Thank You!!! That makes complete sense. I haven't been exercising besides walking and carrying around a 25 lb toddler here and there. I need to consider the gain due to glycogen stores and/or muscle mass increase.

Thanks MntRose. That's my sister behind me, on Cromer pier on a day that was so cold the icecream seemed warm in comparison. Nothing beats a north wind on the east coast of England for chill factor. It is, indeed, my new jacket - which fits rather too snugly at present.

To share my stories would involve lots and lots of tales of meals, which may not be so helpful while we're all trying to be good. LOL

Hello all-

So I am on going on day 4 of Phase 3. Crazy story, but I was SO fortunate to be on a private yacht for 2 days in the Bahamas (just got back today). I did take a cooler of veggies, greek yogurt, chopped salad, some protein (Boar's head turkey)and dressing. There is a chef on board and he cooked meals for us. I could not be rude so I put food on my plate with his protein and veggies (both not cooked the way it should, of course- lots of sauce I tried to avoid) and then ate my food somewhat on the sly.

Tomorrow -I don't know if I should step on the scale just to see the damage. What are your thoughts?

Also, if I am up a pound or 2, should I just continue on maintenance? I really want to stay on maintenance and then hope to get to the "Life" phase and lose then with some exercise and smart eating. What do you veterans out there think?

Amanda - welcome back! You're so supportive of everyone here - we got your back lady and are you on as you get back on track! I'll bet you'll be surprised how quick much of the weight goes hope we get to see a few more pictures

Holy cow I FOUND RHUBARB!!!! For the NoVa iPeeps, I had gone to Food Lion, Giant, and Shoppers. I finally got over to our Korean grocery (Global Foods) and they had a huge bin!!!
Came straight home and made Janeaves Rhubarb Compote- OMG, just by itself it's amazing...but then I made a plain vanilla protein pancake, wrapped a serving of the compote in it and poured a little WF syrup on - heaven on earth

Fun / creepy NSV today...got wolf whistled at while walking tonight lol

Hubby was also looking at me rather funny tonight (I wore a pair of new shorts and a ladies T)...He told me he "likes looking at me" that just made my day

Bootros -
I’m sure you’ll get lots of good input. Here’s my two cents:
Do what your body seems to need.
I think it’s important to Phase out on P3, that’s my intuition and also may people share that it’s been important to them.
I think if getting on the scale helps you and you’re not going to freak out mentally, it’s a good benchmark, but keep in mind any increase is water.
For me seeing the scale keeps me on track and keeps my mind calm.

I think the best thing is just stay as tight as you can on P3 until it’s over - jump right back in tomorrow morning.
And, that’s just truly my two cents, I don’t have any medical knowledge other than my own self education and my own mistakes and realizations…
you are the ultimate authority on what you need.

Thanks Amber- I hopped on that scale that scale this morning and didn't gain a pound! I am so excited! Thank you for your advice as always.

Bootros
You may get more answers in the maintainers thread

I was going to say just keep on with P3 and finish off, then keep it lower cal/carb for a bit in maintenance until you lose the gain, but it looks like you don't have to worry!! Awesome

I haven't been able to find rhubarb, but I've put in an order to my parents for when theirs is ready. Your "treat" sounds delicious! And Yay for your NSV!!!

Thanks for the tip! I've been looking all over for rhubarb, never thought to check Global Foods...

Bootros -- The two-days-on-a yacht-with-private-chef thing sure sounds awesome! So glad you were able to find a way to enjoy it and come back with no gain! I "third" what Amber and DD said above -- definitely finish out P3 for the whole two weeks. You are doing so great, and it's actually a very comforting phase ... right before the potential freefall of maintenance! In fact, I find myself eating P3-ish many days of the week, even now. It's just easy.

Morning folks...I'm back on IP after gaining all of my weight back.
Not thrilled but at least I know what I need to do.

I have one question...I remember reading about using eggs as a substitute for a packet but I don't remember how many...Can anyone remind me?

Glad to see this site is still so active. I'll be lurking.

Shark - fyi, this was fresh that I found (in Woodbridge) I didn't even think to go check the freezer section (just in case) - I will tonight and let you know. hope you find it!

I'm sorry to see you back on IP, but glad you're able to commit to your health and have the willpower to join us again! I gained back all of the weight I lost on IP 2 years ago as well, but this time around I find myself much more geared towards an overall healthy lifestyle rather than waiting out a punishment.

You can substitute a packet with either 2 eggs, or 1 egg and 3 egg whites. On the weekends, I like to have scrambled eggs with green peppers or over-easy eggs over chayote hash browns for lunch. Yummo!

Thanks Hysteria! I'm just glad this is the Woodbridge Global Foods. The Chantilly Global Foods is right around the corner from me, and I don't want the competition for rhubarb, lol!