Yes...sneaky sneaky! I think it's fascinating how GOOD I have been (before IP) that I was getting bigger...

avoiding the mirror to look at my body
pushing the "tight jeans" to the back of the closet
vowing to eat better only to find myself in a drive-through

I know I am going to have to be vigilant once in maintenance or I am going to end up back where I started!!!!

Ahhh....decided on Tuesday to cut out restricted packets and see what happen. On Friday (weigh in day) I was down 3.5 lbs!! Woohooo!! Goal is 6.5 lbs away...just in time for a Vegas vacation :)
No bars for me Until goal :(

I am cutting out the restricted foods right now too. I have done this diet several times before and I know this is the quickest way to make it to my goal (since I have less than 15 lbs. to go). I realized last night (since I have not read over the protocol in a while) that I am taking in too much olive oil. I was using 2 TBS a day not TSP. So I have not lost in two days and have been HUNGRY and frustrated with the scale. I expected a drop - only if it was tiny- since I am not eating any bars or chips.Good luck to you!

Oh my goodness, I've been using 2 TBS because that's what I thought it was!!!! That wasn't a change on the new protocol sheets that came out was it? I guess I have to season my veggies a little less now.

Thank you for posting this or I would have NEVER seen it.

ETA: It's always been 2 tsp....it was just a mistake on my part, I usually eyeball my oil but I'm going to start measuring that out now.

Kissi- I am now rereading all of my phase 1 sheets. I probably am using WAY too much sea salt too. 1/2 tsp- that is like two pinches! I feel like the smallest diversion from this diet = no weight loss. My coach once said, "100% effort = 100% results. 80% effort = 0 results. :o

Today I almost had a peppermint round and didn't. Seems crazy that one piece of candy can keep you from losing. Like I said, I have done this before. I know it is so worth it.

Bumping this because this is a great thread, and I am right there with you! How is it going for all you <20 lbs to lose folks?

Based on my morning weigh in at home I have 11 pounds left. My ticker is from two weeks ago since I had to skip weigh in last week. I go to the clinic tmo, but their scale is always a little higher - damn those clothes. I'm using their scale to reach goal and actually keep debating between using a date instead of my actual goal weight of 160. I have had September 30 in my head. I might even get lower than goal by then.

Honestly, I think I have used closer to 2 tbsp throughout, especially when roasting veggies. I don't feel it has slowed me down. I haven't tried giving up my restricted yet. I really like them!

I can't believe I'm on the final stretch. 90 pounds always seemed impossible and made starting a diet so daunting. Time has flown by but I am looking forward to more food choices.

Hi ladies. So glad there is a group for this! Today is Day One of IP for me. I've struggled with the same 15-20 lbs for my entire adult life and am finally committed to overcoming it rather than beating myself up all the time. I'm short, 5'1", and right now at my *non-pregnant* high of 139. I asked my coach to set my goal at 115-120, but she wanted to make it 125. Not sure why as I'm so short? The two biggest struggles I see are cutting out wine and the fact that I love to cook and eat yummy food, so I think this will make me a little sad. Looking forward to trying recipes out though.

Your yummy food will now be focused mostly at dinner. With <20 pounds you will be at goal before you know it. My coach was being trained when I joined. When I said my goal was 160 she said there was no way. The trainer got a little annoyed so they wrote a ? Beside it. Now, I'm almost there!

I also realize this thread was created for people starting out with less than 20 to lose so hope you don't mind me being here! I only wish I caught myself that early.

Hi ChipnDip, I think it's great you're here. Congrats on all your success! Just a little further to go :)

Hi ctmommy2001, weight loss on IP looks different because you retain your lean body mass. At 5'7" I thought my ideal weight should be 130, but at 138 I was wearing size 4's and 6's and my face looked a bit gaunt too. So I'm planning to get to 139-140 and stay there this time around.

Have a great day!

So glad I found this forum. I'm 5'4" and started IP 2 weeks ago. So far I've lost 3 lbs. I go in for a weigh in tomorrow. I suspect I lost another 3 this week. It feels really good to read all your posts and not feel like a freak. My mother and aunts have always struggled with weight and health issues. My question to you all is can I have a cheat meal yet? I wouldn't be asking as I've been sticking to the protocol pretty strict but I'm going to a really nice place for dinner tomorrow with another couple. I would love to enjoy myself (within reason) maybe even have a small glass of wine? Knowing that I would fall out of ketosis, I would totally get back on IP the next day....any thoughts?

Hi ctmommy, I'm with you. I started aug 9. I too like to cook and eat yummy food. My goal is 120-125 lbs. love wine in fact we have a small vineyard in our backyard. Good luck to you. I'm finding that the IP diet is much more doable and encouraging for me than anything else I've tried. Good luck! You can do this!

Sorry to be so blunt, but if you are looking for a cheat meal at 2 weeks in... you will continue in the same path as your aunt & mother, always struggling and continuing unsuccessful. Try looking at the menu instead ahead of time and planning for a grilled steak - no toppings, with roasted veggies and a green salad topped with lime or lemon wedges and olive oil. ASK, and ye shall receive, lol. Restaurants can make whatever we ask for and if it's a 'nice' one, there will be steak or baked chicken without sauces. You can stay perfectly on plan, and the firmer you make your decision the less you will be a 'victim' of your weight struggles. For a drink, ask for muddled mint and a squeeze of lime in soda water and voila, mock mojito.
Buck up & be strong, you know you can do this! :lifter:

Liana

I appreciate you being blunt. Went to the dinner last night and I didn't go crazy! I was the DD for the evening. So I will say I didn't eat/drink like I would've a month ago. Jumped back on the IP plan this morning. Curious to see the numbers this week. Thanks for the reply!

About 10 pounds left and by far the hardest time I have ever experienced on IP so far. Really has me worried about maintenance but I think when I have more variety and a fun day to look forward to, I'll be ok. My willpower muscle is fatigued!