Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum. I went to an IP educational class Monday and I signed up. Tomorrow is when I meet with my coach, weigh in, get measurements etc. So I just have a few questions!

How do I know what my goal weight should be? I'm 26, 5'5, 245lbs, my lowest weight as an adult was 165lbs (before having a baby.) But I had weight issues my entire life so even when I was 165lbs, I wasn't happy at that weight (although where I am now, I would be thrilled to get back to that weight!!!) My friend who did IP lost 125lbs within a year and her goal weight was well below her lowest adult weight. So I'm wondering if I should set my goal to 165, where I'll need to lose 80lbs? Or should I go ahead and set my goal to 145, where I'll need to lose 100? Will my coach help me figure this out?

Also, when I get my measurements taken will I just need to wear my regular, every day clothes? (None of my bras fit correctly so I guess I'll need to go buy a new one for accuracy lol)

And my last question is how do y'all fight temptations??

I would set your goal for 165 and see how you feel when you get there. Most of us have adjusted our goal weights as we got closer to that goal. Some people realized that they wanted to go lower than they originally set and some people (like myself) realized that I set my goal too low and I ended up being satisfied at a higher goal weight.

It is very individual, and you will likely revise it as you get closer. For now, set it at something attainable and something that would make you happy (i.e.: getting to your pre-baby weight) and take it from there.

I take my measurements naked, but obviously you can't do that at a clinic! I would wear something form fitting to get the truest measurement. Maybe yoga pants and a tank top?

The first 3-4 days are absolutely the hardest. You need to stay strong during these days as your body depletes it's glycogen stores and you adjust to low carb. Once you are in ketosis, temptations are much easier to manage as cravings and hunger diminish. Also, once you start seeing results (which is very quickly on IP), the motivation to stay OP is very strong and it is easy to pass up on temptations.

Your coach should help you decide on a goal weight. And it's not written in stone - when you get close to it, you can adjust up or down as you decide when to move to Phase 2. Personally, I'd recommend shooting for 145, so you don't have to go back and do Phase 1 again if you're not satisfied at 165.

I didn't go to a clinic, but I think you just wear normal, every day clothes. Some women choose to lose their lightest weight clothes and same outfit every week, for consistency. I'd probably wear yoga pants and a t-shirt.

Fighting temptation!! You'll get a hundred different answers to that question. Drink your water faithfully. Have hot tea or chicken broth, it helps with hunger. Eat your unlimited veggies. I still keep a bowl of marinated cucumbers in the fridge, for snacking. There were times I had to physically leave an area where food was tempting me. I had little mantras, like, "Food is not the boss of me," and "I want to look good for the wedding" (substitute an event that's meaningful to you), and "I can do this just for today." I walked rather than choosing to eat off-protocol foods.

Good luck. You CAN do this.

Welcome to IP! Personally I chose a goal size rather than a weight when I started IP last year. It worked out for me, because I stayed less focused on the scale, and more focused on how I felt about my body. There was a time in my life when I thought that my current weight of 153 was fat! But now I am so thankful for this weight, and I think I look great. It's funny, but I sometimes think that my thinner self was too skinny for my body type, but that's just because I am not used to that version of me. As the other ladies said, it's a personal decision. You can always change your goal weight as you are getting closer.

As for temptations, this is also a personal thing. I am a goal-oriented, determined person. You give me a goal and I am not going to stop until I've accomplished it. I was not going to do ANYTHING to stop myself from losing the weight. Also managing hunger is important like HIS said. Unlimited veggies are my friend. I also drink a lot of flavored teas.

Good luck. Have fun. Enjoy your healthier self!

I don't have a set goal weight yet. The number 140 is in my head, but I'm totally willing to flex on that once I'm closer. If I feel comfortable at a higher weight, I'll start phasing off then, or maybe I'll think I should go a bit lower before phasing off. I'm just going to see how I feel. I started out the same height and weight as you.

I have a number of goals along the way though. First was to get to pre-baby weight from 3.5 years ago and I just got there! Next is to get into the 100's, then wedding weight, then what I was in college, then I'll think about some new ones because I will be a lot closer to the end.

You've gotten some terrific advice so mine will be a little repetitive
I am 5'6.5" and hypothyroid. I too was overweight / obese my entire life - my lowest adult weight was 158 in 2004 for approximately a month (lost 50 pounds over 6 months) and then I got pregnant with DD11, but I started putting on weight when I was 5 years old - my adult weight fluxed between 180 - 240

Your goal(s) needs to be your goal(s) - whatever you are most comfortable with. It can be overwhelming and daunting if you pick a goal that in your mind seems unreachable - taking it in chunks could mentally be less stressful - imho, start with 165 and see how you feel as you get closer. If you stick with the program I think you will change your mind and shortly, a hundred pounds will seem totally doable

I had 2 goals:
My original goal weight was 150 and phased off at 145 - I had reset for 140 but my body REALLY likes the mid-upper 140s. Some of the remaining weight is loose skin from being overweight for 30 years & having 2 girls
I also set a size goal: 8 - 10 and have ended up 6 - 8

Welcome - there is a wealth of great advice here and lots of great people