Quick question - there's been some threads lately on the cleanse - novi-cleanse or novi-cure. My coach has always said she wouldn't recommend me doing it until I'm in maintenance. Has anyone else heard this? Anyone tried it in maintenance?

Here are two excellent articles that I found.
The first is on how to talk to your scale. It gives good insight into scale fluctuations..including the lovely fact that 1 molecule of salt needs 52 molecuels of water..and that there is water retention in building muscles...as well as the fact that fruit, vegetables, and water all have weight.

The second is the most comprehensive explanation I have seen explaining the findings of the registry. It is entitled: How to maintain a 30 pound or more weight loss.


http://www.alphabetsolution.com/?p=96

www.rimed.org/medhealthri/2009-02/20
09-02-53.pdf

I read somewhere that when you have lost weight and you have developed muscles, you tend to gain weight around the belly. That seems to be where I feel any up pounds..as others here have mentioned.

Scorbette: I am excited to try that ginger tea for that reason. Thanks.

Molly: Meeting Jimmy Carter must have been so exciting for your husband. You did well with planning ahead to eat healthfully with your trip. I can remember having a suitcase loaded with packets and wf products.

Joysh: How did you enjoy your breakfast? I am still eating lunches and dinners that I ate in p1 and p2..maybe with a little more sauces or marinades.

Lynnie63: Losing 108 pounds is fantastic. I make turkey burgers for lunch or use salmon patties.

Momto2cs: I plan on looking for that recipe using greek yogurt for mushroom soup.

Ishbel: You are right..the anxiety has lessoned a great deal as time goes on. In that registry article, it mentions again that it gets easier with time! Right now I am feeling positive and looking ahead to my 2yr goal. I also love mushroom soup as a sauce.

Evepet: Sorry to hear about the storm! My son had a hail storm yesterday and we are supposed to have snow flurries here today. I hope your back is feeling better.

The name of the book is Beat Sugar Addiction Now by Dr. jacob Teitelbaum

The four types of sugar addiction are:
Type1: Sugar as an Energy Loan Shark: chronically exhausted and hooked on quick hits of caffeine and sugar. Daily fatigue causes sugar and caffeine cravings, which can be cured through nutrition, sleep and exercise.

Type2: "Feed me now or I'll kill you." When life's stress has exhausted your stress-handling adrenal glands. For those people who get irritable when hungry and crash under stress, it is important to treat your adrenal exhaustion.

Type3: The happy Ho-ho hunter: Sugar cravings caused by yeast/candida overgrowth.People who have chronic nasal congestion, sinusitis, spastic colon, irritable bowel syndrome, treating yeast overgrowth is critical.
**By the way I had no idea that antibiotics could cause yeast growth.

Type 4: Depressed and Craving Carbs, Sugar cravings caused by your period, menopause or andropause. The estrogen and progesterone deficiency caused by PMS or menopause produces increased sugar cravings, fatigue, moodiness,insomnia.

He has a detailed check list to see which category you fall in. He offers medical and nutritional treatments.
I sort of have a mild type 1..I do need coffee to get jump started in the mornings and can experience a tired slump in the afternoon some days..but I do not repeatedly crave sugar and caffein to get me through the day...nor do I feel tired all of the time..

My last comment on this short blog: This made me laugh.." You cannot out run your fork! " This was reminding people that your weight is 80 percent nutrition and 20 percent exercise..No matter how much you exercise, you still need to watch what you eat!

Hi all, I started back on P1 on Tuesday, and it looks like I've lost 6 lbs already! :carrot: But the weird thing is that I don't think I'm in ketosis. I'm hungry nearly all the time, and haven't had any physical difficulties this week besides the headache I had for a week before beginning P1; no metallic taste in my mouth or the funky BO I had before. The headache finally went away after I took a Lily out of my office on Wednesday. Anyone else go 6 days before without getting into ketosis? (edit: I meant "go 6 days on P1 without getting into ketosis.) I've been fully IP, except I've had 2 'restricteds' on some days. Ketosis or not, I'm super happy to have lost what I have so far!

I don't have much time now, but will come back later to comment on some of your posts. Enjoy your day!

Hi everyone. I'm enjoying a lazy Sunday, and thought I'd check in.

Nothing new in particular, just curious to see what's going on here. :)


Wingnut - Yes - please bring spring this way!! And thanks for the cheesecake recipe. I'm another big cheesecake fan, and it's great to have a recipe that is fairly health conscious. Oh! Almost forgot!! - I LUV your DH's picture with President Carter! That's a keepsake!

Lizzy - Hi! Glad things continue to go well. Like you, I'm always on the lookout for tasty, but health conscious desserts that will satisfy my sweet tooth but not leave me wanting 'more'. I love fruit and yogourt - but sometimes they just don't fill the requirement.

Lynnie - You've done so well - Congrats! We're about the same height, and I've used 150 as my 'ceiling'. I actually kept dieting until I was a couple of lbs below that, as sure enough I've regain 2lbs of glycogen weight. So now I just monitor myself closely and if I creep over 150lbs it will be back to P1-P2 low carb eating for a few days again. So far, I've been fine - but it's early days... only switched from P3 to Maintenance on April 1st.

Joysh - my big thing with the P3 breakfasts was craving fruit and yogourt. I really didn't care about the protein and grain side of the equation... but bring on the fruit & yogourt! Odd, because I wasn't even a big fruit eater before. I'm still not, although one of my favorite snacks is a sliced up apple with low fat ricotta cheese. Anyhoo... glad you've made the transition, and as you say 'Onward'!

knm - I did an alternate cleanse while dieting, at around the 2 month point. I was without a coach for most of my dieting journey here, so haven't heard that about doing a cleanse now we're in Maintenance. I'll be interested in hearing what the others have to say. Or more about what your coach says on the subject. Welcome!

Maile - Thanks for that informative post. Lots of useful info there. :hug: I like your idea of using turkey or fish burgers for lunch. It would be easy, handy, and economical. I made a turkey loaf last Monday, and ate the leftovers for lunches for a couple of days after... but individual burgers would be just as good. I like tuna burgers with lots of veggies quite well too... with a bit of salsa. Yum.

'Beat Sugar Addiction Now' by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, sounds like a good book to read. I'm thinking that I have elements of Type 1, particularly in the mid afternoon... and I'm suspicious of Type 3 as well, although I think the past year's way of eating has helped that. Around 1997 I had a live blood cell analysis done, and the naturopath/technician pointed out what she identified as an excess of candida in my blood stream. I followed a specific low sugar/carb eating protocol for about 6 months, lost weight, and felt much better. However, I've been suspicious over the past few years that it had returned. In addition to the pre-IP diet cravings for sugary and carby foodstuff, I've had a mild chronic sinus congestion that defies logic and never seems to get permanently cleared up with traditional therapies. I also have a fungus on one little toenail that's been there for a couple of years. I've tried all sorts of self-cures over the past 2-3 years, but the low sugar/carb WOE over the past year has produced the most significant results. During the first two months of following the IP-diet protocol, I was also taking a 2 month therapeutic dosage of a probiotic that was supposedly specially formulated to kill and control candida overgrowth. The low sugar & low carb eating lifestyle of this diet was the perfect compliment, and has improved all of my candida-related symptoms tremendously. It's definitely another good incentive to stick to this style of eating and minimize the sugars and carbs, even if I'm in maintenance and technically 'allowed' to indulge in them. While I've been enjoying a few sweet treats these past two weeks, I think it's in my best interests to keep minimizing the sugar/carb intake over the long term.

I like & totally agree with the comment "You can not outrun your fork!". No matter what 'maintenance protocol' we follow, I believe we have to be mindful of the overall calorie intake. Things like separating fat from carbs, etc., are doubtless helpful, but pounds will still creep on regardless of those types of considerations if our calorie intake is consistently too high. I find myself checking my daily calorie average at the end of each week I'm on maintenance. My first week it was averaged around 1250 cals/day. This past week I loosened up quite a bit and I found the average was closer to 1700 cals/day. Seems high to me, but the scale is still showing me below my 150lb ceiling so all is well. This probably explains why I'm feeling 'heavier' through the stomach though - that extra 500 cals/day has to make a difference.

Speaking of 'heaviness' through the stomach - I've got some of Scorbett's ginger tea recipe brewing right now, and will be soon enjoying it instead of my usual afternoon herb tea. It will make a nice change of pace for a hot afternoon drink, and even better that I can count it towards my daily water intake.

GreenIris - Glad that your week on P1 is going well, and that you've not suffered too many nasty physical symptoms this time around. You're doing great! Sounds like the lily was the culprit re the headache. Hope you get into the stage of no longer being so hungry really soon! For me that was such a blessing - gotta love ketosis just for that one reason alone.

Guess that's all folks - Cheers for now. Hope each & everyone of you is having a lovely Sunday.

Hello Maintainers! I've been lurking here for a few weeks as I was approaching goal. I'm at goal now (actually a little below) and am starting 1 week of P2. This coming weekend I'll start P3, then in a couple more weeks I will officially be a maintainer! Nervous and excited at the same time, but definitely more on the excited side.....especially excited about the P3 breakfasts. Went to the grocery store this morning and stocked up on 100% whole wheat english muffins, granola, fat-free greek yogurt, and low-fat turkey sausage. At the end of the week I'll go back and get the fresh fruit. Can't wait!

Molly - I'm going to re-visit the maintainers recipe thread too. I had forgotten about that one, and knowing you, you've put some great additions on it!

Love the saying "You can't outrun your fork"! Another one to post in the kitchen :)

Pocahontas - Congratulations on reaching your goal and phasing off! Welcome to the maintainers thread too :D

knm - I never did a cleanse. That kind of thing just doesn't appeal to me.


I am so hungry and it's still an hour to lunch...will try a cup of hot tea to see if that helps. Also, 'C' strikes again...had a cup of Smooth Move Tea the past 2 mornings, but it's not working yet. ugh...

VIP is slowly beginning to feel better. He's been sick since last Thursday (temp of 101.5 for a couple of days). Today is his 4th day of missing work, and he is so bored (when he isn't sleeping). I feel bad for him, but he won't go to the dr. Is taking some amoxicillin he had, but I don't think it's helping. Stubborn man!

Wingnutandme 18 years in a house...wow that would be hard for me to move. How many cars do you guys have? I love your avatar, my dad was HUGE into old cars. VIP likes the new shiny sporty ones and I keep trying to move him in the direction of an old sporty one. :)

pocahontas812 Welcome!

greeniris I always used floralax and it works well for me in maintenance (when I need it occasionally)...I can't remember if you did your original Phase 1 with alternatives or with IP (or if you started with IP) but you should be able to go back to your old clinic to see if they have floralax...it's just ground up prunes. Lots of other things out there too though so you don't 'need' IP, just that floralax works for me. As for the ketosis, are you tracking your carb counts...pretty sure you're doing it alternatively right now. Some people have different amounts of carbs they need to get themselves into ketosis...or you could just be having a difficult week. :(

knm Sorry, I never did a cleanse so I can't answer any questions.

Maile Antibodics cause yeast growth because they kill off all the other good bacteria allowing the yeast to multiply exponentially. This is why I love my probiotics. I got very very ill when I was 23 and received interveinus antibiotics...very hard on your body. That coupled with how I was eating (too much sugar) I'm sure caused a HUGE imbalance in my body. IF I looked at antibodics I'd get an over growth of candiada (this went on for YEARS!)...which caused more medication...yadda yadda yadda. I've had two sinus infections since I've been in maintenance and I truly believe the probotics and lack of sugar in my diet made my body ready to handle those antibiotics better then ever before. The more I research on probiotics the more I believe how good they are for you. I started them in Phase 1 and won't ever remove them. Coupled with the copious amounts of yogurt (ok really not that much but I never ate it before) has really helped my immune system (this is what I think lol)

Lizzy63 I agree with reverting back to Phase 1 ish when traveling. I used bars for breakfast while in Scotland even just to cut the calories.

joysh Hows Phase 3 treating you?

scorbette/evepet & gazelle :wave: :)

++++++++++++

VIP had a great weekend last weekend (4 days more or less not following the rules)...that really effected his weight. So he tackled it last week and said that he wasn't going to have a crazy fun day...which turned crazy. It's down significantly but not down where it 'should' be for him on a Monday morning. So we had a little talk yesterday...cause I gain strength from his strength and back and forth. And that when he's sucessful I am sucessful and his little road into 'before' land scared me...he said he listened and two hours later he said "ok, so how does a gym membership work?"....so he was listening (he's SO very busy right now that it's the only part of the maintenance puzzle he's missing right now). I honestly think that we'd both be lost in this maintenance without each other. He's SO strong and I'm the one that cooks LOL. If you had told me 5 years ago that I would be the 'cook' I would have laughed at you...now I need to know what I eating. I 'heart' my VIP :)

I've aquired a huge new stack of cookbooks. Slowly going through and trying things. Will post anything I find that seems like everyone will like. I have sort of odd tastes.

Cindy, I was hungry through most all of P1, especially in the AM. I've enjoyed the breakfasts now and don't get hungry until about 1. Hang in there, it will be so worth getting rid of those pounds.

Sorry about VIP, but I understand about men. DH will only go to a doctor if he's unconscious and I've called an ambulance. LOL. Good luck, they are usually babies too when it comes to being sick.

Frustration. Had to order tow hooks to tie down the car we're hauling. Ordered them last Wednesday. Called Friday and was told they would most likely be shipped that day since they were in stock. Called today. They had a computer glitch and our order was caught in the glitch. NOW it is all set to ship. I told them our leaving was dependent on those hooks. Couldn't they overnight them since this was THEIR problem. Doubt that will ever happen. Now, the weather is going to be bad Friday. We wont have the hooks in time to leave Wednesday (2 day trip) to beat the bad weather. I hate traveling on the weekends. Those people are crazed. I'm not sure now when we'll get to leave.

Sorry for venting. Thanks thoguh, it'll keep me from eating something I should not.

Have a great day.
Molly

I took a few minutes today to catch up on the threads but I don't have the energy to post replies to everyone. Sorry this will then become a 'me' post. I'm busy doing moving stuff mostly but have had a couple events that have taken me out for long late evenings too. Yesterday I slept in a bit bit then have to move out of bed and quickly into overdrive for the day. Today I am off work and also slept in but again need to move a lot once I'm out of bed. I have been taking lots of tylenol to deal with headaches and body aches but I hope in a week I can just slow down and have some physical recovery time.

This morning my scale was up over my max limit. I know it is partly muscle inflammation and also waiting for Novi-lax to kick in. I need to restock my smooth move tea. I think I should move to P1 for a day or two but I'm nervous about losing energy because of it. So I'm going to hang in a more careful P3 for the rest of this week and not add any evening carb. I may also eliminate a fruit/yogurt snack and have an IP pudding or bar instead.

And I was feeling better over the weekend even with the activity levels, but probably because it was sunny and up to plus 8 at my house. Today I'm supposed to be packing a load of boxes to a friend's place for temporary storage and it's minus 1, windy and snowing sideways with at least 4 inches on the ground already. I hate winter, I want spring!!!

Ishbel, I used to move every few years as a way to control accumulating stuff. Now it's out of control after 18 years.

As for our classics we definitely will haul six up, plus a pink 4x4 Ford F150 (yes, pink). We have three more classics here that really need to be sold, but might end up going if the right buyer doesn't come along. There are two already up in Michigan. Yes, we got a little carried away on "that's really neat, let's buy it."

Found today's quote on the Beck website appropriate. Probably more so for us maintainers, but I can also see it working for P1 in some areas that aren't really specifically desserts, like restricteds.

"Cutting out all desserts never works for the long term because you’ll eventually eat them again and, when you do, go way overboard. Because of this, it’s actually IMPORTANT that you work treats into your diet to prove to yourself that you can eat them in reasonable portions. Desserts are a necessary part of rest-of-your-life eating!"

Molly

Hi Everyone! It is nice to read through everyone's posts and learn! I have not been around for the last few days and have enjoyed catching up.

My DH and I finally spent the night out of town to celebrate my birthday from January, and while we were gone my 16y/o son decided to be a teenager.....Lots of stress, but I guess all normal. Just now feeling like things are smoothing out. Had kind of an extended "fun" weekend and after a P1 day, up 1.2 pounds. I have still mostly been eating low carb, but I know I have overdone it on the nuts and fat. I'm going to focus on cutting those out for a few day.


Maile- Love to hear about the articles you are reading. I like to read and gather as much information as I can also.

Greeniris- glad to see that a week of P1 went well...

Welcome Pochahontas!

Evepet- I also like the quote "you can't outrun your fork". I have always been an exerciser and before IP, I think one of the reasons I gained weight was that I convinced myself I could eat whatever I wanted because I exercise! I can still fall in that trap and need to reign that in!

Ishbel- I love hearing about the strength that you get from you VIP (and it sounds like he gets from you!). It is so much easier to have support and companionship on this journey. I also understand about the cooking! It really doesn't have to be complicated either!

KitKat- I hope you get some deserved rest this week....

Wingnut- I also like hearing about your cars! Thanks for the Beck quote. I always learn something from her.

Have a good day!!!

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted for awhile but I have been reading. Maintenance is going well for me. Still figuring it out. I was eating too few of calories and my weight went up so I think there is something to starvation mode. I am doing a recipe class at my clinic next week so I have some work to do to get ready. I am not a public speaker so I will be nervous for that. Glad everyone is doing well!

Becky: Good luck on your recipe class at your center. That sounds fun. I had to give a speech on weight loss at my gym and was nervous also! I wish my IP clinic had offered more recipes. I got all of mine here.

Molly: I agree with treats being an important factor. If you feel deprived in what you are eating, you may feel the need to go off. That is frustrating for you to have your move thwarted by tow hooks and cold weather! You are right..venting is better than eating. I have tons of recipes!!!!!

Cindy: You must be in ketosis by now! I hope your VIP is feeling better. Hot tea is useful for hunger!

Evepet: Tuna burgers sound like something I would like. In his book he recommends pro-biotics, yogurt, high protein, low glycemic index..lots of veges and fruit...also low or no sugar. I am glad you are feeling better with your current eating.

ishbel: He recommends that you take pro-biotics before you are going on an antibiotic. Are there any calories or side effects to pro-biotics? I am eating yogurt also. Could be why we have great immune systems! You are lucky to have such a supportive husband to be. My husband and I often go to the gym together. I never thought I would be doing so much cooking either..my husband likes to cook but I have to watch him adding too many carbs and calories!
Gazelle: I have found the same..eating higher fat ..even if it is low carb can cause a weight gain!

Welcome Pochahontas: You will love fruit again.

Hi All! Just checking in. I started P3 on Saturday. Thanks for the encouragement. Gee, that was hard to take that step.

That said, today I met with my coach and lost another 2 pounds. Last week I also lost 2 pounds, so that's 6 pounds lost since I started phase 2. My coach says that I need to start stabilizing. I'm happy right where I am. Perhaps I needed my real upper limit to be 120, not 125. Anyway, we'll see what happens next week at WI after a full week on P3. I might incorporate a bit more fats and sugars in my foods.

Meanwhile, I'm having great fun wearing my size six pants. Nevah in my life did I think I would wear a size six!

And I'm loving my P3 breakfasts. That Greek yogurt with granola + fruit is just wonderful! And I even get to eat 1 1/2 TBSPN of fresh peanut or almond butter right from the spoon, too! Extra yum!

It's pretty amazing to be on this end of the weight loss journey. I know it's an ongoing journey, but I'm enjoying where I am right now.

Thanks for the info on sugar addiction, Maile! Wow, a 2-yr milestone! How inspiring!!

Cindy, down 6 pounds already? That's great!!! Glad the headache is gone.

Hi, evepet!! Spring will come your way very soon. I promise.

Pochontas, this was me one week ago!! I just started P3 this past Saturday. My shopping list looked exactly like yours. I've been eating the yogurt, granola & fruit mixture + a little peanut butter. It's very yummy. I'll try an egg tomorrow and English muffin! Welcome to this thread and to P3!

Molly, sorry to hear about the tow hooks! Hang in there!

Kitkat, hang in there, too! I know these big changes are stressful. Be kind to yourself!

Beck, let us know how your recipe class goes. Sounds interesting!

Maile and Beck, My coach is wonderful, but she never gave me any recipes. In fact, I've shared loads of recipes from this forum with her!

Molly: Yes, I too agree with treats being an important factor. This afternoon I had a double chocolate Zone Protein Bar. Wow! That's delicious!

Oooh, that's a long post! Have a great evening everyone! :):)

Joysh: Peanut butter and almond butter are heaven to eat again! I nver thought I would wear size 6 either. It sounds like you are doing great!

It is 31 degrees here..when is it going to warm up? Off for a cold cold walk.

Morning all!
Welcome to all the new maintainers!

Hi everyone. Just popping in to say a quick 'HI'. I did a slightly lower carb day yesterday (not strictly P1, but lower carb) and saw that I've dropped down a lb from yesterday's WI. Sodium intake was lower too, so it was probably just the combo of those two factors. I'm still well below my ceiling weight, so all is well on that front.

I've been sampling the ginger tea & lemon tea, and really quite enjoying it. Love the fact that it counts towards the daily water intake. I think it will turn into my afternoon beverage of choice.

Still wanting to try the yogourt making, but it looks like I'll need to buy a thermometer first. And I want to use the crock pot, which I see requires paying attention at specific intervals of time and turning the heat on/off, etc... I think it's going to be a Saturday or Sunday job. But I'm curious to give it a go..... :)

All is well here, and hope each of you is having a good day. Cheers for now.

"Maintaining since April 2011" - now that's music to my ears!! Yay!

You will do great at the class - it is a subject near & dear to you! It's ok to be nervous, everyone listening will completely understand.

Hi Mom:wave:

Evepet - You're doing great with maintenance! I'm curious about making yogurt too, but not sure I'll actually try it.

The other day I reported I had dropped 6 lbs since beginning P1 on Tuesday - but the next day 2 of them re-appeared, now today back down 1. Guess I should stop weighing myself daily, but it really doesn't bother me as I know the ups/downs are normal.

Yesterday I shared on the Fab 50's thread that my DS was on his way to Louisiana to pick up his DD, 6 yrs old. Looks like the mom finally got herself into a jam she can't get out of (facing jail time), so DGD will be living with her daddy in a loving and safe home now! Today they are driving back; the pic I got in a text this morning shows a beautiful, HAPPY little girl! :D:cp::cp::cp::dance::dance::cheer2: Can't wait to see her!!! (DS lives about 3 hrs from me, so might be a couple of weeks yet.)

I have a couple 40 year old yogurt makers. Sure glad I kept them all these years. They have individual 6oz jars (5 per maker). I've been straining the yogurt after it's finished using coffee filters to make Greek yogurt, but then I really only end with 4oz, but it is soooo good. I have not succeeded using partial almond milk though. I'm having to stick with just plain milk.

According to UPS, our delayed tow hooks are on the truck to be delivered today. Now we are juggling bad weather. Do NOT want to drive hauling a car on a trailer in bad weather. Last year we were hauling a golf cart on a trailer and a boat tied upside down in the truck bed and got caught in a terrible storm in Ohio. Flipped a few semis. Fortunately, we had stopped for gas and were still sitting at the pump, but ready to drive out when it hit. We sat there and rocked all over the place with the high winds. Very scary stuff. Not taking a chance this time.

Packed all the food (split up bags of specialty flours, spices, etc.) and have four large crates. I used to carry all my packets and RTDs in a large canvas bag. But, of course, many items will only be taken one time as I will leave them up there when we do come back. We will be in Michigan now more than down in Georgia. Can't wait.

Molly

Where in Michigan are all of you? I'm from the U.P. and I miss it like crazy. I grew up right on Lake Superior and Interior Alaska just doesn't have the "big water". I miss the lake! What passes for lakes here is kind of sad. :lol:

Wow. You were really north and on Lake Superior, too. We have a place just south of Houghton Lake on a tiny 24 acre lake. I lived in St. Ignace as a child before the bridge. I was missing Michigan and that was the reason I bought the place 3 1/2 years ago. Now, it's going to become our retirement home. I'm just not a southern gal.

Molly

Maile: thanks for the information on the four types of sugar addiction. Sounds like another book I’ll have to get.

Beck: nice to hear from you. A recipe class sounds like fun. I should suggest that to my coach.

Joysh: glad to hear you are enjoying P3. It is definitely a fun adjustment to get those breakfasts. I still eat mainly P3 style breakfasts although I’ve decreased the portions a bit.

Greeniris: in a roundabout way, congrats on having your DGD a little closer by.

My stress and activity levels are still high but getting more under control. I feel like I’m actually making progress and am finishing the sweep of some rooms. Also I finally had my neighbor and handyman over to look at minor repair and painting work to be done and he said he’ll be able to finish it by the middle of next week when my cleaning crew comes in for a major clean. I was worried about finding someone to do the work so quickly so it was a relief to get this figured out.

My other dilemma was finding a kennel to put my cats in while I’m away and my house is being shown. They usually stay at home with a pet / house sitter so a kennel will be a strange new experience for cats that can stress easily. I went to one and it was horrible. I finally talked to another one that sounds really great and their web pictures look good too. I’ll be touring it on the weekend but have tentatively booked a deluxe condo for them.

I have two more weeks to finish off my old job and I hope it goes faster than it feels like now. My direct boss is relatively new (he started 1 week before I resigned!) so he is like a deer in the headlights with everything I’m trying to pass to him. I’m concerned for my team moving under him even temporarily. And otherwise, there are 6 other people I’m training to take over various aspects of my job because I know too much for 1 person to handle. However coordinating all of them and getting them to see the urgency is a challenge. I know I'm leaving and shouldn't sweat it but I still care that I'm leaving things in a good state!

I had this afternoon off which I spent working on the house. I’m off tomorrow morning too but I think it will be a relaxing morning with some coffee and a book. I will probably get my grocery shopping done too so I don’t have to worry about it at the end of the day but that’s it for the agenda.

Wow, kitkat, you sound so organized. You have it all figured out. Having been a process analyst for the last 20 years, I really appreciate good organization. Hope things work out for your cats. I know how stressed cats can be.

I had the most unusual experience. Pre-IP I was a severe chocoholic. Give me chocolate and I'd finish it off, sometimes a whole bag. Yesterday, I bought a bag of Ghirardelli chocolate squares to take to Michigan to have something individual and small when I do want chocolate. Out of curiousity after a year of no "regular" chocolate, I figured I'd have one just to taste them again. Unbelievably, I almost couldn't finish it. It was just so sweet. It will be a while before I have another as each time I think of them, I get grossed out. Could hardly believe it. Boy, do I love all that IP has done for me.

Molly

I just wanted to write a quick note here - i'm into swimming pool season, so work is getting nutty, so not much time to visit 3FC during the day.

I'm looking forward to my first P2 lunch today - brought some of the chicken I made over the weekend. Also, had my WI last night - lost over 4#! I gained .2 last week so it kind of makes up for that. Haven't decided if I'm doing 1 or 2 weeks of P2 yet.

I get Calorie Count emails every morning and they have a lot of good information - I thought I'd share this link with everyone on mindful eating - http://caloriecount.about.com/transi...tm_term=title1 - I haven't read the link they provided for the book or taken the quiz yet, but I thought the information was worth sharing here.

Have a great day!!!

Lynn

Hi GreatLakes86! I live between Gaylord & Grayling in northern lower MI, though originally from just north of Lansing. I look forward to visiting Alaska one day, but don't think I'd want to live there.

Thank you KitKat. They got back around 2:00 a.m. this morning.
You are certainly going to be missed at your 'old' job, but people will step up and things will get handled - though you may get a phone call or two asking for help! Just think, a month from now you could be settling into a new home :hug:

Wow Molly - that is great! That will certainly make maintenance much easier for you!

Hi Lynnie - thanks for sharing that link! After reading the article I subscribed to the blog, that's how much I enjoyed it. Will check out the quiz later...

Lost another lb this a.m., so back down to the original 6 I had lost last week. About 10 more to go. Couldn't sleep last night, so spent some time reviewing P1 veggie recipes I had saved. Found a few I'm going to try that I hadn't before, and some I had forgotten about.

Have a great Thursday!

maile I don't think probiotics will add to your calorie count anymore then any other vitamin. I still take a multi and an omega 3 and a calcium. :)

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Sorry - bit of a me post! Kinda excited today! :D

Today is my birthday! AND....today is one year that I met my goal and this morning I weighed in 4 lbs below goal. I'm pretty stoked!!! I really enjoyed meeting my goal on my birthday...but now my milestone is on my birthday which makes me look forward to my birthday HAHAHA (I did whine that I felt old today :D) I bought myself a goal ring when I hit goal....I think this one year milestone will be new cross country skis which will touch my wallet :/ but it's health related and I love to do it so I know I will use them. In fact, I've told enough people that I started getting money from my family towards new skis because I want them so badly.

I'm excited that this is considered long term weight loss. I talked to my coach last week, she said that I may not have started 'maintenance' for a month but that I started the stabilzation part of the diet after meeting goal that this is my one year anniversary. So I'll take that and run! :)

I have followed the rules of maintenance as prescribed to me, 1 fun day followed by 1 Phase 1 day...I have fluctuated this past year within 5-6 lbs...with a little spike after Scotland that was fixed by 3 days of Phase 1 (the most I've done in maintenance).

I know for a FACT that I would not have been here without all the wonderful support from Ideal Protein 3 fat chicks. A very special thank-you to all of you who continue to post and share your strategies and ideas. I think the VIP knows you all too!! We talk about this forum :D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISHBEL!!! And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY too :D So very happy for you to have reached the 1 yr milestone, and to have maintained so consistently...SUCCESS!

'Hi' to your VIP! My VIP is now familiar with some of my IPeeps too...

Ishbel - congrats on your anniversary!! You are an inspiration to me, and so helpful as I am plodding along at the beginning of my own maintenance journey. You have so much to be proud of!!!

KitKat - I'm amazed that you can find time to relax with all the changes going on! You are definitely a "project management" personality! I'm just trying to deal with my basement during vacation week and I'm going nuts!

Beck - have fun with your recipe class, you will do great!

Molly - good luck on your move! I don't know if I could move INTO the colder weather, I am definitely a warm weather person and always joke that MA is the furthest north I can tolerate :) Michigan is a beautiful state, hopefully you can get everything sorted through and move your cars without too much trouble.

Evepet - It took a little bit to get the hang of doing yogurt in the crockpot, but I invested in a candy thermometer and wrote the times down for my crockpot, so now I can just set a timer for the on/off times. For my crock, it's about 2.5 hours on low to get up to the right temp, and then 2 hours off to cool down before I add the live yogurt cultures. Then I just wrap the whole shebang in a towel for insulation and go to bed - in the morning, yogurt!

Happy Birthday Ishbel!!!

So today is my last day of P3 and I move on to maintenance....I'm super excited.

Happy Birthday Ishbel! And Happy Anniversary also! Wow... a year already! Just wanted to check in...
I am back on Phase 1. Trying to focus on the things that enabled me to have success the first time round.
It has been hard to get over the shame of having gained. And having given into old habits. But I am thankful that I am aware of what those habits are and that I have an effective route (Phase 1) back to where I want to be.
Had a great talk with my coach. She reminded me that I only fail if I give up. And that working through my current pattern of 3 weeks of Phase 1 and falling off for 1-3 weeks and then starting Phase 1 again is only going to be overcome with hard work and vigilance. I really need to accept Phase 1 until I have reached my goal. There are so many shining examples in here of what can be achieved with a bit of focus and determination. And I figure if I could do it once I can do it again. I just have to commit to it.
It's been awkward coming back on the site for me as a maintainer who regained. Not sure which thread I belong in. I know most of you in here... but I am at a different part of the journey again.

Capricous: It was good to hear from you! I have always believed that maintenance is not about being perfect, but is about not giving up trying to find ways to make it work. I predict that everyone here will go through phases when they have up pounds to work off. You are not alone and are definitely part of the maintenance team. I really hope you keep posting.
I am glad you coach is so supportive. You do have the tools and habits that worked for you before and will work again.

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Ishbel! Congratulations on reaching your one year at goal. You are very inspiring! Hope you had a wonderful day. Being 4 pounds under goal is an accomplishment. Woo Hoo!

Cindy: I am glad you lost a pound!!

Molly: I had that samre reaction with a margarita. It was too sweet now.
Cheekyskeeter: Welcome to maintenance. ..very exciting.

Hey cap!

I stick mainly to this thread and the rebooters. I find a lot in common with both groups. I have regained and lost a couple times over the past 2 years.

I hope you find your phase 1 groove. I like your new pic!

Happy Birthday and Anniversary, Ishbel!

Happy Birthday, Ishbel!! And Happy anniversary!! Wow, one year in maintenance !! How inspiring!!

Happy Birthday and Anniversary, Ishbel. I wish you the best!

Cap..I forgot to tell you that your new picture is lovely.

greeniris, scorbette, cheekskeeter, cap, maile, gazelle, joy, beck Thanks ma ipeeps! :) Thanks for hanging out and continuing to post...you're ideas and support and continued determination give me strength.

Don't think that having a wedding dress to fit into isn't keeping me on point...and you guys REALLY help that!! :)

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Cap awe hun, don't feel any shame, if IP taught me anything is to really work on my sense of self compassion. Forgive yourself quicker and jump back into the battle....use both threads if you like, I lurk in multiple threads and pop into them to post...it will be ok. You are stronger then you think, believe me you.

maile Had a great day, gf at work made a pink princess luncheon LOL (plastic pink table cloth, pink napkins and plastic wine glasses for the water) - also had a birthday girl crown. SUPER funny and they arranged it just steps from my office and then VIP showed up as a surprised too :)

cheeky Welcome to maintenance! :) WAY TO GO!!

greeniris I think we were posting at the same time, way to go on the scale moving...:yay: My VIP waved back lol :)

I was refecting on my one year yesterday and I was stuck on "how come all the other diets didn't work for me, what changed in me" - I find myself still defending how I lost my weight...to people who do it or are doing it and maintaining their loss ...who did or are doing it, in a different way. I think I'm more compassionate to "whatever works for you, no judgements here" - I can't (therefore won't) have certain items...which is why calorie counting never worked for me. A little bit of chocolate in the calorie counting way...means I'll eat all my calories for the day in one sitting (efficient in a vicious sort of way)...and then give up because I wasn't 'strong' enough. My self compassion took a MASSIVE beating during those years.

Thanks ladies (guys that lurk and post once in a while)...you all ROCK!!

Hi Ishbel,

Belated wishes to you. Glad to hear your had such a great celebration and even better reflection on your year of maintenance. The mental is such a huge part of all of this. I've learned that just in my 6 weeks of maintenance. And, you're right, I doubt any of us could have done as well without each other on 3FC!!

I just posted a recipe I tried last night on the Maintenance Recipes thread. DH loved it. Always good when the meals can work for both of us.

Looking forward to storms today. Have a few indoors things to do and then tomorrow will finish packing for the trip. So much stuff to take to be up there for a couple months. Plus starting the move.

Have a great day, all.
Molly

Ishbel..I am so glad I logged on today and saw your post...what an awesome accomplishment!. I can truly appreciate your grit, determination and continued efforts to stay with the program to accomplish your goal.
I lost 70 lb and have been floundering with a 15-20 lb gain, so I now how hard this is to reach goal and keep it off. Am so, very, very happy for you!