Saw this on a FB meme and it rings so true for so many instances....
"One day you will wake up and realize there isn't any more time left to do the things you want to do. So, do it NOW!" author unknown

I am rolling around to the one year mark of starting on this weight loss journey. So many things have changed in my life as the weight dropped off. I regained a sense of self worth. My attitude towards life in general improved. I got my sexy back! I can cross my legs! I figured out that I was not happy in my marriage and that was a huge factor in gaining all that weight so after 30 years I asked for a divorce. Since then I have become more the person that I used to be: just with a ton more self confidence. I AM HAPPY! So, on the days when you think that you can not eat one more bite of salad or drink one more ounce of water, KNOW that it all is so worth it. YOU are worth it!

Congratulation Franniemae to your new attitude and new life. Life is too short. Enjoy your new ride thru life.

So glad to see your post. I started a reboot in Jan. and was wondering how you were doing. What a change in your photo. You look great! Congratulations.

"If you fail to plan, plan to fail"

Preparation is absolutely key if IP is going to work!

Don't fall into the habit of
'oh, I'll just go to the store on my way home...'
or
'if I get hungry, I'll peel and cut that cucumber'

Trust and believe, there will be times (countless) where these are the last thing(s) in the world you want to be doing (hunger, sadness, stress, etc...)

Having meals and veggies prepped helps negate the temptation (and habit) of grabbing those convenience foods.

AND always have a bar or quick-fix packet with you (purse, car, etc...). You never know when you may need it

Look at you, frawniemae!!!! What a charming picture of you and your granddaughter!! You look fabulous, and I bet you are feeling terrific! And your quote is SO apropos to the place where you are in your life right now.

I hope your internet access is improved so you will return to these boards - your wit and attitude make 3FC IP an enjoyable place to be! I miss you!!!!

Frawniemae Congrats on your one year mark! On the plus side of your divorce...you can add your exs weight as a weight loss...many pounds loss in one shot! Just a liitle humour...your happiness is what matters!

So this is a reboot for me...my last reboot was not successful but I started it in the midst of 24hr care giving, poor sleep and tons of stress. Currently my husband (who is really my ex) has been hosp and now in a rehab facility so I'm seizing this opportunity to get my mojo back.
I Like this thread because attitude IS everything. 1st time on IP i lost 72lb in 4.5 months...I was determined, and as the pounds came off quickly I gained momentum. I kept dropping my goal weight because I felt terrific. Went from an 18 to a size 4. Then the roof caved in.....but don't want to dwell on the negative stuff..that is in the past and I am ready to reclaim my body, and my spirit.

Days 3 and 4 were tough, but today things started to turn around and I began feeling energized again....so for those of you just starting out and getting those cravings, or headaches and fatigued ...Stand Firm, drink water, tea, chew celery if you need the crunch but stick with it cause the feeling does pass and soon you're going to feel energized and feel good about yourself.

Cscape. Welcome back! I agree with you...ATTITUDE...is sooooo...important!

We can DO this!

Thanks! I am!!
Thanks so much! Good luck with your reboot!

How sweet of you to say that! And I hope my connections get better, too! I miss these boards!
Thanks for the funny thoughts! I am truly happier than I have been in years.

I'm beyond stoked. Today is the first time I've been able to look in the mirror and be excited about the changes my body is making. This is giving me even more "will power" to continue with my lifestyle change. I'm finding its getting easier and the cravings for the "junk" just aren't there like they used to be.
Stick with it guys!! We CAN do this!

THIS is what I wish more starters could grasp - that once you get through the first couple of weeks, the fat practically melts away, and it's very motivating to stay on course!

Did anyone lose less than 4 pounds the first week?

I was just a hair over 4. I think everyone loses differently and the one thing I really noticed is that you really can't compare to anyone else you see here. We are all different at different weights, fat mass, muscle mass..no two of us are the same. Take a loss as a good thing. Each and every pound is a victory! Some weeks will be better than others, but stick with it. It will be SO worth it in the end! You CAN do this!!

Thanks - I'll see what happens next week. I had 80 pounds to even get in the health range for my height and 90 for my frame - I just expected if I followed the plan to the T I would have had a big first week loss too. I don't get it - but I haven't gone off plan in spite of my disappointment - even though I planned on it by having an extra unrestricted packet - turns out I don't need it.

I know it's easier said than done..but each of those 80 pounds you have didn't get there overnight either. My second week loss was bigger than my first, and I'm on track for my 3rd to be slightly bigger yet. I think it took some time for my body to "reset" itself to a fat burning machine..I think it was a bit stubborn. Hang in there. I know sometimes it can be discouraging thinking it should be more than you're getting..this diet works. Some more quickly than others..but in the end..if you stay on track, you WILL get there! Celebrate each and every pound lost Sending you positive vibes!!