Another "experienced" chat.....
 

I don't know why the experienced chat lost posters but I thought I'd bring it back for those of us who aren't newbies or maintainers...the ones stuck in the middle. Hopefully we can keep it going this time since we have different obstacles and things we face than the others.




I started my "phase 2 weekends" plan this weekend. I added a little bit of chicken to my lunch veggies on Saturday because I wasn't in the mood for a shake. I was planning on starting to go phase 2 next weekend but since I did it Saturday I decided to go for it Sunday too. Yesterday I added a little bit of tuna to some lettuce, onions, and tomatoes and had a huge, filling salad. I am back to phase 1 today but will see what happens if I keep going back to 2 just for a couple days during the week. I was up from Thursday all weekend, and still am, but I'm going back down in the right direction. Still 0.6 above Thursday but I have a few days to get rid of that somehow. I'm not sure what's going on but it's hard to see. (I know, stay off the scale!)

I've mentioned my chiropractor and her husband are also on the plan. Well, I was talking with her about my frustrations and she said their coach moved her husband to 2 well before he had planned on it because he only lost 6 pounds in 4 weeks. Since moving to phase 2 he's lost 17 in the last 4 weeks. Sometimes your body just needs a little more after being so strict for so long I guess. I only lost 7.8 last month. That's horrible! And that's totally on plan. Hoping for more once I add the phase 2 weekends as she suggested.

I mentioned in the Daily Chat that I had hoped to be in if not through Phase 2 by Thanksgiving. But for quite sometime, I have been thinking "what if I go earlier?" I agree...sometimes the change is exactly what the body NEEDS and WANTS. 2Ride was very successful......and that thought is always on my mind. Curious as to how your "experiment" goes!

I will keep you posted. I'm not looking at a good loss this week so far but I am still holding out hope. Maybe that woosh fairy will visit in the next few days.

thanks for starting this thread and posting your information, I can totally relate with the weight loss frustration. Since Sept 21, I have only lost 4.5 pounds. last week was 0 and the week before -.5, and I have totally been 100% on plan. I never have had big weekly weight losses, but am getting very frustrated and was wondering if moving to phase 2 to kick in some weight loss would help.The Dr. set my goal weight at the 170 pounds, I am large boned and framed. Good luck and let me know if anything helps for you.

I'm quite interested in your progress as well. My body always decides when it wants to stall at and once it decides it's the most stubborn thing I've ever had to deal with. Before IP I was able to go from 223 to 208-203 but just couldn't get any lower, I would get to 203 and then start going up and up which just frustrated the heck out of me. That's when I decided to start IP.

I'm only 28lbs away from my goal and I'm starting to worry that my body may start thinking it's had enough soon. I haven't had any NSV in a long time. I take pictures and am not seeing a difference, I really hope that you can get your last 13lbs off because that means there's hope for me.

I haven't had a single cheat, I've been 100% OP since day one and am in week 13. It's very frustrating to read about ppl cheating and still have great losses. I just gotta keep on going right!

That is interesting. When I went on phase 2-3 and phased off correctly when my Hubby came home for vacation I did not lose any more weight. I DID stay on plan when he was home and maintained pretty well. I did gain about 4 pounds which came right off when I started phase 1 again.
I Am hoping being back on phase 1 helps with losing the last bit I have to go. I really wanna be out of the 150s.

I know it's hard not to compare yourself to others, I do it myself all the time, but don't let what is happening to me scare you. You may not have any trouble at all. I seriously haven't been in the 150 since jr high so maybe my body is getting comfy here. I'm not though and am trying to force it to keep on losing. I weigh in on Thursday so I'm crossing my fingers and legs and eyes and everything else that something happens. It's so hard for me because my sister in law who started after me has lost more than me and is still having 3+ losses each week. She has about 75-100 more pounds to lose than me but it still gets me. I'm happy for her but jealous of the big losses all at the same time.

Did you have a hard time restarting? I'm hoping to get to goal before I go on vacation because if I do gain a little I can go back to phase 1 and lose it like after a cheat day. (I don't plan on it, but who does.) I really don't want to have to start phase 1 for who knows how long and phase off completely again because I missed goal by 5-10 pounds. I may just start running right when I get home and try to lose it that way if I'm not done before I go. It's all ifs right now. I essentially have 10 weeks until I go but I am moving to 2 the 24th of Nov, 3 Dec 8th, and then will have almost a whole week of maintenance before we leave Dec 28th.

I totally understand. I'm not nervous because of what I'm seeing happening to you. I know my body and it does slow down every time I get about 15lbs away from my goal. (past experience with other diets) That is usually the time that I quit and just tell myself that my body is happy where it is and I haven't done any maintenance stages with past diets.

No matter what my body decides to do, I am going to phase off properly. I want to keep the weight off forever this time. I'm getting tired of gaining it back every time. If I stall at the 15lbs mark I may phase off properly and then go back to phase 1 at a later date. Time will tell.

I agree, it is very frustrating to see others and their good weight losses and mine is low or at 0, even gained 1 week and always stay 100% on plan. My DH was also doing IP, he continued to loose on phases 2,3 & maintenance, this makes it even more frustrating seeing what he eats and loosing compared to what I eat. I didn't use to weigh every day, now I am doing that just hoping to see some results. I am not giving up, I've come too far, but sure wish the whoosh fairy would come. I would like to start exercising but am scared to in case it causes more wight gain. Good luck to you

I've never made it this far in a diet. I usually go 3-4 months and quit. I have always done calorie counting and exercise though and I get totally burnt out because I exercised in the morning and afternoon both at least 5-6 days a week. Normally I lose between 25-30 and then gain back 40+. That is exactly why I am phasing off sooner than I planned. I'd rather phase off at 50 lost than not do it and gain it all back. We can do this!

It was more rough for me because I Am an emotional eater. I wanted to be sad and eat all the bad stuff I could.. buttt I didn't. I like not having to think of what I Am having for meals/snacks because I mostly stick to the same things every day. I think that was the hardest part for me when he was here since we were out all the time.

Now you know how I have felt for the whole journey! Slow losses are frustrating, but at least I was losing, whereas before I couldn't lose to save my life!

I star!t Phase II tomorrow. Got to my doctor first thing this morning, thank heavens, she got me right in. She said I had a very nasty UTI and possibly into the kidneys with how much blood was in my urine. I am sooooo miserable right now. So, I am going for the phase II tomorrow! I really think that my body needs the fruit and yogurt of phase III/IV.

I do think the weight loss is dependent on numerous things, I for one am 53 yrs. old, post-meno & hypothyroid. When I was young I could lose weight super easy. I also think when someone has more to lose they lose better, until they get to a lower weight. So, do what ya have to do and if that means phasing off and giving the old body a break, well than it is what it is.

We have all done fabulous and I am not quiting, I am phasing off properly and will stay on the boards. If I can't lose the last 20 lbs on my own, I will return to phase I at a later date. Have a great day and be thankful that you can pee without pain. lol.

Yvette and Itsabouttime

I was kind of reading through your conversation and thought I might throw in what my doctor(IP consultant) told me when I decided to restart. He said that sometimes we just need more food and that particularly on the nights when I'm dancing, I probably just need to add some food. I asked if he meant another packet, and he said it could be that or some extra meat or some carbs, but that it's such a fine line we walk between being in ketosis and being in starvation mode.

I think this kind of fits with what you were saying about your doc having better success when he went to phase 2. His body needed more food.

As far as your goal, Yvette, I'd just lower my goal 15 pounds and see if it makes a difference.;) It seems silly but sometimes things like that work. Without knowing your body type and history, it's also just possible that you body wants to settle at a weight a little higher than you'd like it to be. I think that would leave you a choice of whether you want to battle it or just know that you are eating healthy and your body weighs what it needs to.


I'm thankful this thread was started as well because although I'm I just restarted, I really am not having any problems staying on the plan. I was back in ketosis by the third morning and had good weight loss (9lbs) the first week. For the most part, it feels like riding a bike---though I'm certain there will be days!:dizzy:

Congrats to all of you on the weight lost so far!! One piece of advice I learned (from experience) is to make sure that you have a full serving of protein during the meals when you go to phase 2.

I was worried about eating too much and actually put only a half can of tuna on a salad instead of the recommended amount of a full can for a few days in a row, and found that when I "upped" it to the proper amount I had really good losses.

Good luck with testing what works, the best part is you're fueling your body either way so it shouldn't harm anything!!!

Haha, I hear you. My DH runs on the treadmill every other night for 20 mins and loses weight when he wants to. It's just not fair!!! As I make all the meals in the house he eats healthy during the week but our weekends have always been our break from eating healthy. Including our kids. I'm looking forward to having that day back as I miss it. Our son plays basketball in the city every Saturday so we go out for a meal every Saturday. Which we still do but I have my healthy meal and they indulge.

My sister and I had the exercise discussion this morning, she just started IP as well (Angelique06). I'm scared to start exercising as I don't want to change anything in my routine right now.

So glad you got into the dr. Now get better! Good luck with phase 2. Stick around so we can see if you lose better on that phase. That and, we'd miss ya if you left us.

Thanks for the info! It is a fine line between starvation and ketosis....so frustrating. I only lost .2 one week when I was plainly in starvation mode. I did that to myself and it was a horrible mistake. On the other hand, you don't want to eat enough to kick you out of ketosis and start craving things you don't need.

I used a full can yesterday so that's good to know. Also, how many ounces of protein are we supposed to have at lunch? I know they upped the protein allowance at night but I haven't had to worry about the day time meal. I can look through my info but it's just as easy to ask here. ;)

Count me in on the scared to exercise club. I've had good intentions a few times but chicken out every single time.

I'm not sure I did it right, but I did the same at lunch as at dinner. I did keep an eye on red meat and fatty fish (salmon) - not both the same day, but I don't know if that was necessary.

Thanks for starting this thread ItsAboutTime. Kind feel like a whiner on the daily chat and I'm scared I'll frighten newbies with my frustrations. Part of me thinks it really has something to do with the weather as it's cooler and I'm freezing 1/2 the time, ok 90%... How can you're body burn fat when its natural instinct is to preserve energy and hold onto fat stores to keep you from freezing to death?? LOL. I need to dash the youngest to the dentist but I shall return and read all the posts not just skim like i just did. -hangs head in shame- :P

I'm always cold too! I had a guy at work tell me I need a layer of blubber to help me with that. NO thanks! I'd rather be cold.

Hi Bellamack, glad you got in to see the Dr. hope you are soon feeling better. I also am post menopausal, hypothyroid, and I turned 54 last week.I use to be able to lose weight easier, but just could never keep it off. Have done the weight loss with different programs so many times only to gain it back. With all the phases on IP I am more confident that this will be the last weight loss program for me. I am feeling so much better and had excellent blood test results a few weeks ago. I will keep plugging along at a snails pace, but will make it to the finish line eventually.
We have all done so well on here, lets keep going and as a group we will stay strong together. I am going to try to stay off the daily scale thing, it just seems to upset me more.
Have a great day everyone!!

I agree DollFaceBella with everything you said. Hopefully we can all help each other by posting what works and doesn't work for each of us on here

My DH doesn't cook at home, only while camping, but he is making his own maintenance breakfasts now. This is a help as I only have to smell it cooking and not do that meal for him.
If you and your sister come up with an exercise plan let me know, I would be interested in hearing what is working for you

Thanks for the info, I am actually considering adding a bit more protein to my daily meals, maybe some at lunch and dinner. I am fairly active am maybe I am not getting enough. Also for the last 2 days increased my packages to 4 a day, and no extra meat protein so going to see how that goes

Hey 2011weightbegone,

We are practically twins. I will turn 54 on 1/7. I also got excellent bloodwork results about 2 weeks ago. My doctor who is a little skinny vegatarian and younger than me, said her numbers are not as good as mine and I take nothing except synthroid. She actually said there is no way to make my numbers any better. BP 90/60, total Cholestorl 160, Triglycerides 65, fasting sugar 92, my ratio' for HDL/LDL was perfect. Yeah! She would like me to lose to about 150 lbs, I would like to go to 145 lbs., but I am not in a big hurry, just taking it as it comes. I am a very slow loser and since my numbers are great, I am not worrying about the pace. Good Luck to you, I think we are on the road between IP protocol and the support we get here on 3FC, we have the tools and we all know, it's all about the tools! lol

Doll, you bring up a good point because our bodies will try to conserve fat during the winter. It may be that you actually need more calories because your body is expending so much energy just to stay warm. I've read little tips that drinking cold water causes us to burn more calories...and while that's a small amount, imagine how hard your body is working to warm you in the winter. I really think it comes down to that line between ketosis and starvation mode.


I just want to throw something out here because I see that many of you that are struggling are quite scrupulous with measurements and the types of meats you eat, etc. I probably eat beef 80% of my meat meals. I don't really like fish and chicken just doesn't make me feel as good as beef does. I use olive oil or coconut oil without measuring when I cook. I also, make sure I get at LEAST the required veggies, but I don't sweat it if I go over. I'm 45 years old, hypothyroid, adrenal fatigue and the list goes on, but even still I have had good weight loss (and I did the first time around) and I can't help but think that it's because I'm probably eating just a few more calories--and fat. Perhaps, it might help if you tried just bumping up your calorie/fat intake just a little and see if you get better results.

BELLA, I am SO glad you were able to get in to see your doctor!!!!!!

Good luck phasing out it seems like your body really needs it. Keep us posted.

Just wanted to say hello to everyone on this thread, I totally am not great with computers so I don't know how to mulitpost, so instead of replying to each of you I am going to do 1 post.Looks like we all are having some of the same problems.Thank you ItsAboutTime for starting this thread, it is going to be great to have others to talk with that are dealing with the same issues.
We have all done so well, we have to stay strong and continue on. Our health is so important, and I know for myself I am feeling so much better now with the weight and inches I have already lost to date.
Good luck everyone and have a wonderful day!!

Thanks a lot, It'sAboutTime. I was so glad to see this thread, because I've been having a weird problem today and wanted to ask a question. But I decided to read the rest of the stuff and save this for a treat. Well! The whole site's mushroomed and my little problem seems insignificant. (I've been hungry all day and that's never, ever ever happened before.)

I feel the frustration/pain, especially for those of you who live with someone or know someone to compare to. And believe me, Bellamack, we could write the book on slow losing and persisting. I laugh -- not mirthfully -- when a lot of people talk about their 3 and 4 pound averages as slow loses. Get real.

But through all of the wishes that things were a little easier, or more consistent, or just ending, I sense (and I sure hope I'm right, at least about myself) that we're going to see this through to the end, whatever we decide that end is. And the decision will be based on rational thought. I find that SO encouraging, and so very different from the tone of most posts in the Forum. And am SO grateful for all of you. I can't imagine doing this in a vacuum. Moreover, Rosemary said something a few days ago that I think is right on the mark and very reassuring -- that of all the myriad diets out there, this is the one we will come back to -- if we need to lose more.

I guess I'm totally with Marion right now. I'm comfortable re-starting; I'm going to see this time around as far as I can push it; and if I need to come back? Well, I will. :D (I just wish I hadn't been hungry. What's that all about, she asked petulantly?) :o

I think I'll chime in here as well. I'm approaching goal as well.. 13 lbs seem so close.. yet so FAAAR. My losses were never stellar, and now that I'm getting close to goal it's no different. I didn't officially weigh in last week because I did a little "experiment" of substituting my regular moderate-cardio exercise routine with the very much intense P90X. Results? 1 lb gained. I tried to convince myself that maybe I gained some muscle, but I think it's much more likely that I put myself into starvation mode. So I stopped exercising altogether for a few days and ever so slowly the lbs (or should I say ounces) are coming off. I'm resuming moderate cardio today though. Maybe this is weird.. but even if the scale goes down.. when I don't exercise at all I get this feeling that layers of fat are attaching themselves right under my skin. Silly I know.

I think I'm going to try the phase II every other day.. see if that makes a difference; and I would be interested also in how many ounces of protein you can eat for both lunch and dinner during phase II? Is it 5-7? or does it have to be 8?

When I started getting hungry I believe that was my body saying I needed more. try having an extra packet or a little more protein for your meal... it does go away. Now id phase 2 I am back to not being so hungry, which it shouldn't as you are not adding anything extra just swapping out proteins... only phase 3 you add extra everything. Tomorrow is the big day goining over some menu plans now... Good luck to all

Phase II is the same as phase 1 you just replace a packet for your own protein just like your supper no more no less.

Several days ago I posted a link to an article based on recent Duke University research about "belly fat". For one thing, they said that what we normally call belly fat -- the overhang, the muffin top, etc. -- isn't. What real belly fat is, is the deep, deep subcutaneous fat that clings to the liver and other organs. And that only, ONLY aerobic exercise will get it off. Cardio does nothing. They strongly recommend walking at a moderate to slightly above moderate pace.

I went back to Duke's main page and tried to find the original research. It's probably there; I just couldn't find it. But I think what they say is awfully interesting in light of those who gain weight doing cardio, or perhaps too much. Just thinking here.

Edit: Try this. http://www.dukehealth.org/health_lib...ning-belly-fat

You are starting 3 tomorrow? Exciting...and scary. Good luck.

As freaky as it feels to do phase 3, my guess is you will drop a few pounds. Hope you LOVE it.:smug:

Hey, thanks for the article. I just read it

http://www.dukehealth.org/health_lib...ning-belly-fat

You are right that they say that only aerobic exercise will get rid of the visceral fat, I'd just like to point out that aerobic exercise = cardio (moderate). Cardio only becomes anaerobic exercise if you are sprinting full force, which can only be done for very brief periods of time. Other than that cardio is aerobic and weight training is considered anaerobic.

I definitively will stick to the moderate cardio then (even more so in light of this article). Although I really can't wait to be able to do P90X once I'm done with IP. I will need all the toning I can get. :strong:

Thanks!

Got it. Thanks.

I'm back...and chilled to the bone, again. LOL...gotta laugh I guess. I see a couple of you had mentioned P90X. I tried that last winter and didn't lose a single pound. Not getting enough protein I'm sure. I can't wait for phase 3, then I will start it again but slowly, probably arms and legs couple times a week with a bit of light cardio thrown in. My scale and Wii fit both said 158.5 this morning so hopefully I have a good WI tomorrow. I hate that nervous feeling I get lately on WI days. It shouldn't be like that.