I love grilling but Illinois is very cold in the winter. During this time I do a lot of broiling, and grilling on the stove top. I bought a cast iron flat pan with groves that does a great job and it's easy to clean, for $15.

I am reading this book also. I downloaded the cookbook that came out last week. I plan on using this when I begin phase 3 and 4.

Does the cookbook look good? Do you recommend it?

Yes, please let us know. I'm interested too. I'm also going to check the book. Sounds like it would be a great tool. I want to avoid getting bored eating the same meals.

I've ordered the book and the cookbook. The recipes in the back of the book look good so the cookbook should be good too. I'll report soon.

Well I just made the decision to move to phase 2. I've got my trip coming up and want to be able to eat 3 meals a day. I was going to wait until next Saturday but I usually do things on impulse when I think the time is right. I'm going to get that book and see what it says as well. Wish me luck.
Paula:carrot:

I'm enjoying phase 2. My cravings are gone and I'm starting to adjust to eating 2 meals of regular protein, veggies, and salad, plus 2 packets. The first day I felt like I was cheating but now I don't. In two more weeks I might be starting phase 3 and to be honest I can't wait to have my large breakfast everyday, just like I did before IP. The difference now is that it will be a healthier one. This I think has been one the hardest parts for me because I love to eat breakfast and having only a protein shake with coffee was a difficult adjustment, but I managed and made it through and it was worth it.

I'm with you. :) Breakfast was my best meal of the day. OF course, I often had dinner for breakfast -- steak, fruit salad, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.

I would be careful with the Buddig meats. They are usually highly processed, containing too much sodium and sometimes sugar. I usually bake some turkey breasts and add some chopped to my salad for lunch. I also might add a HB egg.

I'm starting Phase 2 today, too. I actually was on Phase 1 1/2 last week. LOL. I only had the 2 regular meals every other day. I'm nowhere near goal, but my coach said it would be okay since I've done well, and I understand the concept. Don't know how long I'll stay on Phase 2, but I certainly appreciate the fact that my coach is allowing me to do this. Otherwise I would have to quit IP entirely because of the cost.

BTW - I'm reading "Why We Get Fat - and What to Do About It" by Gary Taubes. If you've read "Good Calories - Bad Calories" (by the same author) - or if you couldn't get through it - this book is much easier to understand and a much quicker read. It's not a diet book, but outlines all the scientific research into obesity and obesity-related illnesses. Extremely helpful!

After a week on Phase 2 I feel great. I lost another pound, but I'm not sure how accurate this is considering TOM arrived today and I feel a bit bloated. My abs and feet are swollen. I have been craving sweets all day, but that is normal for me. I always crave sweets during this time. I’m starting week 2 tomorrow. With God’s favor, I plan to survive this week and move on to phase 3 next Sunday. I’m very happy with the results of this program, but I need my breakfast back!!!!

Great job!! You seem to be handling the different phases very well.

I am so happy you started this thread! I have been scouring other threads too but only found things about Phase 3 and 4....which of course I am looking forward to!

I started Phase 2 today. I am planning on 2 full weeks on Phase 2, and I hope to be 3-4 pounds less by then. I find myself getting impatient for the end and something that seems more "normal", whatever that is! However it is SO worth the struggle. I am thrilled with my new body, and I am ready to start more exercise to firm up.

Count me in too for going to Phase II. I'm heading to Cuba for the month of Feb. and I've been in phase I since Nov. 16.. and I've lost 25 pounds... wowhoo.. I feel great... but nervous, more nervous about phase III. My coach has suggested I just go and enjoy my holiday and we'll go with phase I for a week when I get back and then Phase II for 2 weeks and then.... cha-ching...
What I really want to do is eat properly and exercise... So my question is.. should I do phase II starting tomorrow... until I leave and then be very active on holiday and eat sensibly. And be done with this $IP$ Diet.

I think 147 for you height is a good goal! I know you have 140 as a goal but I bet you look amazing! You will still lose weight on phase 2. My loss was 1 pound on week 1. I think I might loose more this week. But if I don't I'm happy with my current weight. I think people could still loose on phase 3, although between phases 3 and 4 there might be a one time gain of 2 to 5 pounds. Just think how content you are with the results so far and decide if you would like to give phase 2 a try. Good luck!

Linden, Sorry for the delay! It does look good. I look forward to trying many of the receipes. I do like the ease of the maintenance phase. I think that I will use this plan when I finish phase 3 of IP. I think that it will hold me more accountable. What do you think?