I confess: I did this, the scale said the same as last week, which wasn't a great loss, so I ate some carbs. I am so angry with myself now that I did it, I know I am a s-l-o-w loser, as I was my first go round with IP. But it truly is depressing sometimes and this below zero weather doesn't help. I admit, I am struggling today for sure! I read people losing more in a week than I do in a month. Hope Wuv doesn't read this, she will be right on me ( out of love) lol Happy everyone is doing well, I am back at it tomorrow.

schenectady, I don't think it's at all petty to notice the mix of feelings. Brenda mentioned her pity party over letting go of clothes she loved. I thought it would be pure joy to throw out the old and bring in the new, but there was definitely some sadness. We're complicated creatures!

Bellamack, wish I could send you some droughty sunshine. Keep going--you'll get there. If you ate carbs after your weigh in, you have a whole week to compensate. IP says don't be angry with yourself for a slip, just put it behind you & learn from it if you can. I tried to avoid comparing myself to anyone else's weight loss, just watched my own progress, slow or fast. The scale can be such a cruel mistress.

Bellamack - I hope you do not take it wrong when I say 'please, please, please don't let your emotions or frustrations with slow loss make you eat'!

I have been there on IP, big time. One slip easily moves to two and then days pass not being able to hold to the program. It is so very hard to get back on the program that I will do anything not to jeopardize that with carbs.

All that happens is that you are worse off than before. Slow losing is NOTHING compared to gaining and being off the program. Stay the course and find an alternative way of dealing with the stress of slow loss. Get a manicure, buy a book you have always wanted to read, or get in from the library and lose yourself in a novel, ANYTHING except eat.

Does anyone else have a hard time eating so much food at dinner? 8oz meat and two cups of veggies is so much food!! I tried getting away with 6oz every night until my coach looked at my journal and said try for 8. It just seems counterproductive to gorge myself every night while trying to lose weight :-/

Hi Greyfaery, I have 2 ounces of protein at lunch with one cup of vegetables.

Quite often, I put a hard-boiled egg on my salad at lunch, then have 6 oz of protein at dinner. Also not a bad idea to split up your protein and do 4 oz at lunch and 4 at dinner. Makes you feel fuller throughout the rest of the afternoon (which is when I start wanting to have a snack).

I know you are right. I was doing the very unflattering self-pity thing today. 7 weeks post of knee, 5 months post op shoulder and just wondering "how" I have gotten so far gone over the last few years. Was always a very good athlete, swam in HS and college, soccer, tennis, running, etc. and because I took care of myself ( or so I thought) my joints are paying the price. I didn't have to worry about "weight" when I was so active. Normally with this snow and cold I would be downhill or cross country skiing, no more. So, it was a bunch of stuff that got to me today and tomorrow is my mom's birthday (she passed in 2005) and I was thinking of her all day. I know these are all reasons, not excuses. I will get a grip tomorrow, everything is prepared. thank you and I don't tend to ever take advise "the wrong way" I know everyone on here means well, because everyone on here has struggled with weight and emotions

What do you use the marshmallow dip with ?

I have sympathy. Although my joint issues(need double hip replacement at age 52) are because of birth defects, I have always worked out hard, so it does not seem fair. But I keep on keeping on.