Alright,

So I think this is only like my 2nd post, and I really should spend more time on here and become less of a newbie, lol... but I need some suggestions.

I've read post in the past (unsure who posted) about how a gal phased off for a 10 day vacation where she essentially ate whatever she wanted when gone, and upon her return she got right back on track starting back at phase 1. I know she gained some water weight but after about a week or so on phase 1, she was back at the weight she left off on.

I've been on Phase 1 since April 13th, 2012. I've been a 100%-er the entire time, have never cheated on a single thing. I've lost 45 pounds. Starting at 200 (220 is my ultimate heaviest) and now at 155. This is a great accomplishment, as it was my first goal weight. How cool to say I've technically reached my goal. I am; however, shooting for about 125-130 as my final weight before I enter the maintenance phase.
It's been a struggle though since getting to this weight. I've hit a stand still. It took what felt about 1 1/2 - 2 month to get from 160 - 155.
I tried the bootcamp but only made it 3 days because I feel extremely weak and shaky, I just don't think my body could take it so I promptly whet back to my normal phase 1.

I have a short vacation coming on Dec 10th, 2012 where I will be heading to Las Vegas for my b-day. I just started phase 2 today, will do it for another 2 weeks or so, and then phase 3 for 2 weeks. For my 1st day on phase 2 I feel bloated, which I've not felt in forever. I'm not used to this much food lol, well I mean double the meat part. (I'm scared for phase 3 for sure!)
On my short vacation (about a week) I plan to just eat whatever I want. I know that as much as I say I'm going to eat this this and this, I wont indulge as much as I think. However, when i get back I'm going back to phase 1 hoping that it will give my body a kick in the rear end and aid in more weight loss.

For all you rookies out there, what are your thoughts? I know some people phase off (whether for vacation or not) then go back to phase 1 for an extra boost/confuse your body. How has this worked for others? The more info the better. Your suggestions are welcome here!

Also, please see below as I attached a before and after for my progress so far.

Thanks guys!!!

Eating "whatever we want" is what got us in the mess we were in the first place. Living the IP way of life means permanent changes.
If you phase off properly, perhaps shortening each phase, you can follow phase 4 and choose your treats carefully.

Anyone who thinks getting to goal is license to eat "the old way" is doomed to repeat dieting. IP is a lifestyle change

Phasing off is the right thing to do, if you know you absolutely will not stay OP. I think taking a break from IP and starting up again typically goes one of two ways.

1. You phase off, take your break, and after start right back at phase I with no problems.
2. You phase off (or just stop abruptly), take your break, and then have a really difficult time being able to stick to phase I. Some just can't stick with it for more than a day or two then cheat.

I'm not sure why some people can just pick right up where they left off and others struggle. To ease the transition back, you might want to try to stay as close to phase 4 as you can.

Have fun in Vegas!

Hello and congrats on your weight loss so far! I recently just came back from a vacation where I went off IP completely. I am only in phase 1 but I went off IP for 9 days. I know what I was getting into with the bloating and water weight. When I came back, I gained 9lbs and so far have lost 3lbs in two days. I will tell you it is tough getting back into IP again but just remember the feeling of how good you felt before. Good luck and have a blast in Vegas!

You look awesome! Congrats on your great success.

I think you're doing the right thing by phasing off before vacation as opposed to just jumping into vacation mode. I think you should do the best you can as far as making healthy choices and maybe making lists of triggering foods that you might want to avoid. You know your own limits, so that's really your call.

I get why people are gunshy about this, but my feeling is that I didn't get fat from overindulging on vacation. I got fat from overindulging on a daily basis, Vacations are "special occasions" and while not an excuse for a free for all binge, there's no reason to stress yourself out and make yourself feel miserable if that's going to end up backfiring on you. At the same time, you know yourself best, so if you don't think you can get back on the horse, you need some (wo)man in the mirror time to be honest with yourself about what you are and aren't able to do. Enjoy your birthday and your trip!

Oh how I agree! I would say be careful and plan for what you would like to eat each day and where you aren't willing to splurge. 3FC is here when you return for support! ENJOY YOUR BIRTHDAY!

I think phasing off properly is super important. Sounds like that is exactly what you are doing.
Enjoy your vacation!

I bumped Jenny Doodle's vacation thread for you (which I used as a resource before I went on vacation).

I agree with the previous posters - some people have no issue with going on vacation and getting right back on the wagon, while for others it seems like it is their downfall.

Personally, I phased off for a 9 day vacation and ate off-plan (including a fair amount of carbs), but I didn't overindulge/eat the way I used to. I drank a lot of water, got a lot of exercise, and ended up losing weight on vacation. When the plane touched down at home, I got right back on Phase 1 and haven't looked back since. That was about month ago, and I've been losing fine since then. I do not plan on taking any additional breaks, even though I will be on vacation for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This trip was planned long before I started IP.

Only you know yourself and whether you will be able to get back on plan and not lose focus. Good luck, and enjoy your trip. I know my trip was so much more enjoyable without all of the extra weight!

One tough thing about getting back op after a break when you are close to your goal is feeling the frustration of being deprived when you already look so good. At that point the mind can really derail you!

Before you phase off (great idea, will help with food choices while away) write down the reasons you think your goal weight is xpounds.

When you get back read your list. Hopefully that will help you get back into the losing mindset.

Christmas will be right around the corner. You will have to really decide how you will work the holidays into your restart when you get home. It is very easy to let 1 week turn into 1 month.

Awesome feedback everyone. I would like to add that the issue at hand, or rather why I am asking for suggestions, is not because I think I will have a hard time getting back on IP after vacation. Actually, this I know I will do no problem, I am very disciplined and not weak minded at all. I know what I want and what I need to do to get there. I'm asking mostly because I want to see if others have done it. Phase off, then go right back to P1 to see if that will jump start a little more weight loss. Like mentioned, since I've reached 155lbs, my body is getting comfortable here and doesn't want to lose at the same rate it was before.
I still have more weight to lose, and even though I've done IP to "the tee", I've slowed down. I know this has to be typical, but it's super frustrating!

As far as indulging on my vacation.. Since I've been on P2 I've not felt hunger at all. In fact, I feel some what guilty because of the extra meat I'm eating. I've been doing P1 for so long I feel like I'm over eating. It's funny though, considering before IP, I probably ate WAY more than I am now being on P2; but IP is such "the norm" for me now, I'm so comfortable with the portions I eat, I can't even remember what it's like to indulge completely in tasty foods. Yay, go IP! Go me! lol

You look fabulous! I think you might be referring to the posts by MommaHen? She went on a cruise and wrote about her experiences. Maybe check out her posts?

Have a fabulous birthday!