So glad I could make you snort - er - laugh! :rofl:

[QUOTE=Novak;3376339]
The truth is that most people are more concerned with their own bodies than anyone else's... they just see you as you. Then, when you lose weight, they eventually notice that you look different... they may not even know why.

Here on the boards, we're all engaged in the same general activity, so we're more tuned into the process. We're still focused primarily on our own weight loss, but I am in awe of you and others who have taken on challenges even greater than my own, which was no picnic! This process takes tremendous strength, and not everyone has the fortitude to stick with it. You guys are my heroes... truly.
QUOTE]

That's funny you should say "most people are concerned with their own bodies", I continue to tell my mom similar things, I need to be practicing what I preach...LOL!
You are awesome Novak! :D

Way to go!! :carrot:

There is no failure in falling off the horse as long as you are willing to get back on. Don't be so hard on yourself!! :hug:

So sorry to hear this happened to you! :hug:

Maybe you could give me some photo tips then, how do I pose and keep my double chin a secret?? LOL!!!
Also, if you keep making fun of Erin and I for our age and keep trying to steal our man, she's gonna come up here, we are gonna drive to Arky, and we are gonna swat YOUR fanny! And believe me, we'll be good and warmed up for it as we will have given her hubby a good swatting before hand! Wathc out little missy!! :p

Way to go Nichole!! :hug:

Way cool! Do you have any music web pages we could hear you? Sounds like you've got something very exciting in the works...YAY for you!! :carrot:

I am new to this site but have found lots if support here already! I am starting IP tomorrow and little nervous about it. We have a very busy weekend coming up with a bithday party and a little league cook out. I just want to do this with out any cheats!!! I have not been successful with diets ever! I lose about 10-15 lbs and then that is it I go right back to where I was. Any tips for beginners?

:)

First of all GOOD LUCK!!!! :) The way I look at it is there's never a better time than now.. there are always going to be occasions and events where there is going to be lots of food around you that you can't eat, so you can't avoid it. The week I started IP my sister and her best friend were visiting at my house for the whole week, pigging out on pizza, chocolate, ice cream,... you name it. It was HARD but it really put me to the test and after surviving that, I had no doubt in my mind that I can do this! :) And if I can do it, anyone can!! :D

Soon2Be

how exciting!! i hope you can share some with us;)

nichole!!!!

you are almost to your goal!! yipee and congrats!!

TAB

i have purchased 2 100 packs of those sticks since starting in late april and i'm almost out:lol: you do the math...i like them, it's comforting to know that everything's working:) and i'm obsessive by nature. you can pick them up at your local pharmacy, bayer brand ketostix. 100 is about $15.

I've been catching up reading and I love how supportive everyone is here! You guys are great and so knowledgeable - I'm sure so many people appreciate all the info and support shared here! Thank you to all of you - even in my 2nd week I can see how easy it would be to quit without 'hearing from' people going through this diet! :hug:

Soon2B Congrats on your news! Hope you can share more about it later - sounds exciting!

I had my 2nd weigh in yesterday and lost 4.6 lbs, but no inches. Is that weird?? Where did it come from if I didn't lose even a quarter inch anywhere?

Thanks Erin, Lady5andy,taylormayde and motiv8edmama. I am so very thankful for your support and please know that I support all of you right back!!

Augustbride-5 months ago, when I was brand new here, I was so jealous of everyone who had started months before I did. You won't believe me BUT honestly, it seems like yesterday. The time has flown by and SOON you will be weeks/months into this plan. In the beginning I was so excited about the promise of success with IP. I haven't been disappointed at all. Good luck and keep going...
Tripmommy-my advice would be to stick closely to the protocol, especially in the beginning and BELIEVE. Believe that you can do it and that you will have amazing success. Good luck!

Thanks for the vote of confidence!!! The support here is awesome!! I do feel really excited to be successful!

Cool! I had my consult/weigh-in this afternoon.

After reading everyone's posts, I may have lucked out. The place I go allows me to buy single packets and in the first 2 weeks, I can return unopened product. So I'll be sampling all the unrestricted product by the end of the second week.

In having had 2 lower carb days before weighing in, I may have shot myself in the foot with the next weigh in. I weighed several lbs less than I expected. When I got on my scale at home, I was 15 lbs less than what I weighed on Monday. So next week may be less than spectacular on the "official scale." We shall see.

I think I may be having a carb-withdrawal headache. I'll fill my water bottle and toast my fellow IP travellers. Cheers!

Update on whey safety
 

Since the Consumer Reports review of whey proteins and potential for cadmium (et al) toxicity, I called Abbott Labs (EAS whey drinks) to talk it over with them. Their advice, even with their own products, is just to have 3 whey drinks per day and no more. I would tend to agree with that, since we are eating dark leafy greens, and I love shellfish, which are natural sources. So at least they answered my concerns, however IP has not responded to my request for their data and assurance. Interesting.

Thats so awesome! Thats the same as my official loss my FIRST week!

I've been crazy hungry today too. I dont have a clue why.

I wanna hear you!! Do you have a youtube? Myspace? Lemme hear lemme hear! You're gonna be the next Carrie Underwood, blowing up in your career and shrinking in your body!

For real though, make sure the camera is always at a higher elevation than you. Not like over your head but just slightly higher than your face, tilted down. Also, face the camera at a 45 degree angle bend your outside knee and pull it in to your body, and keep your outside arm's hand on your hip. It works, I promise!!
As for the swatting...I thought about it, and I just have to say...why don't you guys let me keep Jacob, and you guys can have Edward and Emmitt- they're much closer to your age, what are they 107 and like 90?

Miss Taylor!!! You are about to be in for it!! LOL!!! For one, you need to have a little respect for your elders...hehehe...and for two, a hottie like Jacob needs a woman with a lot of experience. I mean, come on! You can have Edward, he is boring and unexciting and I think with your youth, you may be able to spunk him up. So, if you don't mind, you keep your grubby little paws off my man!

Ratfancy...way to go calling EAS!! I continue to use their products and will until I reach my goal. I wonder what the problem is with IP that they won't respond. Hmmm...

Do we need to turn the hose on you two? :frypan: lol

Courtney Cox called. She wants her Cougar Town back :) And I need someone who can keep up with me!! Edward makes me fall asleep. Plus Taylor Lautner already has a history of dating girls with the same name as him, so I fit right in :carrot:

For real though, I saw a hot guy who looked like Jacob in the mall the other day. My friend wouldn't let me go talk to him cuz she said he couldn't be older than like 15, but I didn't care! YUM! ;)