Hi all. I finally made the decision to phase off until early January. I am officially burnt out and just need a break. January starts my busiest time for work and often I'm too busy to eat, so it's the perfect time to get back on Phase 1. Also, my friend who told me about IP is going back on Phase 1 to lose 10 more lbs, so I'll have a live buddy to get through the last push to take the rest of the weight off.

I'll be looking to you all for words of wisdom as I muddle through this.

I think this is smart. Especially this time of year, if you are burnt out you would probably go hog wild and gain too much back and feel miserable after holidays. By Phasing off properly and regrouping in January, you will have the tools to not go crazy the next few weeks but still enjoy yourself. It will probably make you eager and excited to jump back to Phase one when you busy work time starts.

Thanks. How long did you do all the phases? I'm thinking one week for each. Does that sound reasonable?

According to my sheets minimum of 1 week of Phase 2; 2 weeks on Phase 3. But since you don't have quite that much time I can suggest that you go light over the holidays -- not so much because you don't want to gain weight, well who would? but so you don't make yourself ill. Hope this helps

Thanks. This morning I am slightly panicked, because I had a zero loss this week, but then it dawned on me that I can go back to Phase 1 whenever I want, so I'm forging ahead.

My plan is to go light over the holidays, because I just feel so much better on this plan. My busy time starts on Jan. 8, so I'll start Phase 1 a few days before then to make sure I'm past the headaches and stuff.

Of course, I'm really not going to overdo it on much, so I don't anticipate a rough re-entry. Famous last words, right?

That is what I'm doing too. I wouldn't have if we didn't have this trip coming up but I think it all came with great timing. I too am wore out with it. I start phase 3 tomorrow! Make sure you do 3 for 2 weeks. I bet you could get away with only doing 2 for 1 though.

I think this first week of phase 3 I may add 1/4 of a vanilla shake to some coffee so I at least get a little caffiene in the morning. That would add a few more calories and only a tiny amount of fat and a trace of a carb if that. I did plan a few of my breakfasts with 1/2 a shake already but the ones I didn't, I should be fine right?

Should be. In fact, it will be. ItsAbout, you will do fine. You're prepared; you know what to do.

Hi all! I lost 1 pound on my first week of phase 3. One more week to go and then on to maintenance. I lost .75 inches too. Lynsey, I always add a little bit of French Vanilla EAS protein drink to my coffee every day!!! Also a little WF caramel syrup and a packet of stevia!

Congrats on the 1 pound. I hope to lose in 3 too!

I've had a couple of off days this week so I will be happy with anything at this point. Well, I shouldn't say days, off moments. I am feeling crappy today so I'm sure TOM will be here real soon. I hope not until after weigh in though. As of this morning I was down 1.2 so that's awesome.

I use WF caramel in my coffee too. Yummy!

I did phase 2 for 2 weeks and now I am doing phase 3 for two weeks.
I would have done phase 2 a couple more weeks, but I have a lot of events from December 15th through new year, and I know myself, so I wanted to be sure to phase off. My body fat is at 23% hope it doesn't go up with this phase... I would love for it to be 21%, but for now i'll be happy...I am starting to increase my workouts this week, hoping it helps tighten up and keep my from gaining during holidays.

yesterday I jogged for over 30 minutes. it's amazing how great it felt to jog with 40+ lbs off my body. I felt like I could jog forever, especially in this Florida evening weather. just wish it didn't get dark so darn early. the treadmill will be coming from my parents house to my house asap I guess.

maintenance on the 15th. (my 9 year dating anniversary with boyfriend)

You get a banana, cause YOU CAN HAVE IT and LOSE! HAHA.

I am also starting phase 3 tomorrow. My breakfast will be: 1/2 banana, sandwich made of - 2 pieces of Nature's Own whole wheat bread, 1 egg + 2 egg whites, scrambled, 2 pieces of Oscar Mayer bacon, 1 slice of 2% Kraft cheese. Coffee with splenda and half and half. This equals 42 carbs, 30 protein, 452 calories, 14.5 fat.

I can't decide out of the 6 meals I put together which I want tomorrow. I'm super excited that I have options though. Good luck to you in phase 3!

This sounds excellent. I'll bet you can't wait. Congratulations.