Yes, absolutely, unless you only do a few days of Phase I. Although I have read that if you just do a week, then a few days of 2 and a week of three are OK. Three is key. Really sorry about the almost stall. But it's almost.

That's what I was telling myself. I've NEVER *knock on wood* gained or stalled completely so for that I should be thankful. Just call me Mertle the turtle.

ugh, i stayed the same this week. all that matters is we are OP and our body loses when it wants too. It was a different scale this week, that might have made a difference.

let's all try not to worry about the numbers!

I have to share this because I think it's just amazing! One of my friends just had his weigh in and he has been on the program just under a year and he reported on facebook that he is now down 272 pounds! I couldn't even imagine. He's still a big guy so he's gonna keep on truckin he says. So happy for him!

Lyns you have to stop stressing, it is frustrating take it from me, you are still losing, and not gaining like I was. phase 2 you will lose too, you can go back to phase 1 after your holidays and lose the rest, I plan on seeing how maintenance is for me as I still am not where I want to be but no use stressing over it. I am doing phase 3 properly and hoping to be one of the lucky ones that continue to lose weight in maintenance. I will get to my goal, but for now exercise and toning is what my body needs and less worrying has helped a whole lot.

Great news on your friend.

I'm trying! I honestly think I'd be better off if I didn't have to set these time limits. I am thankful for what I've accomplished thus far. Thanks for the , it's just what I need.

I bet the scale is the difference. That stinks. Maybe that means next week will be extra good!

How is phase 3 going? When is your first weigh in on 3? I know stress doesn't do a body any good but I'm a natural stresser. I am enjoying the small amount of toning I'm doing at the moment.

Hello experienced IP'ers, I have a question for you. This week started my thrid week on IP and I have returned to my 3x a week Curves workout. The only thing my coach said was to start out my workouts at just 60%, nothing about adding a protein pack which I have read alot of people on this site say to do. All of that to ask....would it be okay for me to add a 4oz grilled, skinless chicken breast to my normal salad of iceberg and mixed greens?

hmmm it is going, along with an upset stomach most of the time... just getting use to the carbs I guess... I have enjoyed my days with breakfast so far. My coach is getting married this weekend so I won't weigh in until my second week on phase 3 so not until the 21st... then the next day it is on to maintenance... should be interesting the goal we have all been striving for is soon here for me. Kind of nice to do this before the holidays but will not go overboard...

Oh, I remember you saying that. Sorry about the tummy trouble. Good luck!

Hey. I checked out your food diary on fatsecret. not sure if you are logging all your breakfast, but I would up the protein... Try eating a whole greek yogurt everyday, that will help.

Do you think that it might be the greek yogurt causing the tummy troubles? I am moderately lactose intolerant. I say that because if I have some cheese or half and half in a day, I don't have any issues, but if I have too much dairy in a day: yogurt, cheese and coffee with cream- LOOK OUT

Another thought, if you are feeling bloated and "big" it could be wheat or wheat gluten. I am highly intolerant to wheat and wheat gluten. Even in maintenance pasta and bread are out for me. I get bloated and lethargic when I eat wheat.

Just a couple of suggestions to look at as to what is not agreeing with you. I am assuming that the problems did not start until P3.

I know it is hard not to stress b/c I also get caught up in the scale. Good job continuing to stick with it

Also, don't worry about the time limits. I was all stressed too when I went on my vacation. I started in June and really thought that I would be done by the time my vacation rolled around in September. Well, it didn't happen, and I phased off for vacation and totally enjoyed myself. And within 5 weeks of being back on plan, I am phasing off for good. Stick with it and get down as low as you can, enjoy your time off, and go in with the mind set that you will get right back on and finish up the job.

It is what it is, ya know? And being almost done and going on a great trip is better than going and having never started. No matter what, whether you are "at goal" or not, you are a so much better you now and you will enjoy yourself so much more because you feel so much better and are much more confident. I say all of this from experience because I felt the same way you do.

Forgive me, but you are going on a trip right? I keep saying about vacation because that is what I think I remember, but now I am second guessing myself...

I have worked out the whole time I have been on IP. I do not know how intense your workout at Curves is, but I work out at a pretty high intensity. I either run or do Crossfit (which is a lot of weight and high intensity cardio). After every workout, I have an RTD chocolate shake. This is in addition to my (3) meals and (1) snack per day. This has not hindered my progress in the least.

If you are breaking a sweat at your workout, I would supplement with an additional packet. This is purely my opinion.