I have tried the coconut "1/2 and 1/2." At first I thought it was ok but the more I tried it the more I disliked it. It had sort of an oily mouth-feel and a taste that I didn't love (kind of the dirty taste you get when eat fresh raw coconut).

I know that this has been covered a lot in the forum, but does anyone else feel a general sense of dissatisfaction with eating and food? I sure didn't have any problems staying on phase 1 and now that I am in phase 4, it's not the Utopia that I had hoped for. I think that my attitude about food has changed so much that I don't care for food that much. I'm pleased with my appearance and general health but I feel like I've lost once source of reward/ pleasure.

I guess that this is kind of the point of the maintenance program though. My brain is definitely changed in regards to food.

Yeah ... good news and bad news all in the same few words: food is no longer a source of joy and excitement.

Yeah, it is really hard sometimes. Given enough time you may get something back. I am finding I don't enjoy cooking as much, rather, in the same way and intensity. I now look for things that are healthy, simple, more "real" oriented. I am becoming more excited as I gain more understanding of what I do like that fits that criteria but, in general, I was of the mindset "I don't care, it's just food." That was a whole new thing for me, someone that thought about and planned food all the time!

WOW! I was directed over here from the general forums. I am starting phase 3 next Tuesday and am excited! I have read so much on this forum I think my eyes are bleeding! I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who is worried sick about gaining this weight back. It is really calming to read others who thought the same thing and see that they have been successful. I guess I'm afraid I'm just gonna "explode" and eat everything in sight (like I did before this diet) and even worse CRAVE everything in sight. I will be on phase 3 for two weeks, then phase 4 for two weeks, then hubby and I are off to Jamaica. I can watch the food, but we do like to drink and have a good time while down there (10 days this year). I am thinking about taking some IP food with me. Any suggestions for "recovery" while I am down there? I don't want to obsess over it, want to have a good time. I also didn't know there was a phase 5??? My coach told me phase 4 is maintenance. What is phase 5?? Thanks!

Enjoy your vacation, use it as test lab for how you will live your life.

Imagine you've reached your goal weight. Now imagine that you've maintained it easily and successfully for a few years. Now imagine you're taking a vacation to Jamaica and you want to feel good and energetic during the vacation and when you return? Now, what would you eat and drink? That's one possible way to answer "how to have a good time." Create fun time with your husband and focus on things you do and experience together. Savor -- really really enjoy -- what you eat and let food and beverage be your fuel, not your source of entertainment. It's hard to figure that you can reach that mindset, but you will! Start now.

Phase 4 is maintaining your fat loss for the rest of your life, till death do you part if you want. Phase 5 is whatever comes after your life, if you believe in that.

Thanks for the good advice! I guess I am still somewhat stuck in the mindset of Go go go!! instead of stop and smell the roses.

I am working via email with my coach on my "big Breakfast" plans for the next phase. It is a bit difficult trying to juggle all the numbers, but I have always been a breakfast eater so I am looking forward to it!

I'm hoping if I make it to "Phase 5" the Good Lord will see to it that I won't have to worry about dieting!! I really thought I had missed something huge by not knowing there was a phase 5!!!

Thanks again!

What an awesome post! Planning to take a trip with my hubby when we reach our goal and this is something I'll be sure to remember--love it!

Have any of you experienced extreme fatigue after being a few weeks into phase 2 and PLEASE tell me it changes after getting more carbs in week 3. I am just wiped out right now and have been for a few weeks (since being on phase 2 for a few weeks). I am still losing weight and exercising just like in phase 1 and have had bloodwork done. Everything is great with the exception of having slightly elevated red blood cell count. My doctor wants me to "start eating carbs"-she acts like she doesn't care for this diet. I am NOT messing with it though! Does anyone have hopeful news for me? I guess I will find out for myself after Tuesday's WI and I can start phase 3. Thanks!

Great post! I've been thinking a lot about my upcoming vacation to Mexico. In the past we've been far to focused on the food and beverage activities that we'll partake in.
I'm going to get busy and google Puerto Vallarta to look for all the other things we could be doing. I don't think I'm ready for the zipline through the jungle, but I'm sure there will be other excursions to take advantage of!

Ok, those of you who are on are have been through phase 3-have you changed your exercise routine much or any? My coach said I can now do what I want, but I don't want to build too much muscle. I'm thinking of switching from treadmill to the elliptical for a change, but don't want my legs to "beef out". Dear Lord, I just got rid of them. I also don't want to tire myself out. I had been feeling pretty wiped out, but today with my first phase 3 breakfast in me I'm feeling even (I'll take that over wiped out!!). Any suggestions? Thanks!

So great to know you gals and guys on ph 3 and 4 are out there.I'm having my first fruit right now on my first ph 3 day. Got dizzy about 10 minutes after my first bite. Anyone else out there have a similar experience with their first real sugar? My coach said to start with one fruit with a meal and work it to 2 a day in about 3-4 days. I'd love your thoughts and experiences. Thanks gang.

Today was my first fruit too. I got really shaky about 1/2 hour of eating. It was similiar to how I used to feel when I ate a doughnut or something very sugary. I guess it's a small shock to our bodies after not having any carbs for so long! My coach didn't tell me to up my fruit....but I'm going to ask. That would be great!

Hey CBG! Congrats on your hard work bringing you to taking on Phase III. I'd strongly encourage you to do the program as it's intended. If you don't want the toast or cereals, try other carb-y things that you haven't had for a while. I made up a batch of a roasted root veggie (carrots, onions, parsnips) & tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes). Man oh man was that yummy heated up in the morning! I started with a small amount and worked my way up to what would be equivalent to the carb count of what's in the menus proposed in the Phase III handouts.

Thanks for the wonderful comments! IP has been a very successful journey and I am happy where things are at ...for now. Since the weight loss has slowed down to a crawl, I figure it's time to change it up and start handling real life foods again. I actually enjoyed phase II more than phase I.

I really appreciate your great ideas for other carby things. I do like sweet potatoes so that would work. We have farm fresh eggs from our chickens so that combination should work out really well. I imagine I will use some of the 7 or 12 grain bread as toast in the morning for quick and easy part of the big breakfasts too!