Momto2cs, you might find this excerpt from Dr. Tran's book interesting...cortisol may not be the reason that less exercise is more. (This is from page 101) But I really can't add anything beyond that because I am not an exercise buff (yet!).

http://www.trantiendiet.com/site/IMG...re_Dr_Tran.pdf

My reading shows that the body burns ketones just as well as it does glycogen. I have done up to 3 hours of hard exercise in phase 1, never feeling weak or unnaturally tired (just regular tired like everyone else). I have not lost muscle mass, which is the usual concern.

I really believe tat too much exercise does stress the body and fat burning for some reading becomes inefficient. But it also make me feel good and strong and I look very toned now.

The science behind weight loss, diet and exercise changes daily. I definitely don't encourage anyone else to follow my path unless they like exercise as much as me! Muscle does weigh more than fat and I keep struggling with the scale number!

You are my IP hero. Just sayin.

4th day of day 1. Energy kicked in this morning plus my OCD!! Love it.

Thanks! I really believe in ip. I have lost 30 pound and feel great this last year. Less headaches, less bloating, heartburn, etc.

I can't tell you how many friends (including dh) have joined ip because of me. My results are very noticible-it was 30 pounds of fat hiding a muscular body. Plus, once I lost the weight I realized I had let other things go too. I now colour my hair regularly, have my nails done, dress better, etc. I think I had gotten into a rutt that I was a mom, and almost 40, do what did it matter? But it does and I look and feel better now at 40 than I did at 30!

Good for you! And I can definitely relate to letting things go....but just made another hair color appt today! Fortunately I have enough smaller sizes in my closet to hold me from buying new until I hit goal (which is far smaller than anything in my closet today). But I am looking forward to some new, awesome clothes down the road....40's does not have to mean frumpy!

Good for you for taking better care of yourself in all aspects of your life. I really look up to you as you are an avid exerciser and it shows me it is possible. So thank you for that. I had let myself go in the past, just because being overweight I never felt good, even when I did put makeup on or do my hair. I'm trying to put a little more effort into me lately. I still am not where I want to be, so I'm not fully there yet, but I can't wait until I feel I deserve to have that effort put into myself. So I totally get what you're saying. Thanks for being such a great IP/exercise role model to me!

Glad you're going to get your hair coloured! Its amazing what that little bit of a boost can do. Remember YOU ARE WORTH IT! :hug:

Today is almost over. Yesterday, I had a massive headache after work. I have a feeling most of it was from watching a tv/computer screen all day. Today, wasn't too bad. I did have to buy donuts for a coworker's work anniversary. They didn't really tempt me at all. My next issue is that my throat is starting to hurt.

Day 5 of day 1...HAHA!!
Did my first weigh in today even though I just started Monday, but Friday weigh-ins work the best for me.
So in 4 days down 4lbs!!!! Now to keep looking straight ahead.

My coach told me that intense exercise, where you feel the burn, causes the muscles to retain water as they repair themselves. Could cause a temporary weight increase?

I was not able to exercise in the beginning of this journey, as I've got chronic fatigue and 300 pds to lug around was just too hard. Now that I'm at 156, it is so much easier to move that I've started little bits of exercise everyday, on the eliptical, the rebounder, doing some crunches and leg lifts for my gut, and I just bought some of those stretch bands. I used to swim laps everyday, years ago, and miss it. Hoping to start that up eventually as well. I'm still not fast or terribly aerobic, but what exercise I can do feels so good!

Exercise definitely does cause muscle to retain water. I sometimes weigh in after the gym. I am always up after working out. I think it takes about 24 hours to completely flush...

I know exactly how you feel. It took me three times to get back on IP & really stick with it. Last time I lost 21 lbs and gained it all back in a year & a half. One thing I know.... IP does work! I guess I had to get tired enough of being overweight.

I will pray that you have the willpower to overcome temptation & stick with it this time. What helps me is to read the inspiring stories of others who overcame the urge to cheat & to see how much weight they lost. It is amazing. You can have the same story. Empower yourself to say no to the things you shouldnt eat. For me, it makes a difference knowing i can choose to eat whatever I want, but I have the power to say no for the moment. Remember, you will be able to have regular food one day, just not today :)

All the best to you on your journey. We will walk through it with you. You are not alone.

I hope everyone is doing well. I had a major breakdown last night. It has been a long week with dh away and too many things going on. By the time we got home last night it was after 8, the kids had bickered all day and pms finally caught me! I thought I could just have 1 snack size coffee crisp, but I had 4!. sigh Not the best dinner choice!
Back in control this morning!

My weigh in is tomorrow for my first week back on program. Hoping for a decent loss. It's been a difficult weekend. Not because of Ip but a root canal I had done Friday afternoon. Woke up Saturday morning with severe swelling in one check. From my jaw to my eye. Finally the antibiotics kicked in and the swelling is down a considerable about. I just wasn't feeling very good and missed some meals and supplements. Going good today.

I hope your wi is good. One hard thing about restarting is you don't always get a big loss immediately. Not quite as motivating as the first time! But it will go eventually!
I am continuing to struggle this weekend. I have been almost 100% since jan 2...I am soooo close to my goal, although I guess I am tring to get 5 less, so I have 6 to go...
I miss having dh here as support to sty on plan. I know he is trying to while traveling, but he is eating out at every meal. Maybe I am jealous!
Sigh. I like ip, I like the food. But the lack of routine on the weekend has really derailed me this week. I know tomorrow will be better. Just need to make it through today.