Originally Posted by atblount:
I have been on plan and absolutely no cheating at all - and I have only lost 16 pounds. Does that seem slow? I see many others on this board that started after me and have already lost twice as much. Does that mean I am doing something wrong or am I just a freak? Its so frustrating and disheartening that I still have SOOO far to go..

The bulk of the time I was losing, my losses were under 2/week. I had some above that but the majority (for the year) were below 2/week. There was another gal losing much quicker and more steadily. It would have been easy to get jealous so instead I befriended her.

I really had to get the mental image of this NOT being a race and I had to STOP comparing myself to others. I have an individual metabolism, lifestyle, and activity level. I can't compare every aspect of my life to other people I'm meeting online. I pictured the tortoise and the hare many times. And you KNOW who won that race!

No matter the speed, the outcome is the same. Better health and vitality, along with looking better. I've had a long plateau so I'm actually in maintenance until January. After 14 months, it was time for a break for the body, mind, and spirit.

Please don't get me wrong _ I am not jealous in the least - I am more than thrilled for everyone that takes the leap and decides to commit - that is the biggest step - for self recognition. And I also know that I am my own worst critic. I am happy that I am losing - and not just pounds but inches as well and that my clothes are fitting better. I think I am just having a pity party. I am proud of myself for the progress I have made so far - I can remember when I started I said I would be happy for 1 so I have come a long way.
I am a SLOW loser.. I even told my coach that fact when I started.. sigh I dont know what I am trying to get across - just my incoherent gibberish. I am not doing this for a bikini - I am 41 with two children, post hysterectomy, and many other surgeries so I look like Frankenstein bride... anyway I am doing this for a healthy lifestyle, and to feel better. Maybe that's what I am missing - the feel better part - again waiting on that energy surge - just doesn't come for me at least not yet. I know I wont quit - I have come too far too many times to fail this late in the game. I know that with this board and the support of so many wonder people on the same traveled path that I dont have any excuse to fail. I am so grateful for everyone here that is helping me see that I am normal and that I am doing a good job at this (lust like everyone here). Thank you, the message has been received.. As long as I am shrinking Im ok. I think I am going to plan on speaking with my coach about the energy thing tonight. Could be me due to my other issues (hormonal etc)

Again, thank you!! {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

Atblount,
Hang in there! Most of my weeks only showed a little bit of loss followed by the occasional WOOSH, but not too many of those. For me, exercise was NOT an option. Any time I would try to add it back to my routine, I would stall or gain--that went for both cardio and strength training.

And as far as the energy rush, I never had it. Not once. On a good note, as a lifelong insomniac, I've never slept like I did on IP. And naps?!?! Before IP they were not something I would ever give in to, but while on phase 1, I'd say I'd slip in a few a week.

I think a lot of it has to do with where you started (close to where I did) and how "little" you have to lose.

I liked to attribute the lack of energy to a few things...I work/live an active job/life and am used to eating mostly whole foods (it's the beer and overindulgences of food after consuming the beer that gets me into trouble). Switching to 2 highly processed food packets a day was not something my body (or my mind) had an easy time adjusting to. I don't know your story, but based on fact you're chasing around two kids, I can only imagine that your evenings are not filled with much couch time. I also found that when I hit phases 2, 3, & 4, I actually lost quicker. It could be you're eating too few calories....

I don't know if it helps, but know you're not alone in the slow loss group and even those of us who lose slowly do, in fact, lose if they stay the course.

Originally Posted by atblount:
Thank everyone. Maybe I just needed a boost to help me realize that I am "normal" I used to have a personal trainer for over two years - specifically a strength trainer. I built alot of muscle but lost little weight, then I had some health issues and I have not been able to get back into it. Since being on IP I just dont have the energy to work out hard. I feel like I am missing something.. Where is all this abundance of energy your supposed to get? If anything I am more tired. Maybe I am one of those that just lose slower. I have gone the gambit of fad diets (ww, nutra-system, south beach, carb cycling, atkins, etc). I refuse to give up as I think the older I get this will be beneficial for my overall health if I am close to the size I am supposed to be. I just cant see being on Phase 1 for a year or more at the weight I started at. AND to add to that I am spending close to $100 a week on the IP packets. Thats alot of $$, not to mention the mind set it takes to live off of powdered foods for such an extended period of time. I am not one to change things up and add this or change that or create this and that with mixing the packets - to me that is cheating and playing a game with how the system was meant to be used. I added in a bit (and I mean a bit) of extra protein everyday this week to see what happens (like a sliver or two of chicken breast to my lunch salad) just to see if maybe I am in starvation mode. It is possible I am using too much milk, but I only have two cups of coffee per day and cant see how. Maybe I will have to add extra vanilla drinks to the list to use as my creamer. Its just frustrating that its been this long and its only 16 pounds when others have been only shorter periods and have lost 30+ . I want to get as close to 135 as possible - that means an additional 38 pounds - and at this rate it will be this time next year that I might get there. That's too long and I know I will not last on phase 1 for that long. The fee I payed only covered three months of counseling. Its not cheap. I guess I am just frustrated at my body and the resistance its putting up.
Ok, I guess I am done with my pity party.. :-) thanks for listening.

Based on what you're saying, it's not a pity party. You're on the wrong diet.

One reason you're losing slowly is in your post here. You have no energy. You're lethargic.

I would suggest you consider forgeting the IP diet and folllow something that allows you to eat more and workout more.