My favorite snack to prevent evening snacking is to make a IP Vanilla Protein pack and put cinnamon in it. To me, it tastes like you are almost eating frosting.

Crushed ice with a sprinkling of Crystal Light is great too.

I have a personal question...Since giving birth to 2 children (who are now 22 and 25) I would be waking up to go to bathroom if a drank a lot of water at night...It's also a problem for me when traveling, etc. too. I was just in Spain for 10 day vacation. Got to the beach in Barcelona and I had a very difficult time finding a restroom. Does anyone else have this problem? I try to get the bulk of my water in before 5 p.m. at home. That reminds me - better go drink some more!

I'm so right there with you. Night time has always been my worst time. those bedtime snacks.

YES...I have the horrible urge to cheat almost everyday. I work in an office where lunch is ordered in almost everyday. There's always donuts, muffins, cookies in the kitchen/coffee area that I have to walk past to get a refill.

Even though I'm only one week in I've found it almost impossible to be 100% OP. Summer BBQs and the temptation of cold beer are killing me. I have found that planning is extremely important. I carry pickles, veggies and extra protein packs everywhere I go. I have read in a few posts that an extra protein pack now and again will most likely be way healthier than any of the cheats I consider.

It's way easier to NEVER cheat than to do it once and try to keep from doing it again. I keep telling myself that same thing that someone posted earlier...nothing tastes as good as skinny feels :)

Sounds great. I love frosting! I'm going to try it tonight.

"Do or do not, there is no try" - Yoda (Star Wars)

You have to remind yourself that this is not a permanent situation: it is a temporary diet with a beginnning, a middle and an end. If you cheat, you mess with the process and your body. It is not good for you to keep going in and out of ketosis like that as it can stress your organs. Get in, get er' done and get out!

If your goal is too great, maybe consider reducing your goal and doing this in phases. Decide how many pounds you want to lose, do it, maintain it for a few months and then, go back for more when you are ready.

I liked to keep an "IP emergency kit" on hand with WF Italian salad dressing, vitamins, white vinegar (in case I run out of dressing), a protein bar and some Stevia packets. In fact, I am in maintenance and I still carry it around with me (and use it)! Ridges are not a bad idea to also bring along when you go out. Depending what people are eating that tempts you, you can have a bar or ridges instead.

I have also started carrying a sample-sized bottle of mouthwash in my purse. After a meal, excuse yourself, go to the bathroom and rinse your mouth with mouthwash. You won't want to eat any more and you won't want dessert after that!

A coffee or a tea instead of a snack/dessert can keep you occupied (and somewhat satisfied) while others eat as well.

You have to focus on what you really want!

Good luck to you! You can do this!