Thanks!! As we speak, I am feeling better. One good thing about feeling sick stomach is you don't feel hungry (silver lining?) haha. I just keep thinking hold on till your weight in, it'll all be worth it!!!

Teags-- I don't really know enough yet about the restricted stuff, but my coach was saying she wanted to be pretty strict with me for the first week or two to see results pretty quickly. I think her theory is that if I pull a few good WIs at first, I will be excited and more likely to stay OP. I do really hope to get some restricted foods in the near future, I miss having something that tastes like dessert at night. I'm not sure what from these is restricted, but the raspberry mousse and the various wafers sound AMAZING. I also bought this tea that is compliant but tastes really good.

Teags - I learned from this board that different coaches tell you different things. Yes, you are allowed 1 restricted item each day as part of the protocol. However, you do not have to have 1 restricted, you can do all 3 unrestricted. When I started, my coach encouraged me to stay away from the restricted wall as long as possible, because the restricted items *can* slow down your weight loss.

That being said - there are plenty of people on this site who have had 1 restricted every day since they started and lost just fine, this was just the advice given to me.

Everyone's bodies are different, so you have to figure out what works for you.

I started adding restricted items in after a couple of months - I typically have only 1-2 total in a week.

PS for Courtney - the raspberry mousse is not a restricted item.

Hi everyone! I have my consultation tomorrow after work and planning to start first thing on Monday. I've been on and off IP for a couple years now. It's always worked wonders for me, but I think because I (thankfully?) have only had 15-20 lbs to lose I don't stick to it long enough to actually learn how to properly eat afterwards. My coach has switched to Pro-Energy, so I'm going to try that this time around. It sounds very similar to IP, but still relatively new so there is no support group that I've found, so hoping you all don't mind if I stick around here.
I plan to read this November starters thread from page 1 so I can get to know you all a little bit and hopefully we can keep each other motivated, especially with the holidays soon approaching!
Anyways, just wanted to say hi and starting next week you'll probably hear from me quite frequently!

I had the killer headache as well the first two days..i am on week 2..

Congrats on the weightloss! i know that is def motivation to continue on...good with week 2!

My first weigh in is tomorrow!!

I'm feeling pretty confident, even turned down my sister bacon grilled cheese sandwich yesterday for lunch. Now i just have to get through pizza day tomorrow at work. I find it much easier (when its not pizza day! lol) to stay on protocol at work than at home. so much temptation at home instead of at work when i can just stay at my desk lol.

I go to Ideal Weight Loss Clinic in the NW of Calgary

Last day of Week 1 for me and feeling good. However, I don't think feel like much weight has budged at all. Maybe a little in the belly. Not having a drink (or two) every night (while tall, skinny hubby still does) has felt like the biggest change. I love cooking dinner and it just seems more fun when I'm having a glass of wine while doing it! But staying away from that actually also keeps away my late night munchies. So … you'd think this combo and being on IP would be helping, but not so sure yet.

I stopped by Harris Teeter on the way back from my core class at the gym and was excited to find a couple of the Walden Farms products I keep reading about! Got some Bleu Cheese dressing and BBQ Sauce (the spicy one, not the original). Could not find the syrup, though maybe it's just best for me to stay away from anything resembling pancakes…. Any other favorites you all are finding?

Mimi, you can make pancakes out of the drink and pudding packets. Just add a half tsp of baking powder to the vanilla drink, add water slowly until it's slightly thicker than normal pancake mix and put it into a preheated pan (over medium). Keep an eye on it as it cooks much quicker than normal pancakes, but the texture is the same.

IP sells its own maple flavouring syrup (which is actually very good!) or you can go with the other very low-to no carb and sugar free syrups.

The puddings make better waffles, the drink mixes pancakes. Don't shy away from them, they're pretty good.

You can also make a thin type of crust using the soup mixes. There's a neat flatbread recipe that makes a good base. Bake some red bell pepper and green onion then liquidise for a tomato-ish base, top with some soy shreds, chicken and your remaining veggie allowance for an OP version of pizza.

If you plan and don't mind experimenting with baking, you can replicate just about any meal you love using IP products (or alternatives if you're using them).

Briael --thank you so much! I have started a collection of all the awesome recipes you all have posted all over this forum, and I can't wait to try many of them!

So, before I go to my first WI tomorrow, I need to figure out which new foods to pick up while there. It sounds like the puddings are popular in many recipes. Will also get more oatmeal, broccoli soup and drinks. And peanut butter bars and maybe one new snack -- maybe chips or soy puffs. Does anyone have any other must-haves for Week 2?

Lindsay, this is my big problem too. I've found that when I'm stressed, I lean on alcohol to help calm me down. I'm hoping that now that things are less stressful in my life, I can stick to it. I'm so tired of feeling fat!

vzubie - You said it. I'm tired of feeling fat too. It's just so darn inconvenient.

Well today was day 1 for me. It went pretty well. Managed to get in 96oz of water today! It went better than I thought but I was incredibly busy today, so that definitely helped. Tomorrow may be a different story as I have nothing to do from 3pm till bedtime lol but I am determined this time.

Congratulations to everyone on their Scale and Non-scale victories today! We just have to remember it is not only one day at a time but we (me especially) have to take it hour by hour!

You'll be glad to have nothing scheduled. Day 2 can be tough. Stick it out! You'll be happy you did!

I want to thank everyone for their encouragement and support. It is day 2 for me and I am craving something sweet and salty. Instead of giving into my craving I came to the forum for inspiration and to share in the joy of on and off scale victories. You guys have been such a blessing. Thanks to you my 2nd day has been a success!