I realize NOW that garlic is or should be listed as LIMITED. However, in 10 weeks, nobody at my clinic mentioned it and I list it every time I eat it and the quantity. Double UGH UGH

I'm glad that I never just ASSUME anything and ask a lot of questions.

Last week, another IPer locally told me that mushrooms cooked are limited, raw unlimited. I guess the sheet spells that out pretty plainly, but still a correction I needed to make while I learn protocol.

Down 14 more pounds in the last 2 weeks, so it didn't mess me up too much.

Hi all! Hope everyone had a great weekend. I did! For the second week in a row I lost more than a pound. This week was 2.1. And this morning (daily weigher) .9. I am thrilled.

Marylandmom: I had several weeks in a row with losses of less than a 1 lb and then a week with no losses at all, not even inches. And then in the last 2 weeks, almost 6.5 lbs. Don't despair. Keep at it 100% and it will come off. As for the hair loss, I have been experiencing that as well. From what I have read here, the hair will come back. I've been taking Biotin, but I haven't noticed any less hair loss since I started taking it. Instead I got a cute new cut to go with the cute new me! Only 13 lbs to go to get to goal!!!

On a side note: I took a leisurely 2 mile walk outside on Saturday morning. It was already 80 degrees at 8am but I went anyway. I finished up soaking wet and with a monster blister on one of my heels. I was never out of breath and my heart rate was in the "lite" exercise range. I was WIPED OUT the rest of the day. I did eat a extra non-restricted because I was so hungry. I even took a nap, which I never do. This teaches me that I have to start incorporating small amounts of exercise to get ready for Maintenance. I can't even say I'm in bad shape, that would indicate I have some body strength and right now, NO. I need to develop the exercise habit now. 4 weeks in Phase 2 and 3 doesn't seem to be enough to start a habit.

Did most of you wait until Maintenance to start if you hadn't exercised through P1-P3?

Any advice?

Well, you have obviously had a lot of willpower and have done your research. Great job! I'm sure you are more than ready to tackle maintenance and that weight is never coming back! Best of luck!

Marylandmom- the hair loss is scary. I experienced it in my first go round right around when I hit goal. It was awful watching my hair come out in clumps in the shower and every time I brushed it. I had two different hairdressers urge me to get my thyroid checked (I did- it was completely normal). It does make a comeback after you've been in maintenance for a while. A long while. That said I totally understand why you want this process over with ASAP. Unfortunately, regardless of the validity of the reason we want the weight off NOW, our bodies lose it as they please. One thing to consider... You mentioned that during your 4th week the loss was similar- so how was the loss in the 5th week? It will more than likely be similar as well. You have come so far and you are so close. Hold on for dear life finish off Phase 1 and get your (thin) body balanced. And consider starting Phase 2 when you've lost 90% of your weight. Chances are high that your body will respond favourably to the increase in calories. :hugs:

When I was at the clinic for my last weigh-in, the coach was busy with another women who was asking him all kinds of questions. So he told me to just get my food and then he'd weigh me when I was ready. As I chose my food I listened to her. She was very slim and good looking and she was asking lots of questions. I figured she was probably interested in starting IP and I wondered why because she sure didn't need to lose any weight. As he was ringing up my food, she asked me if I had just started. When I said this was my second weigh-in, she said she was just starting phase 4. I asked how long she was on phase 1 - 2 1/2 months. I asked how much she had lost - 38 lbs.

Needless to say, I was all motivated and inspired.

I know we aren't supposed to work out during phase one, but I"m having some achy back and really deteriorating posture. I am thinking about starting pilates to help deal with those issues.

I guess if you do work out you get an extra package after your workout! Bonus!

When I had my knees replaced a few years ago, during my physio, I used to watch a class for older people with COPD. The difference in their ability to even walk after a few classes was inspirational and I realized that we need to keep fit throughout our lives. So I went and got my personal trainer certification with the goal of becoming the oldest personal trainer in canada some day. LOL or maybe becoming a trainer on a cruise ship because I hear they like older trainers to relate better to the older travellers.

Then I gained weight and started focusing on moving to another town etc.

But at my age, I do believe I need to be exercising at some level for not only my physical health but also brain and emotional health. And pilates is great for core strength and posture.

So I'm investigating studios close to work so I can go at lunch.

Anyone else do pilates?

I'm curious about this too, as I want to start running (with about 5 more lbs to lose) but afraid it will slow down my loss. I'm signed up for a 5K in about a month and want to be prepared.

Happy Monday everyone! Wanted to follow up about an issue I brought up a few weeks ago... the BIG C. I read someone's advice about taking ONLY Magnesium, not Cal-Mag. Well, I've been taking magnesium pills for the last week and it has fixed the problem! I am probably more regular than I have ever been. So, if anyone is struggling with the same, I'd suggest trying more magnesium. It has worked wonders for me! Thanks to whoever suggested it! Have a good week everyone!

JackieGee: That is SOOO inspiring!!! I needed to hear that today :)

Another NSV for me today-I love those. Took my daughter to get a happy meal today "because mom, they have Littlest Pet Shop characters". I sat with her there while she ate, drank my water and didn't crave any of it!!! Yay!

The types of workouts you aren't supposed to do are the very strenuous ones.
If you have back problems, you may find simpler exercises best for core strength/posture prior to pilates.

I did approx 9 months of PT last year and gradually started adding yoga and a Program called Classical Stretch (aka Essentrics). Those workouts serve me VERY well for my core/back strength and for pain reduction.

Essentrics is based in Canada. Check it out

I would love to do pilates, but the intensity is a little too much for me during P1 - the only classes offered near my house are anything but gentle LOL :) I am going to incorporate some gentle yoga once I get past this week and I'm in week 3 - it will stretch me and increase my core strength without being too intense. I have a Yoga for Weight Loss that I would do a few times a week before my IP reboot, so I already know the routine isn't going to make me break a sweat, just help my muscles become longer & stronger :)

You're so close! Have you done any walking during P1 or were you running regularly before IP? That will make a difference as to what your body can handle until you are off P1.

Are you getting calcium in another way? You don't want to risk losing bone density while on P1...I'd be very concerned about completely eliminating the calcium supplements.

catlady-I had the same scare last week, when my muscles burned and felt heavy a quarter-mile into a light jog after 6 months of no excercise. I am keeping it light with walking and doing some body weight excercises (crunches, push ups etc) until I get to P3.

Back on the wagon
 

Hi everyone,
Today is my first day back OP. I am doing the alternative version this time. I was on IP in 2012 and lost 20+ pounds in a little over a month. Then we went to Mexico... All motivation went away after that.
Right now I am at my heaviest I have ever been. I was too afraid to even get on the scale this morning to see the number. :( I will tomorrow morning though to make sure I am staying on track. Fingers crossed!
This forum was a big help and motivator last time. I'm hoping it will help again this time around.
Enjoy the rest of you day!

I love Pilates! It was one of my first college courses, back when I only took classes that interested me lol. Some things don't look strenuous, but you would be surprised how much they get your heart rate up!

I am STOKED. I've wanted to branch out and try other WF products, but they are kind of spendy, so I've stuck to a few I know I like. My local sprouts had all WF buy one get one free. So I got 10 new kinds to try!