chaos - have you looked at / downloaded the P1 sheet for reference?

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/5040423-post79.html

I still refer to mine all the time! VERY useful - especially when trying to alt-product the plan :)

Hope everyone is having a great start to their weekend!

Not feeling amazing- It's that TOM, and I think my roommate got me sick. :(

But other than that, I'm good! Made egg/bacon/cheese breakfast biscuits for my coworkers this morning. Accidentally made too much filling, so after I wrapped up the completed biscuits the filling was just sitting there. Staring at me. Beckoning me. Tempting me like I haven't been tempted this entire month.

So I threw it away before I did anything I'd regret. :)

Also went dress perusing with a friend of mine. We saw dresses we really want, promised to lose weight to fit into dresses like that, then each took a picture with the dress of our choice.

I'm going to sneak back tonight and buy those dresses. Hopefully in six months we'll have some great before and after shots with them.

Lemon is listed under seasonings on the protocol sheets. You can also use white vinegar but not red.

I have icky TOM too. Boo. Awesome for you for throwing away the filling. I have two kids that I am constantly cooking off plan foods for...I am tempted every single day, but it's not worth it. I just stick with the plan. Good for you for doing the same thing. Also, awesome for buying those dresses. I was just looking at dresses online today that I plan to wear when I'm a bit smaller. What a great motivation to already have those dresses in your closet! Fabulous.

I hope everyone has a great weekend OP.

JJTX: I just saw your ticker! Congratulations, you are amazing!!!

Hi simplchaos: If you go to the first thread of the daily chat there are links to the latest phase protocols. Lemon & lime are allowed with no problem. The sheets may help you with your alternatives plan you are working. There is also a link there to the macro guidelines to approximate IP if you are 'doing it yourself with alternative products.'
Take a deep breath, you have only just started, things will work fine. Try not to stress too much about the process. How much do you have to lose? If it isn't much (under 30 lbs) you may be surprised by how relatively slow it goes compared to the losses some others are having. Speaking from experience here... ;) Every body is unique.
:hug:

Liana

I have looked at that phase 1 sheet so many times. I am not sure how I even missed that! Thanks!! But...OH SNAP...I've been using apple cider vinegar on my broccoli and spinach. (I'm assuming that is what is meant by "red" vinegar)

Wait--it says I CAN use acv.

Question about the unlimited vegetables. Can they be eaten in an unlimited amount at any time or just lunch and dinner? If I have a craving for a snack but I've already had my meals and ip snack am I allowed the unlimited veg?

The unlimited veg can be used anytime for a snack and/or to add to your regular meals if you are very hungry. They are unlimited if raw; if cooked ie mushrooms, then they need to count in your 4 cups/day selected.
:)

Thanks!! :)

Sneaky Shark! What a fun idea! I hope your plan works! :)

Hi All

Have been super busy with work and home, but still losing pounds and inches on program :carrot::carrot:

On the vinegar subject you can use apple cider. I have been living on that for months now. I do however when at a resturant use the red wine. I am not usually prepared enough to pack my own dressing when eating out LOL. So far it has not been a real issue. I go out to eat only once a week..sometimes maybe twice.

Finally broke my stalemate of Feb/March and the scale seems to be moving again. I am so happy that the nice weather will be here soon and I can start walking the neighborhood. Also found out this week DH's insurance now gives us back $20 per month for selected gym memberships as long as you go 12 days out of the month! One of the gyms on the list is very close to our house and they have a pool and do classes.... Think DH and I will go check it out this week. Never really was a gym person, but I love the classes. When I was on Jenny Craig a million years ago I belonged to to Lucille Roberts and did step classes 3x per week.

Off to the animal shelter this weekend to volunteer. Then I need to get to the store to restock some veggies. Maybe DH will go with me. :carrot:

Princess - I started out exclusively IP products and then mostly went to alternatives. I have stayed with the IP supplements and occasionally will buy the IP chicken soup to use as a binding to make mock cauliflower potatoes. I have not seen any difference. I also used Proto thin and Protidiet mostly and Quest and EAS shakes.

What a terrific idea! I think I will steal it :) I might put a whole 'picture' wardrobe together and look at it regularly as inspiration for when I meet goal! The only problem is that it may be a different season by then :dizzy: But I will need some new clothes along the way, so I love this idea. A visual to work toward.

I've been 'rewarding' myself for every milestone I reach (199, 195, 189, 185 etc). Starting out small (new makeup, pair of earrings...), and as it becomes tougher to achieve, the 'value' of the reward will go up :) I did break the 'value' rule with my last weigh-in though. I needed a watch and was going to go buy a cheap <$20 one as my 'reward' for surpassing my 195 goal, but instead splurged on a Garmin device (like a fitbit). I figured it will be something I can benefit from throughout my journey and beyond. And it's cute :) I love it! I'm hoping it will motivate me to get more activity in on a regular basis.

Everyone have a great weekend! :carrot: