Ten years ago when I turned 50 I weight 205 pounds at 5'1". I have been overweight all my life. I was not able to get a handle on it until a dietician told me to avoid wheat which was more than 90% of my diet up till then.
I love Dana Carpender's books. A favorite of mine is The Glycemic Load Cookbook. I even bought copies to give to friends.

I have wondered which person is you in your avator? Many of my neighbours take off to Arizona in the winter. I envy you!

Pat

Wow! This is like old home week! :D
Even though it is great to see everyone here, I wish it were under lighter circumstances! Thanks for starting this thread Iowa.
I am going to try and recreate history. I did so well last fall and lost just shy of 50 pounds. Then a Mexico vacation, surgery and a fun summer all caught up with me and I've gained back 13 pounds. I AM NOT moving out of onederland! My clothes still fit, but pants are getting tight and I have that roll happening over the top. And I just don't FEEL as good.
My plan is to do IP with alternative products and use up the IP stuff I have too. I am going to transition off properly this time. I'm only going to stay on IP a total of 6 weeks this time. I won't be to my goal, but I want to try the G.I. (glycemic index) Diet plan. It will take the weight off more slowly, but I believe it will help me with the lifestyle changes I have to make.
So, I'm getting my ducks in a row and starting on Monday. I really do believe chatting with you girls is key to success. Thank you all! :hug:

Hi, Kaarin, welcome back. It is like old home week, isn't it. Comforting in a way. Thanks for sharing the carb-brain story, [B]Mary[B]. I'd tell you some of mine but I can't remember right now (and I'm not kidding, more's the pity.) I think Carla's idea about a thread could be hilarious. Cheers, all. It's Saturday evening here and the puppy-for-life and I walked 5 miles today. And I've begun to lose. Yeah!

Edit Kaarin were you affected by the earthquake off of Vancouver Island. 6 point anything is nothing to sneeze at.

Hi Linden, I would love to see a pic of your puppy! Wow, 5 miles is great. I need to get back on my treadmill because it really does help.
I didn't feel the earthquake here in Duncan, but friends of mine did further up Vancouver Island. It certainly was a reminder of where we live!

Hi Pat, I have bought Rick Gallop's book, Living the GI Diet. It also has lots of great recipes in it. I think once I get my kick start with IP, the GI plan will be a great way to slowly lose more, plus maintain.

I just wanted to say hello and thank you for bringing up this topic! I lost 50 on IP last fall and have gained back about 15. I finished all four phases, which is vital to success, but went on a Caribbean cruise right after finishing. Decided "what the heck, I'm on vacation" and gained 7 on the cruise. Then summertime fun has added another 8!! I cannot believe how bad I feel both physically and mentally now vs. 15 lbs ago!!
Plus, I am now a diet coach for IP which adds a lot of mental pressure to maintain my loss (which is a good thing!) as who wants a fat diet coach?!! I find it funny that I can give such great advice and words of encouragement to my clients but don't always make the best choices for myself!
I am definitely an emotional eater I have discovered and when things aren't going so well, my drug of choice is food:(
Thanks for all of your encouragement...we can all do this as we have done it before!!!

In my avatar, do you see the fawn and cream cat at the top, resting on a black and white blob with a leg sticking out at the bottom? Sort of stretches the imagination. Like a dummy I left the cable for my camera in Hawai'i. So below is the best likeness I can find, but my Papillon's ears are a bit larger and his hair (they don't have fur) is a bit longer.
http://www.braylorspapillons.com/ima...er2.5yrs1a.jpg

Yes, that is what I plan to do too. I think that will be something I can do for life. I have Rick Gallop's book also. I like your plan of going all out on IP for six weeks then moving to the DI diet. I will likely do that too.

Liden, my father was born in 1918. we have pictures of his mother before he was born. She was posing with a Pipillon. He always had one when growing up and always had a soft spot for them.

Hi all! So nice to see a bunch of familiar names! I just came on here for some motivation. I re-started phase 1 again a few weeks ago and I have an excuse for why I stopped. I went camping and the food my family was eating looked better so I was going to get right back on it when I got back and that has been weeks ago and I still am rebelling getting back on it. I don't like the way my jeans are fitting and I am NOT going to go up a size... so back on it I go to. (again) ugh. But like with some of you, I am going at it different this time. It's not a race, (was nice to see the scale go down fast though) it's for life. I'll keep telling myself, "just for today I won't eat "blank" food that I use for comfort" My sister is on this, 2 of my friends are now because of me, and I really don't want to gain any more weight back. This site is very motivational and I don't come on here when I'm not on plan so I need to visit often!

Yankeefan, I remember you and I'm in tears hearing about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. We're all here for you!

Welcome Back, Kaarin! It really becomes apparent how bad you start to feel as you gain the weight back. I was surprised how quickly the aches could return.

I think it would be a riot to read some of the crazy things we do when low carb. I hope nothing serious ever happens. That and our most bizarre dreams intrigue me.

How have you been enjoying summer in Germany?

welcome back! Lots of people are taking action after a relaxed summer. You will be in good company!

You are doing great at maintaining! And taking action now is just what you need if you feel you have drifted just a little (get to it and you will be done in just a few weeks; I am so jealous!). Thanks for coming back and joining in with us!

Restarting again here too. Just got back from a week long trip and put on 7 pounds! Sticking to only no restricted foods this week and seeing how it goes.

Ha! What summer? In fairness, the newspapers have 5 times announced that we would have a summer day. Five times! And Europe sweltered last summer. I ask you?

Are you missing Hawaii yet? :)

I know the weather has been unusually all over the states too. Sorry it isn't so very nice for you there. My month there two years ago was amazing. We only had two days in the upper 39- 40c range but the rest was lovely! I wish you were getting some of that.

Starting over
 

Should be titled Starting over . . . [I]again[I]:(

First started IP in February 2011. It was slow progress. I was having trouble committing. I did manage to lose 20lbs by July 2011. Not to shabby considering I did go off the program on several occasions. Usually just a nibble here and there of fatty things. Usually cheese or dairy of some kind.

I don't have the typical situation. I don't have a clinic or coach. The person I get my products from is a distributer. She weighs me, but her advice/help is minimal. There is almost no motivation from her. If I ask a particular question I will get an answer but sometimes I don't know what questions to ask.

Had to go to New Orleans to help with elderly/ailing parents. The full month of July was spent in hospitals/nursing homes. Very difficult to stay on track with this type of stress. Large family, lots of opinions. Very stressful. After a while I got overwhelmed and just started snacking on whatever was available.

I never totally stopped my diet. I would go three or four days on the program then off for an evening. Usually not sweets just fatty foods. Cheese, nuts that sort of thing. Last week my girlfriend gave me a two pound box of homemade butterfinger fudge. :devil: After eating half of it, I have recommitted myself and have managed to get back on track.

This morning I remembered the website and came on for inspiration. I am so thankful for everyone's stories and suggestions. They are so helpful. It has been two days and I feel much better all ready. I will be checking in as often as possible and hopefully will not have anymore episodes like the attack of the killer fudge.

Totally agree I come to this thread for motivation.

Today is HARD. 10 years ago I was sitting in my bed with newborn baby watching the TV scared to death. I woke this morning around the same time as 10 years ago and turned on the TV and just relived it. Although I did not personally know any of the people, I am so terribly sad for all those families, especially those children that were left without a parent (s). Had to turn off the TV as too many tears are just flowing today.

On another happier note, the scale is down another pound so it's working. Carla thanks for giving me an answer cause I know I'm not getting that old.

Thanks Carla, but 20 pounds is nothing to be jealous about. I never looked at it that way, "a couple of weeks" but yeah, that will hopefully be about right when I get back on it. YOU are very inspiring to me and to many. Do you eat a lot of fish? You have a wonderful memory. I need to eat more of it......but I keep forgetting to buy it. hahahahaha.... I'm going to the store today and buy meat and veggis for starting tomorrow. I love the blueberry pudding with spinach and ice in a blender, I need to switch it up so I don't get tired of it.
Thanks for the welcome back, it's hard to come back on here when you know you're not doing good on plan.

Hey!!! It's not 30 pounds! ;)

I do eat fish but not a lot of it. I like shrimp more. I try to mix it up in my week for variety - beef, sausage, fish, shrimp, chicken, turkey, pork, rabbit, bison, ostrich.. ANYTHING different!

I will have to try the pudding with spinach. Honesty I haven't been a blueberry fan.

If it gets tough, and sometimes it will, take it just a food decision at a time. Don't worry about the long term goal or the total number you need to lose. In the end those numbers just mark that we made the right choices repeatedly so, just make one right choice at a time.
:hug:

Hello lady...I am back at it too...first week down...weigh-in tomorrow....as of this morning I was down over 6 pounds (the weight I gained during my 3 months on maintenance). So as of this morning back to my lowest weight...now time to tackle the last 10-15 pounds....I have committed phase 1 to October 1st and phase 2 to October 13th...so whatever happens happens. This is not a race.....as you said....I will then maintain again until January 1st and if I want to attempt more I will....

On an awesome note...my inspirational size 6's I bought in June are loose! Very pysched:carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot:

Thanks Carla for the encouraging words and you're right, it's not 30 and I won't let it get to that. I'm ready.

Darbs, that's awesome! 6 pounds! And off you go. I know you'll do great. Let us know how WI goes. So are you getting ready for another fabulous trip soon? :) you were in Vegas what, a week before me? We had 5 awesome rain storms when we went. Unreal!

First week...the 6 pounds are gone...now if I can tackle the last 10/15 (I want 10 more,but going for 15 so I have some wiggle room).

We are booked for Vegas again in December (we go twice a year on our free airline tickets and of course as gamblers we get free rooms). We always take our family cruise in February also.

I set a date rather than a number to this attempt at IP. I am going phase 2 on October 1st and phase 3 on October 13th.

If I am not at my ultimate goal I will give phase 1 5 more weeks starting the new year.

I am finding it very very very hard after eating maintenance for 3 months. But I keep telling myself...you can do 5 weeks...suck it up Tammy

So sorry for your loss....no words

:(



I just wanted to invite everyone to join the Columbus Day challenge...if all you restarters are like me....I need baby goals....I cannot see myself on this long-term anymore...as I did 9 months and then had the last 3 off...I can only see 2 months right now.

If I forgot anyone....I am sorry....I was trying to remember who was and wasn't signed into the challenge already.

We are all in a unique situation being that we have made our goals and now want to lose some more or maybe some regained. I actually love my current size, but that is the problem...no wiggle room...so hence the 15 more.

Thank you everyone for the continued support and encouragement...what a great website and a major part of my committment came from this website (and gotta give the hubby props):dizzy:

Good morning everyone!
Well, this is it. First day back on IP (boot camp). Ketosis here I come! :D
Spent the weekend getting organized and I have to say I'm excited. I can do this and I'm starting from a much better place than a year ago. I remember last year it seemed to take forever to get to onederland and this year I'm already here! I'm really hoping for 6 or 7 lbs gone in my first week, but the rest can be slower. Like Darbs, I'm only doing this for a short time this time around, then switching over to the GI diet, which promotes many of the same principals as IP. It'll be a slower weight loss for sure, but more of a lifestyle change that I'll stay on forever.
Have a wonderful week everyone!

here we are :)
 

[QUOTE=kaarin;4029352]Good morning everyone!
Well, this is it. First day back on IP (boot camp). Ketosis here I come! :D
Spent the weekend getting organized and I have to say I'm excited. I can do this and I'm starting from a much better place than a year ago. I remember last year it seemed to take forever to get to onederland and this year I'm already here! I'm really hoping for 6 or 7 lbs gone in my first week, but the rest can be slower. Like Darbs, I'm only doing this for a short time this time around, then switching over to the GI diet, which promotes many of the same principals as IP. It'll be a slower weight loss for sure, but more of a lifestyle change that I'll stay on forever.
Have a wonderful week everyone![/QUOTI

I'm totally with you Kaarin:) even the highest and lowest and todays weight is almost same. I really want to do this too. I was feeling so good when I was losing the weight and really, we are in Onereland already so lets GO!

Here is the challenge chart if people want to join....I like the mini-goals at this point...it is hard to see beyond 4-6 weeks.

I was starved the whole week so I hope it gets better. If I could just get 10 more off for right now...I would be thrilled.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...1qMVE&hl=en_US

Well well well. Who knew I'd hop on here for inspiration and see all my past IP friends making the decision to re-start?? It's a journey for sure! I just phased off semi-properly at the end of July. In the last 6 weeks I've packed on 13 lbs. I have a perfect day and then a horrible day...total roller coaster. My clothes are tight and now that the seasons are changing I really don't want to buy a size bigger. So, here I am. Phase 1. I'm taking it a week at a time but ultimately I want to get to 170 and allow my buffer to be 175. I plan to go back "full on" in January to get that last 20 lbs...I just don't have it in me right now. Curious- those going back on plan- are you doing the vitamins? I'm just down to a multi right now.

I am doing the potassium, multi, cal/mag, and fish oil (only the potassium is from my clinic). I am doing a stop date rather than a goal weight because I cannot imagine any extended length on phase 1. I have my first week down....and I am back to my lowest weight so I am now trying to lose another 10. I hope I can do it by October 13th because I start phase 3 then no matter what.

Good to see you back and don't worry about the gain, but do make sure to take it off before you go back to maintenance. We really need to keep ourselves in check forever (at least that is what I am telling myself)...go ahead and add your info to the list in the challenge for Columbus day

WOW!!!.. I go away for a few days & come back to a whole bunch of familiar faces!.. welcome back, y'all... great to see you...

I had an epiphany this morning... for the past month or 6 weeks, I've been feeling invisible, well, I don't really think I thought of it that way at the time, but now I see it... anyway, I realized this morning that the beginning of that feeling was about the same time I was in Colorado with my parents... when I'm around my folks, I have a tendency to try to disappear, to not look like I'm trying to be the center of attention, even though I rarely try to do that with anybody else either... so, I guess I just never snapped out of it, then going up to their house last week just intensified the feeling... the reason I thought of it was the greeter at Walmart, an old guy, smiled at me & spoke to me in an extra-friendly way, & I realized I hadn't noticed anybody doing that in a while... not that I'm always looking for guys to flirt with me or anything like that... it just made me realize maybe I hadn't been as open & friendly-looking to anybody else in a while...

Anyway, I think that's one reason I've been floundering on getting started again... I feel like a real dud on the Columbus Day Challenge... -0- lbs. lost so far... trying to restart IP protocol just coincidentally happened at the same time that I was kinda feeling like a nobody... not sure yet what I'm gonna do to snap out of it completely, but I already feel lots better just having realized it...

On a different subject, after I stopped working out with my trainer at the gym a couple of weeks ago, I decided it was a good time to change things up there a lot, so today I started my new schedule... gonna take a few more classes, some different stuff, in addition to the weight lifting & Zumba I've been doing for the past 6 months... I think it's a good thing...

hugs :hug:

Whoa! I think this is awfully perceptive. It's such fun meeting each new you.

Regretably I'm down to my few Cal/Potassium. But I'm taking the best substitutes I can find for the others. There are a LOT of things I like about IP but if I had to put my finger on the most valuable one, it would be the supplements.

I am so with you all. I have been on maintenance since May, I get scared to get on the scale. I keep trying to get back on protocol but am having a hard time staying committed. It's hard when you know what you are giving up and there is less desire because you have less to lose. I would like to get back on protocol and start the holiday season (November) being at my lowest weight ever. Can't afford IP anymore so it's alternative products for me. I would like to lose another 15 pounds!!!!

Really, Really, REALLY Hard Time Restarting!
 

I am the queen of lurkers and am always hesitant to chime in, but here goes....

I was so happy when Iowahawkeyemom started this thread, but am ecstatic that all of you are keeping it going. I find it so interesting to read about each individual's struggle. The common thread is that we all know that IP works when you work it, but have trouble committing to do it as we had done it in the past. Doesn't make much sense :dizzy:. It is especially confusing for me since I really do feel better and am satisfied when I am on IP.

I got to goal (118) on Dec 3, 2010 and even phased out the proper way, but I seemed to get crazed when on maintenance. I was the thinnest ever in my life and was a size 4 and really liked what was looking back at me in the mirror. I really struggled with maintenance, but was able to keep my weight around 125 which still kept me at a size 4; however this past 2 months, I am totally out of control and weighed in at 138 today. I feel miserable, bloated and discouraged, but would like to join our special group and see if we can help each other achieve what we know is possible.

I have also made the decision to only do alternatives. I am not sure how many of you are doing that as well. I have spent so many hours reading these threads and was overjoyed to see so many of the "oldtimers" return with their sage advice and input.

Count me in! :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug::grouphug:

1st week back on track
 

Hi Everyone...

Well I proved it to myself..if I stay on the plan it works!! Lost 8lbs and 8 inches!!!! So excited, in the groove :D
Hope everyone had a good week and this week will be great too:hug:

Gaile

haha, thanks Linden... it seems sorta goofy to me, a 62-year-old woman having this problem... oh, well, guess I'll always be their little girl, even if it irks me to think of it...



Hurrah for you, Gaile!!!.. you did great before, it'll be a cinch this time...

hugs :hug:

Aunt Shesie, we all notice you! You've been such an inspiration to so many of us. It's not goofy at all, I think everyone learns and grows (or shrinks) as we get older.
Good job Gaile! That's quite an impressive WI starting back up.
JaneDocMom, I just started phase 1 again today and I have IP products, but I ordered alternative just today to mix things up a bit. I am having the same bloated, miserable, discouraged feelings too. I am not eating on plan today because I am STARVING! I had extra meat for lunch, extra pickle, but I'm ok with that just starting back on it. Have a good night all.
Oh and thanks Linden for the vitamins reminder, I got so used to not taking that brand, and I have some left over I need to get in.

Okay so after a completely miserable week on plan (basically I felt like a teenager stomping and pouting because I couldn't eat anything yummy). I had a great weigh-in...

down 6.4 pounds....2 inches in the chest, 2 inches in the waist, 1.5 inches in the hip, 1/2 inch on each arm, no change in thighs....wow was I carrying some bloat around.

On to week two (this morning I was down another 1.2 pounds). Okay I guess I can keep this up.

darbs7 - great first week!!!!

I am starting day 5. Things are going well so far, first day I had a slight headache but nothing else.

Hope everyone has a great day.

showgirlaz - thank you so much for the list of IP products. I am really enjoying the blueberry pudding. I think I will order the broc and cheese soup next time!

Good morning!
First day down and all is well. Actually I feel great! Best sleep I've had in a little while (or was that because my hubby was away? :D). Scale says I'm down a pound.
We all know how to do this diet. What we have to figure out is how to be successful at the maintenance part afterwards. How to live a happy, satisfied, low carb life? That's the question.

Dragging
 

Not doing well at all. I was so excited about starting over but this has proven to be more difficult than expected. My weight is not even budging.

My IBS is acting up which for me means, constipation (sorry I know its gross to talk about but hopefully someone can give me some advise.) Because of this I have been taking my old fibre supplements. Yesterday I discovered my supplements which I take 3 X day have 8 grams of Carbs!!!!! That means I have been taking 24 grams of Carbs in my firbre supplement. This could be the answer as to why I am not dropping any weight.

I assumed I was in Ketosis and that is why I have been feeling fatigued and had a headache. Now I have to wonder if that is the case since I have been basically eating and extra day worth of carbs with my supplements. So off to the drug store to buy some ketostix. Do they still sell those things?

I guess today is the first real day that I am back on the diet. I will be more diligent now about reading my labels. I get my weigh in tomorrow. Hopefully I will be down at least a pound or two.:crossed:

I am so glad this thread was started, thought I was alone.

Did really well on IP for about 4 months, had to go away for two months. When your visiting its so easy to fall into bad habbits with family memebers who really dont like you getting skinny. Every gulp of something bad, I knew I was doing wrong, but was on a roll.

Now I am back in control, on my 6th day on week one. I think I started week one about 4 times before I could not cheat. But I seem to have gotten my grove back. Funny how we know we shouldnt do something, and we do it anyways.

I have started phase one, with a mix of IP, and alertenative items to keep the cost down. I still use the ip vitamins, I am too afraid of not being able to work and train and feel good like I did the first time around. I did by some ready made shakes from Dr Bernstien that were identical to IPs, but so much cheaper. And of course a few things from low carb canada like WF dressing and syrup. Also some snacks from Nashua. There are some things I just love at IP, like the chocolate drink. Its nice and sweet, feels like a drink. I also bought a 2lb of pure whey isolate, for after the gym, or when I am real hungry. This cuts down the cost alot. The one I tried this time is terrible though, they didnt have the one I usually bought. I bought a shoppers drug mart brand, mixes nice but tastes like chaulk. I tried coscos pure protien shakes, I just didnt like them, so thick and alot to drink. I like the ip vanilla all ready to go shakes alot, thats why I order Dr Burnstiens.

I couldnt tell my coach that I was doing phase 1, or else I would have to buy it all from her. So she thinks I am on main lol. Oh well, I dont want to break up with her, I like her plus its her gym that I go to every day, so this way it keeps both of us happy. I buy a few ip things, and her buisness gets a bit from me.

I am down 5.6 lbs this week, one day left, I finally slept well on day 4, I remember before I never slept so well, now it seems its back. But was rough the first few days. I didnt think it would be so hard to restart.

Well thats my rave for today, waves to all the expierenced girls one here:carrot: Lets get sexy as **** for xmas lol:devil: