[exclaimtawny]

Hello, everyone! I haven't seen this exact topic posted before, but I do apologize in advance if it's appeared elsewhere!

Here is my situation. I'm a 5'6" 26 year old female and I started Ideal Protein at 200 lbs. I've lost 15 pounds in 5 weeks, but to be honest I'm pretty disappointed at this weight loss. The first week I lost 4 pounds, weeks 2-3 I only lost 1.5 each, week 4 I lost 4 again (finally), and last night I lost 2.5 ((I had a long ToM during weeks 2-3, which hindered my progress))

My coach has repeatedly informed me that "this is statistically average/normal", but I'm just getting a little annoyed. I really thought the fact that I'm fairly young/healthy would make it easier to lose (I know, I know, don't remind me, I'm silly/naive). I have a 6 month old and I'm anxious to lose this baby weight, but it feels like pulling teeth to lose a single pound. Things are made worse by the fact that my husband has already lost 30 pounds in the exact same time frame (I know I know I know, men lose faster, etc, but it's still annoying).

After that rant, here is my question: I have not cheated (not even a single time!) but I will admit that I don't always get in my veggies or all 3 of my IPs. I always eat my dinner (2 c veggies and 8 oz of protein) and I always get in 2 IPs. However, I rarely have my 2 c of veggies with lunch, and sometimes I don't get my 3rd IP. I'm also lacking in my water consumption.

I know I need to do better, but I'm worried that if I eat more/eat what I'm supposed to, the scale will go up. It seems unlikely to me that I'd lose weight from eating more, but I really have no idea. If I'm only losing 2 pounds a week on this, I'm tempted to just throw in the towel and go with something cheaper. PLEASE convince me otherwise, I have a lot to lose...and I do like this program!

Thank you!

[marcibeaucoup]

Hi there! Okay, first of all, 15 pounds is great! Never put "only" (even if it's implied) before you give your weight loss. You have to remember it is against *everything in nature* to lose weight. It's hard!

I do have to say, though, that your saying that you do not eat all of your food for the day gives me pause. This diet is called a "protein-sparing modified fast". In layman's terms, it's a starvation diet in which you do everything you can to keep your body from using your musculature for energy. Therefore, you absolutely must eat your allotted food -- every single day. I know it's hard. Once I get into ketosis, I'm flat-out not hungry and I have some times where I'm forcing myself to finish my food. Please do, though, because the danger in not eating (especially your packets) is that you will, A) throw your metabolism into starvation mode, making it even more difficult to lose, and B) you will be forcing your body to use your muscles for energy, like your heart. This diet is nothing to screw around with.

Finally, 2-3 pounds per week is absolutely the norm on IP. Promise.

Hang in there and keep "eating the sheet"! And don't forget your water!!

[JayG123]

Hello,

Losing weight can be the most frustrating thing. especially if you are really sticking to everything you are suppose to be doing. 15 lbs is a great start! For some people though (like myself) need to throw your body off with different tatcis and strategies. Most challenges often faced are Unrealistic Calorie Intakes, Lack Of Satiety-Boosting Nutrients, and Time Consuming Meal Preping. Remember stay focused and motivated!!

[exclaimtawny]

Thank you guys, I appreciate it! I'm having a hard time believing I'll lose weight if I continue to eat more, but I guess I'll just have to see how it goes!

[JLUS]

Eating too little sends a message to your body that there is a famine and the body will protect itself by hanging on to fat for as long as it can. It will turn to eating your own lean muscle if not getting enough protein. Lean muscle mass is NOT the loss we want.

IP/IPA gives you 700-950 calories. Cutting out a packet and half your daily required veggies drops your intake by 150+ calories AND deprives you of essential nutrients.

Average loss is 2-3 pounds per week and you are exactly on target. Get out of your own way, commit to the entire plan and let the losses continue.