Originally Posted by Bellamack:
Sandy,

you are doing great! thanks for the ice-cream recipe, I am going to try it tonight. :)

Thanks Bella, I used just regular salt since I didn't have any coarse. It worked! Enjoy your icecream. A gal on FB made it with peach mango and said it tasted like sorbet!

Originally Posted by leganegan:
It's okay Sandy. Jump back on track with extra water and a nice walk. You will be fine! I know with the holiday weekend and week off, I have eaten more protein, restricted veggies and packets than normal. And it's Tom's turn to visit... Let's make this week a clean week! Lots of fish, chicken, eggs, and spinach and salad!

I will! I weigh in on Wednesday am.

Originally Posted by stolaf:
Oh boy - I am starting Phase 3 tomorrow. I talked to my coach and we both think it's time for me to phase off and maintain my weight loss for a few months.

I went grocery shopping and bough low fat greek yogurt, berries, unsweetened museli and ezekial bread (sp??) that I will put almond butter on. It is so weird to think about eating all that for breakfast after NO grains and fruit since July 14. I am really worried that I'll gain back what I've lost.

I read through the "Life after Phase 1" sticky and know that the plan works, but just feel really conflicted about eating grains and fruit again.

Wish me luck!

Good luck on phase 3, I really want to go on phase 3 this week after I talk to my coach on Wed. So Thurs. I could be doing phase 3 with you!

Sandy - I'll let you know how my first Ph 3 breakfast goes. I woke up a few minutes ago and took my thyroid meds so I have to wait before eating anything. It'll give me time to get the breakfast ready and prep my head!

3rd Phase 3 day today and all is well. Actually about to have egg whites, bacon, toast and a pear this morning. Drinking lots of room temperature water and hot tea. Physical therapy is going well although dealing with lots of back stiffness.....everything has to move back into its proper place. Weather is gloomy with a high only in the mid-50's today and tomorrow. This southern girl does not like this kind of weather..at all.

Hope the sun is shining elsewhere for the rest of y'all.

Originally Posted by gettinmygrooveback:
3rd Phase 3 day today and all is well. Actually about to have egg whites, bacon, toast and a pear this morning. Drinking lots of room temperature water and hot tea. Physical therapy is going well although dealing with lots of back stiffness.....everything has to move back into its proper place. Weather is gloomy with a high only in the mid-50's today and tomorrow. This southern girl does not like this kind of weather..at all.

Hope the sun is shining elsewhere for the rest of y'all.

Have you been weighing yourself everyday? Have you noticed any gain since starting Ph 3? I'm not sure when the gain is supposed/could happen in Ph 3.

Originally Posted by stolaf:
Sandy - I'll let you know how my first Ph 3 breakfast goes. I woke up a few minutes ago and took my thyroid meds so I have to wait before eating anything. It'll give me time to get the breakfast ready and prep my head!

Stolaf, ooooh, your first ph 3 breakfast!!! I really am shooting for Thurs. for my phase 3!

Originally Posted by gettinmygrooveback:
3rd Phase 3 day today and all is well. Actually about to have egg whites, bacon, toast and a pear this morning. Drinking lots of room temperature water and hot tea. Physical therapy is going well although dealing with lots of back stiffness.....everything has to move back into its proper place. Weather is gloomy with a high only in the mid-50's today and tomorrow. This southern girl does not like this kind of weather..at all.

Hope the sun is shining elsewhere for the rest of y'all.

That sounds so good, CAT! I drank a lot of hot tea yesterday too. If we are in the 50's here in NE Montana we take off our jackets and think it is hot! LOL, except yesterday there was a lot of humidity and it felt cold all day.

I ran around to a couple of local stores and bought myself an expensive super bright LED flashlight. My DH had one for himself and I said I need one. It is so dark here and that little bugger can really illuminate! Then I just had to buy hamburger for Big Man in a bowl as I was getting sick of turkey!! LOL

Hope everyone has a great day! It's is not worth it to cheat, we will get that one cheat/fun day a week in phase 4 , which is coming soon for all of us!! Woohoo,, won't we all look so hot in our skinny clothes at Christmas!!

Originally Posted by stolaf:
Have you been weighing yourself everyday? Have you noticed any gain since starting Ph 3? I'm not sure when the gain is supposed/could happen in Ph 3.

No I haven't been weighing everyday. I did when I was rapidly losing weight but forced myself out of that habit when things stalled out. I weighed myself Thursday AM, sitting at 185 and hoping I stay there if not go lower. It is what it is right now! I needed to phase out early due to well....too many issues that I was battling. Right now, I had lots of inflamation that could be causing me to retain lots of fluids...hence, the large amounts of fluids going in! I have not "noticed" any bloating since I began. I have been maintaining my exercise schedule (as per my PT's recommendations) as well as performing numerous new stretches. I am praying this keeps any weight from taking up residence. I will be in maintenance by Dec. 9th until the end of January, when I will go back to the beginning to get rid of whatever is left. This gives my body some time to heal as well as become acclimated to my lower weight so when I do begin Phase 1 again, those last 10 pounds aren't as hard to conquer. At least I'm hoping this to be the case.

Bottom line, the breakfast is very satisfying. We worked hard to get here....enjoy the heck out of it!

BTW, in case anyone was interested...my date with "the most incredible man" did not happen. There is a reason I haven't seen him in months and let's just say he's not as incredible as I thought he was.......snakes always show their true colors. I deserve so much better so I told him goodbye! I'm good....it's all good.....I'm actually quite relieved to know the truth and not have to wonder anymore. Be with someone who know what they have when they have you!

Oh Cat, I'm glad you know the truth about the date guy! It would be so hard to date him and then find out who/what he really is.

Yeah Sandy....He's not a terrible person just a bit too "messed up" to get involved with. Bad divorce, a teenage son who hates his mother, job instabilty and an alcoholic ex-wife causing legal troubles with his former business. The man's doing a Jekyll and Hyde on me. I don't know what to believe or which end is up with him.....but something sure smells rotten. I thought he'd gotten things stabilized, so he said and was rebuilding, ready to move forward. Few days later.....Mr. Hyde shows up! I'm done....

Said I was going to stay off the computer but after looking at the two boxes sitting in my office and my checking account, I decided it was time to put them up on ebay. I like getting rid of stuff and the extra money, but I sure hate the listing process. Wish me luck!

Ok, I had my first Ph 3 breakfast this morning and savored every bite of it. The bowl of museli/yogurt/blueberries was enormous and I even put in 2/3 c of yogurt instead of a full cup. I thougth there was no way, I'd finish it, but I ate every single bite. Blueberries never tasted so good in my life! It's 1:30 here and I haven't eaten lunch yet. I just wasn't hungry and got busy doing other things. So, now I've got to make something.

Originally Posted by stolaf:
Ok, I had my first Ph 3 breakfast this morning and savored every bite of it. The bowl of museli/yogurt/blueberries was enormous and I even put in 2/3 c of yogurt instead of a full cup. I thougth there was no way, I'd finish it, but I ate every single bite. Blueberries never tasted so good in my life! It's 1:30 here and I haven't eaten lunch yet. I just wasn't hungry and got busy doing other things. So, now I've got to make something.

Yum! Sounds great! I am going shopping today to get stuff for Phase 3 on Thursday! I am nervous, I hope I am ready. I am starting to think I will never think i am "thin" enough. Taking my phase 3 sheet to get a variety at Publix. Craving some oatmeal pancakes with real fruit in them!!!

On a side note, Tom usually shows up by now...wondering where he is? I know this program can do weird things to our body though...

Geesh, I am craving something chocolaty!

Originally Posted by sandyh50:
Geesh, I am craving something chocolaty!

Me tot- looks like a chocolate shake. - ideal protein of course is in my near future.

Brenda, did you read my post about making IP icecream with an IP drink? I think choc. ice cream might just be the thing!

Please repost on how to make IP ice cream with an IP shake..
Thank you?

Just go back a page Sonia to post #76!

oops.. Thanks SANDY.
I'll learn the ropes around 3FC.
;)

Man, that reminds me I forgot to buy the salt to make the ice cream. :/

So, I have a personal questions... Tom should have come Friday Night/Saturday Morning...and it still hasn't... is that normal. This is the first time on the diet that Tom has been MIA. Could it be the weight loss? the intense workout I had Saturday, lower body fat? I'm birth control so I better not be preggers!

Legan I can't help you with that! But maybe do a search of this site!

Originally Posted by SoniaCarrillo:
oops.. Thanks SANDY.
I'll learn the ropes around 3FC.
;)

You're welcome! It is a little complicated around here.

Good morning. I had another extremely hectic weekend so I haven't been around since Thursday. I was at an all time low of 152.2 on Sunday morning. Had a bday party for my kids yesterday and made ham and just knew I'd be up this morning because of the sodium but wasn't expecting to see 155.8! I haven't seen the 155s in a while. I made scalloped potatoes too but made them seperate so I could have ham only and then made roasted veggies for my sil and I and thought I was doing so well. Hope it's all water weight and gone by Thursday morning. 152.2 seems so far away again!

I have only a little under 2 weeks before phase 3 and I'm still freaking. I will do my phase 3 shopping Saturday before my daughter's dance competition so I will have hubby with and feel rushed so I will need a great list before I leave the house.

I have a test this afternoon and once again had no time to study so I'm feeling super stressed. So glad the semester is almost over!

Originally Posted by gettinmygrooveback:
Yeah Sandy....He's not a terrible person just a bit too "messed up" to get involved with. Bad divorce, a teenage son who hates his mother, job instabilty and an alcoholic ex-wife causing legal troubles with his former business. The man's doing a Jekyll and Hyde on me. I don't know what to believe or which end is up with him.....but something sure smells rotten. I thought he'd gotten things stabilized, so he said and was rebuilding, ready to move forward. Few days later.....Mr. Hyde shows up! I'm done....

Said I was going to stay off the computer but after looking at the two boxes sitting in my office and my checking account, I decided it was time to put them up on ebay. I like getting rid of stuff and the extra money, but I sure hate the listing process. Wish me luck!

Men, sometimes they are not worth all the stress, pain and time... I kind of like not having someone who is more work than it is worth... don't get me wrong am not a man hater, just really really picky... too old to change my ways soo...
I am glad you found out before it became real serious. Good for you Cat.. hopefully you get good prices for the things you are selling...

This will probably be my last official wi today... not sure if I am looking forward it or not. I think I did fairly well for my first week, went a little overboard for my fun day, but was phase 1 all day yesterday, and didn't have any real cravings so that was good. Hope you all have a great week.

Sandy - pudding/ice cream good, BARS bad... stay away from them.

Lynsey good luck on your exam, you will do good. and don't stress about phase 3 just buy extra fruit and yogurt and you will be fine.

Originally Posted by leganegan:
Man, that reminds me I forgot to buy the salt to make the ice cream. :/

So, I have a personal questions... Tom should have come Friday Night/Saturday Morning...and it still hasn't... is that normal. This is the first time on the diet that Tom has been MIA. Could it be the weight loss? the intense workout I had Saturday, lower body fat? I'm birth control so I better not be preggers!

Not sure how old you are but there comes a time in a woman's life where she no longer runs like clockwork. It can start in your late 30's. In my early 40's, I once ran 45 days...the last 3 weeks were pretty severe PMS. Next few months were just perfect and then a couple weird months and so on and so on. I wouldn't worry about it unless it becomes very erratic and the "volume" changes. And I sure as heck would make sure my BC system was firmly in place!

Originally Posted by 2RIDEROLLERCOAST:
This will probably be my last official wi today... not sure if I am looking forward it or not. I think I did fairly well for my first week, went a little overboard for my fun day, but was phase 1 all day yesterday, and didn't have any real cravings so that was good.

Kind of a bitter sweet day, I imagine. I hope it's a good one. And I donated 50 pounds of dog food to an animal shelter. Wonder what people were thinking as I shivvied two big bags in a baby stroller on and off a tram?

Originally Posted by Linden:
Kind of a bitter sweet day, I imagine. I hope it's a good one. And I donated 50 pounds of dog food to an animal shelter. Wonder what people were thinking as I shivvied two big bags in a baby stroller on and off a tram?

That is wonderful, that will be my next donations I think... after having 4 dogs in my house and squeakys going just about 24/7 I would love to give all my dogs and my friend's dogs TOYS away... but then they would just chase the cats more.:p:p

Originally Posted by ItsAboutTime:
Good morning. I had another extremely hectic weekend so I haven't been around since Thursday. I was at an all time low of 152.2 on Sunday morning. Had a bday party for my kids yesterday and made ham and just knew I'd be up this morning because of the sodium but wasn't expecting to see 155.8! I haven't seen the 155s in a while. I made scalloped potatoes too but made them seperate so I could have ham only and then made roasted veggies for my sil and I and thought I was doing so well. Hope it's all water weight and gone by Thursday morning. 152.2 seems so far away again!

I had ham, turkey and mashed turnips (NOTHING ELSE) on Thanksgiving and my weight stayed exactly the same this week. I am positive it was the ham. I have been drinking water like crazy and will weigh myself tomorrow. Don't stress over it - you've done so well! Just give it a couple of days of drinking tons of water you'll see that fake number drop down to where you know it should be.

Originally Posted by stolaf:
I had ham, turkey and mashed turnips (NOTHING ELSE) on Thanksgiving and my weight stayed exactly the same this week. I am positive it was the ham. I have been drinking water like crazy and will weigh myself tomorrow. Don't stress over it - you've done so well! Just give it a couple of days of drinking tons of water you'll see that fake number drop down to where you know it should be.

I too was OP all through turkey day festivities, and also stayed the same all week...

When I started stalling it was after eating Ham, so I was real careful about ham for the rest of my phases... Ham is a sodium killer for sure. but ohhhh so good once and a while.

Originally Posted by 2RIDEROLLERCOAST:
When I started stalling it was after eating Ham, so I was real careful about ham for the rest of my phases... Ham is a sodium killer for sure. but ohhhh so good once and a while.

That's what I said while I was eating it! I haven't had in since before I started so it was sooooooo yummy!

I have been drinking water like mad and have been peeing like crazy so I will see what the scale says tomorrow. That just seems like quite the jump!

Oh, and this will be my 7th week in the 150s. You were right when you told me to get cozy here. I'm so tired of the 150s I could scream but at least I'm not over 200 anymore right?

2Ride - I just started Ph 3 and I have a breakfast question. I prepped all my breakfasts for the week and brought everything to work except I forgot all my berries at home! I got an apple, but didn't think I could eat the whole thing so I only ate half of it.

So, here is my question...how strict were you to keeping to the fruit carbs for breakfast? I just don't want to do anything in this phase to mess myself up.

Hi all, busy day for me! I am pretty sure I will start phase 3 on Thurs. regardless if I make 150 or not. I want to do phase 3 for 2 weeks and then phase 4 just in time for my trip to see my grandkids. I bought the train ticket tonight and will be on the train for 23 hours one way!!! I will spend Christmas with them.

2Ride, it is bittersweet to have your last weigh in.

Lynsey, the had is the culprit,just realize it and go on.

Linden, I was visualizing you with a baby stroller filled with dog food. good for you.

Stolaf, I think a half an apple would be fine. I bought frozen berries and am looking forward to eating them.

Good for you JellyMae on staying OP through turkey week!

I am working on crafts this week, just did another card and a layout. Keeps my mind off of food. I am not really hungry anyway.

Sandy... What kind of salt do you use for the ice cream?? I think I wanna give this a try! but I am always so nervous to try all these recipes... Was it the consistance of ice cream or would it be better to just freeze it??

Originally Posted by gettinmygrooveback:
Not sure how old you are but there comes a time in a woman's life where she no longer runs like clockwork. It can start in your late 30's. In my early 40's, I once ran 45 days...the last 3 weeks were pretty severe PMS. Next few months were just perfect and then a couple weird months and so on and so on. I wouldn't worry about it unless it becomes very erratic and the "volume" changes. And I sure as heck would make sure my BC system was firmly in place!

thank you so much. I am on the pill which is why it concerns me. It's usually like clockwork. That' why I started pill so long ago because my periods were so unpredictable and awful. And we have used extra protection. :) I want a ring...and $$$ before babies. :)

Originally Posted by ItsAboutTime:
That's what I said while I was eating it! I haven't had in since before I started so it was sooooooo yummy!

I have been drinking water like mad and have been peeing like crazy so I will see what the scale says tomorrow. That just seems like quite the jump!

Oh, and this will be my 7th week in the 150s. You were right when you told me to get cozy here. I'm so tired of the 150s I could scream but at least I'm not over 200 anymore right?

You got me thinking so I went back and checked. As of last Friday I've been in the 150s for seven weeks. Arrrrgh. Worse than that, I was in the low 50s until last Saturday when we went out for a typical German dinner -- salty. Yesterday I followed a typical IP-style Phase 3 breakfast with 2 pieces of extremely lean bacon. 450 mg salt. Up over 3 pounds even though I've drunk 120 g of plain water every day since Sunday, and kept calories, carbs, and fat low.

About an 1/2 hour before I read your post I'd come to the conclusion that I just wasn't used to eating commercially-prepared foods and that I can't seem to tolerate them, e.g., yogurt, bacon, peanut butter, bread, etc. So I don't know whether this is a cautionary tale or a plea for an answer to the question Will I ever be able to eat prepared foods post Phase 2? This is the very first time the word "scary" has crossed my mind since I started IP. I sure would like the answer. :(

Good morning! I think I jinxed myself on Thanksgiving because I was telling my hubby's family how I haven't had one sniffle or anything while on this diet. I have at least 3 sinus infections each year so this is so exciting for me. Then yesterday I sneezed ALL DAY LONG! Today I woke up with a full head and slighty stuffy nose. I guess it couldn't stay away forever.

Got some more bad news last night. My grandma was admitted back into the hospital Wed and had a bunch of tests run. The results were in yesterday afternoon and she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. She is 81 so there is no way they will treat it agressively. She will hopefully be coming home today and starting chemo in pill form Friday. She is such a huge part of my life so this is hard to handle. She never misses a bday party, dance recital, concert, nothing of any of her grandkids or great grandkids and this will really slow her down. I just pray she gets some comfort because she's been so sick. She's lost 34 pounds in the last couple weeks. :(

Also, my aunt is having a breast removed tomorrow due to breast cancer. It's been one thing after the other I tell ya.

On a good, and much lighter, note.....I was back down to 153.6 this morning so better but not quite where I was on Sunday. I will not be looking until Thursday morning now and I hope for a little more by then.

Have a great day today. I have a CPR class for work this morning so I'm trying to get all of my coffee/shake down before I have to go. Normally I'm still nursing it at 11.

Originally Posted by JellyMae87:
Sandy... What kind of salt do you use for the ice cream?? I think I wanna give this a try! but I am always so nervous to try all these recipes... Was it the consistance of ice cream or would it be better to just freeze it??

I use Kosher salt, but coarse sea salt will work also!!! the Chocolate was the best flavor so far. good luck.

I was 159 on Oct. 26th and I am still in the 150's!!! But I can live with that as long as I don't see the 160's again. But tomorrow will be 6 weeks in the 150's!

I didn't go buy the coarse salt, I just used regular salt in my ice for the icecream, it worked!

Originally Posted by stolaf:
2Ride - I just started Ph 3 and I have a breakfast question. I prepped all my breakfasts for the week and brought everything to work except I forgot all my berries at home! I got an apple, but didn't think I could eat the whole thing so I only ate half of it.

So, here is my question...how strict were you to keeping to the fruit carbs for breakfast? I just don't want to do anything in this phase to mess myself up.

to tell you the truth I didn't really measure I have 1 cup containers and just threw a bunch of berries in and went yep enough... I think you can have one apple. medium size apple has around 21 grams of carbs... all is good.

Originally Posted by ItsAboutTime:
That's what I said while I was eating it! I haven't had in since before I started so it was sooooooo yummy!

I have been drinking water like mad and have been peeing like crazy so I will see what the scale says tomorrow. That just seems like quite the jump!

Oh, and this will be my 7th week in the 150s. You were right when you told me to get cozy here. I'm so tired of the 150s I could scream but at least I'm not over 200 anymore right?

Well I am back in the 150s so I think I will be mostly in there and the high 140s but I am not worrying about it... it is what it is... and I am good where I am I can wear size 6 jeans and pants so all is good... and gained about 8 lbs over the week but tom so not going to freak out until next monday... and my clothing still fit so I am good. after all the stressing for months that I wasn't losing anything I am not going to do that in maintenance... If I am over 155 then I will be doing a few days of phase 1 but not going to stress. I also ate out a couple of times this weekend so I am sure that didn't help.

Originally Posted by sandyh50:
I was 159 on Oct. 26th and I am still in the 150's!!! But I can live with that as long as I don't see the 160's again. But tomorrow will be 6 weeks in the 150's!

I didn't go buy the coarse salt, I just used regular salt in my ice for the icecream, it worked!

We use coarse salt or rock salt when I was a kid and was making ice cream... may have to try that with Chocolate eggnog to see how that tastes...

I just had an EAS chocolate drink heated in the microwave, delish!

Who else is weighing in tomorrow? It will be my last day on phase 2 unless I do a half and half week, but basically looking forward to phase 3 on Thursday. I talked to a friend who said her coach gave her a worksheet to fill out to help her with her phase 3 breakfasts. She is copying it for me and I will get it tomorrow. I am so used to having a cappuccino for breakfast I don't know if I can eat real food!

Originally Posted by sandyh50:
I just had an EAS chocolate drink heated in the microwave, delish!

Who else is weighing in tomorrow? It will be my last day on phase 2 unless I do a half and half week, but basically looking forward to phase 3 on Thursday. I talked to a friend who said her coach gave her a worksheet to fill out to help her with her phase 3 breakfasts. She is copying it for me and I will get it tomorrow. I am so used to having a cappuccino for breakfast I don't know if I can eat real food!

Oh I am SURE you will manage and enjoy every minute of those satisfying breakfasts!