Originally Posted by esammy12:
On a personal note. Does anybody feel that they've missed out on some of their life because they didn't feel good about their weight? I live in Los Angeles and it's such a brutal environment for women here, just brutal and I don't go out much just because I don't like the way I'll be treated. I feel like I've missed out on a lot hiding at home. The carrot I hold out for myself is being able to feel great. I don't care what the number is on the scale - I would just simply love to look good in a pair of jeans. Anybody out there relate?

Esammy12 your post really impacted me on so many levels. I understand and feel your frustration. It is unfortunate that the size of our jeans can affect our self esteem. It shouldn't, but we can let it do that. Have you ever known people who are much larger than yourself, who carry themselves with self confidence and self esteem? It is an attitude and an inner self confidence, not a number on a scale.

I suffer from the same problem. I struggle to feed my soul, not stuff my body to feel good about myself. On a final note to you, I am so surprised that you feel the way you do because I look at your fabulous picture and see an incredibly beautiful woman with such a warm and engaging smile.

Our weight is actually what is in between our ears and not what is on our thighs!

:hug:

Originally Posted by Linden:
I vented a minor tirade yesterday on the subject of "planned cheat" so maybe I'm on a roll. The maintainers you refer to are inevitably people who have just begun to maintain; the ones who sustain surely must fit your image of the good life: exercise, healthy food, and an overall satisfaction with what they've attained. To be honest, and maybe it's because I've been around for a while, I've come to loathe the word cheat and what it stands for -- usually gorging, resulting in physical nausea and mental nausea if not downright self-loathing. And in fairness, I think those people who write about that type of experience are expressing part confessional, part embarrassment, part guilt, and part cautionary tale. They sure aren't endorsing over eating or eating garbage.

Where in the literature (and in the name of good sense, I ask myself ) does the Ideal Protein literature say that a free day has to be a dawn to dusk orgy? I ask you! Sheeze! Surely your dream of maintenance is more than a dream.

But then there are also some nagging elements of reality that color the personal experience losing weight and maintaining -- diabetes, auto immune diseases like hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia, and their attendant medications. They have to be factored in and accounted for but they don't totally make losing weight and keeping it off impossible. I had two cortisone shoots yesterday (necessary for a while if I want to walk) and yes I gained two pounds overnight and wiped out the small week's loss and then some. But shoot, this plan is the only one I've found that still works under really adverse circumstances. So. . .what's the logical conclusion? Bite the bullet (sorry, a disgusting metaphor), suck it up, and get on with it. At least that's my only solution.

I surely hope you don't take what I've said as a criticism because I think instinctually and practically you know what you need to do to be happy. I'm just trying to reinforce what you've said while embellishing the reality of the dream. And maybe say that you're not alone? :hug:

Thank you, yes, I agree exactly and entirely. I don't want to live a life vaccilating between food orgy and ascetism. Pigging out holds no interest for me, what I'd like to do is not think about food at all. Of course pay attention if numbers start to creep up - but hopefully you would just feel your waistband get a little tight and you'd naturally cut back on fatty/carby weight gaining items. So maybe yes, these are the early maintainers I'm reading about -- still in the Phase1 Mentality and running amok. I hope so. What I'd like is a normal life. For the rest of my years, I'd like not to be plagued with "cheats", regrets and remorse over food. And for now, I'm pretty happy having a regimen that works to get me there. Although, I'm a little worried about the holidays. :)

Okay - anybody else in the foulest of moods while on this program? Or starting out on this program?? I want to break everything in the house, beat up my spouse, throw things, hear something shatter. Does anybody else experience this level of emotional toxicity? It's pretty bad.

Originally Posted by esammy12:
Okay - anybody else in the foulest of moods while on this program? Or starting out on this program?? I want to break everything in the house, beat up my spouse, throw things, hear something shatter. Does anybody else experience this level of emotional toxicity? It's pretty bad.

hmmm, I haven't experienced that with IP but I have experienced the same feelings some days around my house for other reasons. :hug:

Maybe take a relaxing bath with candles glowing on the counter and turn off the lights and tell everyone to stay out of the bathroom. I also lay back and take a hot wash cloth and place it over my face and just soak. It helps. Slip into some comfy pj's and sip some hot herbal tea and read a great book in a room where no one is.

Hang in there. It will pass.

Originally Posted by iowahawkeyemom:
hmmm, I haven't experienced that with IP but I have experienced the same feelings some days around my house for other reasons. :hug:

Maybe take a relaxing bath with candles glowing on the counter and turn off the lights and tell everyone to stay out of the bathroom. I also lay back and take a hot wash cloth and place it over my face and just soak. It helps. Slip into some comfy pj's and sip some hot herbal tea and read a great book in a room where no one is.

Hang in there. It will pass.

Thank you Iowahawkeymom, I took a drive. I drove down Hollywood Boulevard and just watched and observed some life going on. My husband is gone all the time, he's rehearsing a show at night, he's playing Kate Walsh's new therapist on Private Practice and he teaches at Pepperdine during the day, so he's just never here. And I'm doing a whole lot of nothing but not eating and it's hard. So, I'm dealing with a slew of emotions and food denial isn't sitting well at the moment. I went to my gym and had a swim and a hot tub, that helped. I'll try the washcloth trick. Thank you. Sometimes it's just nice not to feel alone.

Originally Posted by esammy12:
Thank you Iowahawkeymom, I took a drive. I drove down Hollywood Boulevard and just watched and observed some life going on. My husband is gone all the time, he's rehearsing a show at night, he's playing Kate Walsh's new therapist on Private Practice and he teaches at Pepperdine during the day, so he's just never here. And I'm doing a whole lot of nothing but not eating and it's hard.

I'd suggest a puppy but I'm not sure I want to think about you, or the pup, walk in the LA air. :( But if there is any possible way you can walk -- getting in 10,000 steps a day -- I can't tell you how strongly I suggest it. There is a ton of stuff to Google about its benefits. And a pedometer is probably the cheapest piece of excercise equipment around.

Originally Posted by Linden:
I'd suggest a puppy but I'm not sure I want to think about you, or the pup, walk in the LA air. :( But if there is any possible way you can walk -- getting in 10,000 steps a day -- I can't tell you how strongly I suggest it. There is a ton of stuff to Google about its benefits. And a pedometer is probably the cheapest piece of excercise equipment around.

Thank you Linden, I own a treadmill and do a minimum of 2 miles a day. Although tonight - I walked my neighborhood in the lavender twilight just because it was so pretty. When I'm not doing IP - I do a strenuous routine on the treadmill for over an hour most nights. When on IP, I keep it to a good pace, but lower incline, and just 2 miles. I had to put my 15 year old chihuahua to sleep last month, so, no dog. But the walking is good.

Originally Posted by esammy12:
Thank you Linden, I own a treadmill and do a minimum of 2 miles a day. Although tonight - I walked my neighborhood in the lavender twilight just because it was so pretty. When I'm not doing IP - I do a strenuous routine on the treadmill for over an hour most nights. When on IP, I keep it to a good pace, but lower incline, and just 2 miles. I had to put my 15 year old chihuahua to sleep last month, so, no dog. But the walking is good.

I'm so very, very sorry.

esammy12....I am so sorry to hear of your dog's passing. That is so hard. I lost my dachshund three years ago during back surgery on her. I missed my Sophia Maria something awful. Took me over a year and half to adopt a puggle and it was the best thing I could of done. I swear dog's are our best friends and know just how to comfort us. This may sound crazy, but I still go to her grave site and talk to her when I feel the need.

Not having someone home is very hard too. My husband farms and is never around also. It took me years to get used to him not being around very much. It sounds like your husband has a very interesting life and I will watch for him on the show. I can't imagine living in LA with all of the excitement. Here on the farm, it is a very rural setting and not much to look at except watching the corn grow in the summer. What different life styles we all lead, but we are all together in this forum helping each other along with different struggles. I agree with Linden, walking helps so much in so many different ways. It's good exercise and it helps us cope with our emotions. Even though we don't know each other, think of all us cheering you on when you walk. We're in this together.

Day 2!!!!!
 

I can't believe that I was able to make it through Day 1. I feel so much better. I actually find some comfort and satisfaction in knowing how much and what I should eat rather than the incessant grazing which is never satisfying no matter what I eat.

It is interesting how different all our lives are, but we are united with our common struggle regarding weight. I am divorced, but am currently struggling with some issues with my 17 year old. I know that when I am in control of my eating, I am better able to manage my emotional stressors however, my first inclination is to stuff my feelings away. It NEVER works, but after 58 years, one would think that I would realize that!

I perked up, Linden, when you suggested getting a dog. I am seriously considering taking the plunge. I have been looking at miniature schnauzers and am totally smitten. I am sorry for your losses, Esammy12 & Iowahockeymom, but it is obvious how much joy a pet can bring into one's life.

May the IP force be with all of you!

:grouphug:

Originally Posted by Sweetstina:
You totally summed up my thoughts and experience, Iowa! I started IP in May 2010 and lost 45 lbs in 6 months. I went from a tight size 14 to a loose size 6 pants. Having reached my goal, I started to relax and indulge every once in a while. At Christmas, I totally let loose and ate whatever whenever. Unfortunately, since then this has been the norm.
I have gained back 40 of the 45 lbs that I had lost...ugh!!! I'm now a size 12 with a muffin top, disgusted with myself and miserable. Since June I have tried repeatedly to go back on plan, but like you it would only last a few days and then I'd cheat and give up.

Last week I decided that enough was enough. I also decided that I want to go south this winter and be able to wear all the cute beach clothes and bikinis that I bought when I reached my goal. I started back on IP (alternative plan) this past Monday and am determined to lose the weight again. No cheats and down 5 lbs so far. We can do this! We did it before and I know that we can do it again. :hug:

I am cheering for YOU!!! Yes, we can do it. I know we can!!!! I admire you so much for just getting back in the saddle. I messed up too and am determines to get it right.

I restarted officially today as well. I did well for the first 9 weeks and hit a bump...determined to have week #13 be much better. Keeping fingers crossed for all of us!

Originally Posted by janedocmom:
I can't believe that I was able to make it through Day 1. I feel so much better. I actually find some comfort and satisfaction in knowing how much and what I should eat rather than the incessant grazing which is never satisfying no matter what I eat.

It is interesting how different all our lives are, but we are united with our common struggle regarding weight. I am divorced, but am currently struggling with some issues with my 17 year old. I know that when I am in control of my eating, I am better able to manage my emotional stressors however, my first inclination is to stuff my feelings away. It NEVER works, but after 58 years, one would think that I would realize that!

I perked up, Linden, when you suggested getting a dog. I am seriously considering taking the plunge. I have been looking at miniature schnauzers and am totally smitten. I am sorry for your losses, Esammy12 & Iowahockeymom, but it is obvious how much joy a pet can bring into one's life.

May the IP force be with all of you!

:grouphug:

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I have a miniature schnauzer named Louie and he is the joy of my life!! Take the plunge, get a puppy!!
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui....1&disp=thd&zw

Originally Posted by esammy12:
Okay - anybody else in the foulest of moods while on this program? Or starting out on this program?? I want to break everything in the house, beat up my spouse, throw things, hear something shatter. Does anybody else experience this level of emotional toxicity? It's pretty bad.

Nasty is how I described my mood when I started and when I came back after 2 days of being off plan. I do mean nasty. I wanted to kick the dog, smack the hubby and beat the kids. I went to my room a lot for time outs. I am feeling better today!

Originally Posted by 1Sunny1:
Nasty is how I described my mood when I started and when I came back after 2 days of being off plan. I do mean nasty. I wanted to kick the dog, smack the hubby and beat the kids. I went to my room a lot for time outs. I am feeling better today!

THANK YOU! Today is better. Yesterday I could have happily eaten glass. Today I'm a bit more mellow and not so aggrivated.