I'm an addict, too. I have come to the realization that being overweight for such a long time that my condition is something chronic that I will always need to manage. I have been wrapping my head around this thought while I prepare for maintenance. And I am a long way from maintenance. But I am determined to nail this, this time! (I have a history of losing alot of weight and regaining it plus)

What I love about IP is that my carbohydrate cravings are largely controlled. I really don't give things like ice cream or potato chips a second thought. And I used to obsess over these things, just like an addict!! I hid my problem, too. I would go to the store, load up my cart with bad stuff, and then go through the self check out line so no one would see. Daily.

Those behaviors are pretty much history. I don't even think that way anymore! It is pretty miraculous what IP has done for me. The despair is gone and is replaced by optimism that I had not known for such a long time. I am full of hope. But I am not disillusioned, either, and know that eating a high power serving of carbs would be a slippery slope indeed. So I am here to learn everything I can about nutrition and even myself. I will not let history repeat itself again.

It does get easier with time. Keep at it and it does seem to become second nature. In fact, the word auto-pilot comes to mind!!

Keep returning to this forum for support and encouragement, and good luck

I find that too! I can get 2 bags of veggies for $20 where I could never do that with highly processed foods! That's what I answer people who question why I would pay so much for this diet. How much is a Big Mac meal??

You can get through this. If you're in day 5 you're probably close to ketosis and you'll be thanking yourself that you didn't falter. Ketosis is a God send because you are rarely hungry and it will help to keep you from being tempted by foods.

Are you eating the extra packets of food your coach gave you? In the first week you can have extra, but after that you can't. It's to help you get through that transition in the beginning.

Definitely take a look at recipes out there. There are so many your head will spin.

Good luck!

My coach has this little thing you can push with her voice on it saying: "You've had it before, you know what it tastes like, you'll have it again, just not right now." That has helped me.

Has anyone seen this? It's a recipe for cauliflower pizza dough Might help with some of the carb addiction http://bridgeschiro.com/blog/b_14655...an_pickup.html

I've made the other version and it tastes good, but doesn't hold up to toppings. That one looks soooooo good. I'll have to try it.

I've been on IP for a little over a month now, and I can promise you that the cravings fade quickly. I've been surrounded by fast food, fresh-baked breads and baked goods, and countless tempting treats that would have had me chowing down with one small sniff just a few weeks ago. There are those brief moments where I acknowledge that these things look and smell divine, but then I move on. That's the beauty of ketosis. I can honestly identify a scent or situation as a trigger for eating something I really don't need. I have my standby IP items to match cravings, SW cheese curls for salty/crunchy and puffs for sweet treats (mix 1/2 pb and 1/2 chocolate for Reese's). The drinks and puddings also help manage all those sweet cravings, and they're quick for when that temptation is really calling your name. The recipes look awesome. I'm going to try the mini-flatbread today. Everyone on this site is very supportive and willing to help. Good luck on your journey. It will be amazing!

Something I've noticed, after almost 7 months doing IP: I can admit that things smell and would probably taste wonderful, but I immediately think about the harm they would do to my body. NEVER in my life have I had this mindset before! I think how wonderful a piece of pizza would taste, then think about how bad it would make me feel, both physically and mentally.

I truly feel that when I phase off into maintenance, that mindset will be a great asset to me. I know it will be challenging, but if I can keep that focus on my health, not my tastebuds, that will help a great deal.

You will get there...the cravings do disappear, hard as that it to believe!

Thank you all! Today is now day 25 and its amazing! I have been OP 100%. I didn't give in to any of those cravings. It's wayyyyy better now! I am on Week 3 and have lost 16.5 pounds, with a total of 23 inches lost. That weight loss and the Lords strength keeps me motivated.

That is awesome!!!