I'm having an easier time so far too! I think because I know how to work the system better this time around. :P

I remember my first lunch last year when I tried IP. It was a broccoli soup packet that I added 2c steamed broccoli to. I hated it, but I forced it down anyways and was puking by that evening.

This time I know what I need to do to sustain the diet. I know how to incorporate the packets into healthy meals I would have liked to eat while not OP. I know how to save time and work it into my daily life.

Most of all, I'm not forcing anything down this time around. I'm going to stay OP and do everything right, but rather than working hard for this diet, I'm going to put hard work into making this diet work for me.

Hello I too am restarting IP on Monday 6-16-14
I loat a lot of weight with hCg in 2011and 2012 did ok for 2013 maintaining but has gotten out of control here in 2013 and 35# found me again...I tried IP a couple times earlier this year and the end of 2013 but I can not get to the not hungry place... I am going to give this one more try as I have tons of IP foods and alternative food ... OK if I join u all here???

Hi All,

Welcome back.. I too was here about the same time as you I believe and am just going back on alternatives.. the closest clinic is an hour and 20 minutes away so no choice really.. I am restarting tomorrow I just went shopping and stocked up on things.. good luck to us all.. These boards are wonderful for support and knowledge.

Hi Clarington45 ... Cool Maybe we can support each other... We are pretty close to weight now and goal... I changed my clicker as I Weight 205 but unless the change shows on this post it looks like maybe MyFitnessPal still needs adjusted......
On another not how do all of you get to The NOY hungry place.... That is what plagued me the other time tried this diet
I was so hungry I could of killed for Food?????

Like a piece of red vine candy on the ground of the parking lot looked so yummy I had to convince my self cars had drove over it and I could not pick it up and eat it...... oh I know Red Vine candy is not allowed I am just trying to let u all know that was the feeling I had the last time and then I said to heck with dieting and gained 15# back

Ok-- eating candy off the ground that cars have driven over is definitely NOT on plan! That image made me laugh tho'!!

There is a lot of talk this time around, not just on what to eat, but on people figuring out their triggers and a lot of emotional support so this seems a great time for you two to join us all on this re-journey. Lisa keeps us updated with daily quotes from the Beck Diet Solution and that seems like a book worth getting if you need some inspiration at home too.
WELCOME to both of you. A lot of new and re-new people are on the Newbie thread, this one, the Daily..... there are so many great places to come check out!

Hi Everyone
My first time on this site, 3rd time on IP. Lost 63 lbs in 2011-2012, regained 28. Lost 32 in 2013, regained 27. Have now lost 15, on my way to 150 - 145 if I can do it, to leave some room to manoevre. It's discouraging to be at this again, but I am determined to get to a weight where my body feels happy & strong & capable. Maintenance is the key & not very well addressed, I think. Apparently, one cannot become 'mindless' at Maintenance - fancy that!!

I am no longer a spring chicken but I feel like losing the weight I have has given me a new lease on life. Self-care cannot be over-emphasized. Congratulations to all of us for taking the journey!

I look forward to hearing from others. I am considering switching to alternative products, mainly because of the cost - anyone have experience with this?

There is a thread for those using alternative products too, you might have to look at the first post of the daily thread or at least go back in the thread by date/time list until you find the last post done on that thread. Some of the products are costly to us because of shipping and USD exchange rates but some things are available at home too.
Welcome back - you are close to maintenance so you might want to lurk on those IP maintenance threads to help you get an idea of how to plan it as a lifestyle and not as a 'diet.' Cheers!

Liana

Hi WestWillow. I could not have done this diet without this forum. My coach is nice but it is the support here 24/7 that is the most helpful. I often teach my coach about stuff that I have learned here. So I think you joining up now, with us, will really help you out. You know the game and know it works and now you have some cheerleaders (or butt kickers -- whichever you need )
I bought some online things at the "LowCarb Grocery Store" and the "Simply Bars" online as well, if those are helpful in your quest for alternatives. I also buy bars at Costco (Pure Protein) that are available in Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart, and Isofemme bars at Shoppers. Costco also has Premier Protein chocolate shakes. Those are some of my alternative "go tos" to supplement the IP space packs.
Welcome! There is a Canada thread that may have other shopping ideas for you but it's not as active as some of these other threads-- still has great info on it tho!

Hi WestWillow!

I'm on alternative products. I signed up for the Lindora emails, and I order whenever they tell me they're having a big sale. A lot of people here also turn to Nashua Nutrition.

I agree with Canadjineh, check out the posts on this forum for people dieting with alternative products. Specifically, look for the nutritional breakdown. I don't know it off the top of my head, but there are posts out there that tell you exactly how many calories, carbs, grams protein and fat cal % required for an appropriate alternative.

Wow! Thanks for all the response - what great support! I really appreciate the suggestions about other threads - having a bit of trouble navigating so far, but I am assuming that gets easier with practice - like everything else!

Good suggestions about specific alternatives. I have been using the Premium Protein Bars from Costco (1/2 bar=1 IP bar) and will look for the Pure Protein. Have discovered Vega Protein Smoothie packs at Thrifty's & also our local health food store. Simply Bars are also at our local Costco. Glad to hear I am at least on the right track.

This time around, I am feeling more rebellious about being locked into food alternatives generally, so eventually I want to return to mainly whole foods, with some yummy bars & shakes added in.

And thanks for permission to 'lurk'. Also loved the 'space pack' comment - so appropriate. Feels good to be part of a larger community. My coach & the folks at my clinic are also very nice & very helpful, but this forum seems to have a great deal to recommend it!!

Hello Everyone! I have started back up again as well. I did IP 3 years ago, I went from 223lbs to 164lbs, but due to my choices I let myself get back up to 198lbs.

I noticed my clothes were getting tighter again and figured ah what's a couple lbs, but kept gaining and gaining.

This time around I am mentally working on the maintenance phase as I don't have a problem losing, I have the problem of keeping it off.

I started back up on April 30th and have a trip booked for Sept to my home country the Netherlands so as of right now I am focusing on what I can lose until then and will phase off properly for my trip and go back on when I'm back. (Last time I did not phase off properly, I did for P2 and P3 but did not stick to Phase 4 at all!)

i'm with u YvetteSki...... I have only one pair of jeans that fit and a couple of work polo's and a few tops......... I got to get back to a lower weight my goal is 160 so I have that 5# fluctuation so my goal is that 165 from now on once I get to 160 will be my RED flag weight
I also agree that the maintenance is the tough part I got tired of dieting earlier this year and said ugh and now here I am up 30# from my low on hCG diet.........

i am also doing alternative products or I also purchase Ideal Protein products off of Ebay.... they cost about the same as from the Clinic but for some of the products I like the IP products best..
Most every thing else I purchase from Nashua Nutrition ..
I also use the allowed Quest Bars
Yum

This is my second time around with IP too. I started last Oct and made it through the holidays but just quit over life's drama. I'm doing much better this time around. I have to say that it scared the heck out of me to see so many people restarting. If maintenance is harder than P1 I'm afraid I will blow it. I guess I should read up on maintenance.

That's a legitimate fear we all have Jemma. BUT I think it's positive that there are all these restarters. I for one know this works and what I need to do differently to be successful afterwards. This diet is a system. If you're not willing to do all 4 phases, and make changes afterwards, you're right -- the weight will come back. That's why we keep stressing to everyone about the mental game. This diet will get the weight off but you need to maintain to keep it off. However, I'm sure that is the same with any diet right?? We can and will do this!

Edit: P.S. This is not an easy diet. Would people "re-do" this if they feared failing again? The fact we came back is a sign it's worth it!