Got it, thanks!

Your welcome... I love going to Old Navy... I do still go in to her, just not every week, since I got this new job in January. But I might have to start trying to go again...

Hey Mom - so is the mct oil to take as a supplement or is it to cook with - it's different than the coconut oil ?

Thanks!

Cap--Thanks for your thoughtful words. I always feel like you're there for me! Wouldn't you know it, after whining on the board yesterday, today I felt no cravings, didn't feel deprived, and it was even a modified Phase 1 day (P1 + 2 snacks). I was so ok today that I wasn't even tempted by the huge bakery gift basket I received as a thank you from a colleague. Three loaves of bread, scones, cookies, cookie mix and jam! What kind of sassy lesson is the universe trying to teach me?! I didn't even consider having a bite. I gave some away and put most of it in the freezer. So now, after feeling so normal and in control today, what I would like is a little consistency. I wish I could figure out if my cravings are based on foods eaten, TOM, sleep, exercise?? I don't want to take that dreaded step of locking away the sugar monster (kudos to you, Pauley for considering it!). Prior to IP I was not a sugarholic. I was more of a salty snack or comfort food eater. Now that I've done two rounds of IP, I am much more tempted by sugar than I ever was before. Strange. Thanks for reading and hanging in there with me.

Coconut oil people Does coconut oil smell or taste like coconut? Also, does coconut flour smell or taste like coconut? I've been reading the great things about coconut oil and have seen a lot of recipes recently calling for coconut flour, but I have an aversion to coconut so I'm a little hesitant.

bigpassport- It is great to read that you froze all your baked goods- they are so much less tempting that way!- and that you are feeling in control of your eating again. That is the most important part to maintenance mentality for me. Feeling in control of what I eat and not feeling that what I eat is controlling me.
I was definitely a sugaraholic prior to IP and while being on the program got me pretty much unhooked I got started right back up again when the free day became regular to me. Guess I'm just one of those that has to give it up... I really do feel like it's either that or not maintain. Neither option is appealing but I will more readily give up sugar than maintenance. And I do feel much more in control, which is a sign to me that I am going in the right direction...
We'll get there... one 1400 calorie day at a time ;)
pauley- I sometimes wonder if I'm hungrier because of the exercise. I didn't exercise while I was on IP but exercised previous & post. In post IP I've upped the amount/ intensity and definitely want to eat. Love the feeling exercise gives though... so still trying to work out what I can eat and not gain...
I've bought coconut oil but haven't used it yet...

Exercise definitely makes me more hungry. I think that's one reason I struggled to lose weight in the past. I was a mountain climber, and let me tell you - after you climb Mt Rainier, you come home and eat an entire pizza! You just can't lose weight that way though. Giving up exercise allowed me to focus on losing fat and it really worked. Finding the balance now between the hunger and the extra calories adds to the challenge of maintenance.

I've been slathering myself with coconut oil at the recommendation of folks on this board. I really like it. Keeps my skin smooth and soft and smells great! It hasn't performed the miracle of giving me a wrinkle free belly, but according to my dermatologist, only surgery does that. The oil does smell so good that I'd like to cook with it but haven't tried yet.

We will be going to BC this weekend... looking forward to a change of scenery but kind of wish it didn't involve 10 hours of driving with children ;) Hope it will be warm... it's finally warming up a bit here so hopefully it will be even warmer there!
Went out for a date with my husband last night and even though I had planned to indulge (and did) it stayed reasonable. Yes! Finally seem to be figuring that one out a bit... Exercised for a couple hours this morning and feel great- put my carbs to good use :lifter:
Ishbel many congratulations on reaching maintenance! Hope to see you in this thread often!

I take the mct oil as a supplement-just drink the tablespoon. It has little flavor.

I fink coconut oil does taste like coconut, so I mainly use it to make curry... Yum

Exercise for sure make you more hungry-just think of how many time you were told to go run around and work up an appetite as a kid! I find to accommodate this I mainly work out right before dinner, and that dinner needs to be ready and waiting when I get home.

Been a little hectic here....and I've taken a couple days off...I'm finally and officially in maintenance! I chose today (my first official day) to be my "fun" day... I went to Star Bucks for my carmel maciatto (sp) and then Panera Bread for my asiago bagel, which they were out of! :(

Heading to my parents and my dinner will be cheese, bread and wine...yes I'm going overboard! I'll cut back on cheese for a while but for today I will enjoy it!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

:)

Oh, I love curry! I used to make a great curry with coconut milk and vegees, sometimes chicken added. I bought a can of it, but haven't made it yet. Didn't dawn on me that I could use coconut oil..... sounds nice.

NewEnglander - have a blast ! congratulations on starting Phase 4 !!!

Hi girls..My life has gotten a little too busy with meetings after work and a husband on the tractor. This is cutting into my chat time!
Things are going well..still within my range..still exercising.

The amusing thing is that ever since my husband criticized my coat, he has been complimenting my outfits, much more often. Progress!

I also exercise before eating and come home hungry for breakfast.
New Englander..enjoy your free day. I love love curry.
cap: glad you enjoyed the carne asada and that things are going well.
Lee. You sound happier. Is your week going better?
Sewmam; Thanks for the info ..That powder looks good.
Pauley: Is your husband going crazy with the spring kid fever at school?

Here is an article on carb addiction..
www.squidoo.com/carbohyd
rateaddiction#module8899681


Off to work afterschool. Hope everyone has a good day..I will catch up later!

Thanks! Boy...I realized the foods I missed so much didn't taste that great...the wine caused a bit of feeling not so great today...next cheat day will be minimal...I was happy to go back to P1 today! :) Just wish I wanted to pay the $4.00 a packet for IP...miss their chocolate drink...I've tried Muscle Milk and EAS shakes and they don't compare...I prefer Muscle Milk over EAS and will "deal" with it, but not as chocolatey!!!

Have a great day everyone! :)

(Oh, and DH said he will never participate in my "cheat" day again...he feels yucky today and it was all from the food...) :(

Its sad how crappy the foods we used to love make us feel!
Hope the wine was good at the time!

I really think this is normal, until you find out what is right for you and what works and doesn't work. I am still doing that and I have been in maintenance since Nov. It is a hard one to figure it out. I find life much easier by eating veggies, salads and then my main protein for suppers. I still overdue the coffee... just got new flavors yesterday, choc peanut butter, choc mousse, tiramsu, and pumpkin pie... yep tried a cup of each...
those people that stay thin and eat whatever they want... are just mean... but there are a lot of things I don't want to eat anymore, which is a good thing... now if i could just stay away from bp and choc... oh well tried the walden farms choc peanutbutter... not good looks like a pudding couldn't imagine spreading that on toast... ewww...

Isn't that funny, I think we all come to realize that, and over indulging just makes it hit the mark that much faster, are bodies kind of go wait what are you doing to me...


Jelly - I know the frustration of your plateau it sucks, there is nothing anyone can say t make it better. Keep at it the pounds will eventually go, I still kind of regret not holding up to my goal weight but no matter it is your choice and just keep at it. I agree with all you may be 1. gaining muscle and losing fat, 2. not eating enough? Have a great weekend.

Ishbel - hey congrats I missed that you are in maintenance, will have to start reading the daily more. Way to go.:hug::hug::hug:

The wine was good at the time! ;) I'll hit the treadmill and free weights tomorrow... that makes me feel so much better!