yes, I did make it through yesterday and weigh one pound less than yesterday morning, but that only takes me back to my weight last Sunday morning. Rough week with my cycle starting...fought off cravings all week.

Thanks stephascope and disgal for your words of encouragement - you both have very wise things to say. I am definitely guilty of beating myself up for making mistakes, as I am a perfectionist by nature, and yes, I've definitely been using food to deal with stress.

This morning I weighed in and found I have gained back 10 of the 11.4 I had initially lost and so am pretty much starting over. I don't go to a clinic because of the expense, but a good friend who has been successful on IP is my unofficial coach. She told me this morning a quote she heard - "the road to success is paved with failures." So I can give up now and say I failed or keep on the road to success to get where I want to be. I'll be keeping on - thanks for the support!

Got my whoosh! Down 1.6 this morning. feeling much better

It's good to read these stories. I was losing well the first 6 weeks ( I started Sept 7) but the last 4 weeks I've been up and down. I have only had my period once since I started. I get the aches and bloating but no period. Anyways I will keep plugging along and hope for a whoosh!
Sara

Morning everyone!
Darbs - way to stick to the program and fight off those cravings! I can usually get over cravings during the weekend, but man it's tough on the weekends!
Lucy - you came back, that's the first and most difficult step. All of us on this thread know how you feel. I've lost and gained the same probably 15 lbs three or four times over. Life happens, we lose sight of our goals at times, but we learn from that. We're here, so just keep checking in and we can all support each other on this journey!

I mostly made it through the weekend. It was extremely difficult since I hosted a birthday party which had lots of dips and crackers and cheese and even cupcakes. I stuck to the veggie tray, thankfully. I ate out every evening for dinner Friday-Sunday, and although everything I ordered was on plan, you just never quite know how some of the food is prepared. I am planning to increase my water for the next couple days just to flush out all the extra salt I'm sure I ate.
I have my first weigh in today after work. Fingers crossed it goes well!

I can totally relate. Two years ago I was almost out of the 200s. Seeing 219 was like a miracle for me. It made me feel great and accomplished. I felt on top and I think that's where I went wrong. I wasn't strict enough nor humble enough with myself. I started letting my social life get the best of me. Going to this event with a little snack here and a little snack there, eventually started adding up. And on top of that I didn't come to terms with the fact that I have an eating problem. I am an emotional eater and whenever I am stressed out or bored to the max, I tend to stuff my face.

Now that I have come to terms with that, I think now I can truly tackle down on this weight loss thing. I used to get so frustrated for gaining the weight back and it not being able to come off so easily this time around but now I am trying to figure out where truly the problem lies and I am getting closer and closer to finding the solution everyday.

Ultimately I feel like with every person's weight loss journey whether you regained it or not, you have to tackle down on the problem and accept what it is and try to fix it and also realize that weight is not the main issue, its what is preventing us from losing it that is the problem. That's something I had to come to terms with as of late.

Those weekends are a challenge...if you could go back and look at threads from 2010, you would see I was the ultimate 100% leader, I didn't take a sniff of anything off protocol. I think that by allowing myself a little bite of cheese or fatter meat or some wine, I have been able to stick to this reboot much longer. I am now on day 2 of week 8! I have lost every single week between 1-2.8 pounds (first week was 10 pounds). I feel like this is realistic and is working well because I am sticking with it. Not as fast as my first time around but down 24 pounds...not too shabby. I am following Atkins/IP for next two days (trying to stay to around 1500 calories, low fat, low carb).



Yes, we all have our own journey and learn what works for us. I tell my students (I teach high school science) to not fear failure or think it means we have personally failed, it is just a stepping stone of reflection that leads us to a better self and future.

I agree completely - everyone on this thread knows what it is like to stumble or to fall down - but if we focus that - we'll be fearful of carrying on.

The anxiety over being heavier in front of family and friends is intense - but I gotta say - people who have high metabolisms and balanced blood sugar and no history of eating addiction just can't grasp how strong we really are! If we ate HALF of what we THINK about eating they'd know that! ha

What I love about IP though is that it really does balance the blood sugar -- which tames the pancreas and makes it a LOT easier to stay on track and desire other kinds of stress relievers that aren't self-abusive.

Stay positive and keep moving forward -- thanks everybody for helping me to stay inspired. Each day I see these posts and it really is helping me to remember that I am not alone in this.

So today I adjusted my avatar & my signature.... Depressing move to say the least. Entering my starting weight today, 8 lbs heavier than my original starting weight. I know that the only person to blame is myself. Lots of poor decisions because it was easier. But my food has been purchased & a grocery store run later will bring me to Day 1 tomorrow. Several people have told me not to start now but to wait until Jan 1st. But I can't wait anymore.... So tomorrow is Day1.
When I succeeded 3 years ago, I turned to this group for support & help through the tough spots.... And so here I am again.

Hi. I know it's an odd time of year to restart but I
must. I was doing ok for the past few years with the occasional
Reboot to lose 10 - 15 lbs.

To make long story short, my mother died from breast cancer on May 12 and my father died from metastatic prostate cancer, tumors on his spine, on Sept. 11.

It's been since then that I packed on another 15 lbs making me about 30 lbs up. I've just got to STOP and reboot.

When I first lost the weight I got down to a 6 - 8. I stayed at an 8 for a long time. Then hung in at 8 - 10. About a month ago I had to run out and buy size 12. I go to Cosco and get 1 blue jean and 1 black. Plus I had saved 2 pairs. Now I AM BUSTING OUT OF THE 12s. I REFUSE TO BUY 14s! I have to stuff myself into the 12s to get the second half of my root canal tomorrow morning. Then I hope I can stay home and just diet. I found I had my best luck getting started when I could be at home, away from temptation, for a few days.

I hope to read some back posts and join you. I can't do this without some help.
Thanks! Good luck to all of you!

deelee10, I am so sorry for so many sad challenges in your life this year. :( I can relate to the stress of ailing parents, since I am in the midst of it myself. (So very sorry for your loss.) Of course gaining weight is not going to help a thing about that! I am so sure that people are looking at me and thinking "she is gaining again", but at Thanksgiving my niece said how amazing I looked. I think she forgot I had lost a bit more and is comparing to the very heavy me...let's face it I am overthinking what other people think. It only really matters how I feel and think.

For over a year, I never cheated at all on P1. It is so odd to me that it is a struggle now. I still know that this is the way of eating that is the most effective for me and when I felt the best, in the most control of my life.

And I can relate on not wanting to get back into sizes I already said goodbye to!! It is infuriating!

OMG...I can't believe you are back...me too

First, so sorry about your parents that makes for a rough time for sure, I hope you have found some peace with it. I too have had a very emotional year and caused me to be busting out of 12s.

Second, today I am starting week 9...yup week 9. I just couldn't take the 12's another minute. It has been slower, because I have had allowed cheats. I have given myself permission to have wine and some cheese or higher fat dressings. But because of that permission I have stuck with it, week after week and losing between 1.5 and 2.8 pounds each week (down about 24 after 8 weeks). I am back in very loose 10's and medium shirts (heck, XL was tight). Crazy!

Can't believe a buddy from 2010 is back. I was planning on phasing off on the 15th of this month, but I have another 12 pounds to goal weight and then another 7 after that to my lowest weight...so I am staying on until the 25th of January and phasing off then (I have a cruise)

I had gained 36 of the 75 I lost (but actually 82...but never maintained my lowest...going to try and do it this time)...

Welcome back!
I too decided to do a reboot now rather than waiting until January. I was just too tired of feeling bloated all of the time. I had bought way too many cute clothes that were now way too tight on me! I had a great first week but my second week results weren't there. Oh well, I'll keep trucking along! I don't have another big social event until the 20th of December so a few more weeks to get rid of this weight!

Just weighed in after Thanksgiving week...I set a goal to lose 1 pound this week, knowing I planned on having wine several times over the week. I didn't lose the pound, but lost .8. I am happy with that. Moving on.

Hello all my fellow IPer's I am so excited to start but mad at myself for giving into temptation and giving away that feeling of accomplishment and that pair of Miss Me's 37inch waist. However today is day 2 and I vow to stick with this plan I have been successful and need to remember this is a way of life not just a diet to me. I want the fun and happy me back that enjoyed being a wife and enjoyed spending special time with my husband but now I feel too fat and gross....Here is to the month of December being my start of this great year that 2015 will be. I am going to hit that beautiful 199 and keep going until I hit 180. I will be such a happier person due to the fact that I will be happy with me. I am going to go back to reading that book that someone recommended in one of the challenges and stick to it each and every day. I am so trying to get myself to walk back into the gym however that is really hard for me right now. I was able to wear such cute clothes and now I am back to my t-shirts and fat pants. However this is the day I start to get those clothes back and this time I will get rid of my bigger clothes once I get out of them and they are big.
Here is to making December a great month and seeing what great things are in the future for all of us.

It's nice to see so many familiar "faces" in here rebooting with me, who were there to support me in the past. We've got this, everyone!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend, especially those who celebrated the holidays in the states.
Yesterday would have been my second weigh in, but I had a crazy busy night and had extra product so waiting until tomorrow to weigh in. The first week the pounds just fell off, this week, not so much. I have always been one to weigh at home daily, but decided I should cut it back. I find it really discouraging when you don't see the number dropping, even when you are on plan. And even worse when you have a cheat but it still drops... then you think you can cheat again!
Anyways, going to try and stop focusing on the number and more on how I feel. I won't be able to afford packets for the rest of my life, but I think the idea of low carb will be apart of my lifestyle for the rest of my life if I plan to keep the weight off.

Susie! So nice to "see" you too! Well, okay, maybe not because we're both rebooting but it's nice to see a familiar "face" :)

Jo

I think I remember seeing you last time I was on here trying to reboot and maintain.

I know staying off that scale can be difficult...I just went 7 full days without stepping on...longest ever while dieting (of course in maintenance when I do that I gain weight)

When I get to maintenance I will weigh daily and adjust my eating daily based on the scale "The French way"

This is an inspirational thread for what appears to be a common occurrence. It's very inspiring to read that others have gotten off track and now suffer some of the same emotions I do in dealing with the consequences. I completely identify with those that feel embarrassment in being around others because it's easy to feel like you failed and that the extra weight is the elephant in the room (pun may have been intended there). I'm on my first week back and hoping to ride this wave of determination through the holidays and beyond.

:) I remember you from my first attempt in 2010 and then more recently. This is my third attempt to KEEP the weight off. Third times the charm?!

Darbs7 I am also going on a cruise. We are gong in March. Hoping to get to my goal by mid to late January so I can phase off properly.

Just spent 3 weeks off plan gained 9 lbs. Started back on Monday and down 5 lbs so far this week.

Good luck to all!

So hard isn't it...I have kept to within 10 pounds of goal weight for about 3 years and then just blew it the last year and gained another 25...so I was up about 35 total of the 80 I lost...positive side...kept off 45. Down 25ish so far another 10 to go back to goal weight.


I am starting phase 3 on January 25th and starting phase 4 on February 1st. Going on cruise the 14th...a little short off proper phase off but it will do. (I do phase 2 lunches sometimes anyways), just adds calories no carbs, no much of a difference

Where is everyone? How is everyone doing? Sticking with it. I am halfway through week 9. Getting harder and harder and harder

Been a bit MIA from this thread, I've been crazy busy with a work project, finals for the semester and kids activities (can't they drive themselves???) - seemed like I only had time to peek at the first one or two threads at the top of the forum when I could make it.

Reboot is going really well! I'm 8lbs away from my goal - it's a higher goal weight than when I did IP the first time, but I had time to go to the gym for 1-2 hours 5 days a week before. Now I work full time days, I'm in school nights, and the kids are more involved in outside activities. I'll be happy with a higher number on my scale that is maintainable, rather than a lower number that I have to stress and fight over :)

I was hoping to be phasing off for Christmas, but I hit a stall for a couple of weeks that set me back..if things keep going in the right direction I should be phased off for my birthday in January :) Kinda funny because it was right around my birthday that I started phasing off last time too. Things are coming full circle :)

You can do it - I feel like the closer I get to goal the more I have to fight to stay on plan. I have to remind myself that there is no sprint to the finish line, I can't dig deep and make phase-off happen any faster. I have to dig deep and push through my impatience instead.

Scorbett, you are doing GREAT!! Wise words. Curious is 165 your final goal ... or just a resting point?

I have to admit, it was hard for me to pick a "Target Weight". My doctor tells me that 190 is a healthy weight for me (that does get my BMI down to 25), but I sometimes wonder if it's possible for my body to get to 190. I haven't been that light since 1993. For me, even getting under 240 would be incredible -- I look and feel so much better at that seemingly high weight (so much better than 326!).

I wonder how most people on this board pick their target weight?

It's the final goal - for now. The last time I did IP I got down below 155 and maintained, but I was able to exercise a LOT (I worked 2nd shift and had kids in school, so going to the gym from 9-11 every day was no big deal). I know that's not a realistic time commitment for me now, so I set my end point higher. I'm pretty confident that will be maintainable at an exercise level I can manage with my schedule. But it could change :)

I tried to judge my goal weight from BMI charts the last time too....but they are highly unreliable and do NOT take into account so many things that can affect weight - bone density, muscle mass, physiological structure....According to the BMI charts I would still be categorized as overweight at 165, but I know that with my body structure, that's still a healthy weight for me. I am busty and I have a good amount of muscle, so my "healthy" weight is always a bit higher than the BMI charts like :)

Scorbett, what you wrote makes a lot of sense! Yes, the BMI charts are probably a bit on the conservative side. Like you said there are many variables to take into account. It's great that you have such a good idea on a more realistic and maintainable weight -- I am not sure where that is for me exactly, so I will re-evaluate my goal as my weight drops. Have a great weekend you are doing fantastic!

So last time I got to 167 and I was wearing a size 6 in every store (loose too). Everyone was saying I was too skinny, mom went on and on about how I shouldn't go below 125 that it was dangerous for me at 5'6" and so did a bunch of friends and family. Right! not even close. My goal weight was 175 because when I graduated from high school as a junior size 5 I weighed 158 so I figured that 175 as an adult would get me to a size 10 which is what I wanted. But it got me to a nice loose 8 (mind you I have had a tummy tuck so excess skin is gone). I have set my goal for 175 for right now which is 10 more pounds. But plan to maintain that until mid-April and then try for another 10-15 pounds for 6 weeks in April and then maintain that for life.

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!