Wayward, you are correct about the chiropractor, that is the best way that I have found to manage mine, and they are where my IP clinic is

Coliep - sometimes I feel like you're feeling exactly what I am. Finished with my first week of IP and 4.8 down. I know that's not bad - but I already know from these threads that the first week is supposed to be the big one - and a lot of water weight. Did I reapply pay all that money to just lose 4.8 of water weight? And if this week is going to be slow and I am only 1,000 or less a day of calories and feeling saint like from turning down, free cake, free pizza, beer, nachos, hot dog, french friends, fried goat cheese, belinis, brownies, tuna salad on croissant - and also making things like nachos and peanut butter toast for my boyfriend .... UGHHH, it's just so frustrating because I do literally feel entitled to more weight loss. And I'm 5'3, so starting at 152 is larger for my size - not really bad - but definitely in the overweight category. I have 19 days that I originally bought so I'll do it - but I'm not even having diet coke - the worst thing I did was accidientally have a tiny bit of irish cream syrup that someone else put in my coffee and didn't tell me and then workout on Sunday.

So, fellow newbies, what are you all doing about eating out?

I had success this weekend by telling servers I have a dairy allergy (thus, make stuff with EVOO and not butter, etc) but I can see where this is going to get old really fast... ideas?

I mean, my hubby tried to make me feel better (misery loves company?) by ordering a salad... with candied pecans, oranges, blue cheese, craisins, and strawberries... I've not had terrible cravings, but I tell you, I could have gone over the table at him for that fruit...

Cherbe, My first week was the same as yours, and I was still thankfulfor the loss and the inches, I know my body, and I can tell I have loss more than just water weight, so I would not dismiss this. You also have to remember the philosophy behind this diet, it is also for a healthy way of living/lifestyle. There are people who eat like this for health issues. I have committed to stick this out, I think if it weren't such a boot camp diet we wouldn't be questioning oNLY 4.5 lbs loss!!! but you are correct, we feel like we are entitled to more weight loss, and I know, I gave up Diet Pepsi, everything cold turkey, I just know that I am not ready for any other program, I would cheat my way around it...... on this one, the expense MAKES me stay dedicated, I bet if it were a different diet, we would all be cheating more......

You are so right - my irrational fear this won't continue to work is so ... well, it's honestly not always the focus. I tried to give myself my own pep talk this morning - I'm working on giving up cravings, I'm working to give myself the kind of mentality that when I'm done I can mantain and I have good complex carbs in smaller portions, and splurges in smaller portions. I'm exercising self control. I think my concerns about the diet and cutting out a food group - even though I understand the rational, makes me hyper sensitive to wanting weight loss to justify a diet that is such a shock to your body. I also know that I'm incredibly fortunate and have a smaller weight loss than many other people are working through - but man is it emotional. How am I so laid back in every other area of my life, but with the weight loss I'm full on drama - I swear most of the time I laugh at myself. Perhaps the added pressure of fitting in to a bridesmaid dress doesnt help.

Probably does not help. Not sure this diet is a shock to your body, at least from what I have read, and what the informative meeting I attended said. The diet is however, a shock to me to give the yummy crap up Remember that no matter what, on a diet, we will give up things we want, not all are as expensive.

I do think the rigidity helps me be extra good. It's funny, I didn't think I was having that hard of time giving things up - but I am definitly keeping a running list in my head to justify the fact that I should lose weight - but the list of what I gave up this week compared to what i've eatend for years is very very tiny. Pity party over!

Like, Like Like, we need a LIKE button on here like FB!!!!

Yes! I totally agree! "No cheat" means NO cheat, whereas on my previous plan(s), it was a nibble here, a BLT there, a "test" of my son's chicken nugget (to see if it was too hot of course)... I like the black & white of this...

I have my first weigh in today after work and once I know the numbers I think I will be in a better mood about this lifestyle change, I just need the reassurance to know i am doing the right thing. My attitude and personality is way better this time around. I have become scared of going out, turing away invitations to go out or go to dinner. Is this a bad thing? I'm just scared I won't be in control of what I order, even if I say plain chicken, what if there is butter left on the skillet, or the veggies are steams but they add too much EVOO? Maybe I am being ridiculous, but right now it isn't enjoyable to go out, maybe once I am down a dress size and my pants at least fit, I will be more at ease. Anyone struggling with this? I don't want to stay home and hide on the couch, I am sure my boyfriend would like to go out and not suffer.

I am struggling a bit with this as well. We have only gone to a restaurant once where I ordered sashimi and perrier. I even had to refuse my seaweed salad because I ordered it w/o dressing and it clearly had some on it (even though they said it didn't). Then I have had to refuse food at barbecues and playdates. I bring my own. The people I go with are undersatnding, but I heard DH yesterday remining in the kitchen eating his ice cream because he didn't want to feel bad eating it sitting next to me on the couch. He wants me to be done with it, but is also supportive.

I say wait until you are strong to go out. Just get the veggies and bring a shake or something for dinner to go wtih it. That way you don't have to stress.

Keep in mind, this is all coming from the woman who cheats every couple of days :/

Hi, I had a problem 2 years ago. This time around I noticed I am drinking 100+ oz of water and I am trying to have lettuce at lunch and dinner, this has been helping a lot this time around. Also, my coach said to buy Super dieter's tea to help me stay regular if I sense a problem. (Fyi, going to the bathroom isnt' as wonderfully complete as it was pre-IP, but at least I am going.)
My morning coffee helps too.

cherbee82 -- Hang in there! We have similar stats, and believe me I have had those moments where I didn't think I was losing enough, and it can also be hard to realize that your first week wasn't as much as everyone else...but just remember, you don't have that much longer to go! in a few short months, you could be at your goal. I felt the same way "why aren't I losing as much as everyone else?" But I had to realize that I didn't have as much to lose either. I wanted to quit the other week from weighing myself everyday - cuz I wasn't losing every day .. but lo and behold, on my weigh in, 3.2 lbs down, which at this point is all fat, no water! So I keep my goal in my mind, and keep going
Hope that helps.

CONGRATULATIONS...that's awesome. I hope your losses continue to be successful.

Thanks Scofflaw - There are so many good things about it - I am proud of myself, I feel a difference, I see one in my face. I really think it's the pressure of a forced break after only 19 days - so I don't feel like I have unlimited time - but depending on how the 12 more days go - hopefully I'll get right back on this after my Colorado vacation and wedding (not my wedding - but boyfriend's sister's wedding).