Great job on your success so far. I 100% understand and support what you're saying as I'm doing the same thing. We will both be back and fully committed in January. And it feels so good to be 20 pounds lighter around this time of year instead of gaining steadily. Also I just wanted to you let you know I've been off the diet for a couple of weeks but I'm at the same weight. I just offset a couple of bad eating with a day of phase 1. It seems to have done the trick so far. Good luck :)

Thanks so much for "backing up" my decision to go off plan for a bit ladies. I'm glad to hear that you've been able to maintain your weight by offsetting with Ph 1days wantanewme. I will keep that in mind while I'm away.

:hug:

I really encourage you to take this to the bigger community and see what others have to say.
So many folks have made that decision and have come to regret it.

I was here last year when a gal was about 20 lbs from goal and was going to take a holiday break. People talked her out of it and she hit goal pretty early-on into 2013. When she hit goal, she remembered gratefully the people talking her out of taking a diet break and just prolonging IP later.

I'm certainly not trying to tell you what to do, just know that I've seen many people take a break and then REALLY struggle. MANY! I have seen a few hop back on with no problem, but they seem to be the exception, rather than the rule.

There are many folks in the Daily Chat who have been doing IP for a long time and have seen the comings and goings and struggles of others who could chime in and give you different perspectives, if you're interested.

IP has taught me many things and one of the biggest is that the slow phase-off teaches us more control as well and our bodies really do thank us for it.

The BIG 50
 

I weighed in today and lost 4lbs, meaning that I lost a total of 50lbs in 2 months and 3 weeks! I'm so excited.:carrot::carrot::carrot:

:woohoo: Way to go, Sweetness! 50 pounds gone forever.

Thank You! It's gone forever and ever! Lol

Steph,

Hope you have a great holiday! For me, this place is like therapy (Albeit a HUGE group therapy).. there's no judgement, no hurtful things said (and meaning it, not accidentally), and no talking about it with other people. You do what you need to do for yourself and what you think will work best for you over the holidays. Guess what?? We'll be here waiting to welcome you back with open arms :)

Maddy

:hug::hug:

:carrot::carrot::carrot::broc::broc::broc::cheer:

CONGRATS!!!!!!! Welcome to the 50s club :)

Wow!!! Congrats!

Woot! Down 4.8 at weigh in today. Total of 52 lbs gone! Out of town friends and family are starting to roll in and I keep getting great comments! It feels great. I went to lunch with a bunch of friends at our favorite local pizza place and I had salad and water the whole time people were chowing down on my favorite pizza and subs all around me. Good results keep pushing me to stay on track. Only 8 lbs away from my first big goal of getting back down into the 200's!

In a NSV, I completed my last major assignment and the final for my MBA class that has been stressing me out. Only a few odds and ends things to finish up and I'm done with it. I have all next week off work. Life is getting better and better everyday and I couldn't be happier. I don't think I've ever had a New Year begin when I felt this much motivation and excitement about my future. If I can lose 52 lbs in 3 months, I cant wait to see what I can do with 6 months or a year. Happy Holidays everyone!


http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt...nJi/weight.png

Thank you! So glad to be here. I'm feeling so good about my self and can't wait to see the 60s club 😉

Thanks! 😊

You're awesome! Thank you and I look forward to joining you all again Jan 1 for 100% IP again - round 2.

Good morning Oct. Newbies!

I am on vacation! So happy to have a few days to relax before Christmas. I made a yummy soup to take to our Family(50 people) Carol Sing today. The recipe came from the recipe thread:
Ingredients
4 c chicken broth
3 T Soy Sauce
2 t Grated Ginger
3 clv Garlic
3 c Mushrooms
3 c Shredded Cabbage
2 c shredded chicken
1 c green onion
2 c shredded raw spinich
1 ds Pepper
Instructions
I used fat free, reduced sodium chicken broth, fresh ginger, and assortted mushrooms, sliced. (I like white button, oyster, shiitake, portobello, and crimini. if using shiitake discard stems). Thinly slice green onions with some green tops on. Mix ingredients and simmer until tender. Broth tastes like Won Ton soup broth.

How are you all? How are you feeling about the holiday season and IP?

Airportchick, hope you felt better by the time the fam. Arrived on Tues.

Jemma,hope that your week of getting back on track was easy.

Kooky, happy packing and safe travels!

Luccilove. Hope you are basking in the sun and enjoying your holiday.

Jig, bet you are happy that your class has ended. Time now, to enjoy your favorite time of year.

Steph, so glad that you have been able to resist all of the holiday temptation and had a great loss.

Kawaii, you are my super hero, WonderMom! All those Cookies! Only a mother's love could get you through that.

Sweetness, is now rocking a 50 pound loss! Amazing.

Pretty good week here on our thread. :D

slipfree: Yum, can I come over for dinner?!?!