I'm not trying to justify it; rather just sharing the story- last week ( my first week OP) my 4 month old had a stomach bug that kept her out of daycare and me home from work a few days, and I had a good first week OP. She was well for one day, and by Sunday was showing new symptoms that turned into RSV and ear infections in both ears. Despite the stress of her being sick and me now being on shaky ground at work because I've been out so much, I still stayed 100% OP. Until this evening. I now have the adult version of what my daughter has, with sore throat, coughing, congestion, fluid built up, etc, and since she's not sleeping at night, neither am I. I let my hunger and sickness get the best of me and this evening I've had 3 diet sodas, chips and guacamole, a slice of pizza, and a plate of Chinese food. As of this morning I had lost 8 lbs since 11/4, and I know Monday's weigh-in is going to suck now. And I do have some feelings of regret and guilt, but at the same time, it's been almost 2 weeks since I've had a satisfying meal that didn't leave me hungry an hour later. What can I do differently next time I have cravings this intense to keep from repeating this mistake???

Hi all,

Airportchick- I am sorry that you are craving. Maybe it is a delayed stress reaction and now that you have some time, the inner brat wants some reward goodies. Tell her no, lol. I am not craving food, just having a little IP fatigue. So tonight, I made a yummy dinner- portobello mushrooms, shredded zucchini, ginger, garlic and low sodium soy sauce. For protein, I seared tuna. I also made a curry zucchini soup for this week and riced some cauliflower. If the inner brat is out, I am going to make her work!

Shantimom- it is amazing that the craving for sugar can go away. When I think about things that I miss- none of it is sweet. That is a complete shift for me, I was a sugar fiend. You are going to look gorgeous on 1/4/14.

MissKay- sounds like a tough week. Writing it down will help, you admitted it out loud, now move on. Get back on program and make sure to notice how you feel physically tomorrow. Do you really feel any better?

Hey there. I went to the "User CP" section at the top left of the screen and clicked on that. Once I was in there I clicked on Edit signature and there it should me I could do a tracker as part of a signature. I used a tracker from 3FC because I couldn't figure out how to add it from tickerfactory. Once I created it and saved the code in the signature line, that was it. I think I have to update it each week tho, and re-copy the code, so a bit lame...but whatever. Give that a shot! GL!

That's AWESOME!!!! Keep up the good work!

Have you ever been to Zinc (in New Haven)? We've got a gift certificate for it, but haven't used it since we're OP and trying to be good about making choices as to places we KNOW we can attend/dine.

Hi there MissKay! For me I had to redefine "satisfying". I had to start thinking more of my health and food actually being fuel instead of something I mindlessly take in. It's not always easy and some days are better than others. I find that I am best when I am conscience of my water intake and also spreading veggies out throughout the day. There is a post earlier like on page 2 or 3 of all the things that either go through my head or I believe to be true. I have to be my biggest cheerleader and I have to want a healthier life more than I want x y or z. Trust me, if you had told me 7 weeks ago that I wouldn't have a diet coke or a piece of bread, I would have laughed in your face. But it can be done, you just have to committ. You can and will do it.

Kawaii, Zinc is a fantastic restaurant with a very original take on recipes. That said, I think it would be hard to eat there OP. You could do it, but why waste the gift card. Have you been to Charlie's Place in Niantic? They have an IP menu. I also heard that Spice Club does IP selections. I ate at both Liv's and Aspen on program easily. I just asked for changes in ingredients and method of cooking, both places were willing.


Today, we are going to Heirloom at the W Hotel. Called ahead to make sure they would be willing to make changes. I think part of my nervousness is revealing my plan to more members of my family, the "petite" aunt and cousin. I guess that I feel vulnerable. The history is that I am the only female (mother's side) over 5'2. I have always been the Amazon amongst the petite. My aunt is very critical of overweight people, although she is never directly critical of me. Best case scenario would be no discussion of my process, but having to adjust the food is going to make it- center stage. I am strong enough to handle this challenge, just not looking forward to it.

WI today and down 2.2. Not as good as I would have liked but, at least I'm losing. Starting my fifth week with 15lbs down. I'm kind of confused as to why the inches aren't moving like everyone else.

jemma51--congrats on the WI.

I have lost 22lbs since Oct 7th but not alot of inches - I am just happy I am losing something anywhere!!!

That's great

The inches will come in time, even if the weight loss slows. Promise!

Hello! I have been lurking for weeks and would like to join all of you...this seems like a great group of encouraging people. I started Oct 16, 2013 at my highest weight 235.6lbs. I have lost 18.6lbs since then. I am using alternative products and doing this without a clinic. This week is TOM and I am struggling this week, not sure if this is because of TOM. Anyone else struggle with the plan and being hungry at TOM?

Slip,

Thanks for the ideas on restaurants. I am in Niantic ALL the time (I go to a bead store down there three days a week (But I'm NOT obsessed :P)) and knowing that there are things I can get at Spice Club makes my foodie heart sing. I've never been to Charlie's Place. Do they advertise IP menu items or is it something that "those in the know" have figured out?

***hugs*** for you in regards to the "coming out" about your diet/food changes to your family. It's tough. I went to a birthday party today and while everyone else had birthday cake, I took out my handy dandy Caramel Nut Bar (YAY for planning ahead).. I didn't feel deprived at all, but one guest (my sister's sister in law) made a big deal (and she's got that loud new york accent (Think the Nanny)) "What are you eating? Is that DIET food??! Why don't you want cake!? Oh it's ok you can splurge once.. don't eat that sawdust when your sister made a delicious cake..." Needless to say, I just smiled and said no thank you to my sister who knows what's going on, and she politely told the other lady to basically STFU.. it made me smile.. she's my big sister, and she still sticks up for me.. She's also my work out buddy and she's my biggest cheerleader...

I hope that when you get back and have time to read this that you find that your dinner went GREAT! I know you go to WNL, what day do you go? I'd love to be able to put a face to the name (If that wouldn't be too creepy)..

Thanks Kawaii, the food was horrible. They messed up my requests. But the family thing was fine,it was a nice day over all. You have to ask for the IP or WNL menu at Charlie's. I go to WNL every two weeks on Sat. We should meet up for coffee.

Welcome, this is a great group. I am doing this on my own with alternatives too. 18.6 pounds is fantastic.