I would love to hear updates on people who did IP with less to lose. I did IP 4 years ago with great success (lost 12/18 pounds) until my thyroid went haywire (I have hypothyroid, and i think all the soy and artificial sweeteners was no good), and gained it all back. It was the only diet that worked for me, and I'm considering giving it another shot (with less of the soy products).
I worked out, ate 4 packets a day, and loved this diet but I do not want to go through this again with my thyroid. It took me 2 years to regulate after the diet. I'm nervous about IP because I finally feel like my body is working right again.

I lost 90 pounds doing IP with alternate products - so not exactly what you are asking, but I am also hypothyroid. I severely limited my exposure to soy and followed protocol using mostly whole foods - 4 - 6 oz of protein at lunch / dinner...eggs at breakfast sometimes too. I didn't avoid the artificial sweeteners too much though - and also, only walked until P2.

Unfortunately, this is a rock/hard place choice for you. Do I think I was functioning 100% after 9 months on P1 - nope...my hair continued falling out and I went through a period of extreme exhaustion in January / February while training for a 1/2 marathon. I trained for another in April / May and didn't have any of the issues I did then.

You will have to weigh the pros / cons - but P1 is do-able with mostly whole foods.

Thanks for your response Beth. I have been thinking about trying to follow the diet with mostly whole foods. It's funny because my center only has morning hours, and my working schedule is making it tough to get into the center to restart the diet. I have been following more of a P2 diet and incorporating 1 or 2 (3 years old) IP foods. This has been working nicely, and I feel great, and I'm working out. I might just continue to do for as long as this works (or at least until I can get into the IP center).
If you do the diet with mostly whole foods (more of a P2), I wonder if you still have to go through all the phases.
Awesome for you that you are able to do all this running! Did your thyroid medication change after your weight loss?

Hi explore: imho, going through the phases is important because P3 breakfast is very different from P1 or P2 style, lol. Your body will need to 'get adjusted' to it, believe me. Jumping right in from P2 to Maintenance can be overwhelming and tummy upsetting. Good to keep up with your exercise though, that is important as you phase off especially. Good habits learned, and all.

Liana
:exercise::running::exercise:

I phased off as recommended - 2 weeks P2, 2 weeks P3. If it was going to be less than a month in ketosis, a shorter phase off wouldn't hurt - but imho it would be better to do a full phase off.

Actually, yes, slightly - I went from 125mcg to 112mcg and am maintaining well at that dosage.

Hello I have been on Ip now for 3 weeks. I just turned 50 and had gained almost 20lbs in the last few years so that was my goal to lose (actually 17lbs). So far in 3 weeks I am down 8lbs and my coach said that weight loss may slow and only a pound a week as I am so close to my goal weight of 110. I am 5'4". Has anyone had this experience? I am 119 now so have 9 to go.

Hi TWR:. Yep weight loss is definitely slow when you don't have much to lose. That's OK though as long as you are prepared and expect it. Don't bother trying to game it. Just hang in there and you will get there. Congratulations on your losses so far!

Liana

Hi, I'm Lexi....

I did IP in 2013 and went from 144 to 118. I gained weight due to having my fourth baby and I'm ready to lose it again.

I am rebooting on day 2, CW 134.5. I want o get to 118-120 in the next three months. My sons Bday is July 1st, so I hope to be there by then:)
I am not skinny at 120.... but I have allot of muscle due to years of working out.

I maintained at 120-122 until I got pregnant with my son. I then decided to do yoga while pregnant so I gained 31 lbs.

I think the key to maintenance is phasing off, combined with exercise and tracking.

that's what worked for me.

Cheers to you all:)

Day 4: 133 lbs.

13 to 15 more to go....

Always drops quick in the beginning though....

I started out at 127lbs. This was a weight gain of 11lbs for me over the span of 2 years. After a month on IP I am down to 118lbs. I would like to lose 8lbs and then settle somewhere between 110 and 115 which has been normal weight for me my entire life until 3 years ago. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism last year and started on medication. I have seen a real slow down in the amount of weight I am losing now to maybe 1lb a week which my coach says is very normal. Is anyone close to my height and weight 5 ft 4in and now 118 lbs that is experiencing the same thing? Any input would be helpful. Thank you.

Thanks Canada. The encouragement really helps. Congrats to you too!

I am five foot... I just started last week, and I was 131.7 this morning....

The last time I did IP I got to 123 in 6 weeks and then it took me three extra weeks to lose the 5 lbs. Weight loss slows down when you are under 130. I would do silly things like not have the bar some days to lose faster. I wanted to be at goal for an event tho.....
I think losing slower is better because I have seen people lose fast and they look really loose in the aftermath, just my opinion.... I'm losing pretty fast right now, so I'm eating more protein....

I also know that once I hit 127, it will take me 2 months to get to 118...

Whats happening to you is normal because ur at a lower weight.