living-------------
So happy for you, reaching GOAL!! That must feel amazing!
I love your list of NSV's and a lot of them really resonate with me too!
That feeling of anxiety for P2/P3 and onward seems to be pretty common, but just remember you were so successful on P1, you know you'll do well for all the rest.
I'm sure some of the other IPeeps who have been there will be along with lots of great advice and ideas.

I must admit to feeling just a wee bit of envy, I'm still about 15lb away from goal, and this last stretch just seems to be dragging on forever!

HIS - Amazing race! You seem to be in your element! it sounds like you had fun, even with the cold and wet.

We went to see the new James Bond Movie yesterday, out for dinner too. I had a steak with mushrooms, and a salad (my own dressing). Probably not 100% OP, but close, and the scale stayed the same this morning. One of the garden centers is having an open house today (acres of Poinsettias), so we'll head over there to pick up a couple. Dec is a couple of days away, and I'm getting some Christmas decorations out today!

HIS- Congrats on winning your age group! And 4 seconds from your goal (PR?) is awesome! Seriously - to be able to motivate yourself in those conditions is an accomplishment within itself. Imho, you were out there with the 'best of best' - it's the not-so-serious runners who most likely decided to not show up yesterday.
I still haven't decided on an app to use yet - the free Under Armor one (same maker as MFP) is just a calendar telling you what to do and you still need to be able to program the training program into another app...Map My Run has some great features, including setting up your own training, if you want to pay $30 for MVP access
So I was looking through the 1/2 marathon training apps - read up and looked at the Hal Higdon app (in my top 3) but am leaning towards the Zen Labs bundle - it's $18.99 for all 4 apps - C25K, 10K, 13.1 & 26.2. The one 'warning' from reading the reviews is that the 13.1 training doesn't force you to run the full mileage. For me I believe that will be fine.
Clear Sky Apps has a 'Couch to 21K' bundle...but the 'warning' in the reviews here is that if you aren't running 10K's regularly, you're not ready to do the 21K training. DH would probably do really well with this app. Still researching.

lrg - SO happy for you! You made it this far - I know you'll rock P2 / P3 too! I really need to download 'refuse to regain' - I'm not a huge self-help reader, but this book has been recommended, a LOT - and I can use every bit of help out there

blue - you got this lady! Listen to your body. Make sure you are getting all your water - I'm not a huge advocate of this, but have you considered doing a 'boot camp' for 3 / 4 days (remove restricted & replace dinner protein with 2 IP packets)?
No poinsettia's here with the kitties...we bought a new sectional sofa back in the spring and are having a tough time logistically figuring out where the flippin tree is going

11/29/15
I am officially an IP graduate!

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!! I officially lost 89 pounds (I think I'm allowed to round )
With everyone's support , Nashua Nutrition, and the resources available on 3FC - also, finding the FB support page helped a little too (they don't play about protocol and I did learn a few things that I think helped get me as close to my revised goal as I did)

Not changing up too much today - Normal P3 breakfast, zoodle spaghetti for lunch (fat in the sauce) and lamb with 1/2 a sweet potato and some roasted veggies for dinner (higher carb). Debating on the small slice of pumpkin pie - probably will chicken out and end up having a yogurt

So this is what 'freedom' feels like

ETA - went back and was reading some old threads. I wish KDL (Kdramalover) and Mary (3BigDogs) were still around to see all our successes <3

Is there a FB group that you are all a part of?

I went back and looked up the Novak threads you were talking about and it is very informative.

My 2 cents is that I tried the good during the week / bad on the weekends for maintenance when I first phased off and while it did work for a while, eventually it started taking me longer and longer doing P1 days to get back to my goal weight. I ended up at the point of doing P1 M-F and then cheat weekends and in the end, it is not really a good way to "live". I don't want to be stuck doing P1 for the rest of my life.

That is why this time, I plan to focus more on my macros, eating healthy, whole foods majority of the time and occasionally working small deviations into my plan (pizza or dessert, etc...). I feel that this is more sustainable and a decent eating plan. Once I am done with this reboot, I do not want to rely on P1. Of course, there will always be P1 days (like after a vacation, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc...) but not all the time and certainly not every week.

Quick update on my reboot- I ate completely off plan for Thanksgiving, but have been back on track since Friday. I gained 2# from T-giving, which is likely sodium and glycogen stores. I am down 1.2# of that gain, so just about a pound away from where I was on Thursday morning. Not too shabby.

Jenny - for some reason I can't cut / paste a direct link but search on Facebook for ideal protein supporters phase 1 - there is also a page for phases 2,3,&4. Have you liked Janeva's page? Lots of good information and tips there too!

Yah - P1 60 - 70% of the time doesn't sound like much of a plan. I honestly hope I've learned enough to continue to make smart choices but of course those choices are 100% up to me to make

Glad the scale didn't rebel too much and you had a good Thanksgiving.

Day 1 P4 is in the books. DD10 really wanted lamb which wasn't my first choice for mixing with carb, but also didn't feel like making separate meals, so I had lamb, 1/2 a small sweet potato - still learning portion sizes!!! 100g isn't a whole lot...and a spinach salad with Dijon dressing.
By the time I plugged it all into MFP I was way above my BMR calories - then remembered I still had it set for weight loss
Finished out the day right on target with a mug cake - the extra calories / fat from the lamb scared me out of a slice of pie

his Huge Congratulations To You!!!!!!!! That's another reason you inspire me! Another similar journey I am starting and I can look to you for guidance!!Never thought I'd choose to start running at 51-
Beth 89 LBS!!!!! WOWZERS!!!!! YAY!!! day 1 in the books-AND you made the right choice for you with the pumpkin pie- it'll still be there in a day or 2 if you decide to have a piece. So proud of you - you made it!!!!! Seems like we were just starting out- and here we are, though I am a tad behind you. So proud of your accomplishments!! You have also been one to inspire me to start the C25K program. Day 2 is today- hopefully I get home before dark....fingers are crossed! Lamb...mmmm-I haven't had lamb in so long-DBF doesn't like it so i haven't cooked it in over a decade- DexH (<-lol, but we do get along very well...) loved it and we used to eat it fairly regularly. No one seems to cook it like I did so ordering it out has been hit or miss- I usually don't anymore.
Blue As my coach said to me, (I'm slowing way down-.2 again this week) maybe it's time. ...as much as that is one of the most frightening things I can think of right now...
Living well, look at you!!! So proud of you!!!!!! I loved reading your list- so many things I can relate to- pretty much all of them- talk about reminding me of why I am grateful to this program and you all for your support- and accomplishments!
Jenny not sure if this is the one Beth was trying to link you to-https://www.facebook.com/groups/idealproteinsupportersphase1group/?ref=br_tf
With so many of you phasing or reaching maintenance, I am in awe- you all have done so well, it's been such a wonderful journey with you all! This weeks W/I I lost .2 again. My coach mentioned that she would like to see me greet 2016 in maintenance...I'm terrified of the prospect. Part of me says do it now, that way I'm in line with you all and able to compare notes and follow your guidance. I just realized what time it has gotten to be, so I will try to finish this up later -at work-lol....happy Monday one and all
to be continued......

Beth - Congratulations!! You made it!! 89 lb and into P4...Got to be the best feeling in the world! I am so delighted for you, and you should be so proud of what you've accomplished this year. You are going to rock maintenance, I'm absolutely sure of it - you've learned so much in this process, especially the last few months.
Here's to you, girl!


Linda - I'm with you, slowing down sucks! but I'm still a ways off from where I'd like to be, you're pretty close, so only you can decide it it's time.
I'm losing weight, so I'm not in a stall, but maybe I can shake things up a bit.
I think I'm going to try a few days of boot camp this week. Has anyone tried it? With any success?
From what I understand, basically it's replacing dinner protein with 2 packets. No restricted veg or packets. Stick to drinks/puddings.
What do you all think?

I found this on an old thread:

Ideal Protein Boot Camp Protocol,

NO RESTRICTED ITEMS; NO OCCASIONAL VEGGIES.
Stick to soups, jello, juices and pudding packets.

Breakfast: Packet, as usual.
Lumch: Packet, veggies, and salad.
Supper: No meat protein. You can do 1 or 2 packets here. Still have veggies and salad.
Snack: Packet, as usual.

You an make an omelet with 1 whole egg and 3 egg whites and your veggies for supper if you want. Again - you can add another packet if you want to double the protein.

You can decide if you want one or two packets for supper. That would put you at 4-5 packets for the day. Try this for 2-3 days.

Remember LOTS of water. Add some lemon juice to you water early in the day to flush out your system.

I'm the same, a creature of habit when it comes to food. Whatever is quick and easy, usually. So maintenance is going to be a challenge because I can't just heat up a packet of chili in the microwave. I think the rest of us were all scared of P3, too, but we figured it out, and you will too.

Tell me more about hot yoga? I keep hearing how much people love it, and I don't know anything about it. Do you do it in a hot room, or where does the "hot" part come from?

It was fun. It was in a historic Texas town and we ran past a lot of old Victorian houses, which is an architectural style I just love.

Yep, those last 10-15 pounds are like they're glued on. The last month or two of IP is like the last month or two of pregnancy - longer than all the other months put together.

Huge congrats, Beth!!! What a major achievement. So many people drop out before they get to maintenance.

The FB groups have been helpful for me for a few recipes, learning about new alternative products, and, to a degree, motivation. But this site is my main IP support. If you join the "official" IP FB group, make sure not to mention alternative products, or they will kick you out.

I appreciate your voice of experience about maintenance. I'm still trying to figure out how to handle indulgences. (I always feel like I'm Catholic when I use that word, hahaha.)

I never got that desperate. LOL. As long as I was losing at least a pound a week, I was satisfied. I know it's hard to be patient when the weight loss slows down at the end, though.
______________

I'm officially starting maintenance today. I studied all my paperwork last night and tried to think through some snack ideas. I know I'm going to be one of those people who needs 3 small snacks a day. For the time being, I'm not going to eat carbs at dinner time, but will have a LOT more veggies at that meal.

I'm hoping the snacks (esp. yogurt and cheese) will help with my evening hunger. It seems that I don't really get full with a small dinner, and then an hour later is when I'm battling binge eating. My husband leaves for work at 9:30 pm, so I have 2 hours or so alone between then and bedtime, and that doesn't help. I'm going to try having a small snack about an hour before dinner, then my meal, to see if that helps.

Beth, the IP paperwork is kind of vague on breakfasts. I assume we're supposed to continue eating P3-style breakfasts, or is that too many calories? I feel like I could eat about 100 cals. less and feel content. Like maybe cut out the protein shake I've been having with some meals.

I know they recommend no indulgence days for the first two weeks of maintenance, but I plan to eat a bit of everything at the wedding. Assuming I even have time to eat!

Thanks everyone!
you made me snort coffee up my nose but goodness if this isn't the Gods-honest truth!
Blue & Linda - my $0.02 to you both is to not stop until you are 100% satisfied...you both know how much I lamented not making it to my revised goal of 138...now that said, as I dip my pinkie toe into the maintenance pool, I am starting to believe our bodies (well, some bodies) give signals when enough is enough. I am obviously a prime example of this theory - but we've seen it a lot just in our little group.
Now, with the added exercise, my body is changing again. BF% continues to go down, muscle is going back up.
DH and I were standing together in the bathroom and we BOTH saw the new muscle definition in my lower tummy / hips, thighs...and I have private pictures that PROVE my body is changing again...and while in P1, many times those changes were precursors to weight loss.
Long winded way of saying I haven't completely given up getting solidly into the low 140's but maybe I won't...and that is ok too! I am comfortably wearing size 6's now. I can wear leggings and jeggings in public I am beyond good

Linda - with you starting C25K I could definitely see starting to phase off soon - and we've all had very similar journeys - but take some time and think about it Lamb is a monthly treat. We were having it every Sunday, but both DH & I found it a little too rich - both physically and in our wallets! So good, but so expensive!

Blue - I too never went the 'boot camp' route and glad I didn't as I believe it would have exacerbated the blood sugar issues - you are not experience any of this so I believe it would be worth a try.
Ro22 has done a few...and Jennydoodle?

HIS - that route sounds beautiful! DH is crazy! He is already talking about wanting to do 1/2 marathons throughout the country (showed me a summer one in Colorado - I asked him how he planned to train for the elevation difference) yeesh - lets get through a fun run first dear...
...and HUGE to you on starting maintenance. You're so quiet about it
We will have to continue to compare notes. I too am not planning carbs at every dinner. For example, tonight is turkey burger and I am at a point where I would much rather have extra turnip fries than wrap the burger in a low carb tortilla or have a small helping of chips - even the quinoa ones I've read about on the facebook group...having been low carb the majority of the last 12 years, I had really cut back on bread / chips in general and don't miss it!
I feel like too, reintroducing even healthy substitutes like the quinoa chips, or homemade sweet potato fries, is "asking for it". Why do I want to return to the pattern that got me fat in the first place?
It was nice having a couple bites of roasted sweet potato last night...but not the 'hallelujah' moment I'm sure some people expect. That 1st P3 breakfast - now THAT was Angels singing and Heaven's opening LOL!!!!
I too was wondering about breakfast...again, we are 'Free Birds' now (sung in my best Lynard Skynard) and I guess can make whatever decisions are best for us. I kind of like the morning insulin spike theory...and so far, it has worked out and my blood sugars have remained stable.
I like having solids too - they keep me satiated longer than the shakes did...even now being able to make a smoothie with fruits / nut butters / spinach - idk. I am willing to try it as something different.
I think Jenny's point about staying within our daily macros is REALLY the key though, regardless of how we decide to spread out our calories. We are just going to have to keep experimenting. You mention snacking...idk - again, that has never been my 'habit' and maybe its time to change those habits. I just don't want to mess around too much with food intake yet...I even question not having the evening carb - am I screwing myself down the road??
But at the end of the day, I also have to make maintenance work for ME, just like I made IP work for ME

So, I've officially switched on the Pandora Christmas channel for my background music at work. The Holiday's are here!

I switched training apps this morning too - decided to go with the Zen Labs 13.1 and had my first run/walk (45 minutes, 10 warm up / cool down) - but on the treadmill. 3 straight days of rain here in the DMV I am finding I push too hard on the treadmill - the hammy is a little more sore today than it was Saturday morning - and Saturday I covered more mileage.
I am also changing up my schedule. As opposed to lunch time, I am going to do my darnedest to get in to work by 7:15 / 7:30 and do early morning training - & / or get up by 5:30a and go outside before I leave for work. This way when year end really ramps up 12/28/15 - 1/31/16, I will be in this habit / pattern & have no excuses for not getting my daily workout in.

Yes, I have done bootcamp many times! I am actually in a sort of bootcamp protocol on this reboot. I am not doing any restricted items this time around, but I am still doing (1) regular protein serving.

The first time on IP, when I would notice that my losses were in the 1-1.5# pound range or if I noticed that my weight would stay the same for 3-4 days in a row, then I would cut out the restricted item and it would get the scale moving again.

I agree Hysteria, I think it is all about trial and error and it will be individual. But I do know this, I do not want to be stuck in a constant cycle of P1, which is where I was the first time I maintained. Granted, I was able to maintain for 15 months, but it was really no way to live and I never actually learned how to eat. Now, I have the knowledge and power to work out an eating plan that I can eat for 80% of the time, give myself 10% of leeway for planned indulgences that fit into my eating plan and 10% of all out, blow outs.

Congratulations HIS, Livin, Beth on your program and fitness achievements.

Despite being only 3 weeks in I have been reading Refuse to Regain. I find many of her thoughts interesting, One that I am starting is to have a few hours after I eat where i do not eat. I have always been a grazer (eating constantly).

Beth - don't discard the possibility of doing a 1/2 in Colorado. I did one (pikes peak assent) when I lived in Kansas. It was an amazing day and one of the reasons that I am here. My goal is to go back and do it again (when I am 50 (2017)) and be in better shape than I was when I was in the best shape of my life. (That being said I walked all but the first 100 yards, and made it too the end just a few minutes before the cut off)

I have been tracking on MFP, but I am trying s health (samsung app this week)

This has been a week of hurdles, Thanksgiving, birthday party and a leadership development day. I managed to stay OP.

I had a lot of fun with the pancake packet this weekend; pancakes, french toast, muffins -- back to veggies and shakes today.

Destony you are doing amazing -- I am so impressed with your progress and your decision to strive for a lower goal.

Sue

Good Morning Everyone- well, I never got a break yesterday to get back here- but I hope that everyone had a great Monday and Happy December 1 to one and all!!!
Here I go again- get the 132 on the scale at home on Sunday and then do a steady creep upwards 3 weeks in a row now...pretty frustrating- and the only thing I can seem to attribute it to is that I have the brownie on Saturday and Sunday night - usually my snack is during the day during the week because I eat dinner around 7 and am in bed usually before 9- whereas the weekends are a different and I go to bed a little later and eat supper a little earlier- the only difference from this week, I started C25K on Saturday- and yesterday was day 2...I am drinking plenty of water, don
t over do the salt, no restricted yesterday- made Janevas cookies w/drink mix packet as snack-today is a rest day for the c25k, I need to figure out how to do it with my work schedule because it is very hard here to run on the sidewalks as it gets dark- tree roots coming up through and stuff, I don't want to twist an ankle or fall....that would totally stink. Anyhow- thinking about what my coach said about greeting the new year in maintenance- I don't see it. I changed my original goal to 130 from 140 for a reason- I wasn't comfortable at 140 and I also want some wiggle room. If I am going to have to fight- (like it seems everyone has to) to get to goal, it's just going to take longer to get there. I laid awake this morning thinking about my "scream weight" and such and if I am at 136- I am probably at what I would want it to be considered "scream time" . Now, I know, some people lose more weight as the transition from 1 to 2 and sometimes even to 3- but I don't know that I am willing to chance that not happening for me. Who would have thought transitioning off of a diet would be so stressful?? ****, in my life of yo-yoing (remember- I was the 6th grader who was at Gloria Stevens back in the 70's) I never thought I'd be thinking about how to transition in to a maintenance (hence my failures over and over again)
Sue, thank you - originally I gave a size as my goal and about 3 months in to it, I put a weight on it as opposed to a size, then changed it as I approached it due to how I felt looking at myself- so much dismorphia in this head of mine- I still see the 212 pounder when i look at myself in a bra and underwear.
Dis anyone who used C25K have a problem linking it to MFP? That is very frustrating and their tech support isn't solving my issue-
Ok- time to start my day- first of the month- glad I remembered not to do my nails last night- stuffing all the statements makes a mess of it and I can't tell you how many times THAT has happened to me-

Just had a thought- I have not added additional packet with the C25K- thoughts?? Partly because like last night, it was an hour and a half before I was set to eat dinner-

Good Morning everyone. No scale change for me this week. Frustrating. I was completely OP for the holiday weekend. I know I have been retaining water the last few days because my ring is tight and normally it's been lose to the point of falling off. I increased my water intake more than usual hoping it would help flush it out, but no change. I'm not sure why I'm retaining water. I haven't changed anything and I'm getting all of my salt, oil and water in. Going to do a few days of boot camp and add some lemon to my water (when I buy some).

We had our first official snow last night. I don't understand how people forget how to drive in this stuff. It comes every year. People need to slow down! Last night on my way to pick up DD from gymnastics someone slid through the intersection. I almost t-boned them, but was able to swerve around the turning lane and into the oncoming traffic lane (no cars coming) to avoid the collision. My stomach was in my throat. I have no doubt that had I hit that car the drive would've been very seriously injured. Then our way home and semi decides to pass us. There's a reason why no one is in the passing lane...it's not drivable! Well, he almost side swiped us. I had to drive on the shoulder of the road and slow down to avoid getting hit. I was happy to be home safe.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Linda, you know I modified my goal from 150 up to 155, and even at that, it took a while to lose those last 5 pounds. I actually didn't lose anything in P2 or P3. Just stayed the same, and I continue to hover around 155-156. Just food for thought as you try to decide when to stop P1...

I got up a little early to run, before all the craziness of the day begins, and it's 37 degrees out there! NOPE. I'm waiting a while. Today I have to run around to pick up some last minute things for the wedding (why do people wait until the last minute to RSVP?), and prepare for all the family members who will begin arriving tomorrow. My weight is holding well. I'm really happy that I won't look like a fat cow in the wedding pictures. All the months of being on protocol were worth it.

Doesn't it drive you crazy though? I just don't get it- and I KNOW there is some more fat to go. It's not all loose skin- it's kind of easy to tell, at least I think it is.
I understand, it was 36 last night when I got home and went out. My nose was like a faucet- hated it, but did it ☺
Having been the mother of the groom- I get where you are coming from- and you are going to look and feel amazing- it was incredible -and a boatload of fun to see some jaws drop!! I can't wait for you to post pictures! Have an amazing time!!
I think that maybe I'll try adding the lemon in and see what that does for me, if anything. If I exhaust everything else, I will probably do the boot camp thing too.
I agree, here on the Cape, it's like people have never seen it before when the first snow comes. Don't get me started on the jackarses that think that just because they have 4 wheel drive that they are safe- duh??!!?? It just means that all 4 wheels are going to slide when you jam on the brakes because you're going to fast- (and I drive a F250 pickup, but I learned a long time ago, respect the weather and no need to be a hero) So glad that you and your DD are safe!! That must have been terribly scary for you- and twice in one evening no less!

Can anyone tell I am practicing avoidance- the statements have been cut and are staring me in the face waiting to be stuffed......ok- I give-

sma - thanks for the encouraging words I've never been in good enough physical shape to run a 5K, let alone train for a 1/2...DH was a cross country runner in high school - very different backgrounds. I am not against ever doing something like Pikes Peak - I just want to get one or two locals under my belt before making these 'vacations'. ...and another endorsement for "Refuse to Regain"...time to download

Linda - dear, whatever works for YOU...have you / your coach done a body composition recently? BF%, etc...not sure if that is something you get every weigh-in or not.
Obviously I am still weighing daily and here is my last week - keep in mind, even though I am P4, I am not eating a whole lot differently than P3 yet:
146.2, 145.8, 145.8, 146.6, 145.8, 147, 147.4, 147
I've decided to set scream weight at 152
I see the slight increase...Scale creep? Water retention from the increased exercise? Not sure, and right now I am "zen" about it. I've been fluxing within 3 pounds of my revised goal and I am good with that.
Yes, there is a part of me that would still absolutely love to be sitting firmly in the low 140's - but as I've noted, my goal now is to continue to get my bf% down - aiming for 21 - 24%.
I am glad I've waited to invest in a decent scale - I think I am going to spend a few extra $ for the full measurement one (I can see HIS shuttering behind the computer screen )
I know to take the bf / muscle measurement with a grain of salt, but figure it can't hurt to have some idea of where I stand, if bf continues to go down & muscle up since it appears my body is unlikely / unwilling to drop below 145.

mama - SCARY! I am guessing you are in the midwest somewhere...just the mention of "snow" shuts down the greater DC area most of the time. Glad you are ok!!! Sorry about the scale - how about inches? Clothes fit?

HIS - YES! You are going to ROCK the MoG Deep breath and keep us posted as you can.

Second morning of 13.1 - cross training day, so hopped on the elliptical and then did a little strength training / hip flexor work. Feel good - I like this early morning training...DD10, not so much but we stayed up for Charlie Brown's Christmas last night (anyone else find it kind of stupid to put it on at 9:00pm?????)
I have the rain as an excuse right now - she is very understanding about my commute - even looks up Google Maps for me some mornings ("mom, the beltway is red! ) I love her <3