First day on Phase 11 as well. Stocked up on lots of meat, and have the slower cooker on low with a roast and turnips and cabbages. I have two coaches, a mother and daughter, the mother told me one week for this phase and the daughter told me two, lol

I do - I still keep them handy in my purse for times when I get hungry. Better for me than grabbing a candy bar or having to resort to making not great choices! I kind of stocked up on boxes while I was phasing off (still buying 3 boxes when I wasn't using that many packets). Plus, you need to have stuff (be it IP or not) around for those phase 1 days.

I don't think that the length of phase 2 is as important as the 2 weeks on phase 3 is! :-)

Yeah, I know that feeling. I was terrified for the first week of phase 3.

I just started phase 4 last week. I was traveling for work, and didn't have all that much control over my food, but I did the best I could.

I have a question for those more experienced than me:
The protocol I have seems like an absurd amount of food (mainly the 7oz of carbs with dinner.) Do we HAVE to eat all of it? Can I cut back (or just neglect to add in) the extra carbs and fat in phase 4?

I've started to gain some back, and while I'm not panicking now, I definitely want to stop this trend before it gets too far.

Lisa, seems like I remember in one of the "Life After" threads that somebody (I'm Svelting, maybe???) said they started out with a smaller amount of dinner carbs, then gradually increased, keeping it where it still felt comfortable...

hugs :hug:

I read that, too. It is one of the early posts in the original "life after" thread and there was quite a discussion. I have to go back and read that stuff again this week because I head out of town for my mini spa vacation on Thursday and it will be my first day of maintenance. FREAKY

Hello everyone!

I just started phase III this weekend. I wasn't quite ready to phase off but I was starting to have "spells" of nausea, dizzyness, lightheadedness and feeling faint. I am only 1 lb away from the goal I set when I started IP, so I figure that it is time (even if I had wanted to go even further with it). I changed my goal and starting phasing off.

I am still coming to terms with this decision and feel a little bit like a failure for not going another 5-10 lbs but I am super happy with my figure, weight and size right now and I feel that I have done extremely well and I am sure that I will eventually find my peace with this decision.

I enjoyed my breakfast this morning. I decided that seeing as phase III is only 2 weeks, I am not going to complicate things and I will just eat the individual items as listed on the sheet every day: 2 slices of toast (with just butter), 2 eggs (or I can sandwich the eggs in the toast), a glass of lactose-free milk (I am lactose intolerant) and some fruit on the side (I am thinking mostly berries). I can't believe I am saying this, because I never feel full, but this was a lot of food for me today and I wish we could split it over two (or more sittings) but I read the info sheet and I know that we can't. I will get used to it I suppose but I really miss just having a protein rtd drink box and a coffee for breakfast as it satisfied me and fit my lifestyle. I may go back to that in phase IV if I can...?

How is everyone else doing in phases III and IV? Updates would be nice!

Your slow cooker meal sounds wonderful! I may have to try the meat and cabbage this week!

Today is my third day on Phase III and I have a few questions:

My breakfast consists of:
- 2 slices whole wheat toast;
- 2 eggs OR peanut butter
- 1/2 cup 2% lactose-free milk
- 1/2 cup fresh mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)

- What kind/brand of bread are you using?
I find that as I am bringing back milk, bread and fruit, I am feeling moody, grumpy and not as "good" as I was feeling on Phases I and II (well, until the nauseau, dizzy, lighteaded "spells" that I started taking at the end). I am also getting quite gassy. I know that I am (very) lactose and (somewhat) fructose intolerant (could handle a max of 2 fruit portions per day before IP) and I am wondering if I could be fructose and/or gluten intolerant. At least the "spells" have stopped and it's hard to explain because I do not feel "sick" but I do not feel "great" either.

- I think that I would like to try a fat-free, sugar-free 9-grain bread that they make on location at a local bakery near my house, do you think that would be okay?

- If that doesn't work, I may want to try gluten-free bread. Any thoughts/experiences with this would be appreciated.

- Do I have to eat the whole breakfast?
Can I cut in half (1 slice toast + 1 egg + 1/2 cup fruit + 1/2 cup milk)? I NEVER ate such big breakfasts in my life and I am not gettng the hang of it. I actually fell asleep on the bus on my to work this morning trying to digest all of that food.

- Any other advice/comments would be greatly appreciated.


I want to get that "Phase I/Phase II "high" back!"

Please help!

Susie, I'm wondering if you're getting enough protein? It's supposed to be at least 25g, but more is ok. Maybe you need to add back some of the RTD that you were having in phase 1. It wouldn't hurt to try the gluten free bread, or the sugar free. Just go over the nutrient charts on the phase 3 page & make sure you're at or over on the protein, and under but close on the carbs.

Hope that helps - have a great day! :)

I am three days into phase 3 and so afraid of gaining....it feels like so much food...this is weird....because it is still way less than most people on regular diets eat....wow have we changed our thinking

Thank you so much for responding. I went back to the Phase 3 information sheet and checked my Myfitnesspal entries and I definitely have to revise things... my bread is too high in carbs (18-19 g per slice), I am not getting enough protein at breakfast (I only had 18g today) and I've already reached my fat quota for the day when I had my lunch! Yikes! :?:

I am really messing this up badly! Luckily, I have a tap class tonight, so maybe that will work to my advantage.

Phase III is like being thrown off the deep end! I know that I have to learn to swim on my own sooner or later but this is like going from sitting in a kiddie pool to being thrown in the ocean with only theory lessons a few practices on how to swim and no lifejacket!

I want an IP brand of bread! :lol:

I can do this... I can do this...

Hi Everyone,

I'm on phase 3. I'm not really at my goal yet but I htink I need a couple months break. I was feeling like I was going to start eating stuff I was not suppose to so I asked to be put on Phase II (last week) and phase III this week (for 2 weeks). My coach was OK with this as she said it's much better to do this than to start eating everything and gaining weight. I'm a bit disapointed in myself for not losing the last 15 pounds but on the other hand I've done pretty well and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I love the food we can eat on these phases and I feel like I can start phase I again in a few months.

I am a bit overwhelmed with the planning of the food (just like when I started phase I) so I'll be reading this and other threads.

I wanted to thank you all for posting and putting ideas. It's given me options I had not thought of.

It might have been me girls. I needed to play around with amounts. I'm sure this is the part where we all have to figure out what our individual needs are. I'm so carb sensitive.. especially to potatoes and most bread type products, except for once in a great while. The weight gain is almost instant.
At night I have about 4 oz of lentils, chickpeas, brown rice, but something tasty and with more fiber which the legumes have for sure. I do more phase 1 eating than just after cheat days as well. Some days ph.1 just feels better.
Right now back working in France...so fuggeddaboutit!!!! Last time I was here I was still in ph. 1 and pulled if off pretty well.
Now that I'm on maintenance I'm being careful, but not obsessive. Having a little wine and some nibbles of bread, but also brought my bars with me and that totally helps me keep off the rich desserts. I'll always have to watch the sugar...it triggers me like nobody's business. I've really had to accept this reality for my sweet little body, and I want to treat her as well as I can after all I went thru to take this weight off. I've been lurking and not posting the last little while, but it's nice to chime in tonite. Woops...it's after 4 in the morning. Still have jetlag. I'll let you know how I do when I get back on the 27th.

Today, I tried that 7-grain sugar free fat free bread from my local bakery and I also had more protein with my breakfast (2 eggs and a slice of ham) and I definitely feel better than I have the past few days. So, I am thinking carb/sugar sensitive... maybe not gluten after all (at least I hope not, but it still remains to be seen).

Like Sunnymae said so well in the post above me: "I'll always have to watch the sugar...it triggers me like nobody's business." This is a reality that I am going to have to learn to accept as she did. I already knew that I was lactose intolerant and fructose intolerant, so sucrose is not such a far cry from that and it makes perfect sense that everything that ends in "-ose" does not agree with me!

I love this board and knowing that I am not alone in my struggles!

For me, maintenance does not mean that this over... not by a long shot!

I also have intentions of doing another bout of phase I in the fall to try and lose the final 10 lbs that I have been hoping for (+ anything that I may put back on during maintenance - let's hope that it won't be much to speak of as I've worked too hard to come this far and don't want to blow it)!

Bump

I've always wondered what this means?

It took me a while to figure it out, too! :) it's just a way to keep the thread on the first page where it's easy to find - & I'm really needing this thread these days!

I've been off the board for awhile, with about 4-5 weeks of travel including just getting back from a work trip to Russia and Hungary. The great news? I did not gain even one single pound while gone! Yes, if anyone asks, IP works!

I think I'm Svelting had some great meal ideas earlier in the thread, using things like beans and yams instead of bread, especially for breakfast. Thought that was a great idea...maybe some kind of breakfast "souffle" with yams and rosemary and shreds of parmesan cheese? Or make huevos rancheros with a corn tortilla and black beans? etc. I've definitely found breads to be a problem, although I would not say I am gluten intolerant....just seems to make me feel "bleh" for the day.

Like someone else said (sorry I forgot to "quote") I also find that anything ending in "-ose" seems problematic for me. I only very occasionally allow myself to eat fruit (other than 1 T of fruit spread) and still staying away almost entirely from sugar.

Very interesting...while in Budapest I allowed myself some pastries which were really so amazing. And then said, "back in the US, no more sugar" and I've been able to do it with no problem for the past 2 days. So I do think there is something about permanently changing how you perceive food, and how your body processes food, because I was a total sugar ADDICT in the past. Very interesting for me to think about!

congrats to all the new arrivals in phase 2 and beyond... c'mon in, the water is fine! :D

So left work early with chills and not feeling well, took a nap got on my scale and o my surprize, hit goal!! I think I am going to stay on phase 2 to get to 125 or as low as I can get so that I have a few lbs to play with in for the phase 3 carb additions. My plan is to be in maintenance by the 4th of July week as I am off that whole week!! I am going to keep my menu as low carb as possible because carbs are my trigger! Well I feel better so gonna finish my salad then go fathers day shopping for the hubby (and me too)!!:carrot:

So, it's the end of day 5 on Phase III and I really feel like crap! :(

My complexion is going downhill (big zit on my chin) and I am back on Immodium again for the first time since starting IP (I took it regularly before starting IP for chronic "D"). I am tired and headachy too. I really don't feel like having any supper tonight and that is a rare thing for me!

The only things I've added are fruit, bread and peanut butter, so one of them must be the culprit. I know that I am fructose intolerant but I used to be able to have 2 portions per day without any problem before IP. I didn't have any fruit this morning but the ill effects of an intolerance are usually felt about 24 hours after the ingested food so... it's anybody's guess at this point.

I am not enjoying this phase one bit! :?:



Congratulations on reaching your goal! :broc:

Today is day 6 of phase 3 for me. Days 2-4 I felt crappy but today I feel better.

I got up and ran 2 miles this morning and then I at my perfect breakfast and then we had a department luncheon at work and I brought my own meat and salad and watched everyone eat all the yummies and then


I gave in to a piece of banana bread for dessert....I don't even like it that much, but this woman makes the most moist wonderful chocolate chip banana bread.

I felt so guilty I went out for a 4 mile power walk.

Came home to a perfect dinner and a bar for snack....

Not sure how I am feeling....guilty?????

this sounds like a peanut allergy to me. Just google the symptoms and you will see the big D is on the top of the list. If you were having that problem before IP that would not be surprising because peanut oil is in a LOT of foods these days. I would say cut out the peanut butter and read all your labels as you add back other non-IP foods. If you go symptom free for a few days, try some peanut butter and see--it's usually a reaction in a pretty short time (and I would only suggest this because it is obvious you don't have a life-threatening version of this allergy, but most people don't...just all those icky symptoms like fatigue, diarreah, cramps, skin reactions, etc.). Hope this solves it!

Wow! I never even would have considered that... something to look into!

Now I am awake in the middle of the night (from 2 a.m. and it is now 2:45 a.m. with what feels like a gall bladder attack, except that I have no gall bladder! I had it removed in 2005!

I have had attacks like this before IP and the best we could say is maybe gas? Gas-X (spelling?) seems to help. It hurts right where my gall bladder used to hurt and into the back of my right shoulder. At times, if feels like someone is stabbing me in the back below my right shoulder blade. Ugh!

Of course, we can't find the Gas-X, so my hubby is out in the middle of the night trying to find some.

I have no clue what I am going to eat tomorrow!

:?:

I reached my goal!!! I felt so bad for phasing off before reaching my goal and somehow, some way, I reached my goal this morning: 144.0 lbs and 30 lbs lost!!! Woohoo!!! :dancer:

Fantastic Susie!!! It totally didn't matter how or when you met your goal. Your body just needed to do it for you as you phased out. They know better than we do is what I found out after I reached my goal between ph2 and 3 and even then some in 4.
You're a winner and congratulations :carrot:

[QUOTE=Rocky Monarch;3891970]I've been off the board for awhile, with about 4-5 weeks of travel including just getting back from a work trip to Russia and Hungary. The great news? I did not gain even one single pound while gone! Yes, if anyone asks, IP works!



Very interesting...while in Budapest I allowed myself some pastries which were really so amazing. And then said, "back in the US, no more sugar" and I've been able to do it with no problem for the past 2 days. So I do think there is something about permanently changing how you perceive food, and how your body processes food, because I was a total sugar ADDICT in the past. Very interesting for me to think about!

Hey Rocky and Everyone
I'm trying the same approach while I have concerts in Europe...I'm being offered foods I don't normally eat and having smaller portions of richer foods, even had a little ice cream last night and a small piece of bread with some cheese. Keeping musicians hours and eating at odd times which is normal for me, but with the jetlag we're talking up till 5am. Good thing is that I'm in controlled environments where there is only so much food around and when the French are done eating, they are done! There's nothing in between. I can really see how they stay so slim here, so I'm doing as the Romans do when in Rome. Like you Rocky, when I return I'm back to no refined sugars and the usual drill. I'll let you all know how the weight does.
I'm so so grateful for this list and amazing community.:)

To the seasoned maintainers....how long were you in phase 3. I am going to start phase 4 on Monday....that will be 10 days in phase 3....is that okay? I want a full week of maintenance before Vegas.

I find I am terrified I will gain the 82 pounds back. Is this normal?

I am so afraid to eat. I am exercising like crazy because of the fear...at least 3 walks a day and every other day one of those walks is a run. I like to do 2 miles in the am and evening and 4 miles at lunch. Still doing the weight training 2X a week with the trainer.

Hey Darbs,
congrats on reaching goal! I did a full 2 weeks on phase 3, but I was not in any hurry and actually was relieved to take the time while I figured out phase 4! I think a little terror goes a long way;) Just remember that phase 4 is not your past life. It is a plan, just like the other phases are. And if you follow the plan, you will not gain weight. And it is actually an easier plan than phase 1, once you learn the "steps". (remember how hard phase 1 was for the first few weeks when you were like, "well, then what on earth CAN I eat???" and could not figure out vegetables? :D )

you'll do great!

Well, I didn't quite reach my new goal. My original goal was 175 and my new goal was 156 so I settled in the middle at 165. I stopped at hubby's request. All my size 8's are getting pretty loose (and I have been purchasing 6's in the past few weeks) and so are my medium tops (purchasing quite a few smalls now). I too feel ready to tackle maintenance so it is not just at his urging. I feel amazing and this diet changed my life. I am so focused on maintaining and keeping it off as I have been throughout the whole diet, but I am afraid to eat more because I will gain. It is nice to hear you all eating all the food we can and not gaining.

It is very hard to train the mind to stay focused even when you are at the size you want to be. I plan to work this summer on staying focused and on track and really beefing up the exercise more and more. I want to be the most fit of my life.

Thanks for any words or wisdom or advice.

Hello to all my fellow IP travelers...from Peru!

I am in Iquitos Peru on a medical mission. This is my first major excursion since starting maintenence. We are doing orthopedic surgeries for 1 week at a small hospital. We are being fed by the hospital and we eat what they give us. They are vegetarian so there are a lot of starches but not too many refined carbs. We have been warned not to eat the fruits & vegies so I'm eating a lot of rice. beans and potatoes. It's a little nerve racking but I'll go with the flow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Congratulations to all who have reached goal.

Lynn

Hello!
I'm not in Peru or Europe, but I did have a great time at the spa in AZ! Wow. What a wonderful gift. After all of our 'I'm not worthy' and 'I can't see the changes in myself' discussions it was just what I needed to clear my head. I spent a bunch of time trying to readjust to this improved body and tried to get beyond my comfort zone with meditation and other 'alternative' practices.

The thing I found so interesting was how I was choosing to eat... I found myself eating much like in phase 3. I added some carbs to dinner, but not a huge amount. I had dessert a couple times while I was there, too, but since it was a spa everything was 'toned down' and much more healthy. Nonetheless the one night I had 2 servings of soy ice cream rolled in pralines and it was incredible. I felt a little guilty at first, but that's what life is about, right? (To be honest, I got the seconds to go so no one could see me eat another serving.)

Anyway, I've been on 'maintenance' for a week and saw my second lowest weight this a.m. (140.2). Last night at a preschool graduation party I passed on the pizza and cake (come on, they really aren't THAT good), but had a few other snacks and veggies. Then today it was back to good ole phase 3 (ish) living. I think this will be my comfort zone. I just don't need a bunch of carbs at night every night.

Congrats on the SVs and NSVs. I have a lot to catch up on. One of the best parts of my trip was being disconnected from technology (by choice). I recommend that to all of you as well. I swear for a while there I was as addicted to this board as I once was to carbs.

Awesome! I'm so happy for you, and I hope you're starting to feel better. :hug:

I was thinking about you today, wondering about your time at the spa, so thanks for sharing a bit!

Funny you should say that you can see phase 3 being your comfort zone, as I've been thinking the same thing the last couple of days; enjoy the weekends a bit, and phase 3 (ish) during the week. So, here's to a somewhat responsible 1st weekend on maintenance! ;)

I see phase 3 being my comfort zone too. My problem is I used to drink often in social settings. I would like to think I am not an alcoholic, but I do miss a few drinks here and there.

Last night we went to a dinner and a movie place and I order the chicken caesar salad with blue cheese on the side, no croutons, and an appletini and 2-3 bites of my hubby's chicken parm.

today I will have no carbs.....I hope my mind has changed and that I can maintain

Day 7 of Phase 3 for me and I feel a bit better today. Yesterday, I still felt pretty lousy (headache and stomach pain all day). I haven't had any peanut butter in two days. Today, I had toast (Smart bread), srambled eggs, 1 breakfast sausage link and some watermelon (breakfast buffet at the off-site meeting). I also had a coffee with Stevia and a touch of milk.

I am having so much fun shopping for my new body! This is going to be too expensive... Yikes! I can't believe how I look in certain clothes that I could not even consider wearing before.

Today, I am wearing a new outfit that I bought yesterday to wear for the off-site meeting (a black pencil skirt with a short sleeved white blazer with a big black patent belt on it, a black cami underneath and black high-heeled shoes). An older lady on the street, a complete stranger, said to me, while waiting at a traffic light: "Madame, vous êtes chic!" (Translation: Ma'am, you look very chic!)... that was so nice!!! I am getting sooo many comments... I love it!!! :D

I am glad you are beginning to feel better. What a great compliment. That outfit sounds HOT!

I'll see if I can get DH to take a picture when I get home (he actually finishes work before I do today!).

ETA ("edited to add"): See for yourself (my new Avatar - sorry about the eyes being half opened/half closed but you get the idea)!

Also, I got compliments on my appearance from our First Executive Vice President, CFO and COO (one person with a really big title that means: "2nd in command")! :D

Love your new photo - you look fab (& tres chic!)

You also look really happy! :hug:

For those who stopped exercising while doing IP, I was wondering when you started exercising again?

I am startng my 2nd week of phase III today and I am looking forward to exercising again (would love to work out with my Wii Fit this morning) but I appear to still be losing weight and I just don't want to mess with a good thing!