Hi all - I am not a rebooter (first time IP) but have enjoyed reading this thread as inspiration. I like many people have dieted and then gained it back multiple times in my life. So, I'm trying to reset my thinking that this is something that I will be doing for the rest of my life. I just won't let it get so out of control and reboot after 10 pounds gained (or whatever I decide). I struggled with what my goal weight should be also. Back in my 20s when I did weight watchers I was supposed to be at 125 pounds which even back then was incredibly difficult for me to maintain (I'm "large boned" ha!) Now that I'm more mature, I set my goal weight at 135 but I knew that realistically that probably isn't going to be something I can maintain. I'm 5'4 1/2 ish, large boned, and mid 40s. I have to say that now that I'm in the 160s I'm absolutely thrilled and feel like I'm in the normalish range (medium tops, size 10/12 pants) -- I already feel great about myself. So, I wonder if it's more realistic for me to set a goal weight around 150 or 145.. I figured I would keep going for a few months or so and see how I feel. I also think maybe I will introduce exercise back in to try and deal with the areas that are still hanging around at the 160 range (my stomach and arms which might need some good pilates to get rid of anyway).

This is an interesting thread.There is nothing wrong with restarting. What is wrong is to "not restart". We are human and get second and third, etc. chances. Success is not standing still it is struggling forward and trying. That is all one can ask of one's self.

Hi all!!:wave: Happy Holidays!!:elf:

I'm still here....I don't usually post often but I read daily! :D. You are ALL ALWAYS so incredibly inspiring to me!!!:carrot: Thank you for your experiences and knowledge!!!:hug:



Been slow weight loss for me over the past few weeks but I've gained lots of insight!

As many of you know I did a 4 day getaway in Nov.....gained a few but then lost those plus one additional pound 5 days post trip. Then roughly two weeks after my trip was Thanksgiving. It's a four day weekend filled with family/friends, our traditional Tree Farm "cutting down of our tree" trek, plus a restaurant we only visit once a year near the Tree farm. I stayed OP most of the time but a few meals I did NOT. I decided to have the Thanksgiving meal as if I were on maintenance. I tried a little of everything.
I wanted a second helping so badly but told myself that I had had enough and that I wasnt "hungry" but just wanted to "taste" the food again. I noticed others were complaining how they ate too much, and felt bloated afterwards. That was eye-opening for me. It was such a struggle not to have seconds, but after hearing how others "ate way too much" (as I usually do most Thanksgivings myself), I felt like I had accomplished something HUGE. I actually enjoyed each and every bite, and stopped when my plate was empty. For dessert there were the Traditional Thanksgiving pies that I only see once a year. And guess what.....I tried a bite of each(yup, guilty as charged)! But I'll tell you what I DIDN'T do..... I didn't gorge, and I didn't say "well I ate off plan so I might as well pig out the rest of the weekend and start OP on Monday". I watched what I ate the rest of that day, and the following days went back on my eating plan.
What I am learning is ......when I'm back in maintenance, I will need to MAKE SURE that six days a week I am AWARE at all times, and that after that "treat day...or treat meal" I HAVE to get right back to eating properly....otherwise it gets ahead of me. I CANNOT gain 5 or 10 pounds then go back strict. I have to "have my treat", then get back to work! This is where I keep messing up in maintenance.....one treat day turning into two, then three. Eating healthy has to be the "norm" and a treat has to be "only on occasion". I LOVE feeling the way I feel now that I've taken off a lot of the extra weight....yes I have 20ish to go ....but I'm at least at the point where I feel SOOO good that I NEVER WANT TO FORGET HOW GREAT THIS FEELS. To be able to not have a "muffin top", or not have my jeans too tight.....oh what a feeling!

Now I'm NOT saying it's "ok" to go off plan while on Phase 1, not at all. I feel comfortable expressing my thoughts on THIS thread because you have all been where I've been.....and have lived life on BOTH SIDES of the coin. I'm just trying to "learn" from previous mistakes I've made in the past, and move on to a healthier me.

Here's to a healthier 2015!! God Bless all!!❤️💚🎄❤️💚🎄

There was a great article embedded in another article someone posted.

It is about struggles to keep it off.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/ma...nted=all&_r=2&

Yes! I read that earlier today!! Interesting article!!

Honestly...you have to do what is best for you. I struggle with this so much. Because I tend to weigh way more than the size I am wearing currently between large and medium top and size 10 and 8 pants and I am 184...when I reached my goal of 175 I was size 8 and medium top and some smalls. I go by size not scale number. I think my ideal weight is around 167-172 so that is where I will go and my doctors agree. I am not tall only 5'6".


As people who struggle with our weight we will restart forever. The key is we are restarting before all the weight is back on!



Glad to hear from you...yes this is a good message. We need to think less "ALL OR NOTHING". Nothing wrong with small cheats while on phase one because it is more realistic and teaches you how to maintain better. How to have a few bites and then be strict. I hit 184.0 this morning. I had 8 perfect days but calories were very low in the 700 calorie range and scale stalled. Added a few extra calories and fat last three days (up to around 1000 calories) and went down .6, .6 and then 1.0 today!

Lost newbie
 

Hi! I'm a newbie. I am awed by all the wonderful support here and feel like I'm amongst friends. I have 100 pounds to lose and feel terrible in my own skin. There are so many diets out there that I'm confused about where to start. Any tips? I've seen so many huge bottles of whey protein in the stores, do they work? Are they meal replacements?

Welcome to IP. Great questions. Try posting them in the daily thread or alternative foods thread. This particular thread is for those of us who have done IP, reached goal, maintained, and gained some back and are trying to reboot.

But with that aside. This is the best diet I have ever done. It helped me finally reach my goal. I have been following the IP life for almost 5 years now. It is a lifestyle and your mind has to be ready to change forever.

Good luck on your journey.

good morning ladies. So middle of week 10 of my reboot and down 27 pounds. 8 more pounds and I am back at my goal weight.

I will try to maintain that weight until the middle of April and then I will go for another 6 weeks of phase one to get down another 10 or 15 pounds (around size 4).

But I am thrilled I will be going on this cruise back in my size 8's (in February)

On plan until the 25th of January, but will be more on low carb, but not watching fat or calories around the holidays.

Hi Darbs, I'm back for a reboot too and I am so inspired by your success! I am trying to find a balance between losing/maintaining and being realistic about how strict I can be for the rest of my life. You seem to be finding that balance and it is really helpful to read about. I have been thinking for a while that I have to find a way and now I know I can! Thank you!

Thank you...balance is the key. I am enjoying a few olives and a few slices of cheddar with a glass of wine and other than that the rest of the day will be phase one. It has been two weeks since I indulged at all, but I am a high school science teacher and I am on my second snow day in a row and being shut up...it called my name. I feel in control and able to do this and have proven it to myself over and over. I no longer see the all or nothing. Just moderation, thoughtful planning, and strategies. I can't believe I was facing 35 pounds (of the 80 I lost) just 9.5 weeks ago and now only facing 8 of those and I have enjoyed higher fat meats, cheese, sauces, and wine on occasion and in moderation.

Jump I board...I welcome the company.:carrot:

ok ladies due to many many holiday events....my plan is to lose 1-2 pounds between now and January 3rd (last event). I plan to do phase 1 (100%) as many days as possible but about 8 of those days I will allow myself wine and higher fat (still low-carb) treats. Hopefully on January 3rd, I weigh 2 pounds less than this morning (183).

then January 3rd to January 25th I hope to lose 10 pounds and phase off

Awesome that you have a plan - you've got this :)

I am allowing myself an off-plan meal this weekend, hubby and I are going to Foxwoods to see Jim Gaffigan as a combo anniversary/Christmas/his birthday present. I have the same idea as you - keep it low carb but will allow myself a glass of wine (or two) and not worry as much about the fats. Christmas will probably be handled much like Thanksgiving was, and we never do anything for New Years (I usually ring in the new year with 2 sleepy kids on the couch!). If things stay on track we should be phasing off right around the same time!

OMG....we are going to Foxwoods next weekend...too bad, we could have met up for a drink. I am spending 3 nights at Foxwoods and 2 at Mohegan...we have family in the area and have events to attend (only paying for Saturday the 20th, the rest are free). We are also hitting up some of our favorite wineries, comedy club, bowling, etc. We have to stick around until 25th as we are picking up our granddaughter from her father and brining her home to our daughter (he has visitation every other week for a week)

That's crazy! Too bad the timing didn't work out better....but if you have plans in that area down the road, we are only about an hour and a half from the casinos so if my husband has the night off we can always get a sitter :)