I think you maybe be unique... What am I saying!!! I know you are unique and, special (in a good way) too!

I think because your trainer is pushing you so hard (not keeping you at a 60% or 75% heart rate) that your body is using the glycogen it is trying to store in the muscles. It is the only way that glycogen can be used and you are actively dipping into it. I think that for you, being on phase 3 with intense exercise is keeping your insulin from spiking too much, is supplying the carbs needed for the workout intensity and, it is checking the build up of glycogen. Your body can hold a fairly reasonable amount of glycogen. Until glycogen levels are "topped out" the body does not turn on the signal to store fat. So, you burn off your carbs, don't over do your glycogen, work out, and it says "wow, this chick feeds me and uses what she eats. I better let her have a little more of the fat reserve to keep us going." You have hopefully created a very synergistic relationship with your body!

Ideally, we all want to get to that point. A point where what we eat and what we store are just enough to meet our needs and not so much that we trigger the "store fat" signals. The only weight gain I expect to see at the end of this is the glycogen, glucagon, and water needed. If I am exercising a lot and at an appropriate intensity that should remain fairly low.


I KNOW! I was missing them last night! I haven't see several of our ladies. Torchlaker is always on my mind and was my inspiration too. Even Kelly has been busy this past week, I think. Angie is miss from our newest crowd. I know Sandy will be back next week. I desperately miss Jordanna. Also missing, Sarah and pookee. Has anyone seen a post from chimpchamp lately? I have been missing that. AND, There are SO many others. I know some have left because they were done or too busy or needed to but they are missed. I really wish natural girl were still here. I loved bounces all the natural remedy/naturopathic/health food stuff off her.

I am happy for you. Might I suggest this week do 2x and then next week do 3x at the same intensity. See which way you get results. If this week you lose a bit you can compare to next week to see if you lose more or less by adding the extra day. If that works you can try a 4x the next week or increase intensity at 3x a week to see if intensity matters. I suggest this because I was recently informed that a person might be able to lose very well doing, say zumba, 2x a week but at 3x a week they drop down to a 2 pound loss. I think if you are trying to see how to boost weight loss, try adding a little of something new, if it works, add a little, more then you will be able to tell when you hit a tolerance level.



Aww... That made me tear up. Thank you! I wasn't even hoping for a response. You are too sweet!

Thanks! I hope you know I wasn't judging your comment. Just trying to give a different perspective. I have done both and, there are mean people out there. I can't control what they do but, I can control how I see and respond to their actions/words.

I love that we come to care enough about each other here to be indignant, hurt, or angry on each others behalf.

NO! They are perfect, amazing, just the right amount of fashion forwardness. Go for it! I think that looks like an eel skin texture, is it??

I can't wait to here you had a great interview!

Yes! EEL Skin texture. Thanks! I'm glad you like them.

SO out of 700 people that applied, 35 are going to be interviewed (only 2 of us are inside the company - there were more that applied, but not all were given an interview). I know he interviewed all day today, and he will again tomorrow, but I don't go until late Thursday afternoon. I'm feeling good though. My odds are getting better with each day, right?

THAT IS GOOD!! I remember some training I had and it said that interviewers tend to respond most favorable to those interviewed at the beginning and at the end of large interview cycles. It has something to do with how our memories work and our ability to draw most on our long term, short term, and immediate short term memories. Being closer to the end and from the company could be a wonderful thing!



OK, need to run. I have to make dinner. NOT in the mood but I already have the fish ready so, time to bake. I am doing fish rolls stuffed with spinach, mushroom, shallots, bacon, and thin red and yellow peppers served with a lemon sauce with a side of smashed cauliflower and a grilled romaine salad. Yum? We'll see.

thanks carla!! i will do it once more on thursday and check to see the results tuesday morning-which i guess will be my new weigh in day. had a phase 2 day today and still only consumed a little less than 1000 calories. my workou-according to buddyslim.com-was only 130 calories burned for the 30 minutes i did. hey it's a start soon i will be burning 400-500 calories with some high intensity stuff!

how long should i do phase 2? should i go into phase 3 fairly soon and if so how long? i seem to remember novak saying you need phase 3 AT LEAST for 2 weeks, but i can't seem to find the post. i also seem to remember reading that phase 3 is much more important than phase 2, but again, can't dig it up!

thank you againg carla, you were one of my first inspirations on here and you continue to be such a positive and supporting friend

I think these are PERFECT! the right balance of assertive, intriguing, and professional. These are a great find and will serve you well for the interview, and AFTER YOU GET THE JOB!

good luck and get your new self in there!

This is my luck:

Some of the maintenance guys were working on the sprinklers at my apartment and hit the water line. They've had to shut off the water indefinitely to fix it.....which means I have no water to fix my last protein....or do anything else.

Arghhhhhh...............

I don't know how long phase two lasts. I think it can be as long as needed but I also think I hear most people doing 2 weeks or so. Novak, Wannabe or Ellie can tell you.

If you are now exercising, you need to add another protein packet or protein portion within 1/2 hour of exercising. This is what I have been advised in the past by my personal trainers and, just recently heard from another IP coach. It is essential when you exercise that you not starve the body of protein because, after a work out it is seeking nutrients to build your muscle and it needs protein.

I am so glad I inspire you! It goes both ways. I look at your pictures and think, "I want to be bold enough to put on a bikini and then post it! Better get down to that size 6!" You really do have great enthusiasm and your friendship has lifted my spirits many times.

HMM.. this sounds like a skit from a tv sitcom!

So, do you have a convenience store in the area? I would probably run out to get a bottled water and make a drink with it.

I always keep several small bottles of water chilling in the fridge and, have thought it silly, now, I am thinking I like that idea and will never give it up!

I hope things work out for you tonight.

thank you much signorita!

so I'll probably gain it up next time I am on vacation of some sort and can't work out. This might happen this weekend as going to parents for 3 days. Today after training he walks me gently to the treadmill and without me even knowing he has set a program for me and I am going up hill! I hadn't lost anymore today though, still at 127, I am happy with that. He said his plan to do the treadmill thing everytime now, he thinks I can get to 125 happily and not worry about having rice when the time comes.


Erin: 2 weeks of phase II and then 2 of 3 which I am not done with yet. And ditto to carla, have a protein pack within an hour after working out...seriously helps with wanting carbs after a work out and helps feed the muscles. I didn't go to 4 packs a day BUT saved my snack for right after it but then again I work out around 5:30ish so it works perfectly with the schedule of having the snack pack after and then prepping dinner.

I have 2 bottles in the car, one in the bedroom, one in the den...etc etc...basically water everywhere

thanks for the clarification ellie and carla. i think i'll stick to 2 packets for now and do phase 2 for about another week(can't really afford ip this week) so i will be supplementing with pure protein powder. then move on to these massive breakfasts everyone's been talking about.

ellie, thanks so much for motivating me get my butt up and start exercising, i felt WONDERFUL after my workout and after eating dinner didn't feel that slight after dinner tummy bulge. hubby says it's because my ab muscles were worked earlier and they're holding me in nicely

now..to deal with talking to boss/coach tomorrow about phasing off. she wanted me to get down to 160 for my final goal and thinks i look fine now, but honestly i don't care if i'm at 162 when i hit maintainance.

this is a life long journey and not just ending at phase 4.

maybe i'll even change my goal if i see some good results with adding the workouts...the size 4s are calling my name.

so strange, when i was a 10 i could never find my size anyhwere and could find all the others. now at 6, i can't find those but 8's and 10's are right there. grrr...

My life should be a TV sitcom. And no, no bottles laying around. My luck would also have it that today was supposed to be grocery store day but I got swamped at work and didn't make it. I'm glad tomorrow is a new day.

By chance, do you have power? Do you have any eggs or meat?

Instead of a protein pack, at least eat some protein. Two whole eggs or 3 whites and 1 yolk will sub for a packet. You can also do 3oz of canned tuna or 3oz of lean meat like chicken or lean ham.

Get in some protein.

Hey all !

Its been a while since I've checked in and posted. Congrats to all on your successes !!

I've been thrilled to have met my first goal of 40 pounds in only 9 weeks. When I started I didn't know what to expect but IP has far exceeded my expectations. By. Far.

Keep up the great work everyone ! Thanks everyone for sharing on the forum as well. I have been following very closely even though not posting often. You are all very inspiring. To those that are struggling - hang in there !

Cheers to all !

nsv this evening after shower..
pulled on an old ripped up pair of juicy couture pants i purchased when i was 19 or so. they are larges and falling off of me. i used to pull them on and they were SO tight but i wore them anyway because they are fleece/sweatpants material.

i think today i could squeeze into a small the same way i used to squeeze into the larges

oh and i changed my weight tracker back to my original goal of 160. the 155 i kept seeing was driving me nuts obviously...whoa nelly, one goal at a time. hopefully i'll lose the last 5 with exercise and continuing my good eating habits.

soon2be
i must agree with carla, get that protein in somehow.