Good morning,

The lobsters were delicious and the Shower planning luncheon was fun. The cold sores are starting to heal and should be gone by the time I start with kids on Thurs.

Life is so ironic. We have had very cool temperatures in CT for most of August but on the first day of school it will be in the 90s. Poor kids, heat and no air :(

Kooky, I am glad that you are home safely. Is Suki beginning to forgive you? Do you start work in the new office tomorrow?

I am thinking of the rest of you. Hoping your summer is relaxing and fun.

Hiker- how was the wedding?

Luccilove, how is the move progressing?

Sorry for the typos and randomness in advance!!! I think quicker then I type!


Slipfree---glad u are feeling better.

Kooky---I bet your cat cant wait to see u and had a nice reunion together.

I have been running around ragged. We were suppose to move the big stuff yesterday but the guys were a no show. So bummed but not a big deal. Long story. So we will move after we get back from the cruise. We leave Wed to Boston and then Friday the cruise. I am going to need a vacation after dealing with the 2 houses.

I am officially on P4 but I do feel like in general IP leaves you high and dry---it is almost like thanks for playing dont let the door hit you on the way out type of thing. There is not a lot of guidance and it is a true shock on me at least that I dont have to eat packages, take vitamins, keep food journal---it is almost like a 180. I have gained weighed but I am ok with this for now. It is very easy though to go back to old ways or at least see what your old ways are. It will be a never ending addiction and problem for me. I know I am not alone on this. Just a lot to take in once you are on P4. I am thinking matience is harder the P1. I also feel weird if once during the day I am not eating a IP item. I feel like they are a crutch or a safety thing for me now cause I have been eating that for so long. Anyone else feel like that?

Cant believe people are almost back in school and it is almost fall. Most stuff is moved to the new house because everytime we come over I make my hubby load the car with stuff. The contractors should be done with the outside on Tues. I have been reading all the posts just so busy and tired. I am starting to get run down and my ear and throat hurts. So after we are done in the new house I will go to the townhouse and rest as I am very busy Mon and Tue before we leave.

So at some point I want to wein off IP vitamins so IPers what vitamins have u swtiched to once on P4.

Luccilove, I hope you get to relax on your cruise. I am not taking any vitamins, since I feel like my diet includes most of the nutrients I need. I also agree that maintenance is a precarious mix of freedom and control. As for IP products, I order bars from Nashua for some of my snacks. I still have a sweet tooth and the bars seem to meet that desire.

I bet when every thing settles down and you get in a routine, you will figure out a Phase 4 balance. It is a constant effort to deal with any UP pounds. I think the key is to not go out of your range and to address the UP pounds with a phase 1 day. Otherwise, a slip can become an overwhelming slide.

Hope that you get some rest and avoid getting sick. Although I have hated being sick, it has made me slow down and recharge.

Slipfree--

You are right...P4 is really balance. Which I guess is a problem for me since this is how I got here in the first place.

I agree when I get back I need to rethink like a P1 and will go back to it for a bit in hopes to lose maybe final 20-30lbs. I need to give myself a chance to be proud of what I have done since October. I am my own worse enemy and worse critic. I am way too hard on myself so I do need to give myself some credit.

Slipfree---have you gained anything since being on P4? Do you have or use any IP food at all? What our your favorite bars you have from Nashua?

Luccilove, when I went on vacation, I gained 13 pounds! Came back, did 4 days of Phase 1 and lost it. For all of this week, I have been at 159. Today, I am at 161. I have not been past 163 all summer. I have been really strict about not combining fats and carbs except on my "free" meal. I really limit my carbs to breakfast too. To be honest, other than sugar- I really do not love carb foods. The shift back to school will be interesting. Figuring out what to eat for lunch everyday. I may just eat two bars and count it as my carb meal. I hate packing lunch!

My favorite Nashua bars are Protidiet strawberry and peanut butter and the peanut caramel crisp. I don't mind the peanut surprise bars or the Greek yogurt either.

Balancing food habits is a struggle for all of us, you are not alone. I have gone overboard with some foods. I think the damage has been limited because I do not have any trigger foods in the house. I have had ice cream three times this summer on my "free" day but in a social situation. I really have tried to limit my tempting food to company, because I was a notorious closet sugar consumer.

Hello Newbies! I am still around. Have been very busy. I leave tomorrow for another week. Once I get back I will buckle down and finish this. DH and I have been jogging together. It has been nice to have someone to go with but we can't go until after dinner which I don't like. I like to workout first thing in the morning and get it over with. Lol. Oh well. I am just glad to have a workout partner. Hope everyone has a great week. I probably won't be checking in this week.

Good Morning!

I hope everyone had a nice weekend. Mine was pretty good. It feels great to be back home, even though this is a new home for me. I was able to pick up my cat on Saturday and he has forgiven me for boarding him for two weeks...I think. He still acts a little skittish about the new place, but he is starting to me more cuddly which is good.

I was in my first earthquake this weekend. The one that hit Napa woke me up yesterday at 3:30 am or so. My bed was moving and things in my apartment shook, but no damage. It was one of the strangest feelings to experience. I feel bad for the people and businesses in a Napa who experienced a lot of damage and loss.

Slipfree- I'm glad you're feeling better and had fun at the events of the weekend! Ugh...I feel bad for you and the students to have to deal with the heat and no AC. Hopefully the best will not be long lived.

Lucci- I'm sorry you're having a rough experience with maintenance. I felt some anxiety going into it, but you'll get the hang of it. I've maintained since mid-July and the most I've gained is a few extra pounds during TOM or right after a fun day. If you do P1 or just eat really low carb and supplement with IP or alternative products if you want, the weight should come back off. My coach have me Dr. Tran's book about IP and said it's really useful in explaining how to maintain your loss for life. Unfortunately that book is still in a box somewhere from my move, so I can't find it, but I plan on reading it once I find it. I think the key is to continue to eat overall low carb and if you feel like having carbs, limit them to breakfast or your carb/low fat meal. I'm still trying to figure out how to personalize P4 to the foods I like and get into a routine. I'm sure if you find the right information on P4 and get settled in at your new home, you'll do just fine. It seems scary at guest, but when in doubt, just do low carb and make sure not to mix fats and carbs at one meal. Have fun on your vacation and enjoy a break from the stress of the houses and IP! Maybe being away from home will give you time to figure out how you want to approach maintenance. I find solutions to problems at home sometimes become clear to me when I travel.

Want2B- That's great that you and your husband are exercising together. It seems like you two have been supportive of each other and I'm sure that's made this whole experience much more meaningful. Hope you have a good week and that the puppy's leg is better!

Hope everyone is doing well! I have my first day in my new office today. It shouldn't be too difficult today since we're going to be setting up our computers and desks. I'm glad that I've already met all of my coworkers, so that removes a lot of stress.

Hello all;

Its so interesting to read how everyone is doing. I can relate to the challenges of maintenance. I have come to realize what works for me is having low carb lunch and suppers, more protein and vegies. This summer has been challenging, I am definately up from my original goal and am at a panic stage right now. But, I am continuing with my exercise and making small goals daily to help take off about 10lbs that have crept on. My clothes aren't feeling uncomfortable yet but I definately want to see the number on the scale go down to where I'm happier. I know what works for me, I just have to follow it. My worst time of the day is after supper and I keep setting the goal of not eating after. I did it on the plan, I know I can do it now. I look forward to September and things settling down, thats for sure. I've kept running but need to get back to the gym to do my weights. I can do this! I appreciate the good posts and it helps to know that we all deal with similiar challenges in trying to maintain.

Scary to live through an earthquake Kooky! I have never had to!Lucci, I hope you enjoy your cruise and you have accomplished a lot, be proud! Want2B, I run with my hubby too and its so much nicer to have that support! I enjoy our time together as well. Slip, try and stay cool, crazy weather! And you continue to inspire me in maintenance!

Hi everyone,

Pretty good first day back at work. For the 1st time in 24 years, they gave us some time to work on our rooms. Yahoo!!! I am really tired since I only slept for about 4 hours last night, must have been first day jitters.

Kooky, glad that you are settling in at home. The earthquake must have been freaky. I was in one in California years ago.

Hawaii and Want2b, both of you inspire me with your exercise plans. Now that gardening is wrapping up, I am going to have to find an indoor exercise plan.

Hi all,

Prof. Dev. today, I am wiped out. Still fighting this virus/ cold sore thing. Fell asleep last night at 7:00 and slept until morning!

Hope that each one of you is having a great day!

Hi Everyone...hope you're having a good week. I'm settling into my new place and office. It's been pretty stress-free so far. My weight is down to 157...probably because I'm moving around more.

Slipfree- I'm glad you got a solid night's sleep Monday. I hope you can keep that up so that you can kick that virus.

Good for you Kooki! Making changes isn't easy and its great when the scale is down, not up! And hope you feeling 100% soon Slip.

I've been having a pretty good week. Its tmo so it always makes me pretty wiped for a couple days. But, am not feeling too hungry and am sticking with healthy eating this week. I always feel so much better thats for sure. I keep reminding myself to take one day at a time and make good choices. We are definately heading into fall now, I don't mind as long as the snow doesn't come early, I'm happy.

Good Morning! The wedding was a blast and I had a great time.. the resort was a little over priced but I'm glad I went. Its probably the most expensive wedding I'll ever attend so it was fun to get fake nails (first time for that!) and a spray tan... Although I have to admit it occurred to me the amount of money the couple spent could pay down my mortgage!! LOL!

I'm finally getting away for some relaxation this week... its been a crazy busy summer and I really need some down time at my parents cabin. I will start getting off carbs while there and then start IP 100% when I'm back Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm a little nervous and hoping it won't be harder... BUT I need to do this:)

Have a great day everyone!

Hi everyone,

Kooky, so happy that things are stress free!

Hawaii, it is really hot here this week after a very cool August. I am glad that you are having some good food days. Isn't it wonderful when it seems easy?

Hiker, gorgeous new picture!!! Your wedding sounds very glamorous and fun. Glad you are getting some down time at the cabin.

Well, the kids start tomorrow. Such a hectic overloaded day today! The message is always do more, do more and make other's jobs easier by doing more! So glad that I love the kids because that makes it worth the hassles.

Oh and the slim, skinny comments have not gone away. Have not lost a pound since the end of school-people, time to move on! I guess you can tell that I am tired, lol.

Hi everyone,

Great first day back at school. Sure is easier to stay on track food wise because I am too busy to snack.

Hope all of you are doing well.

Happy Friday Everyone!

Hawaii- TOM does the same thing to me. Hope you're getting your energy back! I can't believe we're headed towards fall already...mostly because I live in CA and grew up in the Midwest, so the songs of fall are not the same here. Hopefully we'll start getting rain and relief from the drought.

Hiker- I'm glad you had fun at the wedding and got to enjoy getting all made up. You look great in your profile picture! It might be hard initially getting back OP, but you can do it. The ketosis-flu can be a little yucky, but hopefully you'll feel better within a few days. I hope you're having a nice relaxing week at the cabin.

Slipfree- How is school going? It's funny people still are still commenting about your weight loss. I'm sure you got toned and more fit doing all of that work on your house this summer. It seems like you worked non-stop. I'm glad school is making you feel better about food. I think the structure of work helps me stay on track, but preparing fresh foods/cooking meals gets a little harder during the work week when I get tired and less motivated.

Kooky, school this week was actually pretty good! The "reputation" kids were actually fantastic! Had my best lock hand out/ learn their combination ever!

I do feel like I worked until my body shut down this summer, lol! I do not think that I have changed inches wise, but I may make a maintenance appt. soon just to check in and use up my paid visits. I think people are just obtuse. My new line is, I have not lost a pound since June, not their business but the truth.

I am tired but the cold sores and virus are pretty much gone. I did not plan anything for this weekend because I was not sure about my mental (stress) and physical (virus) status- but I feel good!!!

Good Morning Everyone! I'm excited that it's a long weekend. I am pretty tired from this week. It wasn't stressful, but I think I just end up feeling tired from all of the newness going on. I went to bed really early last night and plan on resting up this weekend, so hopefully I'll feel well rested for next week. I've had to do another phase of upgrading my wardrobe for my new job because the dress code is dressier and I'm going to be doing visits to clients, so I bought two more suits in addition to the one I had bought for my interviews. Since I knew my size, I ordered online, but I need to return a couple of things to the store this weekend. Hopefully I can resist buying more because last month was tough financially with the move and wardrobe overall.

Slipfree- I'm glad you got a good group of students this year! I'm sure you'd do great even with some tough ones, but it definitely makes it less stressful on you and the other students to have a well behaved classroom.

I guess your coworkers are probably just still fascinated with your weight loss and how great you look. Unfortunately it seems like it's part of the culture here that people are obsessed or just fascinated by weight loss/gain and appearance. I'm glad the people here never knew me at my old size because I don't get any comments about my body. I still think about it and sometimes forget that I've lost my excess weight. Sometimes I get confused or shy when someone checks me out or flirts because I got so used to being invisible to guys.

What's going on with everyone else? Anything planned for the weekend?

Kooky, I was thinking that you were lucky to start anew without everyone knowing about your weight loss or waiting for you to regain it. I sound cynical but I have had enough people comment to know that my feelings are justified. Good thing that I could care less what they think :)

New clothes are expensive! Try to do some mix and match for different looks and find a good dry cleaner.

Hope that you get to rest up this weekend. I am still in my jammies and I am not sure that I am getting out of them today!

Slipfree- I have that same cynical thought that people (true friends and supportive family excluded) silently are wondering when we'll regain the weight. I suppose they have the right to think that way because most people who do lose weight do regain it, but that will not be us. Especially after I've invested so much financially and emotionally and went through a challenging and life changing nine month journey (that I suppose isn't over), I'm determined to keep this weight off forever.

I do need to find a good dry cleaner and a hair stylist and an auto shop, etc...the joys of moving to a new city. Good thing that Yelp is around to help me vet out all of these. :dizzy:

I'm still in my pjs and will probably stay in them while I alternate between relaxing and cleaning, organizing, and still unpacking.

I received my first order of Quest products and I'm expecting an order from Nashua to arrive. From Quest I ordered their protein chips and because the IP crisps are so expensive and also cause problems for me with the big c. The Quest protein chips are pretty good. They taste similar to Baked Lays and are not soy based. So far I've only tried the cheddar and sour cream flavor, but I liked them and felt the flavor was less overpowering than the IP crips. The IP garlic crisps are too seasoned for me and hurt my tongue.

Kooky, so funny! My nashua order just came and I am eating the Healthwise pizza crisps right now. I have missed having something crunchy for a snack.

KookySuki - good luck with the new clothes. I am still struggling trying to figure out my "identity" with clothes since I no longer have to rely on old lady 3X clothes with no style! I have found a great thrift store that seems to have a lot of Ann Taylor, Talbots, J Jill and I grab what I can from there.

The issue of people watching our weight for us is a hard one and being new saves you from that. It is hard enough for those who have lost weight to monitor how we are doing and deal with possible slips, we DO NOT need 'help' from those around us.....

Hi all: Having a good long weekend here. My family is visiting so have been indulging a bit here and there but trying not to go crazy. I had a good long run yesterday with my hubby, was happy to do 10km, its been a long while since I last did that. Felt good to accomplish! Now back to stricter eating today. Its amazing how much better I feel when eating the healthy way. My body is much happier and has more energy! Have a great day everyone!

Hi y'all,

I had a run in with granola on my free day. Only up a pound, but my stomach/digestive system does not appreciate the extra carbs. Phase 1 for me today. Dinner is already made- Greek chicken, zucchini and salad.

Schenectady, I am so happy that you are feeling back on track. I do think that our style changes, but I liked my old style too. Granted it is a lot easier to find clothes at this weight, but I still like classic black. A lady at the tag sale said, "you sure did wear a lot of black." Yup, and I will again.

Hawaii, I am with you, I feel better with clean eating. I do believe in moderation and fun day, but some foods do not help my body feel good and strong after. I am beginning to identify certain foods that affect my energy negatively. Way to go with the run!

It is really hot and muggy here! They forecasted rain, so we decided not to picnic today. Sunny as can be outside :dizzy: right now. Not looking forward to a hot week at school- poor kids.

As the summer ends, we are approaching our one year anniversary. Let's really focus on solidifying the changes that we have made in our bodies and choices.

Luccilove, Hiker, and Want2b, hope that you are enjoying your vacations.

Kawaii, have not heard from you in a while. Hope that you are doing well!

Still think of Drl, Jig, Claustin, Steph, Sweetness, and Airportchick.