Hi, I'm transitioning to phase 2 next week. I'm told I should be on P2 for two weeks and P3 for two weeks, therefore giving me four weeks before maintenance. I know if I stay in P1 I will continue to lose and am a little nervous about not having a weight loss in P2. Mentally, I only want to do four more weeks until maintenance and that's why I want to move on. (Plus I want to be in maintenance by Cinco de Mayo.)

Of the next four weeks instead of two weeks at P2 can one of those be one week? I know P3 has to be two weeks because that's when I'm pulling myself out of ketosis, but does P2 have to be 2 weeks? Can it be skipped???

Thank you!

You might want to post this question in Maintainers Vol 4 thread, there are a lot of exp people in that thread and you might get a better answer. I might be moving to phase 2 in a week or so hopefully, so the answer is helpful for me too.

I have been on PH 2 for several months due to an unexpected financial setback. I was on PH 1 for approximately 2 months. I have continued to lose at a rate of about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds per week. My coach has been very encouraging and supportive.

Great question! I'm supposed to be starting Phase 2 on Friday but I really like Phase 1 so if we could do 1 week of phase 2 that would be great! Hope someone chimes in with suggestions.

Phase 2 is merely a transition from fast absorbed protein to slow release protein at lunch. You shouldn't gain any weight in phase 2. Some people who have struggled for a while in phase 1 will see an increased weekly loss in the transition. You should also feel full longer after lunch. That's the only difference I noticed. If you have the full four weeks to phase off, I say do it the way IP was intended. 2 weeks of phase 2, 2 weeks of phase 3. It's similar to allergy testing. You add one thing at a time to see what happens. If you are adamant about phasing off sooner, then do at least 1 week of phase 2 before moving to phase 3. This is just my opinion, of course. You should follow the advice of your coach, if you have one, and he/she is knowledgeable.

I was a little nervous going to phase 2, because I was so comfortable with phase 1. I know now that it was really silly to feel that way. When I started phase 2, I felt like "wow, I could stay here in this phase and never phase off." Then I went to phase 3 with more trepidation. Then I thought, "wow, I could just stay here in phase 3 and never go to maintenance." Each step was better than the last and 2 weeks spent in each was a good thing for my brain. I gained confidence that I would go on to the next phase and be successful because I was doing it! Sure, we all get nervous to move on, but we have to. We have earned it! This is our reward. And you know what? Phase 1 is always there should you need to return to it for any reason. Trust yourself. Make good choices. That's what maintenance is about.

First thoughts...

I would follow the prescribed rules. They are set for a reason, the purpose of phase 2 is to start getting your body ready for 'real food'. Meat has carbs in it, so you're naturally giving it a bit more carbs with the phase 2 lunch. Then more carbs in Phase 3. You've been strict with yourself so far, why change that?

I understand your hesitation, which is why I may attempt to go under my goal before moving onto phase 2.

I agree with deperatetolosegirl though, might be a great question for the maintainers thread.

Just my opinion!

Sometimes they allow only one week on Phase 2, but I would give your body that time to adjust. You will continue to lose, and will be just fine!

Well said.

Thanks everyone! You really gave me a lot to think about. I wish I had the "want' to stick to p1 for at least one more week, but stick a fork in me...I'M DONE!!! So, I'll do at least 1.5 weeks if not the full 2 weeks in P2...I get it now that I need to give my body time to adjust. (I liked the allergy test analogy.)

Again, thanks all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I actually did Phase 2 for 4 weeks because I wanted to stabilize my weight and my habits before moving on. I'm glad I did.

Really? Everything I have says it's not to be done for more than 2 weeks??? But then again...this "protocol" really isn't a protocol... Anyway, I'm glad that worked for you. You've had amazing weight loss!!! Way to go!!!

I thought that it was Phase 3 that couldnt be done for more than 2 weeks??

The P2 sheet I have says Maximum 2 weeks... But like most of this "protocol" it's up for interpretation and I'm sure clinics can edit the sheets.

Good to know continued loss can occur on P2. My protocol states I will not move to P2 until 100% of goal is reached though.