12 pounds from goal, OP, got head in the right place.
Now, upcoming 3 weeks of business/vacation travel away from home. This is the plan my coach has set up for me however, I REALLY would appreciate the feedback and insight from any one who has thoughts on the arrangement:
One week (starting now) on phase 2.
Two weeks on Phase 3.
Three weeks of trip: allow for 3 "cheat" days per week, each followed by a strict phase 1 day, and phase 3 eating the other days. Continue exercise.
Return from trip: return to Phase 1 until remaining weight is lost.
She says this will stabilize my current weight (once I start phase 3) and she states it should drastically reduce not only the shock to the body with cheat days but also minimize my weight gain, if there is any. (I can't imagine I wouldn't gain a little, but I'm not planning on any big binges or anything like that! Just a few special dinners built in with family and friends, the afternoon glass of wine on the deck here and there).
I know some of you may recommend ways to stay OP while I am away, but it isn't an option that I feel I even want to do; this is a special trip where I do not want to have to compromise all of the time but want to indulge reasonably and curtail gaining.
Thanks for any thoughts...I really don't want to lose ground on all the effort I've put in and new eating skills I"ve developed.