Ok, I need some help here. I've on totally OP for 4.5 weeks and I've lost a solid 20 pounds. I am proud of each and every pound that is off of me. I've been out to dinner at least 2 times a week, gone to about 5 parties and never cheated...not once.

So, here I am on a Monday after work and all I can think about is food. I am really hungry and I don't know why this is happening today. I've had all my veggies, all my IP foods and yep, still thinking about slathering peanut butter on celery or taking a cookie out of the freezer and savorying it....

Anyone else get an out-of-the-blue urge to have something totally off plan when you've been totally OP?

What's up with this?

This is not uncommon. Around week four your body can start producing its own levels of "sugars" via a process called gluconeogenesis. It is designed to help prevent ketoacidosis and by week four some people are pretty adapted to the new processes.

Add some extra protein for a few days while you get over the hump. You could also play around with the restricted packets. Add one if you haven't used it yet or take it away if you have been using it daily.

You will find the combination that your body responds best too.

Just be aware, week 4 and 5 are common adjustment weeks so, stick it out.

FYI... if you are craving peanut butter, it is often a signal you are needing more protein and fat. Try having a whole egg instead.

Awesome! Thanks for your reply. I really thought I was going crazy! When I was done typing my original post I cut up some cucumbers & celery and sprinkled sea salt on it. It was soooo yummy. For some reason the cucumbers tasted butttery.

I am going to stick it out and appreciate the support.

I agree, if you really are hungry, having (1) egg or having an extra packet is not going to kill you. It is certainly better than going off plan, AND you will feel better about yourself for sticking with it. I have had up to 5 packets in a day when I am really struggling, and I feel like it has not hindered me at all.

Also, I don't know your tastes, but for me, I find that both the chocolate drinks (packet and ready made) are the most satisfing.

I have had no cravings or hunger since starting IP and here I am - also 4 1/2 weeks in - and hungry and desperately wanting to eat. I just made a salad with a kind of egg white omelet (not great) thinking it might help. I've also opened some soy nuts because I could just have a few to get me over the hump.

I'll be having supper fairly soon. I hope it all calms down after that.

Yup, same here..I too am down almost 20 pounds (19.5) and have been craving cheesecake and pie. My coach also told me an extra packet occasionally would not be a problem. I am a little over 4 weeks op.

I have been on OP for 6 weeks. When I feel a craving I have a cup of tea with WF Carmel dip mixed in or a cup of hot coffee. The warm drink takes care of both the hunger and cravings.

Kale chips saved me tonight although I know I went a bit over one tsp of olive oil :/