Luccilove, you have a can do attitude. Did you look at the list on the post from Ruthann about IP ingredients? That might help to figure out the issue. I am pretty sure that my hives have something to do with the coating. I had them flare up after a choc. Nut bar, choc soy puffs and the apple cinnamon puffs so far.

Slipfree--

It is weird because I usually do not have a can do attitude for myself-just others--does that make sense?

I think from the support here and info from the boards maybe it is changing how I think or "talk" or think about myself.

I did look at the list quickly about the IP ingredients. I eat all that stuff too. I can tell you especially after eating the choc soy puffs that and crispy cereal I feel there is a weird coating in my mouth like a film.

Do you take benedryl or an allergy pill for the hives? Does it calm down?

It is funny before I was on IP had random and unknown hives on my body--went to several drs and had tests done and no one knew what it is from. Since being on IP the hives are gone.

Luccilove,

Last week took Benadryl twice with little effect. Fri. night, I put cortisone cream(prescription for summer skin rashes) all over my jaw line and bam the hives were gone. I am very skin and medication allergic. I had to go on two rounds of prednisone this summer after an allergic reaction to medication for my broken foot.

I drink the strawberry banana RD (soy free) every weekday for breakfast,I have had no reactions from it. Have you tried it? I never eat the cereal because I did not like it that first week.

I am glad that this IP experience is empowering you, to believe in yourself. I agree that for the first time- I know that I am going to achieve my goal. There are a couple of women from work that are struggling to restart IP. Neither one finished the program and both have gained the lost weight back. They said that it was easy for them the first time, but they can't seem to stick with it now. I wonder why? Another reason to see this challenge through to the end.

When do you leave for your trip? Did you buy some new clothes for the cruise?

Slipfree-

we leave for the trip Dec 17th. We will back dec 28th.

I have not tried the RD Strawberry Banana--probably never will as I dont like that combo and dont like drinks for my meals.

Funny you ask...went yesterday to get cheap clothes from Kohls yesterday - had my 30% off coupon so it was all good!!!

44forever - you and your sister have a great support system. Keep each other in check and provide support and mentoring. I enjoyed your post and seeing your pre-planning for events.

Good morning everyone,

Sorry about not checking in on everyone in the past couple days. It's been really hectic with helping my hospice ladies getting ready to hunker down. One is very anxious about the snow, the weather in general, and pretty much everything else. Since the cold effects her negatively, I made sure she was all set with blankets and strategies to stay warm (her house is set to 76 degrees). Her son and daughter in law were going to be with her this weekend, so that was a relief to me!

Then I had to get everything set for MY family lol... This weekend has been a blessing in disguise.. Saturday was such a wonderful family day... I didn't even worry about food.. not once! (I think this might be a first).. We put up our tree, decorated it, hung up our stockings (I found mine from when I was a little girl.. yeah THAT made me cry), and then we watched family movies (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, and The Year Without A Santa Claus)..

Slip,

You're doing wonderfully, keep up the great work. The numbers may be small once in awhile, but look at the big picture, you've definitely been saying you feel better, and have more energy! You're on your way to getting healthy, and nothing can stop you.

Thanks Kawaii, the scale freeze finally broke this morning, 202.5! I think I figured out the problem, I ate a ton of chicken last week. Had beef tenderloin last night and whoosh my body let go of the pounds. Have to remember that. I think goals or challenges are a double sword for me, good because they keep me focused. Bad, because I am hyper focused on meeting a number by a certain date.
I am so glad that you had a wonderful day with your family! That is what snow days are meant to be! So nice to find the stocking, a little piece of your childhood.

Luccilove- yay for new clothes! I ordered some stuff from Kohl's too! Soon you will be having fun in the sun

So after a night of reflection, I decided that I needed to rejoice in the changes that have happened sine Oct. 2nd in my life. So..

Okay my friends, how about a little fun? Instead of the 12 Days of Christmas, how about the 12 Ways IP Has Changed Me? Can not wait to read yours!

1. I can cross my legs easily.
2. I dry my jeans now, hoping they will shrink.
3. I buy meat at the store and I worry about if I have enough vegetables.
4. My blood pressure is normal.
5. My family is very supportive of my IP goals and quest.
6. All of my coats, fit over sweaters.
7. I have lost 50 pounds (15 before IP).
8. I drink water. I use the Loo all the time
9. I cook almost every night
10. I do not go to Dunkin Donuts for coffee every day (they must miss me)
11. I am buying medium sweaters.
12. I have made wonderful, supportive friends on Oct. Newbies.

Love it! Especially 12.

Off to see Trees of Hope benefit for the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven.

Hope to see some of your 12 ways IP Has Changed Me when I return!

LUCILOVE, just a thought about going totally off IP packets. I started my weight loss journey on Oct 16th, I live 2 hrs from a clinic and can't afford the price. So I did my research and started "my" IP plan on my own. I have a protein shake for breakfast, (I buy "Muscle Milk" from Walmart) then I pretty much follow phase 2 of the plan. I will have 5-6oz protein and 2 cups veggies at lunch and supper. I have lost 30lbs doing this for 8 weeks without the packets so if you want to try it on your cruise I say go for it! Good luck in your decision. I hope this does not come across as mean, that is not my intent.

12 ways IP has changed me!!!


1) I now drink tons of water, instead of pop/soda.
2) I am now aware of my food. It is still amzing to me how much I was eating.
3) I can squat down and get back up and not have to worry about how I am going to get up gracefully.
4) I am more confident person now.
5) I have lost 30lbs, and still going strong.
6) My attitude about losing 85lbs has changed from "I could never do that" to "What will I look like when I am at goal!"
7) I am excited about losing weight and can't wait for WI days.
8) I am happy with me. Didn't realize how unhappy I was with myself before, not my life, just with me.
9) My clothes are all loose now, almost time to buy new ones.
10) Cooking with veggies and trying new ones.
11) I now worry about going out to eat, I went from "OMG I can't wait till dinner!" to "OMG I hope I can stick to plan."
12) I am soooo glad I joined the Oct newbies, thanks everyone for the support, cheers and info you have given me!!! You have talked me thru some rough days.

Many people don't find a slow down from Phase 2 (unless they are phasing off...weight loss slows toward goal anyway). P2 is still very low carb/calorie. I did it once for a long weekend when I wasn't sure what the choices for food/veggies would be & then I hopped right back on P1 when I got home.

P1 can also be done with alternative products. There are several threads about it.

Wow, congratulations on the WI! I bet you'll hit "onederland" next WI...awesome! I need to switch my proteins too. I'm getting a little bored of chicken and maybe having some other forms of protein will make scale move faster in the right direction.

The 12 Things IP has changed about me:
1.) I've gone from hating/fearing food to enjoying trying healthy and yummy recipes.
2.) I've gone from feeling guilty and ashamed of what I eat to feeling proud and happy with what I'm putting in my body.
3.) I've actually started to believe I can get to my goal weight and it doesn't seem so daunting.
4.) My grocery store anxiety is gone because I know I'm there to stock up on healthy foods instead of worrying that I'll buy a mix of healthy food/junk and eat mostly the junk.
5.) I can go to a social gathering without drinking alcohol or pigging out on food.
6.) If I make a mistake on IP, I go right back OP instead of using it as an excuse to quit my diet and go back to eating garbage.
7.). I feel more confident about how I look.
8.) I can fit in smaller clothes and look better in my clothing.
9.). I can walk faster without getting out of breath.
10.) My depression is under control and I'm feeling optimistic about my future.
11.) I can picture myself dating again. I've been out of the game for awhile due to a 6 year relationship ending this year and long recovery period.
12.) I have gained trust in myself that I'm capable of making healthy decisions and taking care of myself.