Thanks, Cheryl! I won't be able to attend as I am in Chicago suburbs but I would love it if you could post what you learn.
I don't think my clinic does a workshop either.
I find it interesting that Dr. Z is still doing the workshops because I think that posting was from 2011 or so and if I recall correctly, I think Novak had said she had lost 90 pounds through IP so good to know someone who is keeping it off long-term (I think I recall that correctly).
I am not going to do Phase 2 - I am going to go right to Phase 3 so I am only a few weeks away.
Just a quick update on me -- my job situation that I had complained about recently seems to be very improved - my current boss announced he is leaving effective April 6 - and the guy who will be taking his place is a terrific leader and manager. I am psyched about the new energy that this change will bring to my job!
Also DH and I saw the vascular specialist and the thoracic surgeon yesterday about my husband's PET scan. No indication of metabolic activity to indicate any presence of cancer -- this was a big fear, and now we can relax about that! DH does have a couple of aortic aneurysms, but too small to be of immediate concern. Just wait and watch items. Annually we'll go back for a scan to keep any eye on them. So that too was good news.
Brilliant news on both fronts. I should think it feels like Christmas in your household today. So happy for you, Cheryl.
In case anyone is interested, I have included a link to a recipe booklet I put together as I prepare more for life after phase 1. Plus, I was looking for a bit of variety as I have been cycling through same meal options for 7 months so this really helped this week.
The booklet is in 2 sections right now - Recipes using IP products and 2nd section is from Quest Nutrition Cookbook as I definitely see myself incorporating these into maintenance.
I hope it is ok to include even though I didn't cite the source of the recipes.
If we all add to this, we could really arm ourselves with quite a collection of recipes and keep in our kitchen with other cookbooks we may have.
So as I prepare for life after phase 1, I have 2 tools in addition to this forum - my Excel food journal/IP to alternative comparison (for which I included a link to in this thread) and this recipe booklet, which I will continue adding to (I find it easier to have a hard copy when I am meal planning vs searching this forum)
Ok, so I think I remember how to do it. Let me know if you have any problems accessing.
I am not sure how proficient you are with Excel - this doesn't require that much proficiency - just a little working knowledge. Here is an explanation... Tab 1 - Food List
- The Food List is the first tab. I'm sure our food selections are different (I'm not very adventurous in my eating habits am rather picky so not a lot of variety in my diet - for non-packaged items, I use the categories as either Protein, Vegetable or Fat - this doesn't matter for the formulas, just how it sorts so do whatever makes the most sense to you) so add any foods to the list that are not already there so you can reference them in your journal. I started with as comprehensive of a list as I could find with IP and alternatives as I use this for 2 purposes - my food journal/macronutrient tracking but also to do comparisons between IP and alternatives when making food choices.
- To add items to the food list, do the following: 1) add entry at the end of the list. Click on the Item # at the top to find the next item number to use (for example, there are 331 items in the list so if you add the next, you should note it as 332). The reason this is not in chronological order is because when you sort it, it is set to sort by Category and then Product so I get all bars together in the list for example. Or, you could just sort by item # and use the filter when you want to look up the item # for a bar - your choice - I have just described the way I have it set right now. 2) If you choose to sort the way I do, after you add entries, select row 1 to all the rows & columns that have data and then Click on the Home menu and choose Sort & Filter sub-menu option and select Custom Sort - it is already set the way I describe and then click ok to get it to re-sort by Category and then Product.
Journal Entries
- Once your food items are added, you are ready to use the journal. This keeps track of a 2 week time period. Each day is a separate tab. The green section in each day is all you need to fill out - the item # that references your food that you had/will have and then scroll over to the other green section and enter how many servings of that item you had - the food item and nutritional information will all update accordingly once you enter those 2 things.
Further note, by default, this has my entries in it. If you want to remove them, then just delete what is in Green for each day. Once you fill the info out, all the formulas will reference accordingly. Be careful to only delete from the Green sections in the daily journal tabs; otherwise, you will be deleting formulas.
Weekly Summary
3 - There is a weekly summary at the end that gives you a summary of the 2 weeks by day and by week. This is automatically done for you depending upon what is entered in the 14 tabs representing the daily food journal (except the dates for week 1 - you need to enter/change those for each time period). I print this weekly summary out and take with me to my appointments in addition to daily entries.
This section is all formulas so be careful not to delete cells as you'll be deleting the formula. If a value isn't right, it is because the corresponding daily journal entry is incorrect so change it at the source.
Alternative Guidelines (and other Notes)
4 - Just a notes reminder for me about alternatives, etc so I have easy access to this info when using the journal (vs coming back to forum to look it up).
One other note on the food list - I have a column called Verified. Because I started with someone's existing list, I added this column to note whether I personally verified the nutritional info (as indicated by a 'y' in this column). If I didn't, then the info could be inaccurate or incomplete so if you use any of those items, you will want to verify/complete this info. Some of the IP products I don't use but I have the item listed to remind myself to get the nutritional info for the product.
Don't alter tab names in the workbook as the formula references will get goofed up.
What do I do when 2 weeks are up?
As I noted, the journal was designed for two weeks. You can do a "save as" on the Excel File by dating it for the span of 2 weeks that it covers so that it will make a copy and you will have multiple Excel files for each date range.
Hopefully that isn't too hard to follow. Let me know if something wasn't clear or if you have additional questions.
Thank You Thank You! I am on my iPad this am and I don't have time to look, but will open later on the laptop and check it out.....I'm pretty good with excel! Actually before real estate I was an executive secretary to the VP of international sales for a chemical company....picked up a few skills there lol....- wish I had saved that wardrobe...had some really expensive suits and such ~ obviously pre kid when I had money to spend on expensive clothes lol....
Quote:
Originally Posted by CenTXChk
Ugh, I am so disgusted. I made the mistake of signing up for a weight loss challenge within my neighborhood right after the new year. $50 pay in with cash prizes for the top 3 losers (percent of body weight lost).
I really thought I would have a good chance of placing in the top 3, if not taking winning the whole thing due to IP.
The lengths that these ladies have gone to lose weight are not only unhealthy, but dangerous. The lady who won lost 9lbs this week alone and emailed that she hadn’t eaten or drank hardly anything for days, no salt for a week and rate 8 miles a day (she is a marathon runner). She said she kept her kid home from school yesterday to make sure she made it home from her run before weighing in for the last time.
The top two ladies were crazy and I wasn’t going to jeopardize my diet or health to compete with them for the top 2 places. Felt pretty good with my loss this week and thought I’d secured third place which I’d been at for the last 4 weeks. Sent in my number and photo of my weigh in. The lady in #4 place reported a crazy loss beating my weight loss percentage by 1lb. Seriously?
I know this is not scientific and we are not all getting on the same scale but I am calling foul! I had to refrain from sending them all an email on my opinions about the whole thing. Don’t want to sound like a poor loser but I told my husband if I had read this email from the #1 finisher and removed her name and inserted my 12yo DD, I would be freaking out and rushing her to the pediatrician for an eating disorder. #2 finisher, also a marathon runner, did equally crazy diet tactics….and she is a nurse!
Thank you for letting me vent! I do have to say I texted DH about my outrage and he replied with the sweetest text that I am a winner to him and he was proud of his skinny rockstar wife. I got a good egg there ladies.
Screw that! Just remember In a month they will have all their weight right back on because they have learned nothing! And you my friend will, continue to be the winner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lose2Win2014
I am leaving on a cruise on Sunday. Our whole family is going. School spring break schedules and work schedules coordinated this year; we figure this is the last time that will ever happen. Can't wait for a warm week in the Caribbean!
I've been reading about being low carb on cruises. It looks like there are lots of choices, and if I make good choices, I will be ok. I feel like there will be lots of desserts, but I think I need to get the mindset that those aren't the last desserts I will every have, and I am fine without them - especially if I take my chocolate wafers along!
I really don't want to blow it next week. I think it would be hard to come back and be up 5 pounds after all the work I have put in. Anybody been on a cruise recently? Do you think there are lots of low carb options? I haven't been on a cruise in 27 years.
We have been on quite a few cruises and I think your best options as some one mentioned are the sit downs for dinner. Buffett for lunch you can load up on veggies and have a bit if chicken. I have gone and used red wine vinegar for a dressing at restaurants and on vacations with no significant issues. Personally am not one for carrying dressing around...I make due...just be concious of your choices and you will do great.
Quote:
Originally Posted by oneuh2
Sorry I have been absent the past couple of days -- I just caught up reading thru all your posts, and I am so happy to find so many Summer 2014 starters still in the game and doing so well.
All of you who are working on C25K -- I am so impressed with your commitment to serious cardio. I enjoy walking, but have never been an aficionado about running... but so many of you are into C25K that I am curious about the program, now. I'll be checking it out.
I really am glad to see that we have quite a group of committed IPeeps heading toward maintenance -- I think we have some fear in common, but I think we'll really be able to support one another successfully! I am forgetting who posted hear about the thread re: Life After P1 -- thanks so much for pointing us to that particular post - I have been reading through The Maintainers and I try to lurk on the more current Maintenance thread. Just building familiarity with how folks are working those phases is helping to allay the fears.
Just a quick update on me -- my job situation that I had complained about recently seems to be very improved - my current boss announced he is leaving effective April 6 - and the guy who will be taking his place is a terrific leader and manager. I am psyched about the new energy that this change will bring to my job!
Also DH and I saw the vascular specialist and the thoracic surgeon yesterday about my husband's PET scan. No indication of metabolic activity to indicate any presence of cancer -- this was a big fear, and now we can relax about that! DH does have a couple of aortic aneurysms, but too small to be of immediate concern. Just wait and watch items. Annually we'll go back for a scan to keep any eye on them. So that too was good news.
Overall, it was a terrific Wednesday at my household!!!
Today was supposed to be my WI, but as Sue said - the forecast was snow, and we got 7 inches at my house. A kind neighbor used the snowblower on my driveway and walkway - terrific that I did not have to do a 4th shoveling episode in the past 3 weeks.... but I did miss out on getting my WI done. Will try to get that done on Saturday. My home scale shows I am down about 1.5 from last week. I'll let you know if I have something official to report on Saturday, otherwise it's going to be a 2 week WI next Thursday.
Cheryl - such great news all the way around! Yeah for DH and your new job.
Well we had about an 8 inch snow dump when all was said and done yesterday. DS and I shoveled 2x. Today I am picking up my client at 10. It's freezing out and there is plenty of ice....hopefully it will start melting soon. Warmer days are coming I hope....
Oh forgot to mention that I finally made my chyote last night! OMG I am in love....it's like cinnamon apples. So delish. Too bad I have only found them at whole foods which in not that close to me, but certainly now worth the 20minute drive....I'm in love lol...
Oh forgot to mention that I finally made my chyote last night! OMG I am in love....it's like cinnamon apples. So delish. Too bad I have only found them at whole foods which in not that close to me, but certainly now worth the 20minute drive....I'm in love lol...
Sue - what is that - can you share more about it? I am planning to make baked cinnamon "apples" tonight with dinner using pre-cut jicama I got at whole foods - as you note, a bit further drive but getting the jicama peeled and cut, SO convenient!
Sue - you are welcome. Let me know if you have questions. I think it should be easy to use with your working Excel knowledge. I think the main is you will need to add foods you use as mine tend to be fairly narrow lol
I know what you mean about the business suits - I am a software executive and as I was preparing for our user conference, I got out my more expensive business suits I haven't fit in or worn for a few years due to weight gain - I tried them on and oh my God, they were 2 sizes too big which triggered a shopping spree - I was conflicted - those are my favorite suits but much too big now!!! I felt good about the weight/sizes lost but not great that I couldn't wear my favorite suits lol I have never had my clothes taken in - it is something I need to look into - I'm wondering if they would fit right if I do that. I would definitely miss them if not!
Ro Your spreadsheet and recipes are awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Oneuh2 I am go glad that your husband's test results went well. A new boss too - It was your day. Enjoy! I am finding that the 10-15 year old pants (Can you believe I still have some?) have a higher waist and the waist is a little smaller relative to the hips and thighs than the pants today.
SGRealtor I found chayote at my Super Walmart after not finding them at my nice grocery store.
Thanks for all the comments on the cruise. I now feel comfortable that there will be good choices. I just need to make them. Maybe it is diet fatigue lately. It used to be very easy to watch other people eat foods that were off plan and not be tempted. Now not so easy sometimes.
I am very excited about all the activities on board. This will be a very different vacation than if we had taken it prior to IP. I will be able to fully engage in the very active excursions that we have planned - I will be snorkeling with sea turtles and zip lining through the jungle...it is nice to be able to take part in MY life.
Ro Your spreadsheet and recipes are awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Oneuh2 I am go glad that your husband's test results went well. A new boss too - It was your day. Enjoy! I am finding that the 10-15 year old pants (Can you believe I still have some?) have a higher waist and the waist is a little smaller relative to the hips and thighs than the pants today.
SGRealtor I found chayote at my Super Walmart after not finding them at my nice grocery store.
Thanks for all the comments on the cruise. I now feel comfortable that there will be good choices. I just need to make them. Maybe it is diet fatigue lately. It used to be very easy to watch other people eat foods that were off plan and not be tempted. Now not so easy sometimes.
I am very excited about all the activities on board. This will be a very different vacation than if we had taken it prior to IP. I will be able to fully engage in the very active excursions that we have planned - I will be snorkeling with sea turtles and zip lining through the jungle...it is nice to be able to take part in MY life.
Have a great day!
Thank you and you are welcome :-)
Have fun on the cruise - I had nothing to offer in regards to that as I have never been on one but it sounds like you are planning on quite an adventurous one - good to hear you are making the most of it!
I just noticed our weight loss journey is similar lol
I started Aug 25, same height as you at about same weight with same to lose/goal and we are closing in!
Thanks, Cheryl! I won't be able to attend as I am in Chicago suburbs but I would love it if you could post what you learn.
I don't think my clinic does a workshop either.
I find it interesting that Dr. Z is still doing the workshops because I think that posting was from 2011 or so and if I recall correctly, I think Novak had said she had lost 90 pounds through IP so good to know someone who is keeping it off long-term (I think I recall that correctly).
I am not going to do Phase 2 - I am going to go right to Phase 3 so I am only a few weeks away.
If I can go you can be sure I will share what I learn - I hope some of the other IPeeps from the Wash DC area are willing to go too - in fact I love the idea of a meetup! If you or any of the IPeeps happen to come to DC, please PM me and let's get together - that would be wonderful!!
Ro22 - You seem to be so well organized to have a successful maintenance routine - great of you to share your tools! But can you Explain to me again why you are not going to do Phase 2... Why vary from the IP program recommendation?
CenTXChk- I forgot to say 'poo re your neighborhood challenge' - if you want extra motivation come on over and enter a diet bet challenge. Or immediately engage your neighbors in a Keep it Off challenge. I bet they won't go for it, but you could pose the challenge and see if they will put their money on the longer term proposition. Make ok to continue pw to lose but no uptick over the finishing weight from your original challenge.
Sue - i bet we feel the same longing for Spring. I cannot imagine what the Boston folks are doing to get through the rest of their 2015 winter!
I dont find chayote in my regular groceries... Safeway Giant or Harris Teeter, and Whole Foods is not close by for me either but maybe this weekend is a good time to go find some chayote. I wonder if they are hard to grow? DH is planning the garden already!
I bought a class pass for dancing this month... I could go to the studio almost every day for a class or dance party - My goal is to get a regular routine going with Wed and Friday nights, and there is a cardio routine and a yoga class on Sunday's... If I take advantage of these I will have a good routine going, and my activity will be notably increased.
Sure I will explain, Cheryl.
Two ways I am going to deviate from IP recommendation.
I am going to get back to weight training this weekend. The protocol preventing this has never seemed logical to me, and I am weaker as a result so going to fix that so I am beginning to question things that I have been blindly doing for 7 months.
The main reason I am questioning/altering is my physical symptoms.
The second one I am altering due to physical symptoms is P2. The way I understand it, the only reason for this phase is to begin the transition off packaged foods so training for more normal eating. I am already good with this - I don't need help in that area and don't want 16 oz of animal protein per day. Because of my physical symptoms, I believe I need to transition sooner than later but I don't want to bypass the phase that is critical, which is phase 3 with the re-training of the pancreas. I have read numerous posts from those that bypassed p2 or did a very abbreviated one (days only) so I don't view it as an important one.
Ro22 - I just got a chance this morning to look at your spreadsheet and all I can say is wow! That's really impressive that you've taken the time to put that together and keep it up. I have enough trouble keeping up with my written journal plus MFP, which calculates a lot of that for me.
Oneuh2 - GREAT news all the way around, for you and hubby!!
Thanks for the measuring advice, I will be having a chat with my coach about that next week. And enjoy your dance pass!!
Lose2Win - hope you have fun on your cruise, looks like you're in the right place planning-wise. I've never been on one so I can't give you any advice, except a generic "stick to your plan."
For anyone re. some of the comments on yesterday's Community chat, plus Ro22 above - have your coaches told you not to exercise?? It seems like several people are talking about going "against protocol" because they want to. When I got a few weeks in, my coach told me to get moving - just to follow the guidelines I've also seen on IP and keep things light - walking, yoga, light weights, etc. And more recently to add a packet when I do something long like walking to school.
I think one of my daily IP videos also mention adding low intensity exercising. The subject line is: What are some good exercise options.
This is what it says on their website, I can't watch the video at work:
What Does Ideal Protein Say?
If your blood sugar gets too low, the proteins we supply and the muscle you have can undergo gluconeogenesis and glucose can be produced. If you increase the glucose demand (i.e. exercise vigorously during the first phase) you will increase gluconeogensis markedly. This can result in muscle loss, something we want to avoid.
If you must exercise, do it lightly (i.e. walk, bike, yoga). Here’s the beauty of the program: You are literally “peeing out calories” without having to exercise. You will lose the same amount of weight, but will not risk losing muscle.
This is not about calories in – calories out, its about hormones and metabolism. They were fighting a hormone (insulin) before and you cant exercise your way out of that, the hormone always wins.
After the first 3 weeks, you may exercise lightly, but please keep in mind:
– Do not get overly tired.
– Supplements are a must.
– Keep well hydrated. You must increase your water if you plan to exercise.
Ro22 - I just got a chance this morning to look at your spreadsheet and all I can say is wow! That's really impressive that you've taken the time to put that together and keep it up. I have enough trouble keeping up with my written journal plus MFP, which calculates a lot of that for me.
Oneuh2 - GREAT news all the way around, for you and hubby!!
Thanks for the measuring advice, I will be having a chat with my coach about that next week. And enjoy your dance pass!!
Lose2Win - hope you have fun on your cruise, looks like you're in the right place planning-wise. I've never been on one so I can't give you any advice, except a generic "stick to your plan."
For anyone re. some of the comments on yesterday's Community chat, plus Ro22 above - have your coaches told you not to exercise?? It seems like several people are talking about going "against protocol" because they want to. When I got a few weeks in, my coach told me to get moving - just to follow the guidelines I've also seen on IP and keep things light - walking, yoga, light weights, etc. And more recently to add a packet when I do something long like walking to school.
Wow!!!!!!!! I just noticed your weight loss!!!!!
Yes - my coach continues to insist that I not exercise even though I am a former professional athlete so fairly well-educated and experienced. He told me I will sabotage my weight loss efforts by doing so during phases 1-3.
I have consistently lost 3+ pounds per week so that could be what drives him - he said I have optimal results - do not change anything but I would rather be a stronger, slightly heavier with a little more fat than weaker, flabbier with less fat.
Seriously? 
I do have to say I texted DH about my outrage and he replied with the sweetest text that I am a winner to him and he was proud of his skinny rockstar wife. I got a good egg there ladies.
