I love perusing this thread and experiencing the positive-ness! In a world that seems increasingly negative, it's always a joy to know people are caring and generous with thoughts and words!

I'm loving the snack suggestions! Keep 'em coming! As far sweet snacks go, I love blending frozen fruit into yogurt with a little stevia for "ice cream" and recently used a sweet potato in place of the fruit and added pumpkin pie spices... It was like pudding. Yum! Another sweet snack I have made is Greek yogurt with PB2 and stevia with apple wedges.

Ishbel- when you mentions that you have a granola bar, do you have a favorite?

Malie- I love the Joseph's pitas too. I'm lucky enough in RI to find them in my Walmart deli section.

Hello maintainers! I'm going to be lurking here and preparing myself for phase off!

In maintenance we don't have to be restricted to only 4 cups veggies and there are no restricted veg right? I was thinking snacks could include celery sticks with PB2 or almond butter (instead of my current WF peanut butter), jicama sticks with cinnamon (I think I would still use stevia or Splenda for sweetening), carrot sticks with salad dressing as a dip if fat is ok or with a no fat dip made out of Greek yogurt. I'm still stuck in P1 mindset but if I enjoy these snacks it would make maintenance easier.

You are right! Go ahead and enjoy those snacks! I think when you get into a routine, it should not be hard. If you feel satisfied, you are much more likely to be successful, IMO.

Celery with hummus is a good one too - that's often my lunch on weekends.

KitKat- In maintenance, one of the things I have done to help myself feel full is eat unlimited vegetables and relaxed with the restricted vegetables. I have not had any trouble maintaining, but I haven't really branched out a lot with carbs or snacks. I am still eating a Pure Protein bar or Quest bar as a snack. I think that as long as you are separating fats and carbs, you are following the protocol (celery and carrots with either almond butter or dressing would be fine). I plan on continuing to experiment with different foods and combinations to see what works!

Hello IPeeps. I haven't posted here in ages. I hope you are all doing well in maintenance. I have been in Vegas with my folks recovering from my tummy tuck and breast lift surgery I had Feb 13th. That was quite a surgery and it was a lot more painfull than I thought it would be. I am still in a lot of discomfort. I am flying back home to Alaska today. My surgery went well and the Dr told me I am healing as expected and she has no worries about me going home. I sure miss my husband and my kids. I am ready to see them!!! My eating habits have not been the best the last few weeks. I kind of have been eating whatever sounds good. I was pretty weak after surgery and didn't eat much for several days. I am getting back to normal now. I am ready to get home and back to my normal routine and eating habits.

Mooselover, I am sorry about your pain from the surgery. I bet you will be very happy to see your family again. I am sure you will get back to your normal eating habits and routine when you are home and feeling better. I envy you having a lovely flat stomach!

Gazelle: I also eat unlimited vegetables. It does help to feel full!

Kitkat: I had not thought of jicama sticks and cinnamon and stevia. Sounds like you have some good snacks.

Sahmmommy2:Welcome to maintenance! You will get lots of support here.

Lizzy63: I make hummus quite often. I love mediterranean and greek foods.

Mommak2: I also use pumpkin with yogurt and pumpkin pie spice...instead of sweet potatoes. I am going to check our walmart for the Joseph brand. That would be nice to find it.

Lovely sunny cold day. I am checking air fares and trying not to be depressed at the high prices.

Hello, all

I am doing well with finishing Phase 3. My first few days in maintenance will be on a trip to a Corvair car event this coming weekend. I had traveling on P1 down pat. This will be a new experience. I do not plan to go hog wild. Have declined the event banquet as it's billed, "Southern Comfort Food." Way too expensive and not food I probably would have eaten even pre-IP. DH has really gotten used to this eating though weight has never been his issue.

Thinking about taking a toaster and electric skillet since the room has a frig. I knew I could easily come up with a fruit/yogurt phase 3 breakfast for me, but DH doesn't want to go to the $9 breakfast buffet, especially alone. I'll have to do some hard thinking and planning in the next few days since this is all new to me.

I am glad for everyone's input and suggestions for snacks and such. Add more thought to figuring this out. Thanks.

Have a great day even those most of the US is in a far southern reaching cold wave. It's only 38F in Georiga and it's afternoon now.

Molly

Good afternoon all...it is a beautiful sunny day here, and 32 degrees. Seems so good to see the sun!

Love seeing all the new faces/names on this thread now...it means more and more are reaching their goals! Yay!!! Lots of good snack ideas going round too. I'm taking notes...

Mooselover - thank you for sharing a bit about your surgery. Hopefully the pain/discomfort will fade away quickly. Your family will be just as happy to have you back as you will be to be home again.

I agree with the expense of eating healthy. We have a large upright freezer and it is FULL with veggies from the garden last year, fruits, meats, and some stuff I rarely eat anymore. This really helps, but I still prefer the fresh veggies & fruits. And some things just don't freeze well. I did finish off a quart of applesauce I made & froze 2 yrs ago last week. Had all these fruits in the freezer (applesauce, pear sauce, all different kinds of berries) and couldn't have any of them while on P1 most of last year. Also had canned salsa, spaghetti sauce, pears, and peaches. Thankfully I used very little sugar when canning, so am able to enjoy the peaches now in Peachy Bread Pudding for breakfast.

My up lbs are not disappearing...I know what I'm doing wrong but just can't seem to get a handle on it. Stress-eating...so very bad...le sigh...I keep thinking the stress will ease up, or it will get better when spring gets here (easily 6 weeks away yet), or exercising on a regular basis will help, but the fact is I just need to learn to respond to stress (in the moment) in healthier ways. I'll get there eventually. It all goes back to having to be in the right frame of mind.

Had to edit to add:
MOLLY!! Just noticed your newest addition to your signature...Wowza GF!!! You look fabulous! WTG :D

Mooselover- I have heard that tummy tucks are one of the most painful surgeries to recover from. I wish you well

Molly- Congrats!

Greeniris- I also struggle with stress eating and am worried about how to deal with it in the long term. I really do think that exercise helps me and I hope it will help!

Maile- I hope that you find an affordable airfare. Thanks for always being supportive!

I am leaving for Italy next week with my daughter (12y/o) and a friend with her daughter. I don't planning on worrying too much about what I eat, but I am nervous, so we will see how it goes! Everyone have a good Sunday!

Oh, Italy is still on my to-do list! Enjoy and then tell us all about it!

Italy! That should be a wonderful trip! I'd love to go there, but first I want to go to Ireland. Have never been overseas, so would be a totally new experience for me.

My VIP told me last night he wants to get tickets to see Celtic Women in early April! I'm so excited - they put on a fabulous, high-energy performance! As both our birthdays are at the end of March, this will be a fun way to celebrate :D

mommak8 I usually just stick to the 100 calorie ones only because it's easier to track. That and I get a taste of it rather then spending 260 calories on a larger one.

mooselover tummy tuck in vegas...ooo...the outlets! :) Keep us updated, I'm personally scared out of my wits for surgery...any kind. So the jury is still out for me!

gazelle Italy is close to the top of my list, how long are you there for? Where are you going in Italy?

maile Cake, I saw a cake and said "hey, that's pretty can you make one similar to that for me?" I try not to agonize over decisions...sometimes I'm too quick though. However, for cake I think it will be more the cake topper. I had custom bobble heads made for us HAHAHA he is boba fett and I'm princess leia! He's a huge star wars fan...I've had them since Oct...they are a surprise and so far I've kept my mouth shut :) Can't wait for him to see them.

greeniris I'm jealous of your freezer! Many food options in there by the sounds of it...and stuff you've grown yourself? Unfortunately in this house, the yard isn't quite where I need it to be so no garden this coming year for me :/

Molly love the new picture!!!

Kitkat I love all my veggies, I generally stay away from the high sugar ones for my Phase 1 day though.

sahmmommy2 Welcome to almost maintenance!

Hope everyone has a great day!

Oh hello, maintenance - nice to finally meet you!

Today is my first official day on maintenance! I'm not as worried as I thought I would be, but I have all of you to thank for that :) My "AHA" moment was when I made my lunch salad and realized that not only could I have CHEESE on it, but CARROTS!!! OMG CARROTS! Craziness :)

KitKat - yes you can now have unlimited veggies! I believe that corn counts as a starch not a veg, but otherwise, roll with it :) I loaded up so many veggies in my salad at lunch I needed a bigger bowl, but it was mostly because I was so excited about those dang carrots :)

Ishbel - LOVE LOVE LOVE the bobbleheads idea!!! Hubby and I are HUGE Star Wars fans - to the point that our youngest son is named Owen Lars. Your VIP should chuckle at that :) We also just threw a big Star Wars party for my 6yo birthday - passing the love of Lucas on to the next generation :)

Scorbett, funny you mention carrots. I was thinking about them all day yesterday wondering if I would still like them! I'm not tempted to eat them now but feel like I should try them once I get to maintenance. Corn isn't a big deal for me, only the occasional homemade corn tortillas, but I am planning to eat a sweet potato very early on for my dinner carb.

Mooselover, hope your trip home went okay. I'm waiting another 6 months but am considering a body lift to get rid of the excess skin.

Italy will be fun. I've been once for a whirlwind tour through but would love to go again.