[eandc2006]

Hello IP friends! This morning I made the dreaded decision to go back on Phase 1 for a week and loose (hopefully) 5 lbs. I have been maintaining since December and range on any given day 135-137. I have only done a handful of phase 1 days since maintaining and have followed phase 4 pretty well except the last few weeks I have been indulging in alcohol on the weekends at random celebrations...I swear it can put weight on me faster than anything else. Anyhow, the scale tipped 141 this morning and I knew that it was time to get real before things potentially got out of control. I am very close to TOM and last month I gained 5 lbs before and was back down after but my clothes feel tighter right now. Anyone else feel like their clothes are tighter too before TOM? I lost 30lbs with IP and have so enjoyed wearing my old clothes and shopping for new ones...which I hated to do before the loss. I, like many others, struggled mentally with phase 1 and felt awful most days...super anxious, depressed, and overwhelmed so the thought of going at it again makes me nervous in anticipation. However, I know the feeling of success is a great motivator and support on here is key. I am trying to frame my focus and set my intent to be positive which probably means that I will have to look after myself and notice my limits (perhaps not going out with friends for a few days until I solid, heading to bed early, etc). It will also probably mean Looking forward to spending some extra time with everyone on here this next week...or two if necessary. Anyhow, I lost 30lbs and really believe in IP provided you are committed and determined to stick it out for the long haul. I know this is going to be a rough go but losing 10 would be worse, and so forth. Here's to having a great week!

[dana135]

Good Luck, eandc2006!
I am still on Phase 1 for the first time, but I have realized that this is going to be lifetime thing. Living without alcohol is fine for now, but forever? No way...So when those pounds creep back up, you've gotta do what you've gotta do (get back to Phase one). Hopefully it wont be too hard and it will be over before you know it! Good luck!
Newbie

[claustin]

I just finished my first week in phase 1 and had my first weigh in today...I am down 9.8 lbs and 3 1/4 "

Love this diet. Good Luck getting back to your "goal" weight.

[eandc2006]

dana135-Definitely a lifetime thing for sure...not that its all consuming but certainly something I have to pay attendtion to. The best part is that there is no guessing, counting calories, increasing workouts, etc. (unless that's your thing). It's simple, you gain, you go back to phase 1 until you can get it off and if you manage it regularly, it shouldn't be too hard (in theory of course). Anyways, thank you for the support. I will keep everyone updated on my progress. At Thanksgiving, I took a few days off (after transitioning to phase 2, and 3) and went into maintainence for three days then went back to phase 1 with a 7.5lb loss the first week. Hoping for that in the next 7 days!

claustin-that is AMAZING! CONGRATS! I hope you are so excited and proud of yourself...its not easy but worth it! You are going to be at goal in no time! Way to go!