Hi all
Such wise comments posted here..thanks...Maile, Eve, Bubbleblower, Mars.


Someone recently posted an interesting book title recently they were hoping to read...(maybe you Eve?):

What a terrific book! It has some science that is very readable...and actually explains a lot about how this diet works...and simply why...with twists and insight I'd not gotten from any other source.

Highly recommend it...esp if you wonder why some folks who go through this have problems maintaining, even though they transitioned properly, and may be fairly conscientious about counting calories or watching portions. It is very convincing if you have not determined for sure a low carb lifestyle is what you plan or need to pursue.

Can't put it down and was even up in the middle of the night reading....It will be prudent for me to work with my Wellness Practitioner to design my maintenance diet... ( OK...NOW: plan on getting my surcharge for the IP packets back in spades with the consultations and questions I have... ) Being GF is definitely an advantage here...but there is other info about how salt, fat and protein is used once maintenance is ongoing. Also there is great advice on exercise and science that encourages it SOONER rather than later in the protocol, and why. This book builds on Dr. Tran's research...and as I said, really well written, but easier to understand and takes things to a higher level with out being a marketing tool. These guys are not selling anything. Debunks the one size fits all metabolic approach to weight loss and the government and professional organizations that continue to propogate that idea. A calorie is not a calorie....and a lot of the older research on weight and metabolic differences has been skewed and the data either totally disregarded...or manipulated to encourage a diet that is almost 50% carbohydrates! It's a mystery why.

Thanks for the book review 65. I will add it to my list. I just ordered Refuse to Regain and have been devouring her blog, I have read posts back for the last year and a half. I am also going to order the Beck Diet Solution workbook, I figured doing the six weeks of her program would be a great way to start the new year.

I only have two weeks of maintenance under my belt, so far so good, but I worry that the resolve will whittle away with time. I find I don't mind the P1 day after fun day especially as it really works. Seeing that water weight on the scale the day after fun day would be scary if I didn't understand that the P1 day will fix it. I feel like a science experiment right now as I log my intake and weight daily and am trying to also listen to my body's response to certain foods. It is more work that the diet!!

For all those struggling with the social situations, I came across this quote and I added to my list of good quotes in my maintenance journal, my apologies if it has been posted before and if so I think it is worth seeing again.

“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically, to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.”

― Stephen R. Covey

It is indeed humbling. Thanks for your kind support, as always. I have to admit to being a bit frustrated with myself ... but I do realize that the only possible thing to do is buckle down, work my muscle of resistance and stay focused. I've just spent a few minutes entering all my planned food/drink intake into the daily diet calendar at FatSecret.com, so that I know I'm on track today.

Maintenance is indeed as you say a 'wild ride'. At least that's been my experience. I admire everyone here who is able to stay consistent. I definitely have learned that I can't allow myself much deviation, must stay disciplined and vigilant.

Those *#^*% carbs!! And ice cream has proved to be a biggie for me too - of course that's carbs + fat + sugar. So it's a triple whammy. Like you, I'm focused in getting my mind back in the game after my most recent 'lapse'. So far so good. We can do it!

Hi 65x65. Thanks so much for the review of that book. Patns had originally recommended it, and I mentioned somewhere in a post here that I had ordered it. It hasn't arrived as yet - should be any day now. Now I'm looking forward even more to receiving it, after reading your review. I got the book 'The New Atkins for A New You' as an eBook download last week... primarily because it's co-authored by the same people, and details a low carb diet build on their same philosophy. It's left me uncertain whether to stick strictly IP-P1/P2 or incorporate slightly more fat... for the time being though, I'm sticking P1 until I get back to goal (unless I stall at some point between here and there, then I might experiment), as so far the IP protocol has served me well. But I'm definitely looking forward to reading both books.

Thx Eve...I will want to see that other book too. The revelation about how to figure out how carb sensitive we are is going to be helpful. I am not going to be adding all the carbs the typical IP plan suggests initially. Instead going to do it MUCH slower...maybe taking 2 months or longer to do it. Instead it appears it may be safer for really carb sensitive people to add the fats first. The way fat is used is pretty cut and dry metabolically...the variation in each of us appears to be the carb level we can tolerate. As I have said, being GF pprior to IP is going to be a big help personally. I already don't care about pizza, bread or cookies! LOL...no sense in adding something I already had eliminated BEFORE IP. However...the highest carb veggies, and rice are going to stay very small blips on my radar...probably forever.

Berries, (Vitamin C) nuts and some of the occasional veggies will make my meal options a lot wider...but absolutely no GF substitutes made with rice flour like pancakes, bread or cereal etc. Will try a few paleo inspired things with almond and cocoanut flour, for an occasional deviance. And look for ways to add fats which are metabolically friendly to a carb sensitive body. The suggestion that we do pretty much what was done in the weight loss phase but increase calories slowly, and up the totals of good fats a little seems to be sound advice. Something I believe I, at least, can live with. (Interestingly it appears "some" wine" will work out just fine.) The idea of a cheat or special occasion day however; needs to be much less often than Dr. Tran would like to sell people on. The idea this diet can "fix" carb sensitivity is perhaps just too optimistic for most who are in the predicament that I found myself in...is possibly going to be key in committing to a healthy future for me.

Hi! I'm in the process of doing the same to get a few pounds off. On my third day of P1 and wasn't sure if I needed a phase 2 day? Or could I just go back to 3?

65x65: Thanks for the book recommendation--it sounds like a must-read. Thanks to everyone for support & wisdom that have been esp. sustaining these past few days. After yesterday's kryptonite, er, pizza encounter, I'm enjoying that 'low-carb feeling' today.

Joco: this might help http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/4863019-post2.html

Way to go Bubbleblower! You are inspirational! I hope you are feeling well and getting some time in the ocean.

Mars: I feel better eating low carb. I am much more stable and have more energy. I am glad you are feeling better.

65x65: Thanks for that book. I am ordering it as well as the Atkins. I am like you..very cautious about high carb foods..even vegetables. It is interesting that you can add fats sooner. I have added fats to my eating without much problem.

crystalwolf: I love that quote and have copied it in my journal. It reminds me of my other favorite quote," In the depts of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer." Camus Your successful two weeks will support you in maintenance. It seems like a lot of work at first, but you get used to it.

Evepet: I was reflecting that not only do we have to resist food..and stay focused, but we also have to resist people! That is certain to develop the resistance muscle! LOL. P1 works and you will reach your goal. It is a good time to stay focused before the holidays.
Lisa: Hello and I hope you are doing well.

Joco: I think the IP coaches recommend a p2 before P3. However, I eat P1 and then go back to P3. You might ask your coach.

School is crazy. Wish me luck teaching on Halloween.

Good luck on Halloween, Maile! Sounds like you will be experiencing your students' sugar fumes : )

My hubby and I attended a cooking class last night...Paleo! We have a local cooking shop who's owner does marvelous classes/dinners for about 10 people and chooses a variety of interest methods and cuisines and does 4-6 of these every month. (He also bakes artisian breads daily...and my husband stops on Saturday after his workout to buy a warm slice ...since he won't EVER see or taste anything like that in our kitchen!)

In chatting with Chef Mark..(the two of them constantly discussing how dismal GF baking is...) it came up there was a Paleo class scheduled so my husband signed us up.

The dinner was pretty much IP friendly... and his suggestions and professional ability to create a great menu was inspirational. About 1/2 the people there were Paleo, and several were GF by medical necessity. It was a great evening, with like minded folks, and Chef Mark really nailed the GF/Paleo thing taste wise for the handful that came a long for the ride. This morning my husband was still raving about the dinner. Portions were not huge and the total meal was better than anything I've been able to order in a restaurant for about a year!

thank you Lisa!!

Thank you Maile!

Happy Halloween everyone! I feel so much better sticking with lower carbs & avoiding grains/breads altogether. It's still such a treat to add carrots to salad and soup, and have an apple. That said, I do notice I react to the seemingly constant barrage of tempting carb/fat foods in my path. I'm telling myself that I CAN have them but choose not to and that seems to maintain serenity.

I think 65x65 nailed it when she wrote: 'the idea that this diet can "fix" carb sensitivity is perhaps just too optimistic'. And then there's the sweetness-addiction component......I would have had a much harder time on P1 without sucralose, from which I'm now trying to wean. Interested in anyone's thoughts about it, ie sucralose. Thanks!

Having some nice new clothes helps, especially warm things, as I'm less tolerant of cold now. Hats off to all of you living in really cold climates!

Happy Halloween--today I will resist all of the candy

Day 4 of P1. Definitely in ketosis, can feel the symptoms. Dropping some weight already.

I am getting the Practical Paleo book from library to get more information. Just read an article Is Mediterranean Diet or Paleo better for you? Essentially they have similar elements and are healthy eating plans. Author said both have benefits! Any thoughts?????

Maile, I wrote that quote in my journal, now I shall summon my invincible summer to make it through the Hallowed Eve of Candy! Good luck to you and Lisa and all the other teachers in surviving today and tomorrow.

That sounds amazing! We have a local kitchen shop here and they have been great at ordering stuff in for me as I learn to cook new and different things. They have cooking classes I should request that they work on a Paleo type one. I am ashamed to say they ordered me a spiralizer type cutter thingie months ago to make zucchini noodles and the like, I brought it home but haven't figured out it works!

Amen, on everything you said about the constant barrage of temptation. I was so hoping that I would be "fixed" as far as carb sensitivity. I am still learning what sets me off as I add new foods back into my diet.

I switched from Splenda to Stevia a while back as far as what I add to my coffee and foods. Mostly due to the fact that Splenda is chemical where Stevia is not. However I do still use some Splenda sweetened products on occasion like the Heinz Reduced Calorie Ketchup and some Torani Syrups. Trying to get away from them though.