The ham I could try. Egg whites? Pickles? Celery? Really--I would rather just be hungry. I do drink tea on occasion if it gets too bad. I hadn't tried celery or a pickle in a long time---tired a bite of each this weekend and about gagged.

Well, I do not look at it as "deprivation". I am choosing to avoid a large number of foods in order to lose a lot of weight quickly. I will be able to eat anything I choose (in moderation, of course) once the weight is off.

I'm 3 1/2 weeks in and I'm hungry most of the time until I eat dinner. None of the options my coach has for keeping me from getting hungry (snack on cucumber, celery, eat breakfast later, etc.) don't work for me because I'm a teacher so I don't get the option to snack throughout the day and my meal times are determined for me based on my schedule. He suggested hot tea to try and help.

I had never considered that the restricteds could be causing hunger - I've had them from the beginning and I've been hungry from the beginning. I was hoping when I started the diet that I wouldn't be hungry like I was before, but I find I am hungry just like I was before. I'm hungry by 10:30 am, eat lunch at 11:15 or 1:00 (depending on the day), and hungry again a couple hours later. I could handle this diet much better if I weren't hungry most of the time. I haven't cheated and don't plan to, but I really want to! I just want some carbs to make me feel FULL. I haven't felt full since starting the diet, which I'm sure contributes to my hunger.

I find that hunger is less tiring if I remind myself it has a purpose and that it is not for forever. It is a state---an uncomfortable state, but it is manageable. It means my body is burning stored fat (which is the goal) and ti will end (at least temporarily) when I have my evening meal. I am choosing hunger to achieve a goal. I am not a "victim" of hunger. I am not "owed" fullness. I am committed to what must be done for now---even if it is somewhat unpleasant.

It's true...the foods in IP are not full of sugar, so sipping on a shake throughout the day is not a bad thing...it's not triggering your insulin. I was told not to worry about eating as long as it is strictly on the list and I found that to be perfect for me. I also increased my olive oil on salads (with salt and pepper) and still lost fat without any troubles.

Have all of you who are veggie haters tried putting sliced cauliflower, zucchini and broccoli into a baking dish - rolling them around in olive oil and salt and then baking them until they are golden brown on top? If you have not tried this...it's kind of amazing.

I also do this with asparagus and occasionally fresh green beans, then throw them in the BBQ (pellet). They are delish! My Grandkids love them this way as a snack.