A few people have been discussing this - here's my way of doing it - I also choose a Fun Meal instead of a Funday, mainly because I like the way I am eating now and don't feel all that deprived. Besides on the day you are planning on doing the fun meal ie. out with friends for pizza & beer
, or pub natchos, or wedding dinner with fruit cake (lol), etc do a Phase 1 breakfast & lunch. No big deal. My weight hasn't gone up or down by more than 2 lbs since I started maintenance so it seems to be working for me. I do have some IP Broccoli Cheddar soup packets, simply because I like them (hard to believe eh?) but I also like to use Vega protein powder for a vegan smoothie in Tropical Tango or Garden of Life Raw Vegan Protein powder in cacao kiss as a rich tasting chocolate smoothie. Sometimes I'll get some Curves bars in Yogourt Berry Bliss - a bit higher in calories but pretty decent carb ratio with a good amount of protein for when I need a 'treat.' We don't have anyplace to get Quest here or I might try them, but I'm trying to lessen my reliance on dairy and they are whey based.
So, in the end, you don't have to worry about being tied to IP forever, as once you're in maintenance, you should be understanding the principles of it & how to re-lose any SMALL gains (don't leave it for long - stay on top of it).
If you like the packets - keep getting them (but they are pricey), but you don't have to. Like "Maile" says - knowing how to eat low carb to reset again can be done with 'regular' food.
Liana