Life After Phase 1 -- the second sequel
 

Life After Phase 1 - Original Recipe

Life After Phase 1 - The Sequel


PDFs of phases (clicking will open download link):
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4

thank you for starting this!!!

Thanks Svelting. Tho I don't post often, I am on my 2nd week of phase 3 and love this thread. I have read the original and the sequel from beginning to end. So much great info and insights in those two threads. I was disappointed to find the sequel closed this AM but knew you would come through. Thanks again.

Lynn

Yes indeed, we (I...who am I kidding?) need this thread, so I'm grateful for the sequel!
Weight loss note**I've been maintaining since early Feb. Lost my last 5 lbs while phasing off. My body got to the point at the end of ph. 1 that it had had enough and needed to switch things up. My coach talked about "tricking the body" by changing phases. It worked. The change in phases is chemically correct and also throws the body a curve ball. I am amazed at how well this has worked for so many of us. Same wisdom and science applies to the cheat day on ph. 4, not to mention planning for pleasure!

Health note ** My gallbladder has been acting up big time since I phased off. Started on ph.3 I thought it was the dairy. Got off for almost 2 weeks with no change. I'm trying to figure out what is triggering me. I'm now keeping my dairy and animal fats way low. My coach informed me the gallbladder and pancreas share a wall lining and sets of nerves. Some connection here, but I've yet to figure out what's causing the almost constant low grade nausea and sometimes stomach pain even drinking water. I also noticed stomach pain after taking my vites along with the IP potassium (taken since past October) I've read that strong Potassium doses can cause stomach irritation after a time. I will stop taking it for a few days and see if that helps. I'm having enough food groups now that would make omitting that safe for me even if for a week or so.

As always, your thoughts and experiences and laymans opinions are always welcome. Thanks to all the veterans out there. I plan on staying in this community for a LONG time. :hug:

Glad to see the sequel started. Great information and tips as we go through the phases. I am into week 2 of Phase IV and still struggling to figure out how to add more carbs for the evening meal without mixing them up with the fats! The first 3 phases were somehow a little easier - certainly the plan was more laid out. Funny to think that our kids were just going through a phase as they hit awkward moments in their growing up and here we are going through our own. I am thinking phase IV is like hitting adult status..all grown up and responsible for your own destiny.
Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Hi ! I am looking forward to the next phases i n the program. Am still on phase 1 but my weight loss is not as fast as it originally was. Just wondering if my body is telling me enough and maybe i should move to phase 2, even though I am about 13 lbs from my goal.
\my coach does not want to give me printed information on the next phases until I get there so I am wondering where can I access the other three phases is there a website or link you can give me. Any information would be great.

Tweety,

Go to the main Ideal Protein Forum page and then to the Ideal Protein Diet - Phases sticky. It's all there.

Lynn

Your stats are impressive by the way!

I'd also like to add my thanks to Svelting! I appreciate all the veteran wisdom here and have taken the time to read all of the previous threads for phasing off. I am still losing lbs and inches while ending phase III and am looking forward to phase IV otherwise known as life in the real world!

Sunnymae, I'm sorry to hear about your pain! I wish I could give you some advice or help, but I cannot. I do think though that your thoughts about cutting back on the vitamins now would be safe to try because you should be getting a more balanced diet. By the way, do you take your vitamins with some food? That is always easier on the stomach too. I'm wishing you the best as you try to figure this out with your coach and perhaps a doctor too.

Good Luck everyone! :D

Thanks woolberger that was very helpful

Tweety bird - welcome. Svelting also posted a link to phases 2, 3 & 4 at the top of this page. Thanks Svelting!!

Oops. I guess I missed that. Thanks Svelting and Christine.

Lynn

Phase 4 dinner suggestion: I posted this in the recipe thread. As far as I can tell, it is phase 4 friendly, since the PH 4 protocol sheet permits minimal oil (1 TBSP) and minimal meat (3-4 oz). I had this when I was on WW, and enjoyed it.

Stroganoff-topped potato

1 medium baking potato

1 teaspoon olive oil

4 oz beef flank steak, cut across grain into thin bite-sized pieces

1 cup fresh mushrooms

1 small onion, cut into thin wedges

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp pepper

1 can Progresso Light Savory Vegetable Barley Soup (18.5 oz)

¼ Cup fat free sour cream

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1. Generously pierce potato with fork. Place on microwavable paper towel. Microwave on high 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Cover, let stand covered 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, in 12 inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add beef, mushrooms and onion; sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, just until beef is browned and vegetables begin to soften.


3. Stir in soup. Heat to boiling. Cook uncovered over high heat 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream.

4. To serve, place ½ potato on each serving plate. Top each with 1 ½ cups of beef mixture; spring each with 1 tbsp parsley.

Per serving: 330 Calories
9 g fat
44 carb
7 fiber
17 protein
1100 mg potassium
880 sodium

ps, thanks Svelting, for opening the thread. Don't know what we'd do without ya!

Wow!
 

Hey everyone! I officially hit phase IV in the middle of September, so haven't checked in much, but I do "lurk" from time to time. I was on IP for 3 months and lost 45 lbs. Woot, woot!! Since then I've gained back 10, but, it's not as tragic as it sounds. Here's the deal..

I allowed myself 5 expected pounds and was totally ok with that. I did gain an extra 5 pounds over the holidays but this didn't really bother me too much. I always intended to get back on IP to lose the last little bit (10-15), I just needed a break, my body had had enough after 3 months. And quite frankly, it still doesn't bother me. I'm making better food choices, I'm exercising more, and I feel much better than I did before I started my weight loss journey. I really needed to get to a point where my mind set was ready to IP again. If you've done IP, you know what I mean!

So, I've bought all my veggies. I've bought all my protein shakes. I have the correct mind set to give it another go and get to where I want to be. I have a family dinner out tomorrow night, then Monday morning I'm back to IP-land for one month. I can do this, I did it for 3x as long before and did just fine. I've decided that at the end of 1 month I will phase out again, regardless of the number on the scale (although, I reserve the right to modify this at a later date ;) )

Wish me luck!!

Stacey

You should probably discuss this with your doctor. Having taken out my share of gall bladders in the last 3 years, the gall bladder & pancreas DO NOT share a wall lining (that is unless she is meaning that the characteristics of the two organs' wall lining is similar). Your gall bladder lives all snuggled up underneath your liver. :)

Mrs. D. New avatar. Nice!

Lynn

Sally M and Mrs D
I made my app't with my internist for next week. Been nauseous for too long now, gassy...the whole nine yards. For now I'm keeping pretty bland on the food and enjoying my jello :0)
Mrs D....I'm sure I misquoted my coach. Before I put foot #2 in my mouth...I will re-check with him and re-post what he really said.

Thanks everyone for these amazing posts, recipes and experiences for the road we're on and the one ahead. Great thread.

I'm glad you are going to see your doctor Sunnymae. Sounds like you are handling the situation. Be sure to let us know when you are better! :hug:

It was my oops, Lynn, not yours. You didn't miss it because it wasn't there when you posted. :o I added the links to the Phase documents after seeing your post; I thought it would be helpful to have the relevant information in one place for easy reference. ;)

The big breakfasts are still wonderful. I have 4 or 5 in my arsenal now, thanks to other members and their posts in prior "Life After" threads. Warning to anyone approaching phase 3: Get your calculator out! The phase is very strict as well as important, and each breakfast takes a lot of tweaking. Also, I noticed some worried about not eating in the morning. I think "Big" breakfast can be misleading. Every one of my breakfasts has been less than 500 calories. So in the scheme of things, it is not that big, but bigger than a bar or drink.

Someone posted yesterday, somewhere (sorry I can’t find the quote) that IP is successful because it incorporates how the body reacts to food, that changes are important to keep the body reacting properly to the food we ingest, and that is why there are mandatory cheat days in phase 4. I know my body is responding very well to the breakfast change. I can feel it in so many areas of my life.

Good call. Much easier!

Does anyone know if we are permitted rice on Phase 4 at dinner? Seems it would be ok since it is a no, or low fat carb.

Yes, but I would recommend brown rice, unless it's your cheat day. White Rices have a glycemic index of mid to high 80's

Thanks Rocky, I am good with brown rice.

Are you basing your dinner carbs on the glycemic index? Is that helpful to you? I am trying to figure out phase 4 dinners, since breakfast is similar to PH 3 and lunch is no carb.

I am pretty close to phase 2 and ready...I still want to get down about 14 lbs..so we shall see where we go..
My arms are really skinny..after phase 1 I am heading to the gym..and getting a trainer..I want my journey to continue and turn my sleek new body into a defined body...
I am excited..when my weight loss journey is done and I have hit my goal..
I am buying a new red swim suit...

My husband is starting today...and my son will have his 2nd weigh in tomorrow..I'm so happy that they have seen my results and are now ready to change their lives...

:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:
:dance::dance::dance::dance::dance:

I use the glycemic index as my indicator of "how close to sugar is it?" because I was so addicted to sugar before IP. I need to remain pretty strict with myself on anything sugar so I don't slowly slide back. So try to think about anything like that as a "treat" and not my every day. The "spike and drop" thing is just not good for me. I use all whole wheat pastas (and still only have pasta for my cheat), and try to keep my dinner carbs focused on things like squashes, yams, and whole grains.

Is it possible to Sticky the old "Life after" thread?
 

Hi,

I'm still in phase one but will be phasing out hopefully by the end of the month. THere is such good information in the life after threads. the first one is a sticky, but the next one was closed after this one was opened and I'm afraid it may get lost since we can't bump it.

Can one of the powers that be do this? I'd hate for it to go astray! It's called Life after Phase 1 and was started by Midlife Meggie

Thanks so much....

Until that happens, Svelting put a link to the first two "Life afters" (The Original and The Sequel) on the first post of this thread near the bottom. Anyone who sees this thread can easily check out the others. Thanks again Svelting!

Lynn

thank you. I'm sorry, I missed the link! :o

Sunny- I really hesitate to post this because I don't want to come across anti- IP but I really want to share as it's a health concern. I was doing some reading last night and I came across a link to one of mike eades blog posts (protein power) and he was saying that it's extremely detrimental to the gallbladder to be on a low fat, high protein diet. He and his wife managed their low carb wl clinic and they were the biggest testers of alli/ xenical for the company. Alli works byblocking fat absorption and also indirectly encourages lowfat eating due to the anal greasy discharge.. Sorry lol.. Anyway if I remember right about half the people developed gallstones who were on this plan! He explained the science of it being taxing to your gallbladder and pancreas but it went way over my head.

I can try to find the article if anyone is interested. I have deep respect for dr eades and he seems to be one of the most knowledgable lc guys out there. He's the one who discovered ecc (net carbs).

Anyway I don't want to rock the boat but I did want to let you know about this piece.
Respectfully,
Tara

As always, your thoughts and experiences and laymans opinions are always welcome. Thanks to all the veterans out there. I plan on staying in this community for a LONG time. :hug:[/QUOTE]

Sorry about that last bit of my post- Sunnis words, not mine. I'm writing from my touch and it's hard to scroll down to erase or modify.

You have lost 55lbs - you should be so proud!

[/QUOTE]

Thanks Tara,
I appreciate your imput. We're all here to put out ideas, and brainstorm with each other. I had previous gallbladder issues as did my Mother, so it is already a weakness in my body. I am taking an herbal gb formula that has worked wonders for me in the past. I am also visiting my internist and I'll let him be the final judge. Thanks again to everyone.

Good luck, Stacey!!

I'm not at the point where my mind is set to do IP again even though I want to get down to my original goal. How did you get there? I just can't make myself want to do it again..

Sunny- whatever the cause, I hope your gallbladder issues resolve themselves ASAP! (and that your md knows something about nutrition- seems like so many know frighteningly little) while I do value my gastro's And surgeons opinions, I have to say that I pretty much use my GP for refilling scripts and getting test results.. Lol

Take care :)

I told Woolberger (Lynn) today on the daily chat that I need to start posting more often on this thread. I know there are about 7 people who moved to phase 4 recently. I think that if we made this thread more active it would benefit all of us, what do you phase 4 chicks think? I did my second cheat day today. My first one was Feb. 20, I felt so bad the next day that I didn't want to do another one. So I waited 11 days before doing one today. I made brownies and homemade lasagna today. I can REALLY tell I ate sugar today. I have a little pressure in my head tonight. Maybe I am over doing the sugar on cheat days. Are all of you doing a cheat day once a week. I think I read that Rocky is doing one once a month, right? Spaghetti is an example on my maintenence paper work, I have had spaghetti a few times on maintenence days. I have never had miracle noodles. I hope I am eating my lunch and dinner correctly on maintenence days. I wonder if it would help some of you if we post what we eat on some of our maintenence days and get feedback from others, it would help me. How strict do you do phase 1 after cheat day? I am going to check this thread almost daily. Judy

Phase 4
 

So Judy. Here I am. I start phase 4 on Saturday or Sunday I'm having some trouble figuring out dinner meals (carbs, no fats). I have a couple of ideas.
1.Quinoa pilaf with chopped bell peppers, diced green onions, cilantro, black beans and maybe a little Boca Burger Crumbles. Could top with fat free shredded cheddar cheese. Can make this without added oil but there is a small amount of fat in Boca Crumbles, black beans and maybe even quinoa. How much fat is too much at dinner?
2. Boca Burger with lettuce, tomato, pickle, lo carb catsup & mustard and maybe slice of fat free cheese on a whole grain roll or bread.
3. Could make that a Rueban Sandwich using a lean meat, sauerkraut & WF Thousand Island Dressing on a whole grain bread.
4. My sister turned me on to a great bread made by Julian Bakery. It is a whole grain bread with (per slice) 109 cals , 12 gms of protein, 13 gms of carbs, 12 grams of fiber, 1 gm of fat. It is very tasty & filling. It is best to go to their website to find a store to buy it. I just ordered online. www.julianbakery.com. Check out Smart Carb Bread #1.
Just some thoughts. I would really appreciate any feedback. It's scary to step away from the strict protocol that helped us get to where we are today. Gotta love it! :D Look forward to exchanging ideas with everyone.

Lynn

Man...I also felt SOooo sick the night I had my cheat night. Nauseous and hung over the next day from too much wine after over 4 months with no alcohol. So, I already know my cheat days need to be more moderate. I wish there was another word for cheat day. Like free day or something. Well...there you go. So for my next free day I'll be more moderate with the red wine. I must say the phase 1 day to counteract the free day worked like a charm. I still prefer eating lighter after all this time on the diet, than loading up on heavier fattier food on the free day. (Did I really say that?)
My next free day is Sat. night. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks Natalia. I"m lucky in that my internist is totally open to and recommends natural healing along with his western medical approach, so I'm in good hands. The "stone free" remedy from the Planetary company has started to kick in and I am feeling better. Thanks again and have a great weekend!

Hi, Lynn. I just read something about Boca Burgers/Crumbles and their ilk that gave me pause. Apparently the soy is processed at a VERY high temperature which makes it carcinogenic. I haven't followed up on that because I don't eat them, but thought I'd mention it.

Judy, Lynn and Sunnymae,

Thanks so much for putting forth effort on this thread. I am a faithful reader and will pay much attention to all you tips and wisdom!

I am well into my second week on Phase 3, and still enjoying it. I am grateful it is two full weeks, it gives me time to adjust to phasing off. I lost another pound, which I am very happy about. I find myself getting hungrier in the afternoons similar to phase 1, but that may also be because TOM is in the house. I am still in the zone, so the hunger is controllable.

Your dinner ideas are so helpful…Thanks too, Linden for the heads up about boca burgers. Those have always been a staple in my house. I’ll need to research that.

I hope everyone has a great weekend!