I think it takes more than a month to find out what really works FOR YOU. I am now into my third month and have discovered what foods I like and dislike, how my body reacts (for instance, I need to cut back on the mag cal a bit or I get awful diarrhea), what happens when I cheat (I had to learn for myself -- too stubborn to take anyone else's word for it!!), how much better I feel, physically and mentally, how to handle those difficult days (bubble baths, massages, naps). I have created a "cookbook" of my favorites, spent HOURS reading this forum, and come to terms with the fact that I am a slow loser (avg. 2 lbs a week). I have settled into a LIFESTYLE that works for me, and I look forward to maintaining that LIFESTYLE for the rest of my days.
I find that hot drinks, like tea or bullion, help me feel full between meals, and my motivations are looking forward to a new wardrobe and knowing that, for the first time in a very long time, I am being truly good to myself. I used to think that giving in and allowing myself to have whatever I wanted was what "I deserved." Now I know that I was actually punishing myself, and dooming myself to stay heavy!
This forum is so awesome. I love reading about the amazing successes that so many others have had. Because of all of you, I know I can do this. Thanks!

They're all "normal" but not everyone experiences these symptoms. They just have their own. THe only one I'd be concerned about is the fluctuating blood pressure -- or actually, how much it is fluctuating. I have normally low blood pressure and for the first month or so it would really dip and I would get light headed. If yours is really spiking, I'd talk to a health person.

I can totally relate to you right now. I am on day 3 and starving!!! I feel like I could eat the dry wall and I sooo excited to eat lunch in 30 minutes. What has kept me from cheating is 3 things. 1. The Dr that explain the program to me said this diet will just barely put you in ketosis and one little cheat will kick you out of it and significantly slow down your weight loss! YIKES! That scares me pretty good. 2. The food is expensive! If I cheated and didnt follow thru with this my husband would kill me. 3. This forum is encouraging and when I want to cheat I get on here and it helps me! Hopefully tomorrow I will be in ketosis and feel better good luck!

I just posted this on another site, but I would have the same answer here. I've stopped and restarted diets and finally quit for most of my adult life.

What's different this time is I've told myself (many times daily) "this is a short period of time in your life. A few months out of the next decades of living. You can do this and learn to treat food and yourself with respect."

Phase 1 isn't forever. You can do this with the right mindset, whatever that is for you. Good luck! Looking forward to your successful posts!

Like (many times over)!

Quick question for everyone! I want to try the soy patty but it came in a packet alone and dont know how much water to mix in or any instructions to it...can someone tell me?

My progress pics are enough to keep me motivated. I know I want this and I enjoy the direction I am going. I WILL NEVER be that person again!

Wuv your new pic is great!

Your progress pics are no doubt AMAZING!

I was thinking the same thing...

I just want people to know that THIS PROGRAM WORKS!!!!!....seeing the results is much better than anyone can tell you about it. Walking the walk says a lot, ANYTHING is possible IF you put your mind to it and STICK TO IT!!!....I am living proof!

awh that's good! I am only on it a week but I know I can do this with the help of this site and the people around me. I am just terrified of social events, like tomorrow I have a babyshower and found it's a brunch shower. So, I"m sure I will sitting there drinking a shake! haha. But, i'm okay with it. I think ....

You are stressing WAY TOO MUCH about this, WAY too much, calm down, I promise you will be ok. You will get through this, its about the people, the new mom to be NOT THE FOOD there to be eaten or notice what not is being eaten. Enjoy the company, visit, remember things, don't focus on the food being served. No one says you HAVE TO EAT. There have been many times where I have gone to a function and not eaten anything, I just passed it over as I wasn't hungry, which I wasn't because I had eaten before I went and just drank my water.

My nephew got married in Sept, I didn't eat ONE thing at the reception except maybe some cauliflower or broccoli, it was more about seeing the people I hadn't seen in years and visiting everyone. STOP stressing!!!!....stressing will make you HOLD THE WEIGHT ON and then you will freak out when you don't have a loss.....just breathe.......and go with the flow.....relax chickie.....relax

-how to resist not cheating on the diet?
As I saw others saying it's as simple as keeping in mind the big picture. I think the best thing about IP is that even with all the "restrictions" there are still so many options. Just think about what it is you want when you cheat...and think how can you get that from your IP foods. There's chocolate, cheese, salty...you will find something to satisfy that inkling to "cheat"
-what do you have in your life that motivates you?
My motiviation was knowing I did not want to be on blood pressure medication and I wanted to be happy when I looked in the mirror. And besides the coach and drs motivation that's all I had and all I needed.
-how do you not get sick of the food?
Being open to the possibilites...and to new things. Check out the recipes---there is something for everyone---trust me...I am a picky vegetarian! I didn't know how I was going to make it when I first started AND today I met my goal.

Stick with it, for you and your future family..you won't regret it :-)

haha I know .. i am totally stressing about it. I"m sure it will come and go and it'll be no problem. Normally, I'll start a diet and go to the function and call it my "cheat" day. But, I am NOT cheating tomorrow. So, maybe because i'm soooooo serious this time, i'm overreacting more than I should. I know i mentioned it like 4324783924 times today!