Phase 2. Can it be less than 2 weeks or skipped???
 

Hi, I'm transitioning to phase 2 next week. I'm told I should be on P2 for two weeks and P3 for two weeks, therefore giving me four weeks before maintenance. I know if I stay in P1 I will continue to lose and am a little nervous about not having a weight loss in P2. Mentally, I only want to do four more weeks until maintenance and that's why I want to move on. (Plus I want to be in maintenance by Cinco de Mayo.) :)

Of the next four weeks instead of two weeks at P2 can one of those be one week? I know P3 has to be two weeks because that's when I'm pulling myself out of ketosis, but does P2 have to be 2 weeks? Can it be skipped???

Thank you!

You might want to post this question in Maintainers Vol 4 thread, there are a lot of exp people in that thread and you might get a better answer. I might be moving to phase 2 in a week or so hopefully, so the answer is helpful for me too.

I have been on PH 2 for several months due to an unexpected financial setback. I was on PH 1 for approximately 2 months. I have continued to lose at a rate of about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds per week. My coach has been very encouraging and supportive.

Great question! I'm supposed to be starting Phase 2 on Friday but I really like Phase 1 so if we could do 1 week of phase 2 that would be great! Hope someone chimes in with suggestions.

Phase 2 is merely a transition from fast absorbed protein to slow release protein at lunch. You shouldn't gain any weight in phase 2. Some people who have struggled for a while in phase 1 will see an increased weekly loss in the transition. You should also feel full longer after lunch. That's the only difference I noticed. If you have the full four weeks to phase off, I say do it the way IP was intended. 2 weeks of phase 2, 2 weeks of phase 3. It's similar to allergy testing. You add one thing at a time to see what happens. If you are adamant about phasing off sooner, then do at least 1 week of phase 2 before moving to phase 3. This is just my opinion, of course. You should follow the advice of your coach, if you have one, and he/she is knowledgeable.

I was a little nervous going to phase 2, because I was so comfortable with phase 1. I know now that it was really silly to feel that way. When I started phase 2, I felt like "wow, I could stay here in this phase and never phase off." Then I went to phase 3 with more trepidation. Then I thought, "wow, I could just stay here in phase 3 and never go to maintenance." Each step was better than the last and 2 weeks spent in each was a good thing for my brain. I gained confidence that I would go on to the next phase and be successful because I was doing it! Sure, we all get nervous to move on, but we have to. We have earned it! This is our reward. And you know what? Phase 1 is always there should you need to return to it for any reason. Trust yourself. Make good choices. That's what maintenance is about.

First thoughts...

I would follow the prescribed rules. They are set for a reason, the purpose of phase 2 is to start getting your body ready for 'real food'. Meat has carbs in it, so you're naturally giving it a bit more carbs with the phase 2 lunch. Then more carbs in Phase 3. You've been strict with yourself so far, why change that? :)

I understand your hesitation, which is why I may attempt to go under my goal before moving onto phase 2.

I agree with deperatetolosegirl though, might be a great question for the maintainers thread.

Just my opinion! :)

Sometimes they allow only one week on Phase 2, but I would give your body that time to adjust. You will continue to lose, and will be just fine!

Well said. :)

Thanks everyone! You really gave me a lot to think about. I wish I had the "want' to stick to p1 for at least one more week, but stick a fork in me...I'M DONE!!! So, I'll do at least 1.5 weeks if not the full 2 weeks in P2...I get it now that I need to give my body time to adjust. (I liked the allergy test analogy.)

Again, thanks all!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

I actually did Phase 2 for 4 weeks because I wanted to stabilize my weight and my habits before moving on. I'm glad I did.

Really? Everything I have says it's not to be done for more than 2 weeks??? But then again...this "protocol" really isn't a protocol... Anyway, I'm glad that worked for you. :) You've had amazing weight loss!!! Way to go!!!

I thought that it was Phase 3 that couldnt be done for more than 2 weeks??

The P2 sheet I have says Maximum 2 weeks... But like most of this "protocol" it's up for interpretation and I'm sure clinics can edit the sheets.

Good to know continued loss can occur on P2. My protocol states I will not move to P2 until 100% of goal is reached though.

I am so glad to see your post. I am phasing to ph 2 this week for financial reasons and because I just can't deal with phase one anylonger. I was worried that I would not lose weight.

My sheet says move to P2 after 90% of your weight loss is gone... I wish I had the desire to stay on P1 a week or so longer but I don't want to...wah! :)

And that's exactly when I will go to P2. Not necessarily a number on the scale or a dress size but more than likely I will be like, "okay...that's it, let's move on."

Yeah. I just can't take P1 anymore...I completely understand what you guys are saying...and like I said..put a fork in me I'm done! (That's the saying right???) :)

Yep, my clinic said 4 weeks was the max for Phase 2, so that's what I did. Amazing how info gets disseminated so differently between clinics.

'Old' protocol states that Phase 2 could begin when 80% of your desired weight loss had been achieved. This was then changed to either being at goal or a couple pounds +\- to get maximum results in achieving goal. Make sure you either a) reach goal or b) are very content with your size & appearance. This will play into your mental well being in maintenance. If you feel that you 'gave up' by not reaching goal or are not happy with how you look- then maintenance will be more difficult.
That all said... My coach said that Phase 2 was the least important phase and because I had a girls weekend planned that was 3.5 weeks away we did shorten my Phase 2 a bit. I completely stalled the first week on Phase 2 which was a bit disheartening because I had fully expected to keep losing. I turned to the leanest sources of protein I could find- fish & eggs for my second week and dropped 3. Put me slightly under goal. Lost one more in Phase 3 ( you will not necessarily gain in Phase 3).
Phase 2 is my most hated phase. Give me Phase 1 any day. Way tastier, way easier to prepare. Phase 2 to me was the no fun phase. No carbs and one of my packets was stolen for some meat?? Bah. Phase 4 at least you can have some cheese with your salad and wonderful creamy dressing. Ahhh yes, it is a beautiful phase- and I look forward to maintaining with you shortly!

I am enjoying Phase 3 so much, I really look forward to Phase 4! I woke up early this morning at 5:30 and got up because I was so excited to have breakfast. Can ya tell I've been at this a year??? :) I do think the amount of meat you have to have is too much though. I am going to invent ways of adding my protein without meat twice a day, like making black bean burgers with soy protein powder thrown in for the dinner meal.

The protocal has changed from when I started, and is a fluid thing. I think that the clinics also have teleconferences with the IP people and get updates or ideas that may not be reflected in the 'official' instructions yet.

While you are in phase 1, you have this hollow feeling and appearance. For instance, my shin bones protruded from my legs, my clavicles protruded, my inner thighs were pretty much non-existent. Heck, I looked bony at 165. If I remember correctly, I stayed this way through phase 2 as well. When you add carbs back to your diet in phases 3 and 4, your glycogen stores are replenished. I think this fluffs you back out a bit. Right now, I weigh 10 lbs less than the last time I saw Phase 1, but I don't look as thin as I did in phase 1. Mostly that's a good thing. I wasn't comfortable with my bones poking out everywhere. However, you have to take that into consideration when phasing off. If you are thinking you still want to lose a few lbs based on looks, you should stay in phase 1 until you get there. If your goal is to get to a certain weight and you are there, you should phase off. Again, this is my opinion based on my experience, and everyone is different. Just something to think about from someone who has been there. That could be why the protocol was changed to 100% goal weight before moving to phase 2.

capricious and Paint Lady, After reading your posts it seems clear to me I should stick with P1 for at least one more week. Initially I wanted to get to 155 based on weight charts (I'm a large boned 5 8 women). I didn't realize at 170 I would fit into a size 10, which I'm thrilled with, and that was ideally the size I wanted to be. But, now I'm thinking I should keep plugging away so that maintenance will be "easier"...I'm currently at 168 and wear a lose 10, but I probably couldn't squeeze into an 8, which I'm fine with. I am looking thin and it's good to know that will change in maintenance. Ugh...I probably will stick it out at least one more week... Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!! :hug:

Edit: and I was under the impression I should go to P2 once I was at 90% of my goal...so I thought I was all set...time to get my brain wrapped around 100%!!! :)

I'm on day 4 of phase 2 and so not liking it. I miss my packet I gave up. I hate having to worry about what meat I'm having for lunch. Before IP breakfast and lunch consisted of a coke. Seriously, I was killing myself with soda. I can't go back to that so I'm currently trying to figure out what works best for me for lunch preparation. I'm thinking that I need to be a little better in planning ahead so that I make extra the night before for the next days lunch and that will solve my lunch dilemma. I've also considered marinating and grill a few chicken breast and having those on hand for grilled chicken salad.

Great weight loss! Congrats on P2! I'm trailing nicely behind you! I keep everything really simple. I'll (my DH) will grill me up some flank steak and I'll eat it for a few days, then chicken breast and same thing...I just eat it 'til it's gone. Then for your dinners you can do scrambled eggs, fish, sauteed tofu... :) Oh, and a can of tuna would also be super easy to bring to work...just don't forget a can opener. ;)

I agree that having to cook something for lunch can be inconvenient at times. Making enough at dinner for leftovers is a good idea. I'm fortunate that I love to eat meat, but can understand how some might feel it's too much. Rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is easy. You can freeze portions in a ziploc bag for next week or short term emergencies. I find that I need some options of already cooked meat and veggies on hand for the days I don't feel like making the extra effort. This whole diet has been about planning ahead, now it's just different things to plan. You can do this!

I thought Rotisserie Chickens were injected with "stuff" making them off limits for P1??? Are they allowed on other phases?

I thought P2 was from 90% of your loss until you reach your goal. Then phase 3 for 2 weeks.

Btw, my dh did his 2 weeks of phase 2 and still managed to lose 3lbs (and he only had 25 total).

I thought that too. Apparently you go to P2 once you hit 100%...

Thanks! I didn't know that...my bones stick out too and I was kind of alarmed the first time I saw myself naked in the mirror. I looked emaciated. I decided to phase out when my clothes felt right, and adjusting for 20 pds of skin putting me in a healthy BMI.

The meat twice a day seemed like too much to me too. I alternated with eggs, though they aren't as much protein, and fish. I always cook a bunch of meat and freeze the portions so I don't have to do it from scratch and it's already measured. Sometimes I'll cut up vegees at lunch and boil them for soup, but often I make batches of that and freeze it so it really becomes easy to just thaw and eat. When I'm on Phase 4 for awhile, I want to try tofu or add soy powder to soups to vary the protein as well.

I just started eating tofu and get extra firm and cut it in slices. Then I saute it in 1 - 2 tsp of olive oil. It comes out crispy and yummy. (I'm a dunker...so I dunk it in a soy, ginger garlic sauce.) It has more protein than other proteins so you don't need the full 8 ounces. I usually eat 5 1/2 ounces of it at a time. It's quick and easy to eat...like eggs! :) if you make some recipes with it I'd love to see them too!

Not all rotisserie chickens are the same. Just read the labels. The worst I buy has regular salt in it and I just make sure I don't eat it for more than 1 day. The rest goes in the freezer. I am fortunate that the little grocery store in my town uses sea salt to season theirs and other IP appropriate seasonings. Some of the other chickens may be appropriate for maintenance, you just have to check labels.

Great! Thanks for the tip! :)

Paint Lady and New Englander thank you for the great tips. I hadn't thought of rotisserie chicken. I may have to check out the local grocers to see what they offer. I drive my children crazy reading the labels of everything I buy. Something I never really bothered to do pre-IP. I was moved to phase 2 at 90% of my weight. Maybe it is just a difference in coaches and what they feel is best for each individual person. And my phase 1 sheet specifically states that phase one is to be followed until 90% of your weight-loss goal is achieved. It's the handout from 5/24/11

Just to clarify, Phase 2 is 2 weeks but can be extended and Phase 3 is 2 weeks and cannot be extended.

I set a date for when I would like to be in P4. Coach said P3 is one week so I am confused. It is just helpful to have the correct plan so I don't all of a sudden head to vacation still on P3.

I had thought about phasing down for vacation but it made little sense to return to try and lose a few more pounds and then phase out. Would start to become expensive and extend this another 2 months.

Also thank you so much Paint Lady for the explanation on filling out. I hope for a little fat to return to my face because I see more lines and wrinkles now.

According to my coach he told me that I did not need to do phase 2. He said that I could move from Phase1 right to Phase3 when I got to my goal. It is very interesting to hear what everyone says. I think what I may do is get to my goal on Phase1 and then go onto Phase2 for one week and then transition into Phase3 and Phase4. This really helped me out.

I'm bumping this because I am in Phase 2 now (a week), and I lost 2 pounds after a 4 week plateau in phase 1. I went into p2 because I went away for a week, and I knew it would be easier to stick to P2 while away. However, I am so thrilled with this weight loss I am wondering if I should stay here instead of go back to P1 to lose my final 5 pounds to goal weight. Should I (can I) stay in P2 until my goal weight is met? There seems to be a lot of different advice out there about the length of P2.

I just started Phase 2 as well...despite my goal being to lose another 20 pounds. I don't really know if that's something reasonable for me anyway. I think another 10 pounds would be fine...but I'm at the "stick a fork in me" phase too. So instead of feeling angry about still being on Phase 1 every day, I wanted to take a little break, phase off...enjoy a few June related functions, and then possibly come back to Phase 1 after a little break. Unless clean eating and exercise doesn't take it off, you know?

I'm happy with my 2 cups veggies, a little lettuce, a can of drained tuna and my oil/vinegar dressing at lunch.. It fills me up so much I can barely finish it. So I'm happy to be here for 2 weeks. I'd stay for longer if the June functions weren't so fast approaching.

Anyhow, glad I'm not the only one making this decision. :D