Thanks Slipfree and Liana!

Slipfree- I am on the introverted side (meaning I like being around people, but also need to be myself a decent amount of time to recharge), so being around the same people I don't know every single day for long periods of time is stressing me. We're sharing a rental car, so we ride to work together, get lunch together, train together all day in one room, and then many times get dinner together or pick up dinner together. They're nice people and they're the ones I'm going to be working with in CA, but they're both into the whole Guy Fieri food tourism type thing where they want to try the local foods. The funny thing is that we're in the suburbs, so the "local" foods are mostly chains that exist in the south and Midwest that they've never tried before. I've been to a lot of these places since I grew up in OH and probably gained weight eating there, so I'm always reluctant to eat at that those places. There are lots of Tex Mex restaurants where everything is covered in cheese and sour cream. Also, lots of other unhealthy choices like pizza, sandwich shops, Americanized Chinese restaurants, etc.

They have been considerate and gone to a couple of healthy places at lunch when we have to eat at the same place, but for the most part they want the bad stuff. We're getting along and I'm being nice, but I'm just not going with the flow anymore and just trying to find something at a place they pick. I'm sure we'll get along in the office because we'll be busy doing our own work, will not be sharing a car, and will be separate for lunch.

Liana- Thank you- I think my hormones may have pushed me in the right direction for once to be firm about not letting other people push me into eating bad foods. After being on IP for so long and losing 80 lbs, I'm not going to sacrifice that to be perceived as more easy going. Of course, I go and just do my best when there are planned company lunches or dinners with our boss or other people. The other 90% of the time, I'm putting myself first and getting healthy food or just drinking IP shakes or eating bars, then doubling up on veggies later. I'm accommodating about driving them where they need to go to pick up food, but if there aren't options for me, we're making another stop.

Today is the last full day here, then tomorrow we basically have a half day of work and then fly back to CA. Thank God...I like the company and job, but the other factors involved in being on this two week trip have been stressful for me. A lot of it is food stress and the stress of being around the same people so much (who add to my food stress), but the rest is just the stress that comes from moving to a new place, starting a new job, being away from home for two weeks. I'm doing well overall and feel I'm handling the stress well, but I'm definitely excited to get on that plane tomorrow.

Kooky: great job on putting yourself first. I am sure it was not an easy to tell your coworkers your plan, but you did it and you followed thru! Be proud of yourself, you have come a long way in a year!

Thanks Want2B- I think the more we make healthy choices and see the results, we get better about taking care of ourselves and not letting others influence our decision to be healthy.

Hi everyone,

This virus is kicking my behind. Full week and I am just now starting to improve. Have been sleeping a lot more than usual, my body must need the rest. My mom is sick too.

Going to friends for lobsters tonight. Bridal planning brunch for my niece tomorrow, not looking forward to seeing people with cold sores on my face. Ugh!

Good Morning Everyone...I'm home finally and still on central time, but it feels great to be back in CA! I checked my weight and I actually lost a few pounds in TX. I'm not really sure how that's possible, but I guess I was more disciplined than I originally thought. I get to pick up my cat in an hour, so I'm very excited about that. Then I'm going to work on unpacking and making my new place my home.

How is everyone else? Weekend plans?

Slipfree- Glad you're resting and getting better, but I'm sorry to hear your mom is sick. Hope she gets better soon. The dinner party and brunch sound fun. I've gotten cold sores before, so I know how it makes you want to hide. I usually just put on concealer and use a lipstick that I can throw away after the cold sores are gone. Have fun!

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!