I totally agree - if it was as easy as calories in/out, it wouldn't be such a struggle for so many people! Human beings are complex and I think everything that happens in our minds and bodies is tied together - so everyone is a bit different in how they work.

Interesting too that is seems everyone has an opinion about other people's weight/weight loss. It's my body for crying out loud! Yesterday I was at a gathering with some people I hadn't seen for a while and several people had something to say about how much more weight I should lose, that I need to tone up my arms, etc, etc. I was so taken aback by all the onslaught of unsolicited advice that I didn't even know how to respond!

And then someone I barely know who wasn't a part of that conversation asked me when my baby was due! She was totally shocked when I told her I'm not pregnant. As someone who has a lot of body image issues to start with, I couldn't help being disheartened that I'm still getting comments like that after losing a bunch of weight. Apparently I have a ways to go before I'm not suspect to people's blunt and rude comments about my belly fat.

Thanks all for letting me have a rant this morning. :stress:

Yeah, creepy outweighed flattery, so I asked them to remove them.

Happy Saturday all. I woke up with a better mood today. All is good in IP land but work has, and will most likely continue to be, very stressful. It is a long story is my supervisor is worthless. Half of our team (me and 2 others) are totally swamped with work. The other half of the team - not nearly as busy. We have been asking for a realigns of the workload for quite a long time and he just won't do it.

Ok - rant over. Thanks I needed that. :)

Anyway, at least I can control IP. Looking forward to the 3 day weekend (Monday is MLK holiday). Chores today, Broncos/Patriots game tomorrow (GO BRONCOS!) and spending time with a friend Monday.

Exactly Lisa! When I look in the mirror I don't always see the good stuff - just the parts I still need to work on! At the same time, sometimes I catch a glimpse of myself and think "damn, I look good!" Working on retraining my brain... it takes time.

How rude! I hope a withering, disgusted look was on your face when you responded.

Good for you! I hope they do so.

lighthouse I hate it when I can't think of what to say till an hour later! You should have said 'hasn't anyone ever told you to NEVER ask if someone is pregnant unless you know the answer!' It was very rude!! Don't kid yourself... if people were telling you about toning etc...they definitely have noticed your weight loss, they just didn't go about discussing it in an encouraging way... Go look in the mirror and see how good you are looking! I will always be bottom heavy no matter how much weight I lose but I'm 43yrs old and no longer think I need to look like a super model... all I know is when I look in the mirror after a shower I see a smaller version of myself and it doesn't look half bad! Pat yourself on the back... I guarantee
you are looking good... take the time to appreciate what you have accomplished and recognize that people are people and there a rude ones everywhere!

Lighthouse, I am so sorry that those people do not have a lick of sense or any tact! Please do not let them affect your strength and self concept. You are doing a fantastic thing for your health. I would dismiss their comments based on the source.

I am currently at the weight I was for most of my adult life and am experiencing a mini slow down with weight loss. I do believe that our bodies have set points and memory. I am just focusing on staying OP, listening to the physical signs of my body (thanks 65x65) and moving forward.

ColoradoCarol, my work was very stressful this week too. And I had to white knuckle it through my irritation and desire for cheddar restricted last night. Instead, I took down all the Christmas decor and started redecorating my living room to go with the new chairs. Food can never again be the answer to stress caused by other people for me. If I am going to indulge in the future, it will be for joyous reasons.

I swear to god the next time someone takes it upon themselves to talk about my weight, unsolicited, I'm going to ask them if it is okay to talk about their weight GAIN!
That should stop it.

People just don't realize how RUDE they are. If it needs to be back in their face. I'll do it.

This week, someone who has recently gained a bunch of weight said to me, "well, it looks like you're maintaining your loss"
Really? Your biz how?
Let's talk about YOU!

Reading these posts definitely helps.
Being on the weight loss/gain roller coaster of life there's nothing worse than someone asking me when I'm due, or asking how the baby's doing. I now just answer-I'm not pregnant - I'm fat. Only because the look on their face resembles how I feel when asked. It sucks.
This is a life long journey I have realized with no easy answer. I feel so much better already with IP, and see so many options with food choices now I look forward to it. I have made this commitment to myself this time, and knowing I'm not alone is definitely motivation! (And accountability!) :)

Wow Lisa, it always amazes me how that green-eyed monster, Envy can cause people to behave. They become jealous on top of their personal misery and just take verbal "swings" at us.

And then I believe many are ignorant and have no clue how ignorant they are. You are an inspiration to so many of us. Glad you shared...it helped me realize these people are in all our lives.

Good morning

Since I started IP I have been following 100% and have felt so great about it. Last night my parents stop by and brought supper they know I'm on IP so they where trying to be supportive so they brought salads. Only problem was they had some shredded cheese on it. Because I know they where trying hard to support me I didn't want to make a big deal, so I ate it anyways. I ended up laying in bed last night and all I could think about was the stupid cheese. I'm so upset with myself for going off plan. How do you all deal with situations like these?

Move on. Next meal is 100% OP. One bite of cheese won't be a derailment unless you allow it to be.
And next time if people are bringing food, be sure they know ALL of your requirements, or pull something different out of the fridge to eat.

There wouldn't have been enough on the salad to put you out of Ketosis. When this has happened to me I try to discreetly shuffle the cheese to the side, or take it to the kitchen and pick out when no one's looking! Just carry on and come up with strategies for next time!

Thanks for the advise. I think that's the big thing for me I have to learn to let go of small missteps. In the past something like that would totally derail me. I'm going to try my best to just let go and do my best today.

Just joined this forum. This is my second week on Ideal Protein and I'm looking forward to the support and recipes on this site.

Welcome Peanut!