Thanks for sharing your photos. You look fabulous! I agree about it being nice to feel good dressing up. I have a great outfit on today that I never could have pulled off 50 lbs heavier. Love it!

Interesting about non-fat and low-carb foods being unavailable in Germany. That would make this diet so much harder! Why do they not offer these healthier choices there? Do people in Europe just not have weight problems like we do here?

I can't say much about the rest of Europe because I haven't spent much time out of Germany for the past 10 months. But there is, unquestionably, less obesity here although it, and childhood diabetes, are on the rise. It saddens me to see parents buy little children a croissant for breakfast as they bike to the childcare center.

Germans are also a lot more, consistently, active than Americans, I think. Walking to and from public transportation or to the shops and, and practically everyone bikes either to work, or on excursions. Having said that, you can imagine my shock the first time I read ingredients on a label. Daily standard requirements for calories 2,000; protein 50; fat 70g; and carbohydrates 270g! Thank heavens my stay here has NOT been broadening. :D

I hope your weekend was lots of fun. I succeeded with the 'no food in the car' decision, but eating out was tricky. The way I handled it was to leave half of whatever I ordered on the plate... even at a 4-star restaurant in WI! I ordered what I wanted but felt somewhat in control of the calories. And, I never ordered dessert. If hubby wanted dessert, I had a taste of his and that was it. Came home and weighed -- only a pound up. Phase 1 for two days. Love this diet.

samyswan & pauley- I'm a car snacker as well. When I got on IP I switched over to snacks that were allowable on program (pudding cakes, chopped bell peppers). Since hitting maintenance I've added in carrots & hummus (provided I'm not in the drivers seat ;)).
bcgirl- my clothing, just as much as the number on the scale is what keeps me accountable. And jeans have an unfortunate way of 'stretching' after they are purchased. In the past this led me to believe that I was smaller than I really was. If they happened to come out of the dryer a little too snug, well, that's the dryer's fault, right? I buy them very snug now and when they stretch a bit they fit perfectly. I was thinking that one of the best aspects of IP is how it improves your self esteem along the way. From the number drops and improved appearance to the self discipline. This can be one of the hardest things to learn and it has the most direct impact on our esteem. To say 'no' to ourselves or to say 'yes, you have to' and to follow through on both of these aspects. Setting this up as a 'no cheat' diet plays so well into this. Because along the way learning to say no I can't have this because it's not on my sheet that says I can and standing up to saboteurs, unwitting or no, says to oneself that "I am worth it" (thank you loreal). And by the end, when goal is reached there is the pride of accomplishment and the knowledge that sometimes saying 'no' or 'yes, I have to' are good things.
I didn't get a chance to be on the computer yesterday so I wasn't able to post my challenge results. But I will be everlastingly grateful for these challenges. It really does keep me on the ball :D Part of the reason I didn't have enough time to post my results is that I was trying to fit in my last exercise class ;)
pxlkitty- you're under goal?? Were you trying for that?? That's awesome! Such a good feeling when your body is on the page you want it to be on:carrot:
woolberger- welcome back! How was the rest of vacation?

One other thing that worked well to keep me conscious of my eating -- I only brought my size 8 jeans, which don't leave any room for extra pounds!

My weekend was a lot of fun and involved ZERO car snacking and ZERO weight gain. I feel good about myself after managing a weekend away without blowing it. My family was supportive and I had no complaints about the lack of treats. We had one glorious meal out which included plenty of Irish soda bread with butter. Phase 1 on the way home offset the indulgence just like it's supposed to.

I had a short visit to Germany and Austria a few years ago. I do remember seeing everyone on bicycles, even ladies in evening gowns and heels! What a different lifestyle. I do like the idea, but would have a hard time giving up the comfort of my car on rainy/snowy cold days!

Haven't seen an evening gown yet, but high heels for sure; and scads of children'
s seats or little "cars" attached. For bad weather there's a superb mass transit system. And it sure sounds as though you had a good weekend.

I'm having a lot of trouble with Phase 3 breakfast, particularly with the fats in eggs, dairy products with different fat percentages than the US. I finally just put down my favorite breakfast. Could one or another of you please look at it and advise me. It's not "conventional" but it has the best distribution I can come up with and it is virtually identical to what I'd eat for breakfast in Hawai'i except I'd add a little no fat Miracle Whip.

2 slices of wholemeal bread
2 ounces, 56 g, chicken breast
91 g tomato, 1/2
68 g avocado, about 1/3
8 oz no fat milk
I'm using the avocado for fat and fruit with the tomato

525 calories
36.66 g protein
48.49 g carbohydrates
14.08 g fat
21.01 g sugar
15.34 g fiber
562 g calcium
93 g magnesium
1143 g potassium
538 g sodium

It's a little higher in sugar and sodium than I'd like. But it's awfully good protein, fiber, magnesium, and potasium. What do you think? Avocado for fat and tomato for fruit OK? Any advice would be really appreciated.

Linden..That is an interesting dilemna. When i was in Europe I seem to recall fat free and low fat options disappeared in the stores. I was going to suggest straining the yogurt to make it greek..but that will not lower the fat content. Cottage cheese?

Linden..I am not an expert, in fact i cannot remember all of the counts. It seems like your protein is a good level, the fats are under the 15 that they want. Plus, if tomatoes are the best fruit you can find, then it seems fine to me. Avocado is a healthy food. Plus your fiber is nice and high.
It looks good. Tomato is actually classified as a fruit so you are on target!
It reminded me that when I was in Wurtzburg staying with friends, that we had cold breakfasts..of bread, cheese, meat ..and beer was offered! That is not IP..LOL.

Well. I made it through my ethnic eating spree and hiking the hills. I must tell you how very very nice it is to be able to fit into those small airline seats and not feel embarrassed. I also really noticed that I was in much better athletic shape and could keep up with my kids hiking up the hills.
I actually lost a couple of pounds on my first challenge week. The one thing that I did not do was log in my food on my trip. I gave up when we started going to all of the ethnic places.

Why, thank you.

I was only under by 8oz, but I'll take it. It brought me to 60lbs down on the nose.

This looks great. I checked relative to my fatsecret food diary stats, and it looks perfect on all counts.

Congratulations! I know how you feel about tracking ethnic foods. They aren't always in the database, and different recipes vary so wildly in calories, fat, etc. I just tell myself, if I can't track it, I'm not in control of what I'm eating. It's ok to do that from time to time, but doing that all the time will lead to TROUBLE...

No joke, that's what Christmas will look like. But in fairness, it occurred to me last night that even if the German diet is heavy on carbs/starches, wheat and vegetables mainly, it is NOT heavy on refined sugar and sweet fruits. Cakes, when one has them, are much lighter and not half as sweet. And that may be germane to the way we are eating. I want to thank you and Pxylkitty for some reassurance, well all of you really, for just being here; and keeping this thread going. :hug: :hug: Now if I could get eggs, berries, and bread to jive. :o:o

So week 2 on phase 3 and haven't gained and am at 149.4 so down I guess .4 so not bad at all. really liking the greek yogurt and fruit and the pb and toast. Must admit I have more cravings now... so looking forward to maintenance next week, am thinking my first cheat day will be Nov 26.. don't know yet what I will have but... I did find some chocolate covered caramels with sea salt yesterday... everyone was saying how salted caramel was so good, never had it so will probably have one... then.

So happy for you, Joanne. The breakfasts really are nice, as long as you are a breakfast person. Maintenance is stressful at first, but it does get easier over time. The first few times the scale went up after a cheat day, I freaked out. But, then... it went down again. Takes some getting used to.

My first cheat day was so full of indecision it wasn't even funny... Nov 26th will hopefully be a good day (it's my birthday). I haven't decided whether to have the cheat on Thanksgiving or wait until my birthday.

Since I'm not that into all the Thanksgiving desserts, I might just do the "low fat" version of everything carby for the sides and eat turkey breast, and not go off plan for t-giving.

We leave on our cruise that Sunday, so I have some decisions to make regarding my choices. I have to pick my full-on cheat day for that week and stick with it. But, since it's vacation, I might allow myself a few small indulgences during the week. If I gain too much, I will back on P1 for a week or two afterwards to stay within my weight goal range.

Good Morning Fellow Maintainers from chilly Colorado.
I finally returned home from my 2 week sojourn and here's the damage report. I am 3 pounds over goal. Not bad actually. I knew I had gained as I was completely off program but my clothes still fit comfortably. I'm hopping back on phase I today and I'll let you know how it goes!
I can't tell you how nice it was to be able to walk down the beach in my bathing suit next to my very trim friend and not feel the least bit uncomfortable. She is way more gifted in the chest department but there's nothing I can do about that (HaHa). Last year I was a fatty, this year I'm a flatty ;).
Anyway, all & all a great trip. I'm starting to plan for Thanksgiving. It's at my house this year. Everyone always bring their traditional favorites so I'll just make my new favorites and no one will be the wiser. Last year I was in phase I. I knew I could eat the Turkey and a salad so I brought fresh asparagus for my second veggie and steamed it in the microwave. I almost didn't get any because everyone else went for it. New traditions can be as fun as old ones!

Joanne,

Good for you!! You will do so well. I can't believe how you have handled this whole program. You are a star!!
I received my Torani SF Salted Caramel Syrup (and my SF Pumpkin Syrup) while I was away. I'm thinking of using a chocolate or vanilla drink with coffee and adding the Salted Caramel for my breakfast. What do you think?

A "sweet" choice. I wonder if our first indulgence defines us? :D ;)

I love the Salted Caramel SF from Torani, it is good in the Cappacino!

2ride, tomorrow is my last day on phase 3 and I am doing really well too. My first cheat day will be Thanksgiving. I won't be going wild, but will have some stuffing, turkey and some steamed green beans, but will skip all the potatoes and breads and opt for a small piece of pumpkin pie, without the crust. I can't wait to see how I do in maintenance and then I am back on IP protocol the first of the year to get the last 18 lbs off. So very happy for you!

that sounds good, still trying to find the salted caramel syrup here... haven't found any yet. I have chai tea with chocolate and eggnog syrup... I was shopping the other day and they have eggnog out in the stores and they have a new flavor this year chocolate eggnog so I tried the sf equilivant... it was good, but I was too tired to really taste anything.
Thank you so much I hope to do just as well in maintenance. I am going to have to post a couple of before and after pictures. The work ones are the scariest.

I wonder too... my actual sweet cheat will be something with peanutbutter and chocolate... my two favorite. maybe baskin robins peanutbutter chocolate ice cream... but I can always have that the next week, so many weeks and so many things I can try again and then just stick with my favorites... :D

So true. Mine will be a grilled cheddar sandwhich. I sure hope that doesn't imply a melt down, and pictures would be great.

Congratulations! I know how you feel about tracking ethnic foods. They aren't always in the database, and different recipes vary so wildly in calories, fat, etc. I just tell myself, if I can't track it, I'm not in control of what I'm eating. It's ok to do that from time to time, but doing that all the time will lead to TROUBLE...[/QUOTE]

Pixle. I forgot to to tell you that I love your photos! You do look wonderful.
I know trouble is ahead when you stop calculating. My trip is over and hoinestly I am happier with my counts and planned foods. I feel more in control..not having to worry about the unknown..much as I love ethnic foods.
By the way..I just finished a night of 15 minute conferences and I am exhausted.

LInden..I always appreciate your knowledgeable and interesting posts. When I think of it, my brother-in-law who is German, did not like sweets.
Are the German breads such as the dark ones lower in carbs.
Have you started Phase 3 breakfasts yet?

[QUOTE=2RIDEROLLERCOAST;4110461]So week 2 on phase 3 and haven't gained and am at 149.4 so down I guess .4 so not bad at all. really liking the greek yogurt and fruit and the pb and toast.

2ride: That is great that you are down on Phase 3. Good for you!! All of your efforts have paid off. I am thinking that Nov. 24..Thanksgiving will be my first fun day. I like the flavor of salt and caramel.


What brand of chocolate chai do you use? One that I found has carbs..must have chocolate.

I made a mistake in San Francisco. I accompanied my kids to a tour of the Ghiradelli Square chocolate factory. I felt like I was in the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory..to say nothing of seeing rivers of chocolate, smelling chocolate and seeing free samples. All of a sudden I started thinking of chcocolate..way too much.. I got out of there. Environment really can affect you!

The bread I'll have for breakfast looks like this for 43 grams, about twice as dense as most American breads: 102 calories; 3.7 g protein; 13.4 g carbohydrates; .9 sugar; 2.8 fat; and 4. 1 g fiber. The fat comes from about 3/4 T sunflower seeds. Lovely.

And funny you should ask. I woke up at 5:00 and thought Breakfast! I was half way to the kitchen before I remembered it is Friday, not Saturday. :?: And I think I might have had it if I had any fruit other than a ripening avocado. [Avocados are a big, one seed berry. Neat, huh?]

Linden..That bread sounds excellent and like the breads I remember. Fruits are getting hard to come by in the US. It is frozen berries for me..goodbye summer fruit. Are your avocados imported?
I feel like it should be Saturday also. I am trying to drag myself to work

Good Morning All! I had a really tough week, I was hoping to start phase 2 today, but I ended up with TOM this week and I guess I will have to shoot for next week...I am starting to feel really discouraged I know that I shouldn't feel this way. I should be proud of my 32.6lbs and 41 inches but I stalled out this week and I feel really defeated. I have been doing a lot of reading lately, I came across the Cellulite Protocol. I was wondering if anyone has done the Cellulite Protocol or know someone who has done it? Were u happy with the results? What did u think of the shortened phase 2 and 3? Thanking u all in advance:hug: Have a wonderful weekend!:)

I actually just finished the Cellulite Protocol...it DOES work! BUT...it's pretty intense and unless you can commit to doing it 110% for a minimum of two weeks, you shouldn't try it because your cellulite will actually look worse about halfway through. The shortened Phase 2 & 3 was an easy transition, and my butt looked fabulous. :) The results are only temporary though - they last for a few weeks, and then cellulite does start to come back.

Also, it won't work if you have over 20% body fat since that's the last fat your body burns, so it's really designed for people who are more or less at their goal weight. And it's not considered a weight loss program since it's purely aesthetic, but you will still lose a few pounds, so you could actually end up looking TOO skinny. Bottom line (no pun intended, heh heh) is that if you have a special event like a wedding, reunion, or vacation to Mexico coming up and you want to look extra hot in a little black dress or bikini, it's great, but for the average person, it's too hardcore.

On another note, for all you kids on Phase 4, has anybody else noticed that alcohol affects you differently than it did before IP? I've always been a lightweight since I'm a moderate drinker (2-3 glasses of wine or cocktails per week or less), but since losing 26 lbs on IP in 2010, I've noticed that 1) I'm REALLY a lightweight, 2) I wake up in the middle of the night feeling anxious, and 3) I feel noticeably depressed the next day. Eating protein and fat in conjunction with drinking and alternating alcoholic beverages with water lessens the severity, but I find it fascinating that my body is metabolizing everything so differently, especially alcohol, so I'm just curious. I have to say, it does make it easy to stick with maintaining and it makes me a cheap date, so it's not necessarily a bad thing. :)

The avocados, depending on the time of year, come from southern Spain, Isreal, and South Africa. The reason I know is because grocery stores post the origin of their fruits and vegetables. And I sure hope your day picked up. 15 minute back-to-back meetings are killers. (As is the heavy, damp fog here. London with wind.)

Lili- I also read that alcoholic calories are the first thing our bodies will use for energy. My take? Dance- if the atmosphere allows it, or make sure to exercise the next day...
I have been so tired this week. Too many late nights and early mornings make me a very unhappy, hungry camper... Here's to righting my schedule this weekend!
Linden- I stayed in Germany for three months when I was younger. At that point in my life I'd never seen 'natural' peanut butter and was quite revolted by it due to the oil at the top ;) Had never seen the likes of the bread cutting machine that was a staple in every kitchen to cut your hard round loaves. Gained a love for apples because they tasted way better there. The fresh baked goods provided at school fascinated me (this vs. the vending machines at my home school?). The main difference I found between the North American diet and the European is the amount of processed goods..

[QUOTE=Maile;4112013]The Chocolate chai I buy is President's choice (Superstore, Lowblaw brand) not sure if you have those in the states. It says 0/0/0 on the label, I am going to have to go home and confirm that. I also bought Tetlye dark chocolate chai (have to check that label too)... My cheat day will probably be nov 26, if I had been close to my sister's it would have been the 24 as she makes an awesome thanksgiving feast. But I can't take the time and it is a 6 hour drive one way... I am glad you toughed it out at the chocolate factory, don't know if I could have.
:hug::hug:

I find the wine hits me a little harder than it did before IP, but I think it's just because my tolerance is lower. I drank a lot more often then, and my stomach was much fuller! Now if I have a glass of wine, it's the weekend only and usually on an empty stomach. I haven't noticed feeling anxious or depressed. I do go running first thing in the morning on weekends which really gets the endorphins going.

Maile, I went on that chocolate factory tour a few years ago and gobbled up every sample they offered AND bought chocolate to go! I can't believe you made it through there without indulging. You are a superstar!

Hang in there..Stalling is normal, although so very discouraging. You will start losing again. I had some very slow weeks..in a row then it picked up. Cellulite sounds interesting, doesn't it? You are very close to goal..great job.

I have also found that alcohol affects me much quicker..but I have not had the side effects you mention. I also drink tons of water after a glass or two of wine. On the next day..does your weight stay the same?

Before ideal protein, I was actually drinking way too much wine- 1/2a bottle nearly every evening( which isn't hard to do when you count a goblet as a glass!) this amount of wine never bothered me the next day. Now I occasionally have a glass of wine- sometimes 2, but I crave tons of water afterwards which I think helps. Once back in September on my birthday I went out to dinner with girlfriends for my birthday and drank 3 glasses- not goblets of wine and I was very hung over and had that depressed feeling that was described in an earlier post. I swear I can feel the effects of the wine now after a couple of sips as well. Maybe it didn't affect me as much before because I also ate half a brick of cheese and about 50 crackers with the wine each night before. A huge part of what caused my weight to get so out of control. I blamed it on grad school. So glad that is behind me and I now occasionally enjoy ONE GLASS of merlot!

Linden: Now you got me remembering the avocados in Hawaii..Did you ever have the giant ones that were like pineapples? People used to give them away in buckets. Hope the sun pops out in Germany. I am so happy to have the day today. Good luck with the breakfast.

2Ride: Thanks for the info on the tea..I am going to try to track them down. I also am staying out of chocolate factories for a while!

Pauley..That was me also a year ago. I would have tried every sample and indulged in something. I am so near to Thanksgiving, so that kept me focused. I love to exercise on the weekends also..but are you running in snow?

Determined..I also used to consume more wine before IP...which did not help with my weight. Like you I find one glass now and then can do it..much much less and only once in awhile. It does affect you more. We live in wine country 150 wineries..so it was all too easy to indulge. Now I find that I do not miss it..and have much more energy at night.

Capricious..Is your baby keeping you up at nights? It is hard to have the energy for food focus when you are exhausted. I hope you get some sleep this weekend.


Here is my new maintenance thought. I will know that I have truly achieved maintenance when people at work stop commenting about my weight. After 4 months, I am still hearing, "Are you still losing?" Now my theory is that if I keep this weight,(for a year???plus) they will get used to seeing me like this..and will not constantly compare me to the my other heavier image.
Or is it just the need that others have to comment and control other people's lives?

Breakfast was lovely. Just a little nostalgic for the farmer's market and the buckets of -- oranges amd avocados, and my huge tangelo tree. Its fruit should just be getting ripe. I don't think I've ever said this but your signature name is my absolutely favorite Hawaiian girls' name. :hug:

I sure would like some advice.
 

It's almost 11 pm here and I'm hungry, shaky hungry. In fact, I started to get hungry about 11 am and was hungry off and on all day. I've eaten everything I should and am about 400 calories above what I normally eat; close to a 50% increase. This is kind of debilitating. Any suggestion will be really appreciated.
Edit: Should ask if this is typical of day one of Phase 3?

I would have a packet. The protein should help with the hunger and the caloric value is low- much better than starting in on something that could really get you into trouble.

I did. And thanks. Still hungry but NOT shaky. Thank goodness. Is this typical???