I have only tracked breakfast to make sure it was a Phase 3, Then I eat Phase 2 lunches and dinners and add a carb sometimes. I do not track dinner and lunch.

I eat Phase 2 luch..with added fats.ie olive oil or avocado.

I just noticed the 'air popped popcorn' - I didn't see that in my hand-out! Maybe mine is an older version... I've been dreaming of having popcorn again...

Am going to try the chickpea 'cornnuts' and cauliflower popcorn first though...

I have never seen that list of snacks..Also if you roast endame in olive oil..They are a good snack.

Calories in vs calories out does work for me, and it gives me peace of mind by making me feel better physically and mentally.

I really use to enjoy eating air popped popcorn too...is it really permitted on maintenance? Do you have amounts or anything? It's not on the sheet I have. TY!

Maintenance is mainly about separating fats and carbs, so as long as this is part of the fat-poor part of the day, I see that it's ok. I'm not that into popcorn, but I can definitely see the appeal after not having eaten it in so long.

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted. Just wanted to quickly give my progress update. Had my 14th weigh in yesterday and lost 1.25 lbs. I am getting smaller and smaller Size 2 Ann Taylor pants are getting loose!

Nothing is not allowed, as I understand it. It's a question of how much and how often. So if you can live with a cup of popcorn and be happy, then do it. Otherwise, wait until your splurge day. The packets of microwave popcorn that I looked at, and even the plain kernels that you'd pop yourself, had alot of carbs for what you get. Can't remember the amounts, and I haven't had the courage to try it yet!

My problem is still that I don't see an IP guideline for maximum # of carbs/fat/calories per day. I see people setting limits, but I don't know how they are coming up with them, unless it is the government pyramid for a given weight, getting so many calories per day, etc.

Wow... size 2???? I can't even imagine myself in that... Congratulations!

I agree I looked at the unpopped corn as can't stand the microwave synthetic taste popcorn and holey cow lots of carbs. and to think I used to eat a bowl of popcorn with carmel sauce on top... oh well those days are over.

Have a great day every one.

Thanks Pxlkitty4 and Sewmam.

Well, today was to be my first meeting with my coach since going into P4 and I forgot to schedule it!!! Oops! The scale (despite my chocolate slip ups) has remained steady so I must be doing something right...

New England..I am glad your scale is holding firm and you are maintaining!

Desperate to Lose..Wow. Size 2 is amazing.

Sewmam: I have never seen a maximum Ip carbs or calories number. A girl who has maintained for 7 years told me that she eats 20-60 carbs a day. She eats around 60 then drops to 20 if her weight starts to creep up.

2ride: My caramel sauce days are over also..At least I have Walden Farms!

I am so glad it is Friday. I stayed away from a takeout teriyaki chicken, because I could not justify all of that sugar.
My husband's bd is coming up on Tuesday..I will just watch him eat my most favorite pastries!

Thanks, Maile. I guess it's a matter of continuing to track your food and watch how your weight does over time, adjusting the carbs or fats or whatever as needed. Makes sense...

SNOW, Really ENOUGH already... snowing on the way to work today and the roads were crappy...

okay enough complaining... it sure is funny what this wonderful diet has done for all of us. we see foods differently... I find I don't enjoy eating out as much as I don't know how things are cooked or what is in it. I haven't had chinese food for over a year just because of this fact. I can honestly say I don't miss it but I do miss the carb/fat combo of Nachos. I have made the cauliflower pizza and flatbreads then baked them a little harder for chips and salsa but I just miss the gooey cheese and crisp chips. I have tried that synthetic cheese that isn't made with dairy or soy, not sure what it is made with but when it melts it kind of reminds me of melted plastic.... not real appetizing. would i change my weight loss for Nachos no of course not but just once and a while my inner child pipes up why can't I have that and then has a major hissy fit until I drown it with my water or coffee. I love salads but after a while I do like a bit of a change. They are fast and easy when I am looking for something for lunch as i rarely have leftovers unless I make soup.

Have a great Friday, hope the sun is shining in your part of the world... I know it will again here but the forecast is snow, rain and more rain until monday when we head back to work when the sun will come out and play.

Happy Friday! Just a quick note to say hello. I've been in phase 4 for only two weeks now...it was confusing at first but I'm getting adjusted and so far I've maintained at my goal weight!

Some of you had questions that I found answers for on my P4 handouts. When planning meals I was given a meal planner:
Breakfast is calculated just like phase 3 breakfasts:
Lunch is like phase 2/3 with the addition of 1-2 servings* of fat (10-20g); and
Dinner is like phase 2/3 with the addition of 1-2 servings* of carbs (1 serving is 15g) our coach also said when choosing carbs, stick to low to medium glycemic carbs.
* this is just a suggestion. You have to play around to see how many servings you can have without gaining weight.

I was told I can have nonfat yogurt during my dinner (carb meal) because it is considered a protein/fat (since there's no fat, its just a protein). Not counting the fat in meat/fish/poultry, I was also told we can add up to 5g of fat to the carb meal...to account for oil for cooking or whatever.

Airpopped popcorn is fine as a snack, to a maximum of 3 cups! I haven't had any yet only because my husband is still in phase 1 and that would push him over the edge!

For lunch, the fat portion has been cheese, almonds or bacon. The cheese is such a little amount it is almost not worth adding to my salad so I may just save it for cheat days.

For dinner, I've tried beans, sweet potato, sweet potato falafels, 4-grain waffles and corn tortillas; using different recipes to make them fat free or at least within the fat limits for the carb meal (5g or less).

Hope that helps because your posts definitely help me!