Goodbye Phase 1! Hello Phase 2!
 

Since there are some of us moving on to phase 2, I started this thread to share our experiences as we journey through this new phase. I would also like to read from those who are on phases 3 and 4 or have been on phase 2 for a while.

You could use the Life after Phase 1 thread; consolidate the information; and make it easier for people to find it?

Linden the thread is 30 pages so I got tired of reading, plus I can't be on a computer for long periods because of shoulder pain. I have read up to page 8 and most of what I have found is about phase 4. I don't know how to consolidate Phase 2 info from that thread. Do you know? It would be nice if that could be done.

After being reminded that the Life After thread is getting full, and what you say above, I think you're right. Sorry about the shoulder pain. :hug:

I agree Coqui. When I phased off before Christmas, I tried to use the Life after thread but everyone else was on phase 4 and I couldn't find the support I was looking for...even when I asked. I think this thread is a good idea.

Congrats on phase II! And if the other thread is full... maybe it is a good idea to start a thread for each phase. I'm not there yet, but it will be nice when i do! :)

Phase 2- Day 1
 

I officially started Phase 2 today. I always ate my regular meal for lunch, then an IP soup, veggies and and salad for dinner. Today I had a lunch as usual and then dinner just like lunch. I'm not complainting, because it was so good, but I feel I have eaten too much, sort of like I have cheated. I am so full. The good part is that I'm not having the after 6:00 pm cravings for IP unfriendly no good for me foods. Perhaps my body was signaling that it was time to move on. It's just the first day, so we'll see what happens this first week. I'm hopping to drop the last 2 pounds and 5 more in the next 2 weeks,otherwise I plan to stay on this pahse until I do in case I gain 2-5 pounds during Phase 3, which is likely to happen. I'm setting the bar at 140 as this is the highest I should be for my age and height.

I know how you feel, Coqui. I'm on my second day of Phase 2 and am feeling pretty stuffed tonight, although I did eat later than normal too. I'm struggling with feeling like I'm doing something wrong or cheated, but I've done nothing more than remove a packet at dinner and replace it with my own protein. I'm trying to just shut it out and trust the system. I think that's why they want us on the phase for a minimum of two weeks - so we can come to terms with the difference in how our bodies and minds react to the changes.

Do you suppose this is a normal reaction to entering Phase 2? I've been on Phase 1 for so long I really didn't have to think about choices all that much.

I'll be going to phase 2 next week. I almost always eat my meat for supper. What do people eat for lunch, especially if they take their lunch to work? Would it be OK to eat Buddig turkey or ham?

I'm finding it tiresome to cook meat in the evenings as it is. I was so used to my husband grilling for me every night until the weather got cold. I've been using the crockpot a lot, just throwing some frozen chicken breasts or a pork roast in, but after being on low all day, it's kind of "shreddy." Not that that's bad, but I'm getting kind of tired of it.

P.S. I think this thread is a great idea.

Don't stop grilling....just because the weather has changed. In Alberta, some of us tend to grill year round. Or get a George Foreman grill for inside. We use that a lot too, esp the larger one with interchangeable (dishwasher safe) plates.
For lunches I usually take leftovers from the night before. Chicken, roast beef whatever. I also have several cans of salmon and tuna at work so I am never without good protein at lunch.
I must admit I have a hard time with salads in the winter tho. I tend not to eat them and rely on getting enough of 'other' veggies to see me through. Some days are great....others I am a bit low on the veggies. Mushrooms, cauliflower and purple topped turnips seem to be mainstays.

Haha! If only I could get my husband to grill for me in this weather!

Yes, I really should get a George Foreman grill. That's a great idea! Thanks!

Congrat all for beginning phase 2!!! Glad this thread has been started. I am not entering this phase yet, but want to prepare myself for when I do.

I have also been reading the Life after Phase 1 and agree it is geared more towards phase's 3 and 4.

I do leftovers as well, but I work from home right now so it's easy to reheat. I also just got some Jennie-O turkey breast that I can cube for salads. I wanted ham or canadian bacon, but can't find any without sugar added so I may just wait until after I phase off to add ham back in. I'll be working in the real world soon, so I'm trying to think ahead of what choices I can have.

OMG! I read the post; looked at the picture; and said Who's that? to myself. Golly Neds. You were so pretty before. When did you get gorgeous?

I am reading a book called the Metabolism Miracle that sounds a lot like IP but with regular food and does address moving to (their) stage two to re-introduce carbs to the pancreas. This book spells out what you can eat for those that are confounded with food choices in the different levels.

Hope this helps.

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?

Thanks Coqui: I have noticed that my goals are set higher... rather lower, than everyone else. I do feel amazing thank-you for the encouragement. I will go on Phase II. I must read up on it. I think you just replace one of the pkg. with a protein at one of the meals... and then I guess there are more types of vegis allowed. .. I will do some research... And awesome for you to be under your goal. kudos to you. with thanks..:carrot:

I have switched to phase 2 as I leave for Mexico on the 26th. I will start phase 3 on Sunday so I have a couple of days before we leave to get used to it. I don't normally gain weight in Mexico as I have a sensitive stomach so I'm cautious about what I eat and with the warm temperatures I drink more than I eat. Also we do a lot of exercise like walking, snorkelling and this place we are staying at has bikes as well. I just want to maintain and then get back in high gear when I get home to finish the last few pounds that are left.

Week 2 on Phase 2 seems to work as good as phase 1. I'm loosing more!! My next WI is Saturday, but my home scale showed a 2 pound lost this morning. I still want to wait to see what the scale at the clinic shows. Regardless I'm moving on to phase 3 for 2 more weeks, then I plan to stop going to the clinic and monitor myself. I tried some alternate items and they are not as tasty as IP, but for phase 4 I think are okay for the one day after the cheat day. We'll see! How is everyone else doing? Please post!!

That is wonderful!!! One of the former members, NOVAK, use to regularly mention how she continued to lose in phase 2. She even lost a bit in phase 3 before stabilizing.

Good luck to you! I am so happy it is continuing to work!

Carla you were one of my top motivators. I'm so glad you are back posting. Your messages and your progress pics kept me going more than my IP coach. I thought about leaving the clinic and do it on my own, but then the food wasn't so great from other companies. Nevertheless, here I am at the end of the rope and very happy I made the decision to follow this porgram.

Aww. I am glad I was able to help share your journey. I am very glad you found your way and stuck with it.

The program is great but, learning you could set the goal and meet the goal seems to have as much value when it comes to weight loss. It really does help us to feel accomplished and less defeated. Knowing you have the tools to lose and keep it off is.... empowering! :hug:

This will be my last week on phase I, then on to phase II!! I am also a little nervous and glad you made this thread!! :) I can't believe that for lunch I will have to eat 5oz of meat as well as my salad! Seems like sooo much!? hehe I am hoping to still loose the last 10lbs I have, we are planning on going to Mexico in March and I'd love to be at goal for that!! I'd also love to be at phase 4 by then so I can enjoy my first all inclusive trip!!! :D

Good luck to you on phase 2. You should be able to continue loosing!!

I was hoping to start Phase 3 today, but my coach is a bit concerned about it. She thinks I should reset my goal to 135 because I didn't loose as much on Phase 2 ( 3 pounds in 2 weeks). Her rationale is that between Phases 3 and 4 some people might gain up to 5 pounds due to the body's reaction to the change and it's adjustment to glycogen levels. As a prevention meassure she thinks if I go on Phase 3 at 137 and gain 5 pounds I will be above goal. For my age and height I should weight no more than 140. So I think I will do it for another week and see what happens. If I survived 14 weeks without the big breakfast (no bread , no fruit, no dairy), I can survive another one. I have to be positive and think that Phase 4 is around the corner. I can do this.

My coach said the same thing, you tend to gain about 5lbs in the transition, so she also wants me to get 5lbs below my goal. The only reason I am going to phase II now is cause I am going to Mexico in the begining of March and want to enjoy it! :)

I think you can do it... seems like you have a good outlook!