Wow, this was a busy weekend on the posts.Took me a while to get through them. Congrats on all the good things that have been posted. This was a great inspiration to me. I was really hungry when I got home this evening. Wanted to cheat reallly bad. But while reading all the posts I had a bag of vinegar crisps. It did the trick. Sooooo, dodged that bullet!!!
Welcome to the newbies....you'll love this thread. I know I do.
I'm sorry for the people that aren't getting the responses they want from other people. I have 2 good friends on the IP diet. It is wonderful. My hubby is very supportive...guess he thinks that might be in his best interest!!
The time you spend working toward the end of this diet has to be all about you. Family, friends and co-workers are just going to have to deal with it. The sad thing is, so are you. There are so many forces working against anyone on a diet. The smallest thing can effect your feelings, cravings and attitude. That is why this thread is so important. Thanks to all of you for the help you give me everyday. I think many others on here feel the same way....Have a great week and I hope you all have huge losses and tons of NSV's all week long.
If you find anything out about the muscles retaining water and training, let us all know! Don't be depressed. This diet is temporary. You won't be on it for the rest of your life or anything. It sucks to give up the classes you like, but I guess you gotta if you want to both do this diet and lose weight? That's what everyone seems to say - don't get your heart rate up too much or lift weights while doing IP. That's what I was told at the clinic I go to. So ok, I'll just keep on walking. And it is so nice today! I'm sure your son enjoys the walks you take with him! 
We're kindred spirits. I hope some of my happiness is contagious. I see your hilarious temper tantrum (more recent post) and that makes me think of a little kid! So amusing. Um, sort of like my boyfriend last night. We went out for sushi and he was sooo down about everything: the special was Japanese curry and "oh I can't have it, what's that kid eating? mochi? oh I can't have that either"... Turns out he likes tuna but only in the maki roll with rice. The plain fish that we are allowed to have, well of course he doesn't like that! Then we went to Starbucks and for some reason he thought that a vanilla latte would be ok?!? So I had to seem like the meanie in front of the baristas while he asked me what he could have. Decaf coffee or herbal tea. Finally decided on vanilla rooibos tea and then I thought I had Stevia in my purse but I guess I had it in my hand and then wandered around the house and it never made it in my purse. I was like, just have some Splenda for goodness sakes! Whew! Temper tantrum galore. We're not going to repeat the sushi experience anytime soon, I can tell you that for sure! LOL hope he doesn't see this. It was just a bummer that no matter what I said I couldn't cheer him up! "It's temporary, they'll have that special again, after IP you can eat these things again, you're doing great, look at how much weight you've lost, don't you love how much energy you have, your stomach's not upset anymore, isn't it nice not to feel all full and stuffed all the time, isn't it nice not to be hungry, I'm on this diet too I know that it's hard at first..." Couldn't get the rain cloud to migrate away from his head. 
Oh well he seems much better today. His second weigh-in is tomorrow. I pray to the gods (you have any influence with Athena?) that he had a big loss and gets really encouraged and doesn't think about how he can't have gummy bears anymore. It's driving me crazy! 
Maybe I'll go take a nap.
lol... anywho I re- read my last post and was like my gosh I NEEDED to edit THAT ONE like two or three times... some writer I am! Looks like I need an editor after all.... Yeah so, I'll plan on starting to send you the excerpts I have when my 20th day comes up... ( Gosh, I feel like I've been on this site for monthes not days! lol) But my week 2 WI is Tuesday morning so that will be right around the corner! yay! I look forward to the PM's and sending my book to you I'm just so exccited- just a warning- my life has been crazy- which makes it a good read- but just be prepared- I don't want you to be too horrified. And when crisis hits.... well lets just say that if profanity will offend you... maybe we should re evaluate this... hee hee. My book is about overcoming alot of trials and tribulations- but I give a very real feel to the chaos during the time it happened. Anywho... moving on... I'm babbling!
*Starbucks* A VANILLA LATTE?! 
Maybe he thought the laws of science don't count in there! 
I swear the poor thing probably got delusional from the moment the scent of carbs came rushing from the front door! 
Who can blame him? Good thing Sgt. Sparkles was there to set him straight!
I pray he has a good weigh in too, and uhh i don't think you want any pull with Athena-( we don't want any wars breakin out!! Nice reference tho. You get a point.) I worked at SBUX for 5 years, and so I could tell you a couple of other things you could have on this diet there that would seem like a treat and would not be cheating!! I know all the secrets!! GODDESS'S HONOR! If you like sweet- Get the Iced Passion tea un sweetened- it has no caffeine- IT IS SOOO GOOD!! bring your stevia or use splenda- and youll be delighted! And there are some other things- I had to find somethings for Atkins before- can you image having to stock that pastry case every day on a diet like this? CHAIN ME TO THE WALL!
Have a great day! TTYL!! **goddess
