kosher dills or regular dills as long as they are zero sugar in the ingredients. Cucumber has a bit of carb and fiber so don't worry if a serving is around a carb just avoid the sugar. I like the BUBBIES kosher dills and the MT OLIVES.

:cp::flow2::cp::flow2:

WELCOME BACK!!! You have been talked about and missed by those of us who have been here awhile and remember you and the originals on the forum! I am so glad to see you here. I am sorry to hear of the weight gain but, stress can do that. I think those 150's will be back in NO TIME!

I know we have a large amount of reading on the weekly chat but please come and say a hello! Don't try to be too caught up... we are a pretty talking group but, we would love to have your input, experience, and presence there too! :)

Thank you, Mirazon, toomanycats, & showgirlaz, for setting my mind at ease about the kosher dill pickles... I checked the label & no sugar... I've tried the Mt. Olive brand, but usually prefer Vlasic... my only remaining concern is the amount of sodium - 210mg/spear - but I think my one-spear-a-day habit will still be okay...

So far, I'm doing okay with this alternative version of IP, with only an occasional craving for something not on protocol... so far, I've been able to quiet the cravings with a big glass of water...

Onward!..

hugs :hug:

Old Faces..... Yipee... (No offense to anyone else) Good Morning.. Torchlaker, Mirazon.. I am happy to see some of us still around.... I am almost at goal, it has taken way longer, I think I am scared to get there as I have gotten there before and gained it back.... not on IP but on all the rest, major inner fighting going on!!!! I had stopped posting for awhile as I didnt want to be a bummer to others, but now I am pushin thru gettinitdone, I am glad to see all of you!!!

Hello on this thread.

Back from my Honeymoon and all inclusive stuff...Crazy but it's done now... back to the program now (gained about 5 lbs BTW...but also about to get my period so...hopefully it will all be gone soon)

Hugs to all!

Life After Phase 1
 

I often come looking for the knowledge and experience of the veterans who stop by here from time to time, and I see folks who have or are soon planning to transition from the weight loss phases to maintenance. If you have any information you could share, or want to confer with others in the same position, check in at the "Life After Phase 1" thread for non-Phase 1 discussion. If you have taken a break from IP, how has that gone for you? We'd love to get your insights...

(Use of IP products in your weight loss program optional :D)

Thank you all SO much for the welcome back.....I think I have a lot of catching up to do, and it seems like I don't get near the computer much during the summer.

So - do have some questions!! I would love to know (or be told where to look) to see what products you are using instead of IP. I decided to stick to IP's oatmeal, cuz I cannot find anything with that amount of carbs and protein (when I showed Doc Lindora's oatmeal, she said I might as well eat regular oatmeal - she did approve of their puddings, tho.

So - I KNOW Lindora....I have been buying EAS shakes....and use an Atkins Advantage bar for my treat. I weigh in tomorrow, but it does look like I have lost about 4-5# this week (but we ALL know that first week is the "golden moment"). Would you mnd sharing what products you are using...what your favorites are (interested in puddings or desserts)....or direct me to something in the last 3 months that might have this info??

I did NOT go thru the "yucky" feeling I did the first 2 weeks on IP this time..nor was I fatigued (in fact, I have been tearing my house apart trying to rid clutter - a lot is very emotional since much of the stuff is my husbands). I DID drop the calciuim/magnesium as I THINK that was my constipation problem. Doc says she still wants me to take magnesium.

I keep saying I am gonna do meditation. Can't seem to sit still long enough. I always pray before I go to bed...but not long enough to consider it meditation. I think I need to learn to relax....never been good at that...always trying to stay busy (...so I don't think).

Jordanna and showgirlaz....so good to see you here. Your experience will help the newbies AND us oldbies.

So - a bright note -- I am starting to socialize a little more. Going on a motorcycle ride this afternoon with some NEW friends and then going to bike night (yeah...63 years old...still miss motorcycling with my hubby. Don't want to learn to drive..but LOVE to ride. ) Just drove to Cleveland a few weeks ago to do a Fallen Firefighters Memorial Motorcycle Ride and rode with my brotherinlaw. I had to speak at the one 2 years ago (TOO much stress..and still in shock). This one was great...no stress. We put on 150 miles. Am also more involved with the community activities...and going back to Red Hats again. Baby steps.)

Hey....I DID find the sticky for alternative products...That was very helpful...had forgotten all about that. Got some good websites to go to....

I have a bar I like to use.....I get it from netrition.com. It is called "Oh Yeah." Stats are:
Carbs: 8g...fiber is 2g..(so to me, net carbs would be 6g). There is , however, 2g of sugar and 13g of total fat (6g of saturdated..0g trans fat). ...calories however are: 210. Protein is 14g. I used this as a meal replacement.....and certainly NOT everyday. Not ideal...but not bad tasting. I DO like the 14g of protein. Gonna check out dietdirect.

Might try those Slimdownbars...or Pure Protein from Walmart...I THINK there is less calories,but more carbs.

I am curious about your "oh yeah" bar. Does it fill you up? Is it very big, bigger than a candy bar? I have a sweet tooth at times and would not mind using this at lunch sometimes when I don't have time to get away. Thanks!

Oh, glad to see you are going back down. Also...how fun is it that you are a motorcycle mama!! I love riding on back as well. I tried my hand at driving once and hit the neigbor's privacy fence, and I should add, he was a grumpy man before I hit his fence...

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Birman-
May I ask if you started this journey with the IP products first and then later found your own alternatives or did you start with alternative products?

I find the products to be very filling and the last time I did this diet, I started substituting 1 alternative product after 5 weeks and found that I still lost weight.

You are doing a great job---your weight loss is very motivating!:)

Thanks for the welcome back. Been doing pretty good at IP (altho I am using both IP and Lindora...and just received a pkgs from Diet Direct...haven't tasted any of those yet tho). This time, I didn't have those terrible withdrawal symptoms that I had in September....I felt pretty good. Only lost 3# the first weel (had a lowcarb beer at Bike Night the night before....put 2# on me overnight!!).

Motiv8edmama: The Oh Yeah bars fill me up more than any other bar I have tried....but NOT as well as the IP bars. I prefer the peanut butter one with the white frosting. Trick is to drink a lot of water afterwards (it must expand in your stomach...lol).

WannabeIP: Wow girl...you are doing fantastic!! I am really proud of you!! Yeah...I got within 2# of goal, and freaked! Don't know why.....But NOW all the clothes I made to fit me at 152 are too tight....so I GOTTA do something. The clothes I had when I started IP are TOO big.

Talked to Ottawa via PM.....she is doing good. I am sure she will be back on the boards soon.

Hope I lose a few more #'s by the weekend. We are going on a Charity motorcycle run....and I am riding with a new guy. I am always terrified that when I step on the peg at my weight, the guy and the bike are gonna fall down. Forgot how much I missed motorcycling with my hubby.......

I had to laugh at this. I am the exact same way. I also ride horses and have to use a bucket to get on as I am always worried I am going to tip the horse over on me...LOL. I wonder if these feelings will ever go away.

I am glad to hear you didn't go through too bad a time getting back in the phases.

Torchlaker- Oh I hear ya on the freak out... I am really close to goal and stalling getting there but I am gonna do it, I joined the challenge for summer which will get me to my goal, I have given myself till them (and hubby) once that is over I will goto phase 2. I am sooooo happy you are back, how is Ottawa doing on phase 4? Did you ever hear from MeganO?
Those cloths you made ar gonna fit you again in no time, not to worry... thats the great thing about this it happens quickly... I was actually talking with my husband about getting my bike license today... a few people in my family ride, might be fun to start!!!!

nothing to do w/IP
 

I just have to share w/you motorcycle folks - Tonight my husband had the Sportster idling in the drive....next thing we know we hear a crash and the bike has fallen over - AWAY from the kickstand. WTH?
Ever hear of that happening??? Needless to say - he was not happy - he was having a bad day and that just sort of topped it off :(

Oh goodness toomanycats, how upsetting! Was there much damage done?