[Briael]

Originally Posted by LNC

Thanks so much everyone. I've made it through almost half of the first day back on track. I should be in ketosis in a few days and that will help the willpower a lot.

Are you planning on doing IP or Alternatives?

There are exercises you can do on limited mobility - here's three links to get you started. Google "exercise for limited mobility fitness" (with the quotes) and you will get pages of results to peruse:-

HelpGuide, Sparkpeople 11 minute chair exercises and 4 limited mobility workouts.

[Bella73123]

Originally Posted by twess1

Please help! I am so discouraged with myself......I did the ideal Protein diet for 7 months and lost 40 lbs. As soon as Phase 4 started I began gaining weight back due to my own bad choices and now 10 lbs heavier :-( I really feel it and I have gone off the bandwagon terribly. I cannot afford to get on the actual program again buying the products. Any alternatives? I know the I.P protocol works but the $$ isn't in the budget. I want to get this back in control before it gets too overwhelming. Any encouragement and suggestions is MUCH appreciated. I don't want to keep taking steps backwards. Sometimes I feel like I have forgotten eveything I learned..... I am thankful I can reach out to understanding people. :-)

I understand were you are coming from! Let me just say this. YOU are WAY ahead of the game if you start NOW!

Two years ago I lost 50lbs on IP. I wasn't quite finished, but I looked and felt good, so I just quit. Well fast forward two years and what do I have to show for it? I have gained back all of the weight I lost + more! It took me a long time to gain the motivation to lose again, but I've started back on the program and I am already starting to feel better. I also don't have the money for "IP", so I am using a-lot of alternatives from Wal-mart. The body fortress powders are good, just use 2/3 of a scoop to make sure they are within the IP guidelines. Also, Hydroxycut makes "lean protien" bars that are so delicious!

I hope you are able to get started, summer's just around the corner if you need a little more motivation

Good Luck with your restart!

[livinlrg]

I've been there many times myself. Something inside you has to say enough is enough. I'd hit the bottom because of an event like not being able to fasten the seatbelt on a kiddie ride when my kids were small but it still wasn't enough. My IP coach said so much of this is being mentally tough. I'm in my fourth week now on IP and believe it or not, that keeps me going. You know you can do it! Stay strong!

[baicar]

I am in the same boat..lost 25 pounds last year and now I am trying to lose 10 of the pounds that I have gained back. My sweet tooth is out of control!
I am starting today,alternative also. I like Pure protein bars as my restrictive,I havent found anything for my lows yet,I think I will do a Pure protein shake..although I am not a fan of any shakes.
I have started and stopped this so many times in the last few months,I am determined to stick to it this time and phase off properly.

[knm]

Originally Posted by baicar

I am in the same boat..lost 25 pounds last year and now I am trying to lose 10 of the pounds that I have gained back. My sweet tooth is out of control!
I am starting today,alternative also. I like Pure protein bars as my restrictive,I havent found anything for my lows yet,I think I will do a Pure protein shake..although I am not a fan of any shakes.
I have started and stopped this so many times in the last few months,I am determined to stick to it this time and phase off properly.

This is me to a T. It's been two years now since I was successful on IP. Since then I have started and failed more times than I can count. Usually can't even make it past two weeks... I was one day short of two weeks on the 2nd of May, and then I slipped again. Here's to hopefully the FINAL time being on IP. Summer is quickly approaching and I'm sick of feeling self-conscious!

[amyniagara]

This is a great thread ... I am on day 2 of alternative IP. I reached my goal on IP a few years ago and over time began stress eating here and there ... my DNA is made to gain from carbs ... As I regained I felt more and more out of control.

Here I am now, only in day 2 after having started many times before. The difference is the support of the 3FatChicks forum and my coming to terms with reality. The reason IP is easy after the first few days is that it removes the option to binge and stress eat. I have been afraid to commit to it 100% because I honestly did not want to stop eating whatever I wanted, when I wanted it. This "fed" depression and made me feel even MORE tired. A vicious cycle.

To fix the emotional eating (or at least tame it) I have found some solid hobbies (writing, gym, art, movies) and oddly enough, COOKING. My Mom always said "we get to choose joy or negativity" and I know she is right. I can choose something else besides binging/debilitating myself by breaking the cycle EACH DAY. I will use this time of 100% IP to get regrounded in good health and mind.

[Bootros]

Hello IP friends-

I am a restarter also (this is my 3rd time around). I am very close to the end and let me tell you all, it is SO worth it. I feel great. My clothes fit. I like the way I look in the mirror. I can walk around in a bathing suit with confidence.

I have tried so many diets and this in the only one that works for me. You can do this. You know the diet so make it work for you. For me, restarting was so difficult. I had to commit 100% because the Mondays (restarts and stalls) were adding up. So get rid of the bad food in your house. Get to the grocery store and get your veggies. Limit going out to eat. Keep busy- go for walks, read a book, watch a good movie.

Hang in there!!!

[canadjineh]

So true, Bootros!! And study up how to phase into maintenance and then realize that it's for life... no going back to bad old habits. Plan & commit to staying healthy once we get there.


Liana

[Bootros]

Originally Posted by canadjineh

So true, Bootros!! And study up how to phase into maintenance and then realize that it's for life... no going back to bad old habits. Plan & commit to staying healthy once we get there.


Liana

Liana-
Congratulations on being in maintenance since March of last year. I am looking forward to doing it right this time. Do you do a full cheat day each week? What is your secret to keeping it off?