Hi there - newbie here as well. I was one of those people who gained weight after having a baby (not during the pregnancy) - add 2 back surgeries to that and you can imagine my state. A friend of mine suggested the program after her great success on it, knowing I was feeling (and looking) lousy. I started IP on June 22, 2011. As of today, I have lost 55 pounds, 48 inches, a big chunk of body fat, and sadly, hair. The hair loss is temporary, but I have to tell you that is a side effect I wasn't prepared for.

I feel absolutely fantastic. My motivation was a trip to Greece next summer, but it's teaching me how to be healthy all the way around. I can see following this type of plan for the rest of my life. That first week was hideous, but it gets better every week - especially when the results are as dramatic as they are.

I lost 47 pounds on Atkins 10 years ago before my wedding. It eventually all came back, plus the rest from my post-pregnancy binge and my back issues (my first back injury was a ruptured disc that led to a pinched off sciatic nerve - surgery did not relieve the numbness so I was unable to exercise - then it happened again, and I will probably not regain feeling in my leg). What is interesting about IP is that it is leaving me with an entirely different body. I now weigh 15 pounds more than I did after my Atkins loss - but I am wearing a coat I couldn't button back then, and a pair of cute jeans I hung on to that were too tight back then. I never thought I would lose that abdominal fat I gained from having a baby at 38 - but that is almost gone now.

I am so glad I found this board. Wish I would have known about it the week I started - I wasn't sure I was going to make it! I just hated the food - I've tried it all. After 4 months I'm down to the oatmeal, the jello, wildberry yogurt drink and the chocolate pancake, which I actually eat as if it was brownie batter. I did read yesterday that someone added pumpkin pie spice to the vanilla pudding - and it tasted just like pumpkin pie (my pre-diet weakness). I'm anxious to give that a try.

I just want to wish everyone great success!!

Welcome redheadedgardenlady! Love that name....what is up with the hair loss issue? I have very thin, fine hair anyways (hereditary androgenic ale pica) and although I want to lose pounds I can't afford to lose any more hairs than I already have...I am doing everything I can to hang on to what I have( left ). Has anyone told you why this occurs as a result of being on IP?

Oh yes the hair loss. Not the fun side of loosing so much weight so fast, but it did happen to me and a friend also when we were on Atkins. It started for me about the third month and lasted for about 3 months. Downright scary every time I got into the shower and got my hair wet. Basically it happens because our bodies get stressed out with the weight loss, but the good news is it's only temporary. It also happened to me when we sold our home last year and moved out of state (very stressful move). I have fairly thick hair so I don't think it was noticeable to anyone but me and my hairstylist. I'm fully prepared to have it happen again.

Oh my goodness mine too!
He keeps offering me Reecses cups and Hershey bars... as I chew on broccoli!
SO I steeped up a nice hot chocolate and satisfied my urge!
I just need to keep my eye on the goal, and remember I already ate too many candy bars, hence the fat A! LOL

Are you exercising on this too...?

Hi everyone!
Newbie here.... day 7. First WI down 5.
but today I am not feeling it... I won't quit, but just can't stomach the thought of doing the diet today. Have a headache and tons to do today. I will not cheat though.... but may have a problem getting my veggies in

Any encouraging words..............

question....
my coach told me I could have egg beaters instead of the packet.... so- does that mean I don't eat a packet or drink for breakfast?? so then I will just eat 2 packets -
totally having a brain fart......

Down 5!! That is awesome!! I am going for my 1st WI this morning and can't wait to see the results. For the headaches I have been advised to add some salt to your water. Good Luck with Your Day!!

Hi Hopesterh,
Welcome. I am a newbie from VA too. I have my 1st weigh in today. I am excited. Good luck to you.

You are doing great! Keep it up.
I am on Day 5 and am very nauseous today too with a headache. Overall I have felt pretty good. I have had headaches but today i feel like a migraine is coming on. I took some medicine. My coach also suggested the salt trick thinking I may be low in sodium. I was really surprised to be sick today.
We will get through it. Hang in there.
Weigh in today for me...little early but worked in my schedule better. Wish me luck!!!

I'm now 3 weeks into the program (and down 16.8 pounds!) and here are a few things I have found that work for me. I hope you don't mind me sharing:

#1 has got to be adding the MiO liquid water enhancer to my water. I've always struggled with drinking enough and now that I add this, I get my 64+ ounces in no problem. The increase in my water intake has definitely helped the weight come off even more.

#2 Spice, spice and more spice - adding seasonings to my food has really livened things up and my mouth is definitely enjoying new flavors. I actually think I have garlic coming out of my pores! Experimenting with different seasonings has been a great way to change up flavors while still eating healthy.

#3 - Branching out - I've always been a seafood fan but have typically stuck to basic types in the past. Since on the program, we have made flounder, lobster tails and scallops in addition to lots of shrimp. The lobster tails aren't something financially I could have every night, but it was a great treat and felt like we were cheating! Don't be afraid to try a different cut of meat. You never know what you will like and it can be a nice change to the same 'ol chicken breast routine.

#4 - Stay active on the boards. I have to say that finding this support system here on 3FC has been such a great motivator for me. The people on here are so inspiring and whatever you are struggling with, someone else is too or has been through it. Support is a key component to any type of success so don't be afraid to speak up and share your struggles, concerns and successes!

This is just my two cents and hope it encourages those of you who are maybe just starting out fresh. This program works! If you put the work in, you will get the results!

Have an amazing OP day everyone!

Misswinter...thanks so much for the advice and I agree completely about the blog. It is really helping me stay on track. This is my first week and I am liking the IP diet. It is hard to change habits but I am trying to increase my spice use etc. to change my way of eating.
What is MiO???
I just tried the salt trick for my headache and nauseau and it worked. I feel better...headache not gone completely but overall, much better. I am learning so much about my body on this diet and i love that.

MiO can be found right next to the Crystal light at your grocery store. It is similar to Kool-aid or Crystal Light in that it adds flavor to water but it comes in a liquid form instead of powder (it's like a concentrate). MiO is allowed on IP because there is no aspertame in it. They are little silver bottles and come in flavors such as fruit punch, peach tea, strawberry watermelon, berry pomegranate and a few other tea flavors. I just squirt some of the liquid into my glass or bottle of water, stir it up and I'm good to go!

Thank you. I will have to look for it next time I am at the store. I need something added to my water throughout the day too to get it all in. Some days are better than others...

Good job on the weight loss so far. That is awesome.

thanks for the 2 cents !!! I appreciate it. How do you cook your shrimp and you serve it with what?

I typically sautee' my shrimp in a little olive oil and then crush fresh garlic over it mid-way through. We have also made shrimp kabobs. I just skewered the shrimp, brushed with a little olive oil and put them on the grill (sprayed the rack w/ some non-stick spray). Using a grill basket works great as well. Throw in all of your shrimp and veggies and set the basket on the grill. I typically have a large salad but I'm a mushroom fanatic so I sautee a ton of those a week in olive oil, and again, more garlic! Asparagus is another favorite although that is now getting out of season.