I need to join something, I am struggling! I ate 3500 calories today . I seem to be yo yo ing . I go every other day being good, I feel like I am constantly chasing a tail I will never catch

Thanks Beth for setting this up. I find it really helpful to see the numbers on a chart like this from week to week.

You are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

Kinda bummed, but I know that I shouldn't be ...it's cold here now, so my first weigh in in jeans and a pullover...gained .8-my first gain since I started- my measurements all stayed the same and I know that realistically- this would happen come fall- so next week, that will bring things back in to line-but it's just an odd sensation...did all the right stuff otherwise- so onward and upward- (actually downward!! ) I just hated putting it in to the chart....

Destony you know those numbers don't really reflect your weight loss so keep that in mind. You could always wear leggings and a cami under your clothes and strip down to those before weigh in! Desperate times call for desperate measures!

I am still heading downward but it has slowed down. I admit my water intake hasn't been where it should be so I will start chugging again! I've also gotten lax in weighing my veggies so I will get back to being diligent in that respect, too. It's the little things that make a difference with this Protocol!

Linda - you are amazing! Your FIRST WI since starting with a +? and you were wearing heavier clothes...yah, don't let that get you down! I agree with Frawnie too about the clothes. I'm a little surprised coaches don't ask clients to wear the same outfit or something very similar every time...

Moving towards the mid-80's there Frawnie

manda - I like seeing things analytically / as a whole. I actually keep a separate spreadsheet with my daily WI's and it's shown me my pattern, which is helpful for those +2 days I have from time to time

Even after coming off-protocol a bit yesterday with some extra pork (no bbq), and an extra restricted, looks like I am settling into the 140's

Countdown to P2 starts - 41 days!

Can't believe there are only 4 more weigh ins until Thanksgiving! Holy smokes- it'll be here before we know it....How's everyone doing??

Stressful week and a 4.8 WL! But the stress is leveling out a bit. Just hope the numbers stay going down like that, though!

Fantastic Frawnie

So, since I officially started P2 last Thursday,and with all the other 'stuff' going on, I've lost less than 1.0 for the last 2 weeks.

Good news - looks like my semi-regular and now not-so-regular TOM has decided to make an appearance. Also, the fat / +kcal experiment has obviously worked out ok as I am still losing, albeit slowly.

I was sort of planning my first P3 breakfast for Saturday, 11/14 ...I will keep watching the scale though and decide from there...a part of me still really wants to be in the low 140's (141 - 144) before introducing carbs...obviously as long as I am feeling ok.

Frawnie Great whoosh ! How'd you do that??!!

I'm down 1.4 this week, seems to be my new normal, just a lb or so each week. But hey, down is down, right and I'm always happy with any loss these days!

I had a really great loss this week. 5.6lbs!!! I haven't lost this much since the beginning. I know that high number won't continue, but I'll take it and whatever other losses come my way. No gains allowed!

Frawnie and Mama Great job!!! Congratulations!!

Late to the party, but I need the motivation! Just emailed to join! I'm on day 5, and was losing steadily in my daily weigh ins, but gained 2lbs today (with no cheats!) I did go dancing last night, and went for a long walk yesterday and today. And I did an hour of Tai chi. Which is a lot more movement than I normally do, so could that be the cause? Any experienced IPers with advice about mild exercise? I like how it makes me feel, but don't want to slow down my weight loss. I'm doing this without a coach or clinic with IP packs I got from my mom after she lost a bunch of weight. I live in the middle of nowhere, so finding a coach (and paying them) isn't really an option.

TRL - welcome! I've added you to the challenge and you should have an email.

It's good that your mom has been through the program, hopefully she can also offer advice and support since getting to a clinic for you is difficult.

Exercise - the general rule of thumb is not to do a whole lot the first 2 - 3 weeks and then when you do exercise, not to do anything that leaves you out of breath or is major exertion. If you do anything that causes exertion, you should add a packet to prevent muscle loss - remember, we are running on very low calories and have depleted glycogen stores, so while one day isn't going to hurt, multiple days of heavy exercise without compensation will start eating away at muscle (and the heart is a muscle!).
That said, I began walking at a fairly brisk pace back in April - about 12 weeks in and I believe it has helped me in the long run. Yes, it is very common to not see WL after exercise - your muscles are retaining water to repair themselves.