Hi!

I have tried the Maple and Brown Sugar oatmeal and it's pretty good compared to the IP one and not restricted.

I only picked up a few items this week - ranch chips, salt and vinegar chips, chocolate chip cookie (which was yummy!) and the cinnamon and vanilla cereal - because a co-worker was selling her IP stuff and I stocked up from her but I will let you know as we go on which ones are good or not. The interesting thing about Pro-Energy Diet's cereals are that they don't come with the white "milk" powder in them, you add milk to them. My coach recommended almond milk over skim and not to use the 6 to 8 ounces the instructions mention. Or to eat them dry - she likes them as a crunchy, sweet snack.

Jo

PurpleMonster, I just got hooked on the maple oatmeal from IP. I had to step away from the amount of IP chocolate I was eating. It's unrealistic! So I've gotten in the habit of oatmeal for breakfast, which is what I used to do! Glad to hear theres an alt product out there for when I finish IP and need to keep other product in stock!

Did you coach recommend almond over skim for the cereal or just daily dairy for coffee? I thought that was 1 ounce? I'd love to get almond milk for my creamer instead of skim.

I had initially ordered it because I liked IP's so much but didn't like that it was restricted (I like to have my restricted item as a snack) so this one works out great. There's also an apple and cinnamon version that I'm gong to try.

She recommends almond milk in general but she does have lactose issues. In this case I think she prefers it over skim because it won't spike the insulin as much but I haven't really compared the stats on the two to say if that's right or not. I personally don't really like milk and don't take it in my coffee but I am curious about almond milk in cereal. You might want to talk to your coach and see if it's possible to swap. I know some people use a splash of the RTD vanilla in place of milk in their coffee too.

Jo

Your losses are amazing! Congratulations!

ems70508 - congratulations! You are doing awesome!

Thanks ssubert!

Congrats ems! You're doing great!

Had my WI today, a day earlier than usual due to my cousin coming into town today and staying for a few days. I knew I had a rough week. Too many little cheats...not full blown huge cheats, just little sneaks here and there that added up. (darn those 2 girl scout cookies I ate!) I had many appearances to go to with Miss WA and it just led to bad choices here and there. Nothing major, until yesterday...My big cheat was yesterday for National Pancake Day. It's a fundraiser at IHOP for CMN that all Miss America local and state contestants participate in. I ate a pancake...they served me three, I had enough bites to equal one. We were on camera for the news so I felt like I had to. I should've just had coffee and left it at that. I immediately felt awful. My coach said that pancake would've been enough to knock me out of ketosis and gain 3 pounds from the glucogen stores or whatever. I knew it was bad. I shouldn't have done it. But it's too late now...and I didn't lose anything this week. Oh well, next week will be better. Now, to get my body back into ketosis and continue the losses.

Like I mentioned, my cousin will be here later today. Her first time visiting Seattle (please rain, stay away) and we will be on the go a lot, out and about. She is SUPER healthy and I know eats right all the time, so I don't think it'll be bad. Just know that I need to make sure I have salad dressing with me and other IP foods in my car or purse to be prepared.

Moving onward...and downward. It's a whole new week.

Sounds like the consensus is no cake. I'm actually not even a cake lover (more of a general sugar fan) but I like to have my hand in everything wedding-related so I need to make sure it's delicious! I'll ask my Mom to come along with FI and I :D

Also, I am a huge fan of almond milk. I don't have any lactose issues, just prefer the taste. I always bought Almond Breeze unsweetened vanilla almond milk before I started IP. I think it's around 40cal for a glass, I don't remember the other specs.

IP Phase 1
 

Hi lulubee,
You should have received a phase 1 sheet from your coach. Generally, the rule is 3 ideal protein items, 8 oz of lean protein, and 4 cups of veggies. However, you need the sheet to know what IP items are restricted and what types of veggies and protein you can eat. I been on the diet before and how it works is amazing. A lot of other diets cause you to lose muscle, unlike IP. Just re-started the diet as well, so best of luck to you!

Restarting Today!
 

Restarting IP today! I am guilty of cheating and not following through when I do it. It's not my first time doing the diet, but it is definitely one of the best methods of losing weight out there! Just can't lose my motivation like always! Once weighing 253lbs I was able to get down to 185 on my own. Lost 20lbs on IP before, but gained it back. :( Now im in it to win it! Looking forward to the blog to keep me motivated.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/heartb...0/145/180/.png

Hi everyone!

Things are going fairly well for me this week even with it being my TOM. AF showed up so I'm wanting to eat everything in sight. I down water instead which is temporarily satiating me.

I am trying to stay OP 100% by cutting back on my WF additions & extract flavorings. I have had some slower losses the last 2 weeks (~2lbs each) & it's frustrating. I'm hoping this change will help me get back on track to bigger losses.

I also feel like my will power is waning. I think I'm just tired & cranky from YDD being sick so that's affecting me mentally. I'll be off to bed early the next two nights so I can actually be productive during my school session this weekend.

qtpiemels: I don't know where you live in Alberta but its probably been chilly and I think it affects a person too. I seem to feel more hungry on those days. Its TMO for me too so it was a tough week last week, it already feels better this week so I'm determined to stay on plan and say good-bye to the last couple of lbs. Being tired can make a person feel less motivated too. I try and drink more herb tea on those days. It warms me up and makes me feel less hungry! Its so worth it when we can stick to the plan even on those tough weeks!

Join the 100% thread immediately and commit to being 100% on plan. You'll be at goal fastest that way!
UNDERactive thyroid? That causes weight gain. Overactive speeds you up and makes it hard to keep weight on (unless you're overmedicated for it, like a friend of mine)
Congrats on your fantastic loss
Be sure to join the 100%er thread!
The whole group works together to support each other to do IP cheat-free!

Congrats on the sale of the house! How exciting! Sending good thoughts your way (and your son's). Hugs and thanks to both of you! And enjoy your vacay!!!

Way to go on the willpower! So mich to be proud of. I love how people are jonesing for YOUR "diet" dessert when they have the real thing! :D

Here is another one! Love how you had to protect your cauli rice. Way to go on maintaining your willpower!

I definitely needed this today. Fighting with staying OP the past two days and losing. I do not understand why, but I have to rein it in even while I struggle to find the source. Recommitting to 100% right now; I only have a few weeks left. I can do this!

I, too, am experiencing the waning willpower. Maybe it is winter doldrums for me, who knows? Best of luck dealing with family sickness and your school session. Rest up!

Okay, so when does a "No Soliciting" sign on one's front door really mean, "Go ahead, knock, and offer me a free estimate on _______. Certainly, keep trying to schedule a time for your staff to come for that free appointment even after I clearly state my lack of interest. No, my dinner is not on the stove or anything." Ugh! Come on, people!

Now, the real question: after this reboot of eight to ten weeks, is it necessary to do a full phase off, or will an abbreviated phase of suffice? Thanks!

Renee

Super bummed. I left my weigh in clothes at home. I always wear the same thing to WI so that that isn't a factor. I think it is a low week weight wise and my clothes are heavier - so it might be a no loss week. Oh well. Can't do anything about it. I will have to get my victories in other places like inches coming off (hopefully) and remaining 100% OP.

I am struggling this week. Not sure why,not sure if lack of sleep is a culprit, but i have just been hungry no matter what the past two days!
On a more positive note, my offical weigh in sunday put me in the 220's. Hooray :)

Thanx!! Each week makes it easier for me...Im very excited to see my end result :)


Lisa
Yea I never can keep them straight, my levels were too low. I actually have been feeling very tired so I called my Endo to check my thyroid. I do not want a repeat of last year so Im being over cautious. But I got my results today and my level is low again, probably from the weight loss. Just glad I caught it.
I check the 100% thread I just haven't posted in there :)

Wait. Your WI clothes still fit?!? From the beginning?!?

I have the reboot info somewhere. I'll look it up for you. Long reboot for you! Perhaps it's time to phase off?

Also, do you have Beck Diet Solution? It is great at helping pinpoint what is going on.
Usually a WI like that can help! Sorry you've had that famished feeling. It comes and goes OP but Ketosis really does help! I had to let go of some items I was allowing daily, such as Mio, WF, and restricteds (not daily but too frequently for my current level of cravings)

I'd suggest strengthening your plan/resolve by doing MORE advance planning, checking in on the 100%er thread, and finding a new OP recipe to try..

Today I made some changes about WHERE I eat my meals. I'm reading Beck Diet solution. I wasn't a stand-up eater, but mindless all-the-same, and not being in P1 brought back some behavior/cravings that are unacceptable to me because they aren't helpful for staying on a plan, whether it is maintenance or WL. Making changes is like peeling the onion. If I'm to maintain right now, I truly want it to be a MAINTENANCE, not a slow regain. Reficused this week on stopping/reversing any creep. It will take constant diligence (at least for a while) for maintenance for me.

Just popping in to say hi :) scale still hasn't budged but I'm chugging water like crazy crossing my fingers and hoping for the best for weigh in tomorrow. Doesn't help that TOM showed up today either.

Hang in there. The scales gonna do its thing & you're doing yours. One day the payoff will come. I hope you don't have to wait as long as me!

I made some changes re: Mio/WF this week. I have also stopped swinging into GNC for an occasional Quest bar. I've played with the MIO thing before but decided to get serious. It is now only reserved for social events & just til it's gone. I'll be replacing it with the stevia one IPN told us about. But again, only for social events (to keep it special).

Making some other changes based on Beck Diet Solution.

Lisa, do you know what the name of this new stevia water flavoring is and/or where you can get it? I just bought a few bottles of Mio to help the last 20oz/day go down easier (aiming for 80oz). I'd rather have something more natural in the future, thanks!

Edited: Just found them! http://sweetleaf.com/products/sweet-drops-products

haha reenhag i know...i'm like...you get king cake! back off my brownie!

Had my weigh in, stayed the same, which is fine. Lost 3 inches which is great. I brought up the issue of the stress I have been experiencing at work. I also brought up the hunger(not cravings) that I have been experiencing. They said that on the days I am having the extreme hunger to eat another packet or more protein and that it is a good thing and a sign that (can't remember the exact words) that the insulin levels and receptors are doing their job. It will not inhibit my losses.

I love my coach(es). They are so knowledgeable and great cheerleaders.

I made those changes also this week--no more GNC Quest drop ins, returned Mios to store, and checked out Beck Solution from library today based on what you've posted from the book so far. After 2 Mio-less days, WF Thick n Spicy BBQ sauce suddenly lost its appeal and had a chemical taste. Coincidence?

I don't really agree with the eat more packets, I would ask you how much vegs your are getting. More than 4 cups could lead to more insulin and a hunger increase. Are you weighing your vegs raw? How much lean protein are you eating? Weighing it raw?

sunflwr: Those are not actually the drops I had mentioned. These are:

http://www6.netrition.com/sweetleaf_water_enhancer.html

I do like the ones you posted in puddings though!

Yeah for 3 inches! That is great!

Sorry you're under so much stress, it really isn't good for weight loss is it?

Reen Hag
As promised, the IP reset/restart info:

What is a Re-Set? A re-set is what happens when you have been in maintenance for a minimum of 6 months (more typically a year) . A re-set “re-sets” the pancreas and helps us to maintain our sensitivity to insulin. It is recommended that this is done once a year to prevent those 5-7 pounds of weight gained over the course of a year from becoming 50-70 lbs. A reset is typically not appropriate for those looking to lose more than 10-15lbs. This number will depend on your total weight loss on the program i.e. if you lost 100lbs on the program and you are looking to lose 15lbs of weight gained while on maintenance a re-set would be appropriate -this would equal about 15-16% of your total weight loss any more than that a reset would not be appropriate. If you lost 30lbs while on the program 5 lbs. would be appropriate for a reset- about 15-16% of your total weight loss.

Why? A re-set is an accelerated version of the regular protocol. Phase 1 until you reach your goal (no more than 2 weeks) and then an accelerated phase off minimum of 2 days on phase 2 and phase 3 maximum of 1 week on phase two and phase 3. The goal is to complete the reset within 1 month. An accelerated phase off can only be done when severe calorie restriction (as in phase 1) does not exceeded 2 weeks.

What is a Re-Start? A re-start is what happens if after going on to maintenance you have gained more than 15-16% of the weight you lost while on the program. A re-start would also apply if you are returning to the program to lose some additional weight (exceeding what you would normally be able to lose over the course of 2 weeks) that you had not lost previously while on the program.

Good morning everyone. It's a beautiful Spring day here. I was in London last week, week 2 of the program. it was hard eating out everyday but I didn't gain anything from my first week weigh in. Back on track for week 3. Good luck everyone.