LizRR I think it's worth keeping a few clothes if you are planning to get pregnant again. Might as well be prepared! You can get rid of them when you are done!

I also still often feel fat. A 2 or 3 pound swing on the scale makes me feel softer...but in general I am fine. The next few weeks will be challenging with thanksgiving, the grey cup (Canadian football Super Bowl this Sunday), my work Christmas party and my 41 st birthday on dec 8.

My plan is to stick to phase 1 and low carb as many days as I can, but to indulge a bit around it. Dec 9 might be the start of a mini reboot as Christmas looks to be very quiet here.

Dh and I had Chinese food on Sunday and he really complained about the bloat. I agree, but I find if I don't allow some indulgences then I constantly feel deprived and unhappy.

What do you all eat for lunch? I have a salad with turkey almost every day - and honestly, I don't mind it most days, but I would love a little bit of variety, so suggestions? Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving ladies and gents
I'm continually inspired by all of us in Maintenance, learning, slipping, recovering and everything inbetween...so it keeps me hopeful when I've fallen off the wagon and just need to get myself back on. Thank you for all of your support.
Much love on this day of Grace and Thanks
Sunnymae

Hi everyone. I've been lurking here for some time, getting prepped for what comes with maintenance.

I've reached a point where I need some good advice and it seems to me that this is the group to ask.

I've been following the IP protocol (using alternatives for all but the first couple of weeks) since the last week in March. I'm 61 and menopausal. I started at 209 lbs and had -8 lbs in my first WI; -3 on the second; and thereafter quite small losses - generally -1 or -1.5... quite a few -0s. As you can see I've lost 46 lbs and am getting close to goal now. My Dr. actually recommends higher goal weight of 157 - so if I use that figure, I'm only -6lbs from goal. I feel great, and look very good even now at this weight. I'm fitting into size 12s that I previously wore when I weighed closer to 140lbs.

My losses have always been slow, but in the past 6 weeks or so have practically stalled .. I did do a boot camp a few weeks ago that resulted in a -2lbs, but I suffered from diarrhea all the way through it and that didn't make it a very good experience.

My dilemna right now is: 1) Whether to just continue indefinitely with Phase 1. 2) Do a 1-wk switch up to Phase 3 (I recall Wuv's coach had her do this) in the hopes that it will shock my system into some weight loss again when I return to Phase 1; or 3) Start the phase off process and plan to lose the -6 lbs with the maintenance eating plan + exercise.

Your thoughts and input would be welcome.

Drake: I have a few chicken rubs that I cycle thru and often eat that for lunch. I use turkey sticks and cheese wedges to add to it. Veggies with dip too. Don't be scared of the fat at lunch (if that's your fat meal)

Sunnymae: welcome back!

Evepet: if you are happy with your weight it's ok to re assess your goal or even take a break but when you go back the same sense of urgency isn't there. To quote Mom2 those with reasonable goals are more satisfied. If you are stuck on your number you could do a week of phase 2 or even 3 to see what happens? I'm sure there are others that are similar in your age and weight that could chime in with what they'd do or did. Let us know what you do and the results thou k? Welcome to almost maintenance!

Off to West Ed this weekend with the VIP and his son....and a challenge to do the 'funnel' water slide at the water park! .....ugh!....hahaha

Hi Ishbel. Thx for your comments. I'll be sure to be back here to report - one way or the other. I'm leaning towards doing Phase 3 for a week, then going back to Phase1. I would like to get down at least to 157 or so before phasing out. Then my 'ceiling' during maintenance would be 160lbs.

Evepet: I continued to lose during Phase 3. You can always go to 1 or 2 if 3 is not working. You sound ready for a change. Welcome to maintenance!

Drake: I often roast lots of vegetables for dinner. For my lunches I dump in roasted vegetables with fresh vegetables for a salad. I also use romaine lettuce leaves as tortillas and have turkey tacos, Indian or Thai sloppy joes, tuna, salmon patties or fish tacos. I also have turkey burgers frozen for quick meals. I also have leftover zucchinni lasagna with no noodles.

Ishbel: Have fun at the water park. I would love to be in the water.

Sunnymae: It was good to hear from you! I hope you are doing well.

It is nice to hear that others have days of feeling fat.
Lizr, I have done that also..wear one of my tighter pants to motivate me to keep on track. Did you make gnocci? I am wondering if you could make a low carb ravioli with almond flour?

I enjoyed Thanksgiving, but I am glad it is over. Stayed within my range~

OMG!!! You are brave! I think I have been here long enough now to consider myself an Edmontonian. "Real" Edmontonians don't venture near the place after mid-October! But your young man won't mind the crowds at all, I'm sure, it adds to the excitement. Have a great time.

Pat

I didn't end up making the gnocchi - I used the butternut squash puree to make butternut cheesecakes for Thanksgiving dessert! Basically just followed my Phase 3 breakfast recipe for pumpkin pie, but substituted the butternut squash for pumpkin. It was great! And I knew what was in it, so was able to enjoy dessert without the guilt, knowing I was eating something good for me made from good stuff.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/4441155-post57.html

Hey maintainers, I do not belong here YET. But wanted you to know how critical your posts are to me. Having lost the same 30 pounds over and over, I needed to see what this part is like as I begin IP. Thank you for being here and please realize the power of your posts go way beyond the obvious! I shall return soon after I Shedit!

I agree...I love reading this thread!! I will be officially in maintenance on December 15th!! You are all an inspiration to me! :)

Make an official switch to Phase 3 today, with a delicious breakfast. Must say I really enjoyed my oatmeal, yogourt & blackberries. :D

I've also changed my goal weight to 155lbs. That's in the bottom end of the range my Dr. recommended, so I feel comfortable with that. I'm hoping that the final 8 lbs melt off of my tummy and not my chest or thighs - my 'above and below' waist areas are almost scrawny now, while my stomach still carries a bit too much weight to suit me.

I'm following Phase 3 for a week, and then I'll evaluate where I'm at. Since Phase 3 gives more calories, I'm adding elliptical exercise to my routine. I haven't been exercising previously very much at all, apart from the walking I do around town on errands, etc., so I'm hopeful this combo of Phase 3 + elliptical will get my weight loss moving forward again.

Thanks again to Ishbel and Maile for your comments and support. Much appreciated. And Patns too, who's responded to my current 'situation' in the 'Fab 50s' thread.

BTW - my food diary (I journal at fatsecret.com) shows my calorie intake today will be right around 1200. Does that seem about right?

Evepet, I can't help you. I track carboydrates, not calories. Someone here should know though. Isn't it fun eating fruit and yogurt for breakfasts? It is one of my favorite meals.

Fitgirl and shedit, Thanks for your support. You are welcome to post anytime!

Lizr: I printed your cheesecake recipe. It looks really good. I eat pumpkin pancakes so much, I was not tempted by the pie. Have you tried Kayln's Kitchen Blog recipe for twice baked cauliflower? It is excellent..I make it with low fat ricotta, turkey bacon, and mozzarella. It is a good meal for the holidays.

I have officially taken care of all leftovers. Either they were frozen, thrown away or gone. I am still in my goal range but would like to be on the lower end...now working on that.

Hi, all! I am moving to phase 3 Monday or Tuesday and have been lurking here to soak up knowledge from those of you with more experience. I have learned so much by reading this thread and feel much better prepared for the transition now. Thanks for sharing! :)

Evepet - based on what I have learned from other diets over the years, I think you will continue to lose at that calorie level, especially with the exercise. Seems like significantly fewer calories than you would need to maintain your weight.

Evepet, i didnt track calories until Phase 4 so i cant give much input, just make sure your P3 breakfast follows "the rules" along with the rest and you should be fine.

Mailie, i will check out the cauliflower recipe. Sounds delicious and i quickly found that cauliflower is simply the most versatile vegetable! I am also finding myself on the high end of my range and need to store leftovers.

I have fallen off the fatsecret wagon and am getting back to tracking my food along with a few P1 days. Even with my recent workouts you cant really fight the holidays i guess! Speaking of which, off to Bodypump & Pilates!