Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to drop in and introduce myself and say Hi. I am new to this forum and also to Ideal Protein. I am 30 years old. A mother of 2 Girls (5 & 3) and live in Alberta. I started Ideal Protein on Monday and so far it has been awesome. Love a lot of the food which is a big deal because I am very picky lol. I started my week off at 152 lbs. My goal is to be 120-125. So about 25/30 pounds to lose. I go for my first weigh in on Monday and I am a bit nervous and excited. I hope to see some movement on the scale even if its 2lbs. I have been following the diet to a T. My days usually go like this: Warm Chocolate Drink for Breakfast, Chicken soup with 1c Broccoli/1c Celery added to the soup, dinner this week has been Turkey breast with Asparagus, Shrimp with cauliflower and broccoli, and Ham with turnip, cauliflower, celery and broccoli melody. I don't like any other veggies so I am afraid I will get sick of the same ones all the time. But we will see. So far I haven't been hungry or had any cravings. I guess with the chocolate for breakfast and Dill Pickle Zippers for a snack I feel like I am not on a diet at all. And I love having my meals already planned for me. It keeps me on track rather then having to decide a meal for myself (which usually consist of pasta of some sort). I have also started weight/strength training 3 times a week and I walk 30 mins 2-3 times a week. Anyway, long enough post. Looking forward to hearing from you ladies and following your journey If you have any advice for a Newbie please post away!!

You have already had your first victory by making the decision to start this diet and give yourself a healthy body and lifestyle. Even better that that is the example you will set for your girls. I am also a mommy who is 30 and I have 1 daughter (14) and 2 boys (6 & 15 months). They keep me busy, but I was tired of being too tired to play with them or after a few minutes want to sit down. I did not want my daughter to grow up and struggle with the weight like I have especially after having babies.

A suggestion about your veggies would be to check out some threads like having fun with veggie purees, and look at the sticky with Rainbows recipes. Her threads are called mixin it in the kitchen with rainbow. AWESOME! Totally worth the time to read through and pick up a few recipes to try. I have made the cauliflower rice, the wildberry yogurt cookies, big mac in a bowl, and zucchini oatmeal muffins.

You sound like you are also starting a very active exercise routine. My only caution about too much activity can help your body gain muscle which is good, but muscle also weighs more on the scale than fat so keep that in mind with your weigh ins. Also you want to be sure that your muscles are fed after strenuous activity. If you have a good relationship with your coach then she can assist you in your exercise and weight loss goals.

I wish you all the best and keep posting on the daily chat thread. There are many people who are on the same journey and we are here for each other every step of the way.

Welcome - The plan is strict but if you follow it you will be happy with the results. The first few weeks I was some shaky days, but sticking it out has paid off.

This board is wonderful, you will find lots of support.

Thanks for the reply ladies I will check out the chats you suggested. I am nervous to try some of the recipes because I am so new to this. I really don't want to screw it up. I have been testing for ketosis every morning and I have been ranging from trace to large which has been keeping me motivated. I haven't had any shakiness or anything which Is good. I haven't really had any symptoms at all actually. Except maybe the add 15-20 trips a day to the bathroom. I have never peed so much in my life!! I am use to working out, I have done "insanity" and many of Jillian Michaels DVDs. I also started jogging 5km a day since January. But I changed it up for this diet because I read that they don't actually recommend exercise. But I will keep in mind the extra weight/muscle gain. I usually go by inches lost more then pounds but it sure is nice to see the scale go down too!! Anyway long post again. Sorry. Thanks for listening

Welcome! and read read read.. this site is full of information..