I have lost weight 3 times in my life.

in 1988 I lost 30 pounds on weight watcher which worked until I was pregnant with twins

in 1990, at 190 lbs, I got rid of the 50 pounds of baby fat using the WW food exchange principles. This involved lots of walking.

Now twenty years later, after believing the hype that low fat and fat free were the tools that I needed. I would drinking OJ instead of coke thinking that it was a good thing. I gained weight on healthier choices, food with more vitamins along with more calories. I was so clueless of the effects of carbs and how it effects my desire to eat more. I know that carbs, sugars were causing my high triglyercides and caused me to have spikes of energy before the crash of no energy.

This is my third time, but the first time that I am more aware of what my body really needs. This is the first time that when I shop I have a clear idea of what is healthy, really healthy, not just for weightloss, but forever.

The food is expensive at first. Then I noticed how much I save at the store not buying junk. And what I thought was healthy, natural cererals, granola, lots of fruit, lots of whole grains had many problems. It is not that I won't have these things, but I will be so much more aware of the effects if not in moderation. I am saving some money on food now. Instead of the breakfast bars for a quick breakfast, I boil 6 eggs to make deviled eggs. I throw out the yokes, and fill the eggs with fat free rocotta cheese, and mustard with spices. I put them in the fridge and when I am in the need for a protein for breakfast or snack I eat two halves of deviled eggs. I can continue to eat like this after I get to my target weight.

And I know that I will get to the target weight, But this time I am not hungry getting there.

Don't worry ... a weekend off from the gym won't hurt you... it may actually be a good thing... just get back on track when you get home... I promise you will live :-)

Ok so I did some arm excersises and stuff with weights yesterday and I'm up over a pound today :0(
this is not good!

:coach: Ma'am, step away from the scale.

Thanks for talking me down Novak LMAO

Does anyone order the Ideal Protein Packs instead of going to nutrition center or clinic? If so, who do you use or suggest to use. I have a friend that wants to do the program, but can in no way afford the start up cost at the place I go to. She really would do well on this.

Thanks

I agree with Novak.... step away from the scale! LOL

it's normal reaction.... Here are some answers for you I found online:

If you've noticed your weight going up after starting an exercise program, don't panic! It doesn't necessarily mean you're doing anything wrong, nor does it mean you're going in the wrong direction. There can be some obvious and not-so-obvious reasons you're gaining weight.

Your first step is to determine if what you're gaining is actually fat or muscle. Muscle is more dense than fat, but it takes up less space...if you gain muscle, your scale weight may go up even as you're slimming down. Rather than just using a scale to measure your progress, you can get your body fat tested on a regular basis to get a better idea of what you're gaining and/or losing. If that isn't an option, you can take measurements at different areas of the body...if you're losing inches, you're on the right track.

Scales are frustrating, and very inaccurate. You can gain 5lb. from one day to the next due to water retention. Weights along with cardio, are extremely efficient in getting the body you want. Remember anything is better than nothing. It all counts for something. To check body shape change, notice how your clothes fit. Way more accurate, easy. Don't punish yourself unnecessarily, stay off of those scales!!! weight training can be your best friend. Use light weights with more reps.

you're building more muscle mass, which is denser than fat. So while that may translate to an overall weight gain, your body fat percentage has decreased and you're more toned than you were before. Your body also requires additional water to break down and store the glycogen, so that will also add extra weight. ...WATER WEIGHT....so don't worry about it!

Ideal to go
www.idealtogo.com

Wow, I sure wished my clinic would measure all of those places! My watch is looser, so I'm sure my wrists have lost a little. :)


Oops! I did the caterpiller because I hadn't seen one on here with it.... sorry I "took" it from you, Bev! You can always be the original blinking caterpiller, okay?! ;)

My other choice would've been a picture of my dachshund, but there's one of those on here already! :)

Me too!! :) We do save money in the long run, cutting out JUNK or just higher carb foods we used to buy weekly!!

Good morning all! My scaled finally moved down almost 2 pounds this morning- whew! I was worried since I get weighed tomm morning at the IP place.
and their scale is always higher than mine.. I had a bar for breakfast each morning this past week since that's what my coach told me to do, so my blood sugar levels wouldn't flucuate so much.. I have not eaten the bars before, since they are higher in carbs and sugars.. will it slow down my weekly weigh loss if I do have them daily???? Has anyone noticed??

Also can we have fresh tomatoes daily on our salads?? They are in season and sooo good! Thanks in advance!!

Holy Shmoly...guess what.

I totally wore a size 10 pencil skirt to church today! That's right- size 10. I've had it in my closet since freshman year of college...with the tags still on it. I decided this morning that I was going to try it just for kicks. Well, it fit. It really fit! I looked tiny in it. Even the fiance noticed. He said, "Babe- you look fantastic". He says that to me anyway, but this time he was truly shocked. I've been wearing my normal clothes so they've only been getting bigger....not showing off curves.

Take that horrible week! Even without losing an ounce this week, I'm still in a size 10! WOOOOOOOO!!!!
:cp: :hat: :dancer: :cloud9: :encore: :cheer2:

OH AWESOME HONEY!!!!! :carrot::carrot::carrot:
when's the wedding????

YEY! see? we should focus on inches more than weight, I swear!

Hi, everyone. From the little bit of reading I've done here, you are all such an inspiration. I'm new to this site and am going to be starting the IP diet this week. I have my first appointment set up at a health and wellness center for tomorrow night. My sister has been on this diet for 3 months and has lost 40 lbs. Her daughter has been on it for 2 weeks and has lost 13 lbs. I'm sold and can't wait to start. I have a lot of weight to lose...I think around 60 lbs. Seems daunting right now and I'm a little nervous, but am excited to start this journey and am hoping it really will be my last diet.

You have taken the first and most important step! Now work it as it specifies and you will see results...GOOD LUCK!

Thanks, Elizabeth. Have so much to learn about the diet as well as this site. First question, where does everyone find the weight chart milestone bars that are in your signatures? They're great!

...well I woke up this morning feeling like crap... run down and achy body...had an AWFUL carb loaded weekend (no excuse for it, out of towner celebrating Bday and all) and I did climb Stone Mountain yesterday... so don't know what of everything (if any of it) did it...but I believe I will now be hating pizza LOL...and top it with hormones? ahhh the joys of womanhood... Woke up CRYING! how about THAT? yeah, had a bad dream and then woke up and remembered and started sobbing! Head cold too... ugh... so not feeling well.

Well tomorrow starts another week and I am on track today so lets hope I can turn this around cause LORD it SUCKS!

lovs2swim.....I had 60lbs. to lose, too. I have lost 48. It has gone fast. I have found so much help on this board and I'm sure you will, too. You will be so glad you started IP. You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner!!! Good Luck to you and welcome.

Ugh, sounds like you're a mess! :hug: Herbal tea, a good book and a nap sound in order. Also, lots of water to flush your system out. Hope you feel better soon!!

You have to be on the board I believe 21 days and also have a certain a mount of posts before it will allow you to add a signature weight tracker.

Well tonight we are going to the movies and meeting with our cousins so no can do... I really hope the sweating at the gym helped too... Tell you what, definitely stayed on my Fat Burning zone FOR SURE... I was dizzy otherwise LOL

Thank goodness I don't have to get up early to go to a job tomorrow... Hopefully I will heal by then... It's just I have not been sick in a while...ugh!

Thanks for the good thoughts and advice... absolutely pounding on the water today

Hugs back :hug:

Coastalcrafter - Also can we have fresh tomatoes daily on our salads?? They are in season and sooo good! Thanks in advance!![/QUOTE]

My protocol says we can have tomatoes twice a week - so I have one whole (smaller) tomato at a meal twice a week, along with raw cuke and/or cauli to make up the 2 cups. I treasure these times as the tomato gives the salad such a nice flavor. Our season is so short here that I will enjoy them as much as I can !

Loves2Swim - welcome !! I too, have a substantial amount to lose and I started with 40 pounds. That to me is doable ! Anymore to me was overwhelming to comprehend. Now I've passed this first goal...I start over. 40 again, ahhh a cinch ! You can do this too ! All the best to you !:hug:

WELCOME!!! I HAVE A LOT TO LOSE TOO, BUT TIME GOES BY FAST AND IF YOU DONT CHEAT, INCHES FLY OFF YOU! I HAVE WEIGH IN 4 TOMM...

FOR YOUR WEIGHT TRACKER, YOU HAVE TO BE A MEMBER 20 DAYS WITH SO MANY POSTINGS, AND THEN ON DAY 21 IF YOU CLICK ON YOUR USER CP, YOU WILL SEE 'EDIT SIGNITURE, AND CLICK ON THAT AND FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS...

Thanks, Elizabeth. My niece just gave me a list of foods for the jump start, so I'm off to the store so I'll be ready to start first thing Tuesday morning. Hope you feel better.

Thanks for the welcome, WyoSun! Can't even imagine being 48 lbs lighter. You must be feeling on top of the world. I'm off work for the next 5 weeks and would love to be able to go back there 15 to 20 lbs lighter. Not sure if that's possible. Actually had a coworker tell me Thursday: "You need to get control over your eating." She's a good friend and meant it in a positive way, but still....:(

Thanks to you, too, Coastalcrafter and Emma Jayne, for the welcome. What a friendly, supportive place this is.

My inlaws invited us over for a bbq today (last minute) so I baked some cookies as I'm always expected to bring dessert. No big deal, I made espresso chip cookies as I hate coffee. Hehe. I'm also expected to cook ALL the veggies but I'm sending my husband over early to do it. I'm really exhausted from hiking yesterday and this morning and I have more errands today. I'm bringing pretty much my own food as I feel bloaty and don't want to guess on what might be there. I've gone up a bit this week but since I've been so strict I'm pretty sure it is just water weight from the massive heatwave we are having.

That does seem odd, even as a cute quip. She knows men lose 5 to 7 pounds a week!

Sorry you coach responded that way. Sometimes, I think they forget how the littlest change can effect results for some of us. They also forget that there enthusiasm can effect the next week in some cases.

I hope you have let it go and are focusing on doing well between now and your birthday. You have already seen such great results! Just think what a great birthday gift you are giving yourself losing the weight :)



My understand is fruit is added so that your body begins to learn how to respond to a healthy sugar. It causes an insulin spike which, means the pancreas has to be awake. I don't think you can avoid it unless you have a true allergy to fruit.

Although a fruit headache isn't rare, it is more on the uncommon side. Some people who experience fruit headaches actually develop migraines. There are a couple of "suggested possibilities" for what causes this reaction. Some sources say it is a chemical in the fruit. Others say it is the rush from the insulin because of how "sugar loaded" fruit is. Or, another possibility is that the acids in the fruit cause the headache. These are all in addition to people having intolerances or allergies to fruits.

Foods commonly reported to create this reaction are: citrus, bananas (these do it for me), dried/preserved fruits like raisin, craisin, apricots, dates ... look for sulfites in the label, papaya, mango, passion fruit, fig, dates, avocado, raspberries, red plums, black or red grapes, apples, and pears. Some people react to melons and stone fruits (peach, nectarines, apricot, cherry).

In general reactions to raspberries, red plums, papayas, passion fruit, figs, dates, eggplant, figs, grapes, oranges, pineapples, plums, prunes, and raisins, banana and avocado are because they contain tyramine (amino acid), although at levels lower than aged or preserved cheese/meats. Tyramine can cause blood vessels to dilate, and this may be what starts the migraine chain-reaction in some people. If that is your cause, you most likely also get headaches with salami, pepperoni, soy sauce, sauerkraut, aged cheeses, terriyaki sauce and nuts.

Fruits such as apples, avocados, blueberries, dates, kiwi fruit, peaches, raspberries, figs, grapes, plums, strawberries, cherries, grapefruit, and prunes contain salicylates which can cause multiple symptoms depending on degree of intolerance and can cause headaches. IF you were allergic to salicylates you might also react to: alfalfa, cauliflower, cucumbers, mushrooms, radishes, broad beans, eggplant, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, and hot peppers AND Aspirin. This is just a short list as salicylates are in many foods, spices, cheeses, tomato paste/sauce, and other chemicals right down to toothpaste.

There are other reasons for fruit intolerance, mostly related to inherited tendencies for food intolerance and allergies, or lack of enzymes to digest. There are rare fructose malabsorption issues but the symptoms of this are so severe a person is diagnosed with this very early.

If it is that the fruits are too high in acid, try eating them on the less ripe rather than overripe side. A trick, for phase 4, is to have anything very acid like banana or orange with a bit of honey, the sugar helps many people. If it is an enzyme issue, start taking essential enzymes with your breakfast or when you take fruit. It is possible that you are lacking an enzyme or coenzyme to help break down a sugar in the fruits (think lactose intolerant as a comparison). Getting the added enzymes will be good for you anyway as a complete essential enzyme has elements to break down fats, proteins, carbs, and several other elements much more efficiently.


Congratulations!! a new job in such a perfect setting, I hope they do get the IP program in. You should encourage it. Maybe he can use you as his coach. :)

Wonderful NSVS and in the 180's! You must be on :cloud9: !!

Congratulations on the capris! You must be so pleased!! Scale result too! WOW. And, didn't I hear you were going to get new wedding pictures someday! You better start thinking about having the dress sized if you keep going like you are! :)

I lost all my inches from upper body first. Once in awhile my hips or thighs would respond but it was mostly neck, shoulders, back, ribs, arms, and torso (abs/waist/tummy) areas. Only in the past month have hips been started to go and I think that is because it where the most of what I have left (butt, thighs, calves) resides.

ROFL!! TOO COOL! I love that. I wish we had a way of keeping all these amazing but true stories. Some thread or something to look back at. THIS is going to be a classic :) So happy for you Novak! You deserve that kind of compliment.

Kettlebells. I have been starting to get interested in them. Do you find they are too strenuous for this program? Do you do them at home or somewhere else? What do you use, a tape, dvd, book, print out of exercises? TELL ME MORE, PLEASE! :)

Just be careful Erin. If you stall out or lose little this week, remember you made a big change. Back it back down to 3x a week and see if results improve. If that is still too much of a stall. Go back to 2x a week. REALLY, I have it on good authority that someone was stalled losing, was doing Zumba 4x a week. When they backed her back down to 2x a week it was a sudden lose of weight again. Find your tolerance level

It is the acesulphame K (ace K) it is very common to have sensitivity to this. I get a little crampy, gassy, and headachy but not enough to make me stop using it. I just use it very rarely.




Rocky, I completely agree with you. I kept the parts of your post (above) that I had gone through or related to. I have learned to approach a grocery store differently. I don't need anything that isn't on the edges and most of what I get, including eggs, meat, and fish can be found at the farmer's market. I look for recipes that are low carb/low sugar/gluten free/vegetarian/raw/paleolithic or something that I can modify to that.

I look at restaurant menus differently. I review them online if I can. If not, eating out is now about going out and being in the company of someone I enjoy and not about the food. I KNOW I am eating a protein, veggies, and a salad. It will be the simplest and most boring thing on the menu or that I can get the kitchen to prepare and it will probably be the same thing I had last time. WHY? because I have come to realize that a healthy way of eating is much less exciting and marketable in a restaurant. Most people want all the extras. I am ok with enjoying my social time and not the food.

I am much more vocal to my family about why I won't eat things now versus in the beginning. My nephew and niece (both age 8) are now telling their moms and friends.. we can't eat that it isn't healthy. it has to many carbs or sugars.. whatever. It is cute. My little niece says "I can't have that tomato.. I already had some and I want some strawberries later." She is starting to understand that even healthy foods have carbs and sugars and can be "not good" in the wrong quantities. I like watching my sisters look at food differently and my dad and his wife too. ALL of them are starting to change their diets because of how changing my diet benefited me.

For me, the aha moment occurred after a cheat. I realized several things. The food didn't taste like I remembered ; very disappointing. It left me feeling sick; also disappointing. It left me hungry. It left me tired after about 20 min. That all made me realize, I was never going to be going back to how I ate. MY body was not designed to eat that diet and, it loves this one. I know I won't always eat as strictly and I know dessert will be an option. I also know, cheats will be allowed. I just realize that my future diet is more like what I eat today that what I use to eat.

I do the same. I can really do all my grocery shopping at the farmers market. They don't have skim milk but that is the only thing I need that I can't get there.

Lynn, I know you are doing the Lindora plan and foods. I know they are a little different in their program. I think they allow fruit and bread earlier. Do they also allow cheese, like the ricotta? How far does 1/4 cup of ricotta go to filling up the 6 eggs? I ask only because Ideal Protein doesn't allow for the cheese or the added dairy fat til much later in the program. Also, not sure what brand you are using but I was trying to compare the exchange of egg yolk for cheese. It seems all you really gain is the lower fat and related lower calories. A good choice for phase 3 or 4 if you are on IP though.

1 egg yolk boiled is 0.8g carb, 0.8 g sugars, 2.4g protein, 5g fat

Frigo fat free ricotta has 3g carb/3sugar, 6 g protein in ¼ cup
Sorrento fat free ricotta 5g carb/4g sugar, 10 g protein in ¼ cup
Sargento fat free ricotta has 5g carb/2g sugar, 5 g protein in 1/4/cup


The restricted bar use is an individual response issue. Some people can only do every other day. Others people show no problems with everyday. You can only have spaghetti or chili 2x during the week. Other than that the others can be used daily if you tolerate them.

TOMATOES... they are an occasional food. You are suppose to limit them to 2x per week. NOW, that said. Tomato in small... REALLY, I mean small, quantities will not hurt you. If you chopped 3 grape tomatoes on a salad every day just to get the color and taste of tomato it would not be a problem. The problem is North Americans have a diet that will encourage over eating of tomatoes. That creates a problem because of sugar and acid. If you can control the tomato usage, you are fine. Just use it like you would a spice, add just to enhance the flavor of something not to be the whole flavor.

I wish I had something really cheerful or consoling to say because you've given so much good advice and attention to others. Would saying it's all in your head[cold] help? Well, no, I guess not. I sure hope it's the thought that counts, though.

HAHAHAHA yes it counts ;) Thanks

Need to go to the store and can't tear myself away from this board. LOL. Does anyone mind if I ask a cellulite question? Just curious if any of you had cellulite prior to losing weight and if you've noticed any reduction in it since being on this diet. A lot of you girls are young and may not have experienced the horrors of it yet. I'm in my 50s and my legs are really looking gross. Hoping cellulite reduction might be a pleasant side benefit from this diet...but maybe I'm looking for too much. My sister's seems to have improved, but she started out in better shape than what I am.

It is supposed to help with Cellulite as well as it is burning your fat as an energy resource... just be patient!

"Our protocol not only ensures weight loss, but also stabilization of blood sugar levels and other obesity related issues. Ideal protein products also support cellulite reduction, skin revitalization and can be used as food supplements"

THE IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS METHOD

The Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method is a quick and healthy protocol with proven, long-lasting results. Our gourmet protein foods contain highly assimilable, high-biological value protein isolates combined with essential amino acids and are complemented with supplements and mineral salts.

* Lose 3 to 7 lbs. per Week
* Primarily Promotes Fat Loss
* Helps to Maintain Muscle Mass
* Tones & Revitalizes Skin
* Supports Cellulite Reduction <----there it is!
* Promotes Vitality & Energy
* Naturally Suppresses Appetite
* Re-establishes Pancreatic Function (Insulin)

OK!! So, caught up on the old posts in my last comments. NOW, on to today :)

I am so HAPPY for you! I know you needed that moment! :)

I am so sorry! Today sounds unpleasant. I would say go back to bed but, that is where it all started. Maybe go out get some sunshine??? I really hope you feel well and better soon. :hug:


:welcome: I lost over 80 pounds so far on the program. To see others great results, check out the progress photos conversations. You will be amazed at how much we change!

I am 41 and had major cottage cheese legs. YES!! It is almost gone! I have a small amount left on my fanny and on my thighs at the back near the saddlebag zone. Otherwise, BYE BYE! :) I even lost the cellulite that was starting to show on my arms and tummy. I am very please with how that has been effected by the diet.

Well, if anyone is wondering where I am the rest of the day, I will be cleaning out and painting my office! Not my greatest joy but it needs attention. I will try and get online once in awhile but, if not. Everyone have a great Sunday and keep those encouraging NSVs coming our way! :)

Thank you, the gym did help (I know, who knew right? hahahaha) but still feeling run down. I will live though. Heading out to watch The Other Guys soon and that should be fun.

NSV... well my Maid Of Honor (who had the emergency call the night of our rehearsal dinner and could not fulfill her duties as she had to leave town immediately) saw me again for the first time in 2 months and was kind enough to say "wow girl, you look great!"

YEY it's noticeable!;)

Welcome lovestoswim. Seems like yesterday I was right where you are now. If you are like us, you will love this diet. Follow the rules, including the olive oil, salt, veggies and water, especially in the beginning and it will all be good. And, when you feel like you need a cheat, cheat with IP food. It works! Keeps you on track and in ketosis. We have lots of motivation and inspiration and knowledge so take advantage of us. I remember feeling like there was so much I didn't know including whether I could have success on IP-- I'd been around the block with diets and was totally addicted to sugar and/or carbs. The best advice is to take it one day at a time. Otherwise it is too overwhelming... You will succeed!

Welcome lovestoswim....

I was in your spot a short 9 weeks ago and was thinking this morning, "where would I have been now if I had not started IP?" I decided that the 9 weeks would have gone by anyway and I would have been feeling about myself like I did back then, unhappy. Instead I wake up feeling like I have something to look forward to and thanking a friend for turning me onto this program...

Good luck...it truthfully works.

Marilyn

Oh, yes, finally getting to the end of Mango season...thank goodness...my two 60 ft trees had a bumper crop this year and my freezers are filled with peeled chopped mango's....can't believe I actually got thru this without even one bite!!! Thank you IP for taking away my cravings!!!!

Thanks for the encouraging words, Tricia and Marilyn. I'm feeling excited and a little overwhelmed. Reading on here makes me wonder if I'll ever understand what I'm supposed to be eating and when. Can't wait to be where you are today. http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/1770/smileyhersh.gif

Wow, so much to catch up on! Welcome to all of the new folks. It gets easier after the first 4 days. Congratulations to everyone for their NSV's. Went camping for 4 days. Stayed on track the whole time. I know I'm still pretty new (closing in on week 3) but it seemed pretty easy to do. Hope this keeps up. Weighed myself when I got back....definitely down and actually looking forward to the weigh-in on Tuesday as opposed to dreading it.

Thanks for this idea. My DH is in Phase III (while I am still in Phase I--dang men!) and this will be a great breakfast for him--and I can crumble the yolks on his lunch salad! And thanks too, to whoever did the research and pointed out the better "numbers" in Frigo cheese--I will be sure to get that brand. Funny how the same "product" can vary so widely!

You've got such a great mind set, thanks for sharing your determination!


I don't think there are ever too many dachshunds...my sister's new roomie has 2 minis and I cannot WAIT to meet them!

I feel the same way about tomatoes. I buy one pint of cherries (or 1-2 regular) at the beginning of the week and ration them out over 7 days. The others are headed for canning so I can have them in small portions over the winter. My DH has developed a recipe for chili that uses only one week's portion of tomatoes, black soy beans, etc. I'll get him to write it down so I can post it in recipes.

Congrats! This is great for all of us to remember that it's still all about the long term process and you are doing SO GREAT at kicking this plan's rear end! (literally!!) :carrot:

Feeling like crap today, summer head cold YUK...body NOT liking the Chinese food i had last nite....toooooo many carbs, good thing tomorrow is Monday so I can start fresh!!! :)

here's an idea...I wonder if we should start a sticky called something like "Using the IP Forum: Start here for all the "how-tos". We could put in there things like
--weight ticker
--posting photos
--responding /multiquotes
--exceeding 500 messages
--what/where are all the past chats for people who want to read them
--etc.
I know when I first started I had a lot of "technical" issues and would have liked this. What do others think?

I have often thought the same thing. It could have links to the main forum page that has all the answers (well except for the part about needing to be registered for 21 days and having posted 20 post to obtain you signature and PM priviledges). They could also include it in the welcome email you receive when you register. It could even be a closed sticky so it wouldn't get too full.
Rosie