Originally Posted by MInewgoal:
So...In phase 4, the Free day isn't followed by phase 1, just a normal day?

According to what was given to me when I went to phase 4, you are supposed to Phase 1 the day after your cheat day.

But I think it depends on how bad your free days are. If it's a non-stop fat fest, then your should to do Phase 1 for one day. If it's just a one meal, then you can go back to your normal eating. The way the sheet reads, it's almost like they are encouraging you to have a non-stop fast fest. But other than when we were in Vegas, I haven't done that at home yet. Mostly because I am too scared that I will get carried away. I don't trust myself!

After one full week of Phase 4, DH and I are having our first full-on fun/free/cheat day. DH and I both continued to lose in Phase 3, and he has continued to lose on Phase 4 while I've maintained nicely on Phase 4.

So today we are allowing ourselves to experiment with a no holds barred cheat day. Tomorrow we plan to do Phase 1 and Monday back to Phase 4. Breakfast was heavenly (cinnamon roll pacakes), but I could only eat about a third of the meal before feeling stuffed. When lunch rolled around, I wasn't super hungry, but we got chicken fingers and fries anyway (a new place opened up near us and we wanted to try it). Don't know what's for dinner yet. I can already tell that I won't want to pig out like this every Saturday, it's just too much. I'm hopeful that if my weight on Monday is good, I will have the discipline to eat Phase 4 during the week and know that if I want a treat I just need to wait a few days until Saturday.

One thing I have definitely learned on this program is that if I'm going to indulge, the calories have to be worth it. I only want to eat the best tasting foods and don't want to waste calories on just okay foods. For example, a piece of really good chocolate cake would be worth indulging in on a free day but a Hostescs cupcake wouldn't be worth the calories to me.

Wanted to share the results of my free day experiment. See prior post for deatils of the pig-out (btw, dinner was Chicago stle stuffed pizza and chocolate cake). The morning after my free day, my weight was up 4.2 lbs! I was bummed. I was nervous all day that the gain would be permanent and I'd have to lose it all again. We did a strict Phase 1 day yesterday as planned. This morning my weight was down 3 lbs, so up only 1.2 lbs overall. Phew! Like I said in my pp, I don't plan to completely overindulge like that every free-day, but it is a tremendous relief to know that following a free-day with a Phase 1 day really does work!

Originally Posted by bigpassport:
After one full week of Phase 4, DH and I are having our first full-on fun/free/cheat day. DH and I both continued to lose in Phase 3, and he has continued to lose on Phase 4 while I've maintained nicely on Phase 4.

So today we are allowing ourselves to experiment with a no holds barred cheat day. Tomorrow we plan to do Phase 1 and Monday back to Phase 4. Breakfast was heavenly (cinnamon roll pacakes), but I could only eat about a third of the meal before feeling stuffed. When lunch rolled around, I wasn't super hungry, but we got chicken fingers and fries anyway (a new place opened up near us and we wanted to try it). Don't know what's for dinner yet. I can already tell that I won't want to pig out like this every Saturday, it's just too much. I'm hopeful that if my weight on Monday is good, I will have the discipline to eat Phase 4 during the week and know that if I want a treat I just need to wait a few days until Saturday.

One thing I have definitely learned on this program is that if I'm going to indulge, the calories have to be worth it. I only want to eat the best tasting foods and don't want to waste calories on just okay foods. For example, a piece of really good chocolate cake would be worth indulging in on a free day but a Hostescs cupcake wouldn't be worth the calories to me.

Originally Posted by bigpassport:
Wanted to share the results of my free day experiment. See prior post for deatils of the pig-out (btw, dinner was Chicago stle stuffed pizza and chocolate cake). The morning after my free day, my weight was up 4.2 lbs! I was bummed. I was nervous all day that the gain would be permanent and I'd have to lose it all again. We did a strict Phase 1 day yesterday as planned. This morning my weight was down 3 lbs, so up only 1.2 lbs overall. Phew! Like I said in my pp, I don't plan to completely overindulge like that every free-day, but it is a tremendous relief to know that following a free-day with a Phase 1 day really does work!

Thank you for sharing your experience!!! Hubby and I are both enjoying maintenance very much!! We had pizza last night...even a few drinks!! I agree totally that some foods are just not worth the calories! We had ordered some appetizers when we were out...tried a small bite of various items, but if they weren't absolutely delicious I was done eating them. Today we are back to Phase 1. My previous experience when I cheated during Phase 1 was that it would take a couple days before the added weight dropped off. So now we will stay on Phase 1 until the weight comes off.... one or two days...and then go back to maintenance.

I am also finding I really don't have too many cravings anymore....which is wonderful! I used to look at food and drool. Now I find it's so much easier to be around junk food and not be missing it. Kinda wierd, but I'm thrilled that it seems I have lost my desire for all the CRAP!!! I love IP!!

Best wishes!!:carrot:

Lee & Disgal,

Way to go! It is reassuring to see the scale drop after that P1 day. It's great that you and your DH's can do this together. My hubby is very supportive but really can eat anything he wants.

So I have officially been maintaining 6 months. I was trying to reflect on actual lifestyle changes I have made to keep my weight in check.

1. I continue to use the WF products I like. Why waste calories.
2. I weigh almost every day and have a "cut-off" weight that sends me back to P1.
3. I refuse to drink my calories unless I get a buzz.
4. I keep some IP or alternative products around for treats and to remind myself what lifetime program I am on.
5. I continue to try new recipes and new veggies so I don't get bored.
6. At restaurants, I almost always order grilled protein and a salad because you never know what they put in their sauces and specialty dishes.
7. I take pilates classes 3 times per week.
8. I ride my bicycle for quick errands to the store.

I'm sure there are other things I'm not even thinking of. What changes have others made?

bigpassport and disgal -- thanks for sharing your experiences! I am pretty scared and pretty excited about going to Phase 4 soon. DH has been on Phase 4 and he is still losing weight too.

Funny -- now I drool over sauteed veggies and tuna over a bed of lettuce and WF ranch dressing with a pickle and bannana peppers.

I really get carried away in my mind about the cheat day -- but, then, I remind myself how far I've come and how I don't want to get back in the groove of mindless eating. And I wonder . . . "will I ever stop at McDonald's or Wendy's again?". At this point, I don't think so. If I'm going to cheat, it is going to be worth it.

It's kind of crazy how obsessive I have become over this.

Originally Posted by woolberger:
Lee & Disgal,

Way to go! It is reassuring to see the scale drop after that P1 day. It's great that you and your DH's can do this together. My hubby is very supportive but really can eat anything he wants.

So I have officially been maintaining 6 months. I was trying to reflect on actual lifestyle changes I have made to keep my weight in check.

1. I continue to use the WF products I like. Why waste calories.
2. I weigh almost every day and have a "cut-off" weight that sends me back to P1.
3. I refuse to drink my calories unless I get a buzz.
4. I keep some IP or alternative products around for treats and to remind myself what lifetime program I am on.
5. I continue to try new recipes and new veggies so I don't get bored.
6. At restaurants, I almost always order grilled protein and a salad because you never know what they put in their sauces and specialty dishes.
7. I take pilates classes 3 times per week.
8. I ride my bicycle for quick errands to the store.

I'm sure there are other things I'm not even thinking of. What changes have others made?

Congrats on 6 months and thanks for sharing, this does give us all hope...
I for one don't like eating out as much as I use to, but that could be because I still like my cooking and I know it is healthy and no one knows what they put in their foods in the restaurant. I was burger shopping yesterday and man why does every product have to have breadcrumbs and this and that? can't you just make a ground patty and sell that? Oh well I buy fresh ground and make into patties to freeze now...:D

So I have been on maintenance for 1 year and 3 months. On my 1 yr anniversary I weighed exactly my goal weight and was very excited! I got very busy and lazy this summer and stopped going to my exercise classes and got sloppy with my eating and gained a few lbs. I can still wear all my clothes, but I can tell they fit a little differently. What I appreciate about Ideal Protein is that I have the tools to get back on track. I am starting Phase 1 today and will continue until I am back to goal. I then plan on Phasing off correctly and following the Maintenance Protocol which really works well. I'm still proud of the fact that I have been wearing the same clothes for 14 months. I have never been able to say that!!

Here's to getting right back to my goal weight. I should be there in 2-3 weeks!!

Originally Posted by carlasherea:
So I have been on maintenance for 1 year and 3 months. On my 1 yr anniversary I weighed exactly my goal weight and was very excited! I got very busy and lazy this summer and stopped going to my exercise classes and got sloppy with my eating and gained a few lbs. I can still wear all my clothes, but I can tell they fit a little differently. What I appreciate about Ideal Protein is that I have the tools to get back on track. I am starting Phase 1 today and will continue until I am back to goal. I then plan on Phasing off correctly and following the Maintenance Protocol which really works well. I'm still proud of the fact that I have been wearing the same clothes for 14 months. I have never been able to say that!!

Here's to getting right back to my goal weight. I should be there in 2-3 weeks!!

Wow...that is great!! Did you follow the IP P4 maintenance or did you track or...? It's great to see you back here. I'm pretty sure I've never worn the same size clothes for 14 months straight. Let us know how it goes.

Lynn

Originally Posted by carlasherea:
So I have been on maintenance for 1 year and 3 months. On my 1 yr anniversary I weighed exactly my goal weight and was very excited! I got very busy and lazy this summer and stopped going to my exercise classes and got sloppy with my eating and gained a few lbs. I can still wear all my clothes, but I can tell they fit a little differently. What I appreciate about Ideal Protein is that I have the tools to get back on track. I am starting Phase 1 today and will continue until I am back to goal. I then plan on Phasing off correctly and following the Maintenance Protocol which really works well. I'm still proud of the fact that I have been wearing the same clothes for 14 months. I have never been able to say that!!

Here's to getting right back to my goal weight. I should be there in 2-3 weeks!!

Wow!! It's really great to hear how you have maintained so well over the past 15 months!! Way to go!!:carrot: You give many of us hope that we can also be successful at maintenance!!! And I totally agree.... we have the "tools" to get back on track! I am so thankful for IP!! Congrats on a job well done!!

Originally Posted by woolberger:
So I have officially been maintaining 6 months. I was trying to reflect on actual lifestyle changes I have made to keep my weight in check.

1. I continue to use the WF products I like. Why waste calories.
2. I weigh almost every day and have a "cut-off" weight that sends me back to P1.
3. I refuse to drink my calories unless I get a buzz.
4. I keep some IP or alternative products around for treats and to remind myself what lifetime program I am on.
5. I continue to try new recipes and new veggies so I don't get bored.
6. At restaurants, I almost always order grilled protein and a salad because you never know what they put in their sauces and specialty dishes.
7. I take pilates classes 3 times per week.
8. I ride my bicycle for quick errands to the store.

I'm sure there are other things I'm not even thinking of. What changes have others made?

Woohoo on maintaining for 6 months! I hope I can say that in 5 months!

Most of my changes are the same as yours, except for the pilates classes (I exercise though, I run on the elliptical or do pilates or walking videos 3-4 times a week), and the bicycle to the store (the traffic is too bad where I live).

I am of the exact same opinion on "drinking my calories". I don't have to drink as many "calories" anymore to catch that buzz, though. :)
I still eat salads for lunch almost every day.
I still eat IP food or alternative for breakfast and for snacks.
I watch portion sizes and calories.

There were a lot of things that I never ate before IP that I will continue eating regularly forever. There are alot of things that I ate a lot of before IP that I will never eat much of ever again.

I find it harder going out to eat in maintenance. I think it's because I don't have as strict of set of rules on what I can eat (Really I do, but I don't always order what I should, that devil on my shoulder shows up and talks me into getting some carby, fatty thing). I need to keep up the habit of deciding what I am going to order before I leave the house.

I need to keep drinking all the water. I have my good days and bad days with this. I have become a coffee junkie. I never drank coffee before IP. But I was a 12 pack a day diet pop drinker, at least I'm not doing that.

I am still working on the things I need to change in my lifestyle. Still figuring it out. It is reassuring to know that I am doing the same things that the experienced maintainers are doing. Thanks, Lynn for posting that. I hope some others post the lifestyle changes they have made.

Originally Posted by woolberger:
Wow...that is great!! Did you follow the IP P4 maintenance or did you track or...? It's great to see you back here. I'm pretty sure I've never worn the same size clothes for 14 months straight. Let us know how it goes.

Lynn

I did follow faithfully the maintenance protocol for a few months and then got sloppy. I would end up having carbs at lunch, but then what I would do is not have them at dinner. I adjusted when needed. Kind of "robbed Peter to pay Paul!" I was really amazed at how after my cheat day the extra "weight" I had gained just disappeared! I really did end up having some sort of cheat everyday, but would adjust accordingly and it worked for me!

Originally Posted by woolberger:
So I have officially been maintaining 6 months. I was trying to reflect on actual lifestyle changes I have made to keep my weight in check.

1. I continue to use the WF products I like. Why waste calories.
2. I weigh almost every day and have a "cut-off" weight that sends me back to P1.
3. I refuse to drink my calories unless I get a buzz.
4. I keep some IP or alternative products around for treats and to remind myself what lifetime program I am on.
5. I continue to try new recipes and new veggies so I don't get bored.
6. At restaurants, I almost always order grilled protein and a salad because you never know what they put in their sauces and specialty dishes.
7. I take pilates classes 3 times per week.
8. I ride my bicycle for quick errands to the store.

I'm sure there are other things I'm not even thinking of. What changes have others made?

I agree with Brandam that I do the first six things on your list but my exercise is usually step aerobics either a video or a class...
I know too from your previous posts that you track using MFP and I think this is almost essential in maintenance whether you're using a program or jotting down what you're having throughout the day in order to have accountability...
my additions to the list?
1. Be conscious of everything I put in me
2. Keeping eating simple; the more bites of this and that you have the easier it is for your weight to creep up, so I stick to my meals and 1- 2 snacks per day, very much limiting 'grazing'
3. Prepping veggies to be used in meals throughout the week
4. Because I am a 'foodie' and really enjoy cooking/eating- I try to spend more of my food thoughts on planning and preparation than eating. This has fulfilled my need for enjoyment of food through an avenue other than simply eating it. I search for recipes & prep for meals rather utilizing that time for snacking and I try to find things that will healthfully satisfy my and my family's dietary requirements and tastebuds :D
5. Still practicing using the word NO. Had to do this frequently while I was on Phase 1 as it is so habitual to have this and have that, that a part of you almost has a tantrum when it is told NO. Sometimes I still have to catch myself when having a craving and use the old stand by- NO. And I'm always better off for having said it to myself...;)

Originally Posted by carlasherea:
So I have been on maintenance for 1 year and 3 months. On my 1 yr anniversary I weighed exactly my goal weight and was very excited! I got very busy and lazy this summer and stopped going to my exercise classes and got sloppy with my eating and gained a few lbs. I can still wear all my clothes, but I can tell they fit a little differently. What I appreciate about Ideal Protein is that I have the tools to get back on track. I am starting Phase 1 today and will continue until I am back to goal. I then plan on Phasing off correctly and following the Maintenance Protocol which really works well. I'm still proud of the fact that I have been wearing the same clothes for 14 months. I have never been able to say that!!

Here's to getting right back to my goal weight. I should be there in 2-3 weeks!!

Wow carlasherea- you're a great inspiration for those of us in maintenance and I'm happy to have you back- cause you're a great role model!:carrot:

I had a great NSV yesterday. Finally got up the courage to go back to my step class. I had been a bit hesitant because prior to starting IP I had been going 3- 4 times per week and then after IP quit going cold turkey at the advice of my coach- thought that the instructor might be upset that I just quit like that.
But I was dying to have that exercise high again so I went back. Was a few minutes late cause I had to drop off my kids in childcare first. So when I walked in class had already begun and the instructor was shouting out instructions and when she saw me she stopped altogether and kept saying "Wow oh Wow WOW" so that everyone was looking to see what was going on- definitely a bit embarrassing but heartwarming as well. And I felt great after class- so here's to being back on track fitness wise :carrot::carrot:

Cap

You're right...I do track using MFP. I forgot that. I try to keep my carbs <100/day.
Good job getting to your step class. I can't tell you how much I love my Pilates classes. I have never been an exerciser and I really look forward to my classes.