Thanks Avalon for giving me a different perspective! I did better today, the goodie basket didn't tempt me today and I didn't touch anything at my son's class party this afternoon. One day at a time!

So, my goal isn't a 100 lbs weight loss but I like to lurk here because you guys are so inspiring. Avalon, you saying that a stall is maintenance is the best thing I have ever heard. I haven't had a stall yet but when I inevitably do, I will think about your words. Thank you!

Rayze, I am inspired by all this. Congrats on your success I will follow your advice, especially about reading the forum every day. I think that will help a lot.

Sweet release - love the name!

Ok 100lbr's we need to stay strong thru all the holiday temptations. Channel your energies and if you start to cave, look back at your accomplishment this year....that is what I will use as my anchor to get me thru. 1st reminder for me will be that I fit in the dining room chair now lol....

WI for me on Tuesday...not sure if I'll crack out of the 220's, but I am almost certain I will get my 60 lb mark.....(I peeked this am lol). Let's hope that clinic scale reads the same on Tuesday.

Hubby and I will have our first real "test" of staying on plan, because we're going to his brother's home for Christmas day and will have no control over the food that they serve. Obviously, it's necessary to eat SOMETHING there (because who would disrespect the effort a hostess puts into feeding a family?) but we will have to exercise some willpower on the things that are obviously way off plan.

Because we don't have anyone to look after our three cats (and they can't be boarded as they are indoor cats who don't get rabies shots) we are going to do the 1200 mile round trip in around 30 hours, so lots of planning of IP compliant road snacks (probably going to aim for protein shakes so we can have meat and veg with the family).

I agree with Sue We CAN do it, the choice is up to us whether we DO do it. Ultimately, the only person we hurt by cheating is ourselves, so focus, and plan ahead when you know challenging days are in front of you.

Amanda safe travels! You can do IP on the road, just getting the water in will be hard with bathroom breaks lol.... I don't usually eat them at home, but when I travel or I am out, protine bars work well. Easy to carry and don't need to be cold or get warmed up. You will do great. Even at parties you can find something to make it work. I think even if it's a bit off plan, just that concious effort on your part is a major change. I know for me it is....previously when faced with a challenge if what to eat I would dig right in and say I'll restart this diet tomorrow.....now I scout out the food, see what I can make fit the best without being too off plan and go from there.....just that is a huge accomplishment.

Thanks Sue! I'm planning on a couple of hard boiled eggs as they are more filling, along with some red bell peppers and either spinach or lettuce. Luckily we'll be travelling the first few hours in darkness and I don't hungry then, so it'll just be that "breakfast" meal. In the past we would have stopped for the McDonald's breakfast burritos, but now we know better!

I always worry about getting the water in, but there are lots of rest stops with garage restrooms available on our route, so we should be able to at least keep hydrated.

Planning on tossing the shaker, some fresh water and a couple of shake packets in as well - as you never know what may happen when you're on the road.

So I'm technically starting in January, Jan 3 is my scheduled appointment to meet with the counselor and get the ball rolling. Already did a consult and now it's just signing on and getting it all set in motion. We decided starting after the holidays would be best.

It's hard to admit this... I want/need to lose 158 lbs. I'm 5'7" and a size 20 - 24 depending on the cut of the clothes. I sustained severe spinal trauma in late October due to a car accident where someone rear-ended my truck going 65+ MPH while they were texting and driving. Everyone involved is "OK" as in... we can all walk and he fared the best out of all of us. Lovely how that works. Anyway... The pain has lead me to believe that I NEED to shed this weight in order to help feel better AND to be healthier and better suited to taking care of my 10 month old son.

It's going to be a long road and I know I'm going to need you ladies every step of the way.

Welcome MrsWellington! This is a great community. You will find such support here!

As of this week I have lost 70lbs and am officially overweight (no longer obese)!!

I am so excited!! I am still in disbelief how successful I've been on this plan. Today, I feel with 100% certainty that I WILL reach my goal! I may not get there as quickly as I'd like but it will happen. My next goal is to weigh less than my DH...hopefully by Valentines Day.

Amazing how being overweight made me neglect myself. I have ironed more clothes, shaved my legs, used moisturizer, painted my toenails...basically, have more pride and made more time for myself more than I have in years. Tomorrow I have an appnt to get waxed. Yikes! We'll see how that goes.

Hi everyone,

Would love to join the group! I am starting week 5 - having started the Monday of Thanksgiving week! But all is well and I am fully committed to 100% OP!

Look forward to chatting with you all.

Have a great evening

Welcome! It's a long road for sure, but it has really helped me to talk here with those who are on the journey as well as those who have been there, made it work, and now succeed in maintenance. Look forward to getting to know you!

I drove 9 hours straight in October from Wash DC to Hilton Head Island -- I made packet muffins the day before I left, packed 3 to a baggie (one serving), and found them to be an excellent portable IP food. I make them like Lisa does - prepare 4 packets worth (makes 12 muffins), and add cauliflower or zuke grated into 'rice' texture to the mixture. Great way to get both protein and some veggie in. Some WF pancake syrup for dipping makes them a real treat.

I assume you were totally 100% Phase 1 with no cheats, right? If so, my guess is the disapointing weigh in was due to a difference in water weight. Remember we are supposed to drink 80 oz of water a day. I recently weighed a 1.5 Liter (50 oz) bottle of Evian water and it weighed over 7 pounds. So imagine how much the scale can fluctuate depending on how hydrated your body is. My guess is you were more hydrated this week over last (when you climbed on the scale) and you actually lost fat but had that counterbalanced by more water in your system. Check your measurements, they may have fallen during this "bad week".

Just a guess!

You'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy IP can be. I feel like I started a couple of weeks ago and I'm now 60lbs down. If you can be strong and focused, the weight will come off in what feels like a very short time.

Of course, the first week may not be so pleasant, but once you are past that it gets much easier.

Are you going 100% IP or a mix of IP/Alternatives?

Wow, congratulations on 70lbs and being out of obesity. So nice to hear the success and to know that it's spurred you into treating your body to nice things (well, maybe not the waxing, hmm? LOL).



Good plan, but they can land a little heavily for me, especially without plentiful water, so I will be trying to keep it easy-digestion food and lighter snacks. Appreciate the tip though.