WEEKEND CHAT, October 16-17, 1010
 

Welcome and welcome back to the Daily Chat thread -- introduce yourself, ask questions, post your plans for today, share what's been happening!
:welcome3:

Some forum lingo:
NSV = Non-Scale Victory
TOM = time of the month
WI = Weigh-in
WF = Walden Farms

Progress photos have been moved to the Mini-Goal Photo Album.

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Have a terrific day!

happy weekend everyone. As my husband says....time to sit around and do "nothing." Since I started IP 4.5 weeks ago that is what we have done (except a walk here or there and grocery shop). I have avoided all social occasions and going out. My first social event may attend will be November 5th (turned down everything before then). Then we are going for an overnight at a casino on November 25. Until then I will control all food that enters my mouth. Down 23 in 4 weeks.....almost 1/3 of way there.

Any newbies...enter your weight on our thread and I will update the chart.

Have a great successful weekend everyone:carrot:

Good morning all! I've been just hanging around reading the posts. It is so wonderful to see all of the great weight loss successes and NSV victories! Congratulations to all of you!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! I pray many blessings for you all and when you feel that you can't make it just come to this forum and reach out to someone and there will always be support for you.

I love you all!!:hug:

Good Morning everyone and thank you weekend for arriving. I'm loving the sunshine we have today with just a touch of that crisp cool weather so fall is definately arrived.. I've already been out and about to enjoy the changing of the leaves.. I have a question that I hope someone can help me with... I am having my first real "carb craving" out of no where.. I've been on the program now for 4 months and this has thrown me some as it's not happened to this strong a degree before.. any hints on how to squash it other then flood it with water or ignore it to know end.. also any thoughts to why it might be occurring?.. this forum is like an "ask and you shall receive" place for me so I look forward to any and all insight... CONGRATS TO EVERYONE on all their achievements and good luck getting thru the weekend!!

Good Morning Everyone!

The weekend has finally arrived, however, I still have one more night shift to do, but tomorrow, shall be glorious, as well as my next 4 days off!

Surprisingly, it is still very warm here in Manitoba, and the sun is shining. Typically it is sub zero by now with snow sometimes, so these summer like days are so welcomed!

I am beginning to get used to cooking for this diet and maintaining meals for my children. I am finding work, just a little tougher, but am seeming to manage without any major slip ups!

Today is day 16! 13 pounds lost, 16 inches lost, down a pants size, and looking into my closet at what I might try next! :P

Have a super weekend!

Good morning fellow IPers! Happy weekend!
Have to go to Value Village today to look for something to make a dragonfly costume. I am in a 'boolathon' next weekend to raise money for Kid's Help Phone. Hope I can find some wings! If anyone has any great ideas on how to make a dragonfly costume, let me know!
Also going to check out Costco for some of the alternative shakes etc that I've read about.
I have a question for the techies out there. How and where do we post progress pictures? I think I've picked one that I'll use as 'before' and going to take a 'current' picture in the next week or so.

Something that helps me when I am craving carbs is to make zucchini chips in the oven. I slice zucchini into thin slivers, put them in a ziploc bag, coat with olive oil and bake in an 400 degree oven until they are crisp like. Turn them half way thru the cooking process. Then I add seasoning when they are finished. Some people have good luck with them and others don't. Mine usually turn out decent and satisfy me for my need for carbs. Worth a try for you. Hope this helps.

Carb craving, progress photos
 

I don't know why it's happening. My experience is that cravings go away as quickly as they arise. One thing I've done is to add a little fat to my diet. When I have the carb cravings, I make sure to get the full 2 tsp of olive oil, or if I've been having 2 tsp/day then I add 1/2 tsp - 1 tsp in a day. Fats interact with the same neurotransmitters as carbs. It works for me.

If turnip is on your list of occasional vegetables, they make nice crunchy chips when cooked the way iowahawkeyemom does zucchini chips in her post immediately above.

The 3fatchicks forum moderators have asked us each to start a thread iin the Mini-Goals sub-forum
You'll see that some of us have put a link to our Progress Photo threads in our signatures. I haven't updated mine in 2 months. :nono:

thanks Iowahawkeyemom and I'm svelting I will give your suggestions a try!!

YEA!! YEA!! Healthy at last!!!!!
 

When my weight got to 132 pounds my BMI fell into the normal range. I'm at the high end of the normal range, but I'm in there. Yea for my health. I should end up in the mid range of normal.
Although my loss has been slow in my opinion, it has been steady. I feel great, this eating plan is fantastic. I can't wait to get into the 120's. 129.8 sounds great to me. I just have to find long pants and jeans. I have Capri's and summer tops. I have nice long sleeve mock turtle neck tops from years past and short wool jackets that are in style now. The jackets are a size 6 and fit. I purchased some nice clothes from Petite Sophisticate in the mid to late 90's when I weighed 120, boy am I glad I kept them. I want to find a Petite Sophisticate store, maybe an outlet store. Any ideas of good stores that carry a good inventory of petites. There is a mall 30 miles from me. Their Sears store has a very small petite dept. I have shopped the Belk store. I bought a jacket, it is a brown and chocolate snake skin look. I am gong to wear it with black pants or jeans. Some one told me to shop for skinny jeans. Those of you who know my age may laugh, but I think I am going to. I don't intend to dress like a teenager, but I don't plan to dress like some women my age do. Why look older when you don't have to!!!!!!
I am so proud of each and every one of you for every pound you have loss and for the commitment you have made to change your life style. Knowing that you are healthier and look better than you did yesterday is a great feeling. The results are worth the effort. Agree? :broc:

Mid way on week 2
 

Mid way through my second week and I am loving it. I WAS really nervous about going out with friends, we go out on a regular basis. I am not longer worried. I thought that this diet would be like all the others that I have tried and failed at. After 2 weeks on other diets I was already thinking was I would go out and eat when I got to my goal weight. This time after less than 2 weeks I am thinking about the new clothes I get to go out an buy! I started purging clothes from my closet, taking a break now to check in. I am keeping some of the size 8's because I KNOW I will be wearing them soon. Some of the 8's I will not wear even if they fit because they are just to young for me..........46 a week from today.................the last time I wore them I was MUCH younger.

Having friends over for drinks and dinner tonight. Making cabbage rolls, salad and bread. NO bread for me and I don't even care. My salad will be lettuce only since my veggies quota will be met with the cabbage rolls. My "drink" will be soda water with lemon and lime. With other diets I have either gone off the diet that night or not had the dinner party! I'm stoked.

Happy IP weekend all.

Ok, so yesterday was, I think, probably the last time I go to the clinic except to buy food and maybe a quick hop on the scale, so I asked for final measurements. After my weigh in/measurements, I went to work to eat my first phase 3 breakfast.

Lost 3.6 pounds this past week, going from 131.8 to 128.2 in my third week of phase 2. I'm really glad I did that extra week, because the losses were big, and I can see a difference in the past week.

Total weight loss: 58.2 pounds
Total inches
Chest size went from 42 to 34
Waist went from 38 to 25
Hips went from 44 to 37.5
Arm went from 11 to 8
Thighs went from 22.5 to 17.5
A total of around 42 inches lost! Now, I don't think that they measured me in the same spots, but its fine, I'm totally happy with my losses.

Polished off my second big breakfast this morning...delish!

I know it's a weekend so it's harder for many, I just have to say that the journey is totally worth it. Stay strong, keep going, you'll be really happy with the results.

One, it's so disconcerting seeing you post in the morning. :D You're usually my signal that it's time to wind down.

Two, if vicarious experiences count for anything, mine is alive and well. We started at almost the same pounds and you're 1/2 taller than I am. But even more, I really admire your steadfastness.

Hey dear friends, I hope everyone is doing good. I am sick to my stomach since last nite, and my office is close today. Is there anything I can take to feel better besides a lot of water, and extra diluted chicken soup? I dont want to put my ketosis at risk., any advices welcome.

Another Newbie
 

Hi All!

I am new to this but just started IP last week and love it so far. I lost 13 lbs the first week and was all excited until my coach told me, I lost too much water and too much muscle mass so actually gained 6ozs of fat! Hrmp!:mad: Then I reminded myself, had I used my own Walmart scale, I'd be ecstatic over 13lbs gone - who cares where it came from! Anyways, she upped my IP packs from 3 a day to 4 a day to save my muscle mass (but gee that's expensive, I can hardly afford 3!). Oh and now I have to drink 100 ozs of water a day!

Tonight I go out to dinner with some friends from church. I peeped at the menu online and I see that one of the dishes actually has cauliflower puree as a side dish so I'm excited. I am going to plead the chef to whip up something I can dunk the lobster in besides butter....

Anyways, I lost 13lbs (regardless of what my coach says) so i am going to put a little "peanut butter / jelly" dancing carrot for every 5 lbs gone!

:carrot::carrot:

Oh my gosh!! I just found a recipe for cauliflower 'rice'!! I cannot wait to try this with this IP Chili or even make some curried chicken and rice! Whoo hoo!!

Check it: http://www.lowcarbdiets.about.com/od...r/caulrice.htm

Well I have to say this is going to be an odd Sat for me. I haven't slept as late as I did since...I dunno..maybe in my 20s when my kids kept me up all night. I actually slept over 12 hours!! So, getting up at lunch make getting all my packets in a little more of a challenge :)

I need to do some yard work but was told to be careful being on week 2 not to do too much work...what do ya'll think? It is a great day and I would love to get it done, but at the same time, I could use another lazy day lol

Fun video
 

Saw this youtube video ... might give you a smile. ;)

Even Frostie the Cockatoo does a little bit exercise. Pretty sure s/he is on a high carb diet though.

Wow this is getting expensive
 

Ha Ha. Drinking a gallon of water a day is expensive. With so many trips to the bathroom I'm going to go broke buying toilet paper and my water bill to the city for flushing so much! haha

Good Evening All!

So I made the most amazing supper! I made Chicken Fajitas!

I used chicken breasts, soy cheese, salsa, green peppers, onions, and celery! I only used about a tablespoon of cheese on mine, but it was yummy! All wrapped up in a large romaine leaf.
I used Epicure Fajita Seasoning.
My entire family loved it, I even had Mom and Step Dad for supper! I had regular salad and served them Southwestern salad. The only difference, is that I gave them tortillas with their chicken!
Supper was a success! YAY!

Tonight is my first night shift while on IP. Wish me luck! :P

Confused and in need of help
 

Default Confused and in need of help
I realize this site seems to mainly for women but I've looked alot of places on advice for the IP diet and I kept coming back to here looking for recipes, advice and have found tremendous inspiration from people doing amazing things.

I am a former college football player, I played linebacker at 240 lbs and was proud of all my "beef" I put on during college. The problem I realized soon after my final game was that my "beef" was really jiggly and I didn't want to be that way. I've worked really hard to drop to 195...mainly by consistently trying to limit what I eat as I am out here acting as a geologist on oil rigs (very sedentary work) and by trying to be somewhat active and limit my talent of consuming alcohol. ;)

I'm currently on my 4th day of ideal protein...I've been extremely strict at following the sheets I was given. The problem is I'm ALWAYS hungry. I try to drown it with water, I figure "oh it's the first few days suck it up pansy." I guess I'm just asking for a little advice. I've been in sports my whole life, wrestled 13 years, football for 12 with 5 of those at a college level and pretty much every other sport. So I like to think I know "signs" from my body pretty well, and my stomach is hating me right now but I really wanna lose these last 10 lbs so I'm not so self-concious taking my shirt off and just being more comfortable. I know my 10 lbs is nothing compared to some of the amazing stories I've read on here...I was reluctant to write on here after reading such inspiring stories from some amazingly determined people but it ate at me til I couldn't do any work, especially with all these oil workers setting out HUGE bowls of candy and garlic bread out on the table all day on my 12 hour shift. It's taking everything I have to resist "just one."

It sounds like everyone sees amazing results the first week, I'm really hoping so too. I'm anxiously waiting for "ketosis" breathe and read on another site that sometimes it takes form by leaving the body through urination? I hope that's true because I seriously piss like every 15 minutes.

I've also heard back and forth on coffee...I just do mine straight black, so is it ok to have more than one cup? I read somewhere in here that one person was told all they needed to do was drink a cup of water for each cup of coffee...anyone?

I'm also a little confused on working out while on this diet...I read on one site that it isn't recommended because of the limit of available energy before your body starts eating away muscle and that is the LAST thing I want to happen. So should I skip my every other day "lift" time while strictly following phase-1 of ideal protein?

Thank you to anyone with any help. I hope I don't come off as insensitive because my weight loss goal is much smaller compared to some peoples...some peoples stories have really inspired me on this website, to all of you here is this -----> :hug: I'm the pink one hugging you for inspiring me. I don't care if I'm pink, besides pink is sexy and it's breast cancer awareness month

Just got back from town -- went in for WI. In three weeks I have lost 17.2 pounds :carrot: Clothes are getting looser -- my husband thinks I need to go shopping very soon :D

:welcome: meathead! No you're not being insensitive. Your 10 lbs means as much to you as my 50+x! Just don't flaunt your likely very significant first week weight loss in our faces! ;) Brag about it, sure, but don't rub it in too much.

A couple of questions:
Are working with an Ideal Protein coach/clinic?
If yes, face-to-face or by phone/email with Ideal-to-go or some other option?

Post a day or two's worth of "What I ate" and we might be able to assist you.

Hunger: A couple of ideas
How many packets are you eating? Although the Phase 1 says 3/day, the additional "information sheets" I received say that you can increase that to 4 or 5 especially during the period where you're adjusting. I've had 4 or 5 packages on most days since I started.

One thing that a lot of us didn't realize when we started is that lettuce isn't part of the vegetables. So, have 2 cups of cucumbers, pickles and broccoli and unlimited lettuce in addition. You can also move some of the veggies away from the meals and have them between meals.

Having packets with higher protein counts -- omelets, soups, some of the puddings -- may help too. There's a Nutritional Info Summary of most packets attached as a pdf to the 5th message in the IP Food Alternatives thread. You'll have to be logged in to download it.

Ketosis: Some people never have the common signs and symptoms of ketosis -- metallic taste, energy increase -- and still burn fat and drop pounds quite consistently. One way I know I'm in the fat-burning mode is that I don't crave carbs, have those "umm, I want to eat something but I don't know what I want" feelings that go away if I find something else to focus on, or get actually hungry at times that seem unlikely -- 1.5 hours after a decent meal.

Good luck and post again!

There's not much I can add to what I'm Svelting! says but please do look at the exercise thread. And I would definitely go light on weight lifting at least for the first 2 weeks. Coffee -- it's pretty universally agreed that the right procedure is 1 cup of water for each cup of coffee after the first cup; and go light on caffine. This holds true for soft drinks like Pepsi and Coke, even 0, although it's best to just eliminate those altogether for a wide variety of reasons.

I think you're doing the very best thing you can do by reading as much as you possibly can on this site, especially Tips for Newbies, Phases 1 and 2, Recipes, and the facts sticky.

Congratulations for taking your life in your own hands, and WELCOME.

Luck. Shift work must be the devil, especially when your on a diet, and when people around you want to munch through the night to stay awake.

Day 7 of IP here, WI on day 5 (4.8 lbs down) - just having a kind of frustrating defeatist day. Like I'm hungry but I don't know what I want, nothing sounds good, all I want is french fries. I should mention I've been sick for the last 4 days and I dare say that's been affecting my moods as well.

It's my own fault that I'm hungry this afternoon though - left the house at 12:30 to run errands without having a packet before I left, getting home 4 hours later and STARVING.

Anyway, just whining - I do better during the week because I'm working and not fixating on food! Any ideas for motivators, other than shopping for bikinis online? :-D

Well, the old standbys: have a packet and lots of water or hot tea.

My best suggestion, though, is it start reading threads, especially the stickies. You can get so caught up AND learn so much, that you forget you're hungry. But do try the tips above, too.

Welcome! First, the site isn't just for women, and I'm sure Dave (Salesgod) would welcome having another man to offset all our, ahem, girl talk. We're happy to have you.

I agree with I'm Svelting, you might just need another packet. Honestly, when I went though a 'hungry' time on the diet (there are times when the thought of food is revolting, too...) I had an extra packet, 3 oz of lean protein or an egg without feeling guilty about it. It's extra calories, but its better than eating something off protocol because you're so hungry, or giving up on it all together. It's also likely that you simply need more because of your size or your muscle mass. There is also an althletic protocol that allows for an extra packet a day, depending on your lifting routine, you may need it for that. I also found that when I did a lot of activity, I needed that extra protein.

Don't worry, I know that many have found that you don't crave carbs at all after some time on the diet. The one thing that will make you the most successful on the diet is learning what to prep for...if you have a spare bar or shake in your car, purse, office, other places, it will be much easier to maintain without getting hungry.

Went to a party today that's about semi annual...and this woman is an amazing chef the the spread is terrific. While I was there, I was looking around at all the stuff that was there at the last party, too, and realized...I probably consumed close to 1,200 - 1,500 calories or more at her last party. It was an eye opening experience about how I used to eat, and why this diet is truly life changing. There was stuff I could have had, but didn't. And I didn't focus on it or feel any remorse that I wasn't going to get to have it, either. Big steps. Big steps.

JC

WOW!! That is so inspiring! We started at a similar weight and similar measurements. I've only lost 25 and feel like I will never get the rest off. How long did it take you?

You will! 25 pounds since August is great! I started on May 10, so it took me 23 weeks to get to here. I often lost slow, or nothing, but then would have weeks where I lost anywhere from 3.5 to one week where I somehow lost 8 pounds. My average according to my spreadsheet is 3 pounds, but all the weeks weren't there, for sure.

Good luck!

Well, I can post during the day during the weekends, just never have time during the day when I'm at work. And then when I get home, it's cook, prep for the next day, errands, etc. Sometimes a little crazy and awhile before I can sit down and read everything.

I'm pulling for you, I know you'll do it -- I'm so impressed that you're sticking with it in Germany! Good luck...also, noticed that you get your Rhubarb from Corvallis Oregon...about 1 1/2 hours down the freeway from me. It's a nice little farming/college town.

JC

Thanks! I would love to have a week where I lost 8 pounds, or even 3.5! Whew, I can't imagine! I usually lose 1 - 2.5 (every week for the last 7 weeks)! But, I am so glad that I'm not gaining! This diet is definitely the best!!!

I cheated and my counselor told me that I would have to be removed from the program if it happens again. (Has anyone heard of being removed from the program?) That gave me a renewed commitment. I have decided that I do best when I have a goal. My Dad is coming to visit November 13th and I want to weigh 150 lbs. That would require me to loose 14 pounds. Should I cut out my restricted, which I love or do a restricted in the morning and the other 2 non restricted (packets less than 3 carbs) later in the day. Any suggestions.

I remember reading that someone was "kicked out" by her coach; it was for wanting to substitute alternative products, if I recall correctly. I think there's something in the original agreement we sign at the first meeting that might allow for a coach/clinic to remove a dieter from the program for non-compliance.

Given that we burn so much fat on IP, you probably look as if you weigh 150 now! It looks as if you've been losing 3 lbs/week on average, so you'll probably be really close to 150 if not below it by Nov. 13. Count on looking as if you weigh much less than you actually do.

Your best guide on this is your body: How has your body reacted to having the restricted packets? Did you notice a difference in your pounds lost or your energy when you have 7 restricted items in a week vs having one less frequently?

Feeling much more sane now after dinner (steak, green beans, broccoli) and with my chocolate pudding getting chilly in the freezer.

My NSV for the day - comfortably wearing a bra that I had to put in a drawer a few months ago because it was digging in horribly on the sides.

Happy weeekend! One week down, ? more to go!

Hey JollyCrewzer We are quite similar same height and start date (beginning of August for me) And our weight loss is close. I thought I would be done by now! lol! But I am kinda glad I am not because I would probably revert to my old ways.
I am a courier/hotshotter so I spend all day driving around the city. You have to be stong to avoid the burger/fast food joints! I never get a hot lunch anymore and a good salad is hard to find and alot of days I don't stop so that makes eating salad difficult. So far I have been eating raw cucumbers,and celery. Sometimes I mix it up with mushrooms and radishes lol! I really look forward to supper but there are times when I have to go out of the city thank goodness for grocery store rotisserie chicken. I eat alot of chicken! So medicmom keep that in mind when travelling, grocery stores are our alternative to restaurants.

Thanks Pegsi!
I often think about the grocery store. but totally forgot about those chickens! Awesome idea!
I always carry a ziploc of celery when I'm on the road with work, and I cut up baby dills into dime size pieces. Sometimes, I just have to munch to stay awake. I work really crazy long hours sometimes. So far its working.
Thanks for the email today, its nice to have people that you can lean on, even if you might not be strong for yourself sometimes! We could get into trouble like we did when we were kids! LOL!:devil:
We'll see you this summer when we can both be skinny, sitting on my deck drinking beers, and our kids can drive us around! LOL!:dizzy:\\

I want dancing things for my pounds lost! A few posts and a few days to a ticker and signature!

:df: :df: :df:

Good luck on your goal for when you Dad comes to visit. I am sure he will be amazed at how great you look not matter what.
REALLY? Removed you from the program because you cheated? That sounds a little harsh. I just read through all my paperwork after reading that. I will be going off program, not totally off overboard, next weekend for my birthday weekend away. I hope I don't get "kicked out" :o for having a birthday. Eeeekkkkk

I think the diet has affected my brain! I went to the Vet to get the kittens their shots and came home with a Weimaraner pup. :crazy: YIKES! What was I thinking? - I'm an old unclaimed jewel who works full time and swore I'd never do a puppy again. I guess I've assured my new workout program - dog walking will be my lot. Wish me luck - and not too much buyers remorse. :dizzy:

Congrats! It's your Ideal Pup! Honestly, I have a weim, and they are wonderful. They DO needs lots of walks...mine is old and still needs lots of walks, so you're right about that.