Hi everyone!

I have huge successes in my IP story. I've gone from 180 to 148. My initial goal was 140, that my coach and I decided on. However its been 4 months, and I've been slowing down so its taking longer and longer to lose the weight. I feel like I'm going a bit crazy and I've started missing all my favorite comfort foods. I love the weight that I've lost, but I just have gotten really bored of IP food and being so strict and meticulous.

I was going to see what my weight loss this week is on Saturday and go from there. But I was wondering if its like..ok to ask my coach to stop early and go into phase 2 and 3?

Congratulations on your success. The last 10lbs was the hardest for me and many others. You may lose in P2-3. I think regardless of what you do know that eating in maintence is not hugely different. It requires lots of planning and being strict. Those "comfort foods" got me in trouble and part of the reason I was over weight. Comfort eating was a habit I stopped in IP and still have to work hard to not do it.

Make the decision that's right for you and work hard

My original goal was 150, then I modified it to 155. As I got within 5 pounds of that weight, it just took forever to lose each pound. In the end, I set a goal date rather than a weight. I just tried to get as close to my desired weight as I could by that date.

The date was this past Monday (the 2nd), and as it turned out, I ended up just one pound over my goal weight on that day. So I started P2. One pound isn't going to make any difference in the long run, in how my clothes fit or how I feel. The bigger goal for me is to just stay under 160.

Be careful about going back to those comfort foods. You're allowed a weekly indulgence in maintenance, but that doesn't mean a whole meal full of fat & carbs. It means a little something like a dessert or a small bowl of mac & cheese.

My original goal weight was 150 and I got there without too much hassle, so I revised to 140 - which for my height (5'6") bone structure (medium) and age, seemed obtainable.
I haven't felt really well since the beginning of October, have only lost about 3 pounds, and finally ended up at my doctors last week - everything is ok, but obviously my body has said enough is enough.

I am currently P2(ish), with extra fat to keep my calories around 1,200 and hovering around 147, give or take a couple ounces.

Imho, this plan is 80% mental, 20% physical, and I would advocate that pressing on for a week or two, just to be sure, is a good idea.

I also agree with HIS with her warning about the "comfort foods". P4 allows for "splurges" - and after a splurge, a P1 / P2 day is necessary to reset the system and then back to healthy eating. Just returning to our old habits won't work - constant vigilance!

My first time on IP I phased off a few pounds early. It was a good decision and I ended up losing a couple pounds in P2 and P3.

I agree with the other ladies here. DO NOT fall into the trap of comfort foods just because you feel good at your new size. One of the largest mental hurdles to overcome is just because you are skinny now, you did not become one of those people who can eat anything and stay skinny.

I agree with you, if you are mentally fatigued, going to P2 may help your mindset and you can now enjoy to "real" meals a day. Breakfast in P3 is great. So sure, go ahead and start phasing off, but know that you will have to continue to watch what you eat so you don't end up back here on a reboot.

I can relate except I don't crave comfort food. I crave REAL food like fruits/brown rice and sweet potatoes.

So I decided to Phase off and now I'm working with a trainer to try and lose inches or even a few more lbs. My energy level on IP was really really terrible. I was light headed all the time and became easily winded. I hated that feeling. Not knocking the diet because I was able to get to the lowest weight I've been as an adult EVER. You just have to know when it's time to move on and in my case, try something different.

So far it's working for me because I haven't gained more than a lb since phasing off almost 10 days ago and my inches are the same. I'm definitely out of ketosis now too.

Thanks guys! It's been really helpful! I guess I used the wrong word when I said "comfort food". Don't get me wrong, I miss my queso, but I don't plan on eating badly just because I lost a bunch of weight. I plan on losing more by working out and lifting and such.

Like...I miss fruit! Its been such a great journey for me, and I've lost so much. I just dont know if my mind (or my wallet) can handle more. But I guess we will see this weekend!