Holy cow Ro - congrats on the cholesterol #!! & the good news overall! That is terrific - so happy for you!!!!

Beth & Ro Such great news on the blood work! Congratulations!!! Very happy for you both!!! My annual physical is next month, I can't wait to see the results of my blood work.
I thought I would be up today, given the amount of salt that I had on my asparagus last night-nope back down to 134, I have been flirting with .2 since Friday- and like some of us lament, too bad we can't weigh in "nekkid" at the clinic
Looking forward to a good week- at work, this is the last really hectic week for my irrigation winterizations- then the crunch is on for fall cleanups- though not as time/weather sensitive as the irrigation- fortunately, the temperatures have been cooperative. So, fingers crossed, ....Wednesday night is my hula hoop class- can't wait- so much fun-and Thursday after work I am finally using the gift certificate that DBF gave me for Christmas for a massage. 90 minutes of pure bliss- I am so excited. Oh, and just looked down at the calendar and Sunday is my hair appointment- looks like a me, me, me week... Is that wrong?
Beth I still have to go through the sweaters, and there were/are things that I had a really really hard time with saying "go away" to as I was pulling things out. There are a few things that I hung on to, for what reason? Nothing but love...I did the same thing at Kohls- Juniors large- and when I did it the 1st time, I didn't realize at first that I as in the juniors section- I just wasn't paying attention-
I have a huge pile for Salvation Army or Goodwill, all the really good stuff like Lilly, Northface, Talbotts and stuff like that for ThredUp and then several piles that I am going to see if my sister would put on ebay for me in lots-Pants, skirts, blouses, dressy stuff, jeans, blazers- ranging from 16's, xxl's on down to 14-some large stuff -especially tops, I am finding that I can do medium and small for tops- so...
I hope that everyone has a great day-time to begin my day in ernest-Happy Monday!!

Ro & Beth, ooo, that's great news about your lab work!

Beth, my calorie setting for my BMR is 1385. Then with my running, I can supposedly have up to 2100, but I know from past experience that when I get up over 2000 calories a day, bad things happen. I am planning to stay under 1900 for now and see what happens. My runs burn about 450-500 calories, so on non-running days, I have to be much stricter with my food.

I didn't get to eat lunch yesterday until 2 pm, so it was a l-o-n-g time from breakfast (8 am) to the next meal. My P3 breakfast held me over pretty well until about 1, when all I could think about was getting home to eat. No real cravings yesterday except for chocolate, which seems to be a constant thing these days. But I wasn't craving bread-y carbs. I think I could do maintenance without going back to eating many starches at lunch or dinner, as long as I could eat a whole lot more veggies.

This morning I'm going to the gym to run, so I'll have my Combat bar before and a light protein shake afterward - maybe with a banana blended in! Last night I read about a running challenge that I'm considering doing. It's a streak where you run at least one mile a day, every day between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. I think I can do it, and it would be a good help to managing holiday calories.

Great news for both of you Ro and Beth - so glad to hear your test came back so good! One less thing to be worried about!
I see my Doc in December, and while I really have relatively few concerns, it will be interesting to see what my bloodwork results will show.

Ro - you are becoming the "recipe queen" of the boards!! I for one am so happy you're sharing the ones you've tried.
I made bread with Quest and oatmeal yesterday, had a fried egg with one slice for lunch, then toasted the other slice and sprinkled splenda and cinnamon on it to have with a cup of tea a bit later. A nice treat. I will have to get some of the WF "jams" to have with the other loaf!

Linda - I've been having the same reaction to some of the clothes I can't wear anymore. I have a pile of handknitted sweaters that have to go, but somehow I have been having a hard time boxing them up and sending them off to the thrift store. Why do we get so attached to things?! There is a local "buy and sell" website that is pretty active, a neighbour mentioned it to me, so I listed some of them, as well as a couple of winter jackets. I've sold one sweater I'll give the others a couple of weeks, and then off they go! I'm tired of seeing the piles on the bed.

So my first whole day of using MFP. Took a while to figure it out, but I got everything in, I think.
Interesting. 846cal/21 net carbs/120 protein.
I set it at 900cal, 50%protein/30%fat/20%carbs.
Hope I did it right

I was trying to use search to try to find someplace to refer to that showed P1 averages for cal, protein, carbs, but found so many different ones... any advice? what numbers should I be happy with, or not happy with.

My scale continues to make me happy, "Nekkid" wt this morning is still below 150, and my official WI tomorrow hopefully will have me down another lb or so (but it's of course about 2lb more than Nekkid wt so I don't think I'll officially be below 150. Soon though! )
This seems to be my pattern lately. It's been pretty steady, even though not dramatic. I would really love a woosh week!!

Today is a work at home day, (I have a small home based business). My time is really flexible, but lately I have been neglecting some things, and today, I need to buckle down and put some work into it. So of course, first thing this morning, DH said, look, it's such a nice morning, I'll take you out for a coffee. Sweet man! So here it is, 9 already and I'd better get myself motivated to tackle this pile on my desk!

Have a great week everyone!

Thanks! I am also doing alternatives and I avoid soy, but it sounds like you think it was worth it anyway. I am going to order my copy!

Thanks, Blue. Funny that I never considered myself a cook or anything like that but I am now really enjoying the learning I am doing by cooking and baking low carb rather than just consuming packets as is and eating the same things over and over. It has been an eye-opener for possibilities! My sister-in-law, who isn't dieting, has asked for details and pictures on everything and she is sharing with her friends that all say it looks good. She made a whole chicken in the slow cooker yesterday because of my sharing with her the Greek chicken in slow cooker as she didn't know you could cook a whole chicken in a slow cooker. They loved it so it is nice that even people that are not dieting are enjoying these ideas. This is very different than the first time I did IP - it seems so much more mainstream now, which is important to me because it gives me confidence that I have the knowledge to carry this over into maintenance.

In regards to the IP macros, here's the analysis:
Ideal Protein Macronutrients
Calorie Target 700-800
Protein 100g 400cal 54% 3 envelopes plus whole protein
Fat 10g 90cal 30% (total fat combined) 2 tsps olive oil
Fat 15g 135cal Fish Oil & Whole Protein Fat
Carbs 30g 120cal 16% Veggies, Lettuce, Ideal Foods
Totals 745cal 100%

The reason for the ranges is that the totals would vary based upon animal protein and packet choice.
Given the above, I do not follow the 3 packets and 8 oz protein with 2 tsp olive oil this time around. I meal plan around the macros. This is what is giving me the confidence for P3 and maintenance. As I mentioned, this is a very different approach than how I did IP a year ago when I just had the 3 packets with 8 oz animal protein that was always Extra Lean Ground turkey.

I lost 2.2 pounds last week so that puts me 13.4 pounds away from getting back to goal. I am watching my weekly average loss slowing dip down, but I am still ahead of the pace the first time. That is incredibly reassuring as well for maintenance given what I just wrote above. I am following macros vs packet counts and my pace is better than the first time.
I have lost 14.9 pounds more than after 13 weeks the first time (my starting weight was about the same each time). I am averaging 3.7 pounds lost per week vs the first time when I was averaging 2.8 at this stage.
I am exactly 2 pounds from the next decade so I should hit that next week. It would be nice to get under 10 pounds to goal next week but given recent trends, that seems like a bit of a stretch.

Linda - Glad your crazy-busy time is winding down - especially with the holidays approaching. That is some nice clothes - hope you are able to make a few $ for some new S's & M's

HIS - thanks for the numbers. You guys know I am in uncharted territories - according to all the BMR calculators I've done, including MFP, my maintenance calories range between 1,650 - 1,900 (depending on if I use "slightly active" or "sedentary" - not really sure which to choose honestly).
I haven't had a serious craving yet - I even wet my lips with DH's pumpkin beer Saturday night. So far even the cashew butter hasn't caused issues.
I do challenges through 'Map My Walk" - right now it's a "30 in 30". Never won anything, but its still cool having a little something to work towards.
I am definitely a goals-oriented person

I forgot to sign up for the Turkey Trot yesterday (DH is running the 10K, I am doing the 5K) and it was the cut off for T-shirts I sent a message to see if it was still possible to get one...never hurts to ask.

I am off from work the next 2 days - we have a concert tonight (we generally don't do work nights but...yah...anyway ) and I had time to burn. DD10 was very upset - she doesn't like disruptions to routine...and also thinks she should be "on vacation" too. My mom was a nurse and worked odd schedules - I never questioned when she was home / when she wasn't, but DD10 is so used to her hard-working mom leaving for work at the same time, every day...the only time I usually stay home outside of vacations away is when I'm sick.

My company doesn't accrue - use it or lose it. I also had to make concessions this year - there have occasionally been issues in the past when my direct boss and I have been off on the same days around the holidays so they want one of us there...and how can I say anything when she has 4 kids under 8 at home.

I LOVE that next year all of our time off is finally going to be PTO - no more tracking sick, vacation, float separately! I've been with my company 8 years and know I've never used all my leave.

But what a treat to be watching movies (St. Vincent w/ Bill Murray is GREAT!) / bad old 80's TV (Love Boat ), and going to run a few errands now that all the stores are open.

Thanks Ro, that info is very helpful. I am starting to wrap my head around all these macros. Actually it all makes more sense to me, I was told from the get-go to just follow the protocol, 3 packets, etc, and not to worry about the macros. Since I have been losing at an acceptable (to me) pace, I haven't paid too much attention. But as I'm getting closer to the end, it seems to me that this is all really important information to have for going forward.
I'm going to follow the program as I have been, for now, but I'll be looking at the numbers for the next few weeks to see where my fluctuations are. I like your idea of trying to plan meals that way, not sure I'm disciplined enough, but I like the idea.
Obviously it is working well for you this time around....great losses!!! That 10 lb to goal is SO Close!!

Beth - Glad you're enjoying your vacation days, sometimes it's nice just to have a few days without any definite plans. Must admit, though, I'm so glad not be working a "real job" as my friends say, no fun getting up in the morning to drive to work. Been there, done that. I'm just a lazy person at heart Like to follow my own schedule, and happy that things have worked out so I can

Jenny you will love this Guys bbq sauce....very low carb. Didn't even realize you can get it at Walmart, just found this. I order from Lowcarb canada.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Guy-s-Awar...18-oz/22083906

Thanks! I will have to check it out. It says it is currently out of stock at the Wal-marts near me.

Omg - can I just say I've found a new addiction thank goodness though so went to the Vitamin Shoppe since The local GNCs had poopy selections of Combat Crunch bars...anyway, they had Quest powder on sale and I got 2# of salted caramel- came home and made some pudding with lunch *DROOL* can't wait to bake a mug cake with this!!!!
And VS was sold out of most of the Combat bars too! Talked to both ladies running the stores - keyed them in about the Quest change - GNC rep didn't know, VS rep knew but said sales are even better

FYI - Combat bars are NOT P1 friendly - truthfully not P3 either but...yah

Most new formula quest bars are also NOT P1 friendly b2c of additional fat

You guys raving about these flavors is causing me to consider going to pull my salted caramel and banana cream tubs out of my garbage bin. What am I missing? I made my next batch of Chocolate cookies with Quest Chocolate Milkshake powder today - I just love how the chocolate comes out. For some reason, it is the only one of all the flavors that is like a pudding cookie. The middle is a little mushy/wet like a pudding. This is not due to undercooking or too wet of a batter as this has always happened even when I cooked them longer and flipped them mid-way through baking time. I can't explain why but it is the only one that does this, and it just adds to the taste.
I did think last night what the salted caramel would do to my zucchini apples if I used that as my crumble vs maple oatmeal. And, I got that recipe book (Janeva sp?) today and I saw she has some salted caramel recipes and I thought about using Quest's product for them. Hmmm...maybe I will pull them out...

Ro - Everyone seems to be different with the flavors. For example, everyone seems to love the peanut butter, but I can't tolerate it as a drink/shake/etc at all. I do like it when it's baked. I reeaaally like baking the banana cream, that's prob my fav. Again, I think most people don't enjoy the banana cream though lol.

Actually typing this now just made me realize; I don't think I like any of the Quest flavors as a drink/shake, they're just way too sweet for me. I still use Isopure powder for that. I really purchase the Quest packets to bake anyway though. Isopure doesn't bake well at all.

Isn't it yummy??? I had it as snack yesterday in shake form. I am going to try to bake something with it, maybe cookies- mmm dipped in WF chocolate dipping sauce? - I like the banana one now as a shake IF I add a dash of banana extract.

Olive Nation, until the 18th-free shipping use the code FREESHIP25 I may have to order something from them. I remember seeing a lot of posts about their bacon flavored oil. Anyone else have experience with their products?

Well, we made it through Monday everyone. Though I thought I was going to throw my iPad through the window---trying to post the recipe (actually pictures of the recipe) for Jenny on the Alternative thread of the Cappuccino Crisps that I substituted the banana Quest powder in. I suppose that if that is the worst thing I encounter this week, I'll be grateful.

What are everyone's plans for Thanksgiving? I know my Canadian friends here have already had their celebration and it sounds as though they all did great! We are going to my sisters house, as we always do. My son and his wife and her boy will be going to her folks during the morning but then for dinner having my former husband and his mom for dinner. So, I always make the green bean casserole and creamed onions-(the onions are my fave) this year, none of that...but I think that should be no problem. I plan to make some "mashed potatoes" (cauliflower) and figure out some way to make gravy- maybe the IP potato packet with some chicken broth? I'll bring my WF cranberry jelly and eat white meat turkey. I'll also bring a Quest Apple Pie bar(which I have been holding on to, yay- its the old recipe) and some celery to nosh on while they have their chips and dips and such. Hopefully I can stay true to this plan...my weigh in will be the Saturday after.

This morning, same as yesterday...for those that may remember- I swore no daily weighing for me!! Once I got this new scale....I'm a monster-lol. Oh, how I love seeing (I hope that I will always say this) those numbers

Okay, time to start this gals day- I hope that you all have a fantastic Tuesday!!

I may have to get a packet of that salted caramel just so I can say I tried it. But that's never been one of my favorite flavor combos. And I still have tubs of pb / vanilla /strawberry Quest to use up! I also have a tub of Six Star Fit, which isn't that great, but I added a 1/2 banana to it yesterday in a shake, which made it better. I'm planning to use the vanilla Quest in my homemade yogurt.

I'm really struggling with hunger in the latter half of the day, on P3. Breakfast is great, keeps me full for 4 hours. I'm eating a pretty big lunch, with my 8 oz. protein + veggies + lettuce, and then I usually have hot tea mid-afternoon. By dinner time I'm ravenous, and even right after my protein + veggies, I'm thinking about my snack. So I have that around 7 pm, and then by 8 I'm hungry AGAIN. Really hungry, not just craving. Like I feel like I could eat another full meal, and I go to bed with my belly rumbling. I start thinking about going to bed around 9 pm, just to get away from food.

I had a bout of bad insomnia a couple of nights ago, and was reading that that can be caused by low-fat diets! (The latest issue of Runner's World magazine had an article about very-low-carb/ high fat diets for runners - so timely! The conclusion was that there's still no consensus on whether LC / HF or HC/LF is the way to go.) So last night, before bed, I had a spoonful of peanut butter before bed, for some extra fat and calories. I slept great. Don't know if the pb helped but I'm desperate.

I had planned to do my sprint running today, but may have to push it off until tomorrow. I've got a haircut scheduled for this morning, and I work this evening, and between the two, I have to make a trip to the sewing machine store an hour away. I'm making cloth napkins for the wedding, and my machine decided to quit working on Sunday. Perfect timing. So off for service it goes.