Hi! My name is Ilana and I just started IP last week (on day 5 today...whew!). Today is the first day I haven't had a ton of tummy rumbling...woohoo! I survived my first social event last night while on the diet. It was tough because there were so many of my favorite foods (guacamole, hummus, fresh mozzarella), but I made really good choices instead of getting off track. Raw broccoli and bell peppers with grilled chicken. It is definitely challenging, but I know the results will be worth it. Thank you so much for all of the great tips, ideas, and support!

Welcome.. And when you have your first WI it will be totally worth it!!

I've read this forum for a while now and I've decided to take the plunge. I've signed myself up for a seminar being held tomorrow evening at a local chiropractor's office. I'm hoping that I can start soon as I'm impressed with the success stories I read here. I know I have to do something. I am up a clothing size from what I was last yr this time. I'll let you all know how things go tomorrow. I've got my fingers crossed.

you will do just fine!! go in with an open mind. and take any information in that you can!! You will enjoy this journey!!

Hi,
I'm Emily. I'm 18 years old and weigh 240 pounds. I'm starting IP tomorrow, and I'm really excited for it because of all the great results I've seen you all talk about. This forum has also helped me be prepared for the "side effects" so I know the first week is gonna be hard. I've been dieting my whole life, so I'm ready for a weight loss program that works because its medically proven to, easy, and can be taken on the go. I just really hope I can stick to it! I've tried Weight Watchers, but was too young to do it properly. I tried to do the eat well and exercise regularly thing, but life got in the way. Most recently I tried 6 Week Body Makeover. It works, but my muscles never got a chance to heal after working out so I was too tired to walk! After starting college, I gained the Freshman 15x2.
I've been an emotional eater, as well as a boredom eater. My younger sister has been mentally abusing my family for a long time, which has caused us to be extremely stressed, and depressed. Cue weight gains!!
Well, I here go... Tomorrow is my first day! I'm so excited, and nervous... :carrot:

Ok, went to the seminar this evening and came home with a bag full of product. There were 2 of us there, a real nice gentleman who was going back on the diet and myself. I fell in love with the coach. She was WONDERFUL! I think I will love working with her. She was so upfront about everything, cost etc., and sells product by single pkgs so that you don't get 7 of something you don't like. She had several samples that we could try, including a bowl of the chili (wow, was that good) and said if there was anything we wanted to try that she didn't have out she would open it. I was amazed at how good everything was. Not at all what I was expecting. Having done Jenny Craig years ago and not liking the food at all, I was impressed to say the least. So, I will start in the morning, which is exciting because I figured I would have to schedule another session to sign up, get weighed and measured etc. Nope, got all that done tonight. I then ran by the grocery store with my list of veggies and meat I need to pick up to start. So now starts my journey down this next chapter of my life. I WILL get my eating habits under control and get back to feeling better!

Hi Emily!
 

I am also starting IP in the morning and am excited and yes a little nervous too. I'm quite a bit older than you, so have a few more diet attempts in my past. Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, Tops, Curves and Richard Simons to name a few. Bought the 6wk Body Makeover but never really gave it a try. It is on a shelf in the closet with a gazillion other things I've bought thinking they would help. I too am an emotional/boredom eater, so we have a lot in common. I will be thinking about you tomorrow and know you will have a successful day. If we take this one day at a time we can do this!
Peggy

I am in the middle of week 5 on IP.. It is becoming a way of life for me...I feel great and looking better too (haha). This truly gets so much easier once the first week is finished...

Welcome to the forum, you have picked a great Program to follow and an even greater forum to be on. These are a wonderful group of people who are all on the same program as you and have been successful to share their stories with you. This is the best diet ever!!....enjoy it and be prepared for results just remember ONE meal, ONE day and ONE pound at a time!!!

Welcome, sounds like you will have an awesome coach which is great considering so many don't have that. Support is a #1 priority for me I get it here and from my mom. Lots of information, recipes and TONS of support on here.

Neither one of you be afraid to ask a question, SOMEONE will be here to answer it. If you are on Facebook, I have started a Southern 3fc group. Some of us talk on there through the Facebook messanger during the day to help each other out. If you can't find it you can add me Lisa Campisi Corner :)

Hey everyone! I've been "lurking" (not a fan of that word, but it works! :)) since I started IP in August... all of you have been an inspiration to me and I decided it was time to log on and participate. :)

Looking forward to getting to know each of you better on this journey!!

Welcome Megs, glad you came out of the shadows. Its always good to get outta that comfort zone and have a little fun. :) Looks like you are doing really well on your journey so far so keep it up!!....also looks like we are about the same weight right now :)

Welcome Megs, Peggy, and Emily - and any others I missed.

I think what is unique about IP is that being in ketosis does reduce your carb cravings. I've been around huge amount of desserts (truffles, candy, cakes, cookies, pie) in the last 8 weeks and never succumbed. I still have cake tins in my dining room full of that stuff. I don't even think about it. That isn't just willpower - it proves that cravings are biologically generated based on hormones (insuline, etc.) When you get these under control, you are freed up to enjoy food as nourishment. I remember standing in front of the refrigerator and panty, before doing IP and wanting something to eat but not knowing what it was. Then I'd eat crackers, cookies, cheese sticks, etc. trying to fill that hole. I was never satisfied and was still craving - something. With this, all that is gone, gone, gone.

Sure you still intellectually would like a piece of cake or bread with butter or cinnamon rolls, but you can now say no, and you know why. I think that is what is so empowering.

Besides the protocol, this forum is soo helpful, not just because of all the suggestions, although those are extremely helpful, and the success of others which is motivating, but the non-judgment. I've blogged or participated in other forums whose members were so rigid that they turned people off. I've seen whether you do IP with alternatives, or plan a cheat day, or fall off altogether, people here are supportive and positive without judging. It's sooo refreshing. I LOVE IT.

Good luck to all of you in your journey to good health and skinny jeans!

I defiantly got an awesome coach! End of first day and she just called me to check and see how my day had gone and to make sure I didn't have any unanswered questions. I didn't have any questions, cause you guys here have all the answers. She said she would call me again tomorrow evening to check on me. Wish I could share her with some of you who may not be as fortunate. She definitely is going to make this journey a whole lot more pleasant.

Thanks! I'm glad I did too. ;)

I noticed we are too. :) You are doing an amazing job as well - thanks for words of encouragement!

hi, I just went to the seminar and have not signed up , but will on Monday. I am excited to try this idea since I know my body and carbs do not go well to gether. I am 39 years old with an 11yr, 9yr, 7yr and a new baby girl who is 4 months. The coach said that others who are breastfeeding can do the protocal with alternatives. does anyone have experience with this? i searched the posts and have found nothing on nursing and the program. any help would be great.