Beth and HIS - It's so interesting to read how you're both finding ways to deal with maintenance. The running schedules make it more complicated for you, of course, but lots of differences in how you're both managing the food. Beth, you're probably right that we'll each have to find our own way, find what works and doesn't work. Sounds like it may take time and some experimenting. jenny - I was glad to see your post about what you found worked for you in maintenance - how long did it take you to figure it out, do you remember?
I know I'm not going to ever be a runner, so I'm hoping my P4 experience will be less complicated , but I'm not counting on it. In any case it's good to hear about the things you're trying, I'm sure it's going to be so helpful to a lot of us when we get there.

BTW, Beth - I never appreciated before now the advantages of running in the dark

Sue - good luck with your WI tomorrow

Today was my weekly trip over to Michigan (business related, usually takes most of the morning). I always like to do a bit of shopping while I'm over there, so I stopped in at Home Goods and found a few things I wanted, also a couple of Davinci coffee syrups I didn't have . There was a thrift store down the street, so I decided to stop in, Hoping I might find some summery things (since all my large sized summer clothes are gone ) and we're going to FL probably late Feb for a few weeks and I have nothing to wear I found some black capris and a cute summery blouse. not much summer things to choose from. So since it's definitely winter here, I thought I'd look at warm sweaters and jackets, got a couple of really nice sweaters, and a really cute blue suede jacket - size Small, I looked at it and thought, too bad, no way will this fit but i tried it on - fit perfectly! Love when that happens!!
I bit the bullet last week and went through a lot of the too big clothes that have been piling up in the spare room, bagged them up and dropped them at at the thrift store. Nice to have them gone. I will be happy when my size stabilizes so I can just have a closet full of clothes that fit
This coming week, the group I volunteer with is having their annual 3-day book sale, I'm going over tomorrow to help get the last of the books sorted (there are approx 40K that we've collected and sorted all year). Getting it all set up next week, and than helping out during the sale, so a busy week.

Hope you all have a nice weekend

Blue - glad you could find a few things. I am thinking I might end up at a thrift shop in FL. I may check a few out near here next week.

WI today. Nice to update stats after a 3 week holding pattern. I lost 11.4 for a total of 32.6 # and 18.25 in in 8 weeks; for an average of about 4# per week So happy.

Tried to talk to my coach about the cruise and I think I threw her for a loop. I asked about doing P2 and her initial response was we don't move phases until you reach goal. I guess she usually has people just add some carbs before and does not phase them off if they are going on vacation. I am thinking about reaching out to the physician.

Sue

HIS - yah...don't 'envy' the banana or nut butters yet so far, so good with a small amount of banana pre-run (digestive)...I am still watching the cravings later in the day. Today was great - wasn't starving or exhausted this afternoon, but I didn't run either...
Nut butters are an issue though - I don't binge too badly with the cashew butter, but a couple weeks ago had to toss some fresh honey roasted peanut butter after an evening head-first dive where those idgaf feelings surfaced - no bueno and I still won't touch the Skippy's Natural - I CAN'T toss that, it's DH's go-to snack / primary fat source...and I don't want to open that pandora's box. The pbFit is fine for me
I'm also not craving a lot of bread product, generally speaking - but wasn't a big bread eater pre-IP. I've had bread less than 10 times since the start of P3 - and twice was low carb flat bread.
I AM thinking I might need to switch out some of the fat calories for carb though...this week was TOUGH! I was exhausted every day / evening this week and finally carb-binged last night. Carbs scare the cr@p out of me...it's so easy to over-do it but I need to figure out something to stay the course with my training and make it through the next 3 weeks at work.

Blue - you're right and maybe to some extent I am overthinking / over complicating something that should be intuitive...idk - most of the reading I've done though shows a LOT of runners have this problem though (intake vs output). I figure I will get there, eventually, and I am willing to experiment...I LOVE the way running makes me feel but need to head off the tiredness and excessive hunger. Just got to figure out what fuel I need that's going to work.

smda - HOLY COW! almost -12 today?! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fwiw - I went P2 for the vacations we had over the summer while I was P1 and didn't have any issues. Actually had a -6 drop when we got back from our Memorial Day vacation (I was 100% alt-product / no clinic)

TOO LONG!

Seriously though, it took me a very long time of experimenting, gaining, trial and error to figure out the right formula. It wasn't until recently when I decided to cut all grains out (even Gluten Free ones) that I realized that they were the missing link in the equation.

And the ironic thing of it is, I had finally figured this out right before I decided to reboot But realistically, I am glad I did, because at least now I know what I am going to do for maintenance this time around, because the first time was a disaster.

Sue-
do a post search of one that I did called "Vacation Report". It is an old thread, but I give a detailed description of how I phased off before a big vacation, how I handled vacation and how I got right back on track after.

The short version is that I did a week at P2 and a week at P3 before I left and then "ate for joy" on my vacation. This method of phasing off was recommended to me by my coach.

Good morning everyone!
Week 1 is in the books. Had a really good weigh in this morning, 3.4# bringing me down to 145.8 and 19.6# total. It was a really tough week, so I am really happy and excited that it paid off on the scale. I am just shy of that major 20# milestone And the best part of all is that I am more than half way there. I have lost more pounds than I have left to lose.

It sounds like everyone is getting back into the swing of things and getting their routines back on track. It feels good (at least to me) to be "back to normal".

I know this is probably backwards, but for you runners out there, I have found that I run best when I take in only protein "pre-run" and then have carbs intra (if running for more than 1 hour) and after. I know everything you read says you should take in carbs before, but I have found that it is just too heavy. I guess I should preface it to say that I am morning exerciser. But I have found just a little bit of protein gets something in my system so I am not exercising on an empty stomach, and then have my carbs during and after. Just a random thought as sometimes it is helpful to hear what works for others.

blue, I agree with Beth. Balancing weight management with energy needs is just a common theme for runners. I think if you're doing moderate exercise in maintenance (and you should be!), meal planning isn't quite as complicated. And I guess it just takes some time to find a rhythm of foods that work.

A size small jacket? Yeah, you're gonna be able to wear size 6 when it's all said and done. (And I can't imagine looking for summer clothes in Canada in January. LOL.)

Sue, wowsa, 4 lb/week average? You're killin' it! I also ate P1 on a summer vacation, but I was staying with friends/family so it was easy to manage my food. In any case, a chat with the physician could be helpful for you.

Beth, I do think it's possible your carb percentage is too low, especially for running. You have it set for 25%? Or was it 30%? Maybe bump it up 5% and see how you feel.

I seem to always go over on fat and am just a bit low on protein. I'd be a great Atkins dieter. haha.

Hi Everyone!

Wow this forum is booming now! It has been difficult to keep up with all of the posts. Being on vacation for a few weeks really ruined my 3FC routine. I was popping in on my phone to stalk a little bit - definitely enjoying all of the new insights so thank you everyone for sharing.

Destony - CONGRATS ON GOAL!!

From what i've been able to see, everyone is doing pretty well I commend all of you who were able to stay OP during the holidays. I was planning to...but then that didn't happen. And wow when I say 'didn't happen', I mean holy crap I was so BAD. Almost two weeks of eating slightly to WAY off plan. There were some days I definitely achieved binge status. Won't go into the details as I would be a terrible influence! Weighed this past Sunday at 153 from 145.8! Had a 'last hoorah' and started back on plan Monday. Weighed in this morning and down to 145.6?!?! WHAT?

I definitely don't deserve that, but i'll take it! I expected at least half of it to be water retention, definitely didn't think I would be minus from where I started. I also really lucked out getting back into ketosis almost unscathed. Only took 2 days and one headache. This is just really surprising to me. My body has always been a pillar of bad metabolism and I always pay 3 fold for bad food choices. How did I manage this shenanigan? I barely exercised the whole time to boot! I did start taking a new thyroid med from my endo just before? She thought I would do better with a 'pure' version so my body has less converting to do. Does it agree that well with me?? I wasn't planning on staying on it bc it's more expensive, but if this is the result I should definitely try to stay on it.

I don't plan on making one of those episodes a regular thing, but it is kind of a relief to think reintroducing carbs back might not go as badly as I imagine.

Have a good weekend everyone! Definitely going to be less non-existent now that the first week back to work is over!

YAY!! That weight is just melting off

Thanks for that jenny - I've been struggling with what to do when we go to Florida. I was hoping to be at goal be the end of Jan, but I don't see that happening. I'll be at my sister's for a week, so that wouldn't be bad, but the rest of the time it would be a PITA to be on P1. I would rather not have to take a bunch of packets with me. Much as I don't really want to phase off this close to goal, it sounds like it might be a good plan. And I know I'll enjoy the vacation much more if I don't have to worry so much about food choices. I'll talk to my coach, see what she thinks.

Oh yeah, there's nothing in the stores here, just boots and hats and gloves and heavy coats ...that's why I was hoping I might find something in a thrift. Might check out another one this week, Oh well, looks like I might just have to shop on vacation

Kalaya welcome back, glad you enjoyed the vacation! And WTG with the weight, maybe it is the new meds, but even if not, who cares why it's down, just enjoy it!!

HIS - Did you run today? I know your 10k is next Saturday so this is your taper week, right? It's just going to take more experimenting I guess...definitely upped carbs this morning with some steel cut oats (and a GU while we were running) and didn't have the afternoon super-crash I had all week at work - but we were also out running errands. I didn't even need 'lunch' - had an apple and split a Combat bar with DH. Will / can glycogen depletion make you that sluggish...?

Jenny - Congrats on being over half way!
I am also a morning running. I've done 1/2 a protein bar pre longer runs too. I know I can't do a protein shake...a big part of the reason I run first thing in the morning is because of a VERY weak bladder. Also, I am so new to this so I really don't know how different foods effect my runs (ie - my times / distances since I don't have a history and I am improving every week). I do know the GU's have helped on the 2 +60 minute runs I've done.

Kalaya - wow! Congrats on 'dodging the bullet' so-to-speak I felt like I gained 5 pounds just looking at cookies over the holidays, but had a couple indulgence days none-the-less. Getting your thyroid situated though could have also had a huge impact

Blue - oooo Florida You should be able to find some cute spring / summer clothes down there without too much problem. In regards to phasing off, I would say: you know yourself best. Anything is possible but we were in a condo in Myrtle for 10 days, not on the road continuously (guessing you guys are traveling some after leaving your sisters).

Today was 80 minutes / almost 8 miles / 10:24 avg. My legs feel like they were run over by a mack-truck I earned my supper tonight

Beth, I did my long run (just 5.5 mi) on Friday due to weather reports, and I was so glad I did. Yesterday it was COLD and blustery. The wind chill made it feel like 24 degrees. So I did 40 minutes on the elliptical at the gym, at a much faster pace than I've ever been able to do before. The Friday long run was so good; I think I'm figuring out how to manage carbs to help me.

Yes, you've probably read about the "bonk" you can experience once your glycogen stores are depleted while running. Like your body feels weighted down. I think you could be experiencing that.

Today is a rest day for me, then my exercise tapers this week for the 10K on Saturday. I'm trusting my training plan and feel like I'm going into it well prepared. I'm just nervous about weather! I don't mind running in cold temperatures, but wind and/or rain make it super unpleasant for me. I don't know anything about the course, but I'm hopeful it's mostly flat, since it's along a river in downtown Dallas. I pick up my race swag on Wednesday, which is always fun.

Oh, I asked about an impedance meter at the gym yesterday. The only place around that has one is the bariatric doctor's office. The gym (which is part of the hospital where I work) looked into getting a medical grade one but they're $12,000, according to the fitness guy I talked to. They have calipers but weren't sure where they were (!), so they were going to locate them and call me so I can get my BF% measured.

This gym is HUGE. They have special programs for rehab & therapy patients, plus training programs for rodeo athletes (some of the biggest names in rodeo live in my county), plus just general fitness classes and programs. This year, they're getting a whole new building with 3 pools - Olympic size indoor, outdoor, and a hot therapy pool - an elevated running track (YAY!), a sport court, and much more. I'm really excited about it. I told the fitness guy, though, that if the hospital can afford to build them a whole new facility, it seems like they should be able to throw in an impedance scale. lol.

Hi everyone- Just checking in. Last week was a big bucket of suck as far as an emotional roller coaster....hmmm me- the girl who tsk tsked her diet buddy who weighed every day through phase 1- I knew for me I had to stay away from the scale or I would over thing EVERYTHING and screw something up- so when I got the scale and started weighing it was ok cause I was that far along. Well, P2 1st week threw me for a loop- some of you know about it so I won't go into deets but needless to say after all was said and done and I explained it to my coach, she suggested I stay off the scale this week. I got on the scale and I was up .2- really? I can live with that after what she explained and some of you here too tried but I couldn't wrap my head around it- all I saw was that flipping scale climb- in my head I was ready to grab the clothes back from the sell/donate pile because I was going to need them. So I've cooled my jets, put a note on the scale to stay the heck off it and reading/studying/obsessing over the paperwork she gave me for P3, which starts next Saturday. I think I will actually start it on Sunday. I weigh in in the morning, we have a playoff game party to go to (GO PATS!!!!) Saturday afternoon, so I think I need to stick with what I know for that day.
Okay, I've looked through the threads and stuff and OIAJ - I want that to be my first breakfast (god why did I have suddenly think like I was planning on losing my virginity?) <-I hope that I didn't offend anyone- but inside this 51 y/o there is the sense of humor of a sophomore boy sometimes....anyhow...I digress. I started writing down what I thought I should be putting in it-based on the threads and I have over complicated it to kingdom come....I know that it will all work itself out-but man it's confusing. Okay- enough about me-
Jenny- sounds like you are right on track- keep up the awesome work!!!! Thanks for sharing about running-I'm getting in to it, if the weather ever straightens out. Right now it's just some sit ups, crunches, squats and elliptical.
Sue- HOLY SMOKES!!!!!! You go lady! That's amazing!!!!
Kayala- Thank you and PHEW!!! Big sigh of relief for you! Glad you are back on track!
Beth-WOW-10:24? I dare to dream- that's awesome. I'll say you earned it!! Oh, and I wanted to tell you- I love your profile picture- talk about an inspiration for people starting or struggling.....man that picture says it all!!
HIS- Tell ya what- if I win Power Ball, just let me know which scale it is you want me to buy you-**** I'll buy one for everyone!!!! It sounds like quite the gym- I hope they find the calipers for you. BEST BEST BEST of luck with the Hotcake Hustle!!! I love the name.
Ok- I should probably put way my P3 stuff and attend to getting some more of the stuff listed on eBay- January is free apparently- I have no idea what it's going to run me once we get in to February-so as they say I better make hay while the sun shines....Oh went shopping yesterday for a bit and holy smokes- a 0 top (at Chico's) I could probably get away with a 1/2 if they had it....lol- what a feeling....and I finally have started trying things on BEFORE I leave the store.....LindaJean STOP picking up the extra large things ....*chuckle*

Linda, I love your posts. You're so honest and open.

P3 is confusing at first. IMO, it's perfectly okay to stay in P2 for more than 2 weeks if you need time to figure out P3.

I heard no one won the Powerball money. Drat, no impedance scale for me. LOL.

The Hotcake Hustle - they're serving pancakes to all runners afterward. Dare I say that's one of the reasons I signed up? haha. That, and the shirt is kind of cool. There's another 10K coming up in 2 weeks that I'm considering. They give everyone a sublimated t-shirt, a buff (head/mouth scarf), a beanie, and a medal (snowflake design). It's the "Too Cold to Hold" run. In the summer, there's a sun-shaped medal for the "Too Hot to Trot" that clips together with the Cold medal. I have to say, these race organizers are geniuses at marketing runs with swag.

HereIStan I love to hear about all your races. I have decided that I will go back to running...I always loved the long runs...boy could I clear my mind during those days.

I am on week 3 of my reboot...I have been walking at a fast past for the past week...and I am feeling great! I want to wait another week to start jogging again but it will mostly have to be on the treadmill...which I don't really enjoy.
Weather here gets a little cold -20C to -30C sometimes in the morning...I live in an area where there is not much room on the side of the road so add snow to that and not that much fun. On the plus side...I will take my snowshoes out...now that is a great workout! Boy does your butt and thighs get a workout.

Have you used the treadmill much? Did you run during your P! process also? How did you compensate?

Thanks

Yes! There are some days when I can't think about anything except the run, but on the easier days, there's almost that zen-like mental state.

I started P1 in early June 2015, and after 3 weeks, I started walking. Every week I just walked a bit more, until I got up to about 3-4 miles/day, 6 days/week. In early September, I started Couch to 5K - still in P1. Because C25K starts out with more walking than running, I didn't feel it was risky. And I was prepared to scale back or stop if the scale stopped moving downward. I drank 1/2 shake before my walk, then had my regular protein breakfast afterward. As I progressed through C25K, I would have a full additional packet if I felt I needed it, but sometimes just the 1/2 packet would do. I finished C25K about the same time I finished P1/P2, and ran my first 5K after a week on P3.

I run outdoors if at all possible. I rarely use the treadmill - only in cases of extremely bad weather (cold+wet, or thunderstorms). However, I think treadmill running can be beneficial for pacing and it's easy on the skeleton, and it's better than not running at all. Snowshoeing sounds like an incredible workout, like cross country skiing, I imagine.