I had ZERO weight loss this week, but told I had a 1.4% drop in fat so it's likely water retention. I had a period this week which I don't get often (have had a Mirena IUD for years which reduces periods). Probably related to hormonal crap. It just stinks it's right on that 200 line. My coach told me not to worry as it's my only week in 8 weeks I haven't lost. Here's to a good week this next week!

Hi SE72 - I also have a Mirena and after years of only very light spotting, starting March 2015 (I started IP January 2015) I started having normal, monthly cycles until September.

This is quite normal though as the weight loss messes with our hormones and fat cells store estrogen. As we lose weight, the estrogen is released. This is also why they (IP) warn women using the pill to use back up birth control.

Yep, this I know all too well. I'm an RN at an ob/gyn office and triage questions like this all day from our patient! It'll be nice when things settle again. My hormones are a hot mess!

Thank you though! :)

Changing packet choices
 

Natalia,
There are packets with carbs as low as 1g per serving. Specifically the drink packets. I stopped using the bars, oatmeal and chili for IP packet meals and went to only drinks (I chose Orange drink, Pink Lemonade drink and chocolate ready made) to reduce my carbs to as few as possible. I also changed my veggie choices. I ate mostly mushrooms, zucchini, cucumbers and cabbage. It also helps to push as much water as you can possibly stand.

All that being said, everyone has a different tolerance to carbs. My coach was very involved in the decisions of the packets to try to push me over the hump I was getting very discouraged about. Talk to your coach... this program works if you work it :)

The first week was the hardest! If you can make it through this, you can get through just about anything. Keep up the good work!!! (Both of you!!) :)

Thank you! I kind of felt like the juices were a ripoff if I could eat something yummy for that packet, but maybe not if it expedites fat loss. And I didn't know the chocolate RTD was so low. I've tried the vanilla and cappuccino but not the chocolate yet.

To the day 4 girls with fatigue, I bet it's because it takes about 3 days to use up your carb reserves. Now you've used them up and switches to ketones for energy. But, until you are keto adapted, your body isn't efficient to using ketones for energy. It didn't have to, since it could always draw on carbs. It'll get better in the days and weeks before you're totally keto adapted.

Hello,
I am new to this whole site and also a first timer on Ideal Protein. I am on Day 4 and have had serious cravings in the late afternoon, managed to fend off with celery and water but any suggestions would be welcome. I am following the program to a T, but having doubts about being able to do it over the long haul needed to accomplish my goal.
Reading this the posts is helpful, so a thank you to everyone out there.
And sorry if this is in the wrong place, I am not sure about how to post/where to post.

No worries, girl! The first week is the hardest as by now, your body has used up carb reserves and WANTS MORE!!!! Don't give in! It will improve and many people feel less hungry and lose the cravings once the body is firmly in ketosis. If you like salty snacks - have a couple pickles in the afternoon; if you like sweeter stuff - have a hot or cold fruit flavoured herbal tea. On really bad days I used my snack packet in the afternoon instead of the evening, but only you know which is the tougher time for you to deal with.
Liana

Happy Monday!
 

Happy Monday to all! Today is my first *FULL* day on plan since I recommitted myself this Summer. I hope everyone has a well-planned week ahead of them. I'm feeling dizzy, but satisfied. Off to make my PM shake and eat some salt. :)

So, this week I gained .6 of a pound. I have been starving all week as if it was week one again, and I have been sooooo irritable and just not a nice person to be around. It's not near my TOM, so I don't know what's up, and neither does my coach. I'm still not losing inches and am getting pretty frustrated all around. Has anyone else experienced this during the program?

Hang in there, next week will see a change, I promise you, lol. Sometimes if you gain slightly or don't drop weight in the week and feel REALLY hungry, your body is getting ready for a large drop in weight for your next weigh in. It will pass, just do all the things you can to treat yourself well that DO NOT include food, lol. Long bubble bath, favorite movie, new polish or a mani/pedi, a beautiful flower for your garden or vase. Take time to breathe deeply when you are stressed. Your body may be making internal changes for your health - you may find blood sugars improved, skin may be clearing up, etc. Think about the non-scale victories on each day and soon you will see the changes.
BTW... don't forget that this way of eating can mess up your hormonal regularity... I hate to say it, but it could be TOM soon again :(

All of us have gone through this holding pattern in our weight loss journeys so don't be too upset, just 'Carry On..." :hug: It doesn't last forever, it just seems like it.

Liana

Thanks for the advice, Liana. I hadn't considered the hormonal changes causing my TOM to be off. I guess I'll find out in the next few days, lol.

One-derland official! Finally after stalling right on that line!! Woot woot!

First week on IP and I lost 9.4#!! WhooooHoooo! Thanks to Liana (Canadjineh), MarcusBrody and all other members/posters for the support and inspiration. Goodbye 250's FOREVER!
Lisa