I hope it's ok to ask a few questions

When we weigh and measure our meat is it precooked or cooked weight?

Do we have to eat our 2 cups of veggies at lunch and 2 cups at supper. I am finding that if I do that and add lettuce I am having a hard time eating it all. I did eat it all but is it ok to spread it out a little just making sure we get 4 cups a day?

Can we use butter extract as a flavoring?


Day 2 just about over and I am still feeling pretty good!! I need to think about getting creative with the veggies before I get too bored. I have resigned myself to having a salad or 2 every day but would like something hot at dinner time. Eating a cold salad when it is 23 degrees outside is not so appetizing to me right now. Maybe that will change. Tonite I am having a grilled chicken breast with broccoli and cauliflower with soy sauce. That sounds yummy to me actually.

Thanks a bunch!!!

13 pounds is awesome! Keep it up!

15 in three weekis is incredible! Great job!

Yes, always freezing. There is a very good explanation for it and it has something to do with the chemical process in your body. My hands are always like ice. I enjoy washing dishes now, just cause it warms my hands!


Cook it just as you would beef. I always use some beef broth and some garlic and salt and pepper. Mmmmmm, elk roast is so yummy.

I did a bunch of shopping at Old Navy Online at the Boxing Day sale. I bought a couple of sweaters for $7. I spotted some jeans on the website today were on for $7 today. I am going to the city next week, I hope the sale is still on!

Awesome W#2! WOWZERS

LINDEN - I think it was you that mentioned the inositol. I bought some today at the Health Food Store. Am gonna try it. I suffered from severe hair loss prior to starting the diet, and with IP, it has worsened. I used to have overly thick hair, and now have very very thin hair, I hope it helps! Have you had any of the side effects listed? I took one today already, and haven't noticed anything.

NSV - Last week I had tried on some shorts from 2 or 3 summers ago, while getting ready to pack for my trip and they were absolutely tight and 1 pair didn't even do up. I tried them on today, and TADA, they fit nicely, and look hot! YAY!
I still am a long ways to those leather pants though and am worried I won't make my goal with the vacation in between. I can't believe I was that small. Yikes.
I think my biggest problem is my thighs and my hips. I haven't lost much there and they are still pretty big. They seem to hinder my pants size!

I have also hit another goal that I set almost 2 years ago and never reached. My afternoon weight does not exceed the 160 mark! HA HA HA! I might even see the 140's before I leave if things keep moving and I hold strong. I have never felt more determined!!!!!!!!!!

Hello - I'm new to this IP Diet as well! I weigh-in to end my 2nd week tomorrow morning! I can't answer all of your questions but I will try to help best I can. My coach said to try and get the 2 cups of veggies in at your meals the best you can - this helps you feel full longer b/c of the fiber. I try to get it all in the best I can but I have days like you where I'm full up and it's tough! She also said you can use the butter spray, but check the back of the bottle for ingredients, she didn't specify a brand and I haven't needed it as of yet! I did use some buffalo style chicken sauce on my 5 oz of chick and made a buffalo chicken salad! That was a nice switch if you're ever bored with the salad at supper/dinner time. It's zero here today so I can totally relate to what you're saying about the lettuce at supper time!

Anyway - good luck and keep up the good work! It gets easier.

Congratulations on the loss and the NSV. I am so happy for you to see all of the physical changes and better health.

It really is sad but, many coaches don't like the idea of their clients coming on this forum. They worry about negativity, misinformation, and people being told how to cheat or how to use alternate products. Remember, most of them only get paid based on the profits from the food and not from consulting fees so some don't want to coach those who learn about alternate products. Also, people who are on this forum tend to ask more questions than some coaches can answer or want to answer. They don't like having to justify why they gave some bit of advice. I have had a few coaches tell me they didn't really think it was necessary for us to be online. Sad, isn't it.

We really do need the support. The recipes and the motivation are great but, knowing you are going through and sharing experiences with a large group of people in the similar experience is reassuring, IMHO.


Fortunately, there are many other coaches who are very supportive of the forum and even direct their clients to this link. That is a great thing!

Like someone said, if you aren't getting the coaching you need that works best for you, try to find a new coach.

I answered this on your PM. Congrats on the control over the PB. It really does some people in.


That is great!! You guys change so quickly on this plan. It is almost like is was perfectly design for ya'll.

That is a FABULOUS start!! I know it is hard when we are with family. As you say, being in phase 2 will help. I actually enjoy eating Mexican food. I find I can do some versions of juevos rancheros, pescado vera cruz, carnitas, some chile verde, some machaca, fajitas, and some chili if no beans. I do tacos but use a lettuce cup or cabbage cup (if fish) as the shell. I do the same for the fajitas. I love my sister's calabasitas recipe. The blend of broth and zuchinni squash are good. I also like her albondigas (she doesn't use rice or carrots when she makes it for me). I still like posole but, I have to pick around the hominy/corn. I have a recipe for napolitos and red snapper that only has 4g carbs. I know, if you look for it, plan for it, and ask your family to teach you how, there are many wonderful Mexican dishes that are low in fat/lard, don't use much maize or starches, and are reduced in fat. If you love Mexican foods, ask your mom now to try and help you find recipes you can use going forward in phase3 (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and phase 4. It could be a fun experience for both of you.

Remember the fable of the tortoise and the hare? The tortoise was slow but steady and he won the race. It is ok to be a slow loser. You are within 20 pounds of your goal, you are losing a good percentage of body weight each week and, you will be able to keep this off long term.

Also, about the blueberry pom drink and jello. Three times a week is all the time. You can use it as often as you want but, on the other 4 days a week it should be as an extra packet or pack four.

Definitely boost the water just remember to drink in in quantities of 12oz or less at a time to get the most benefit from it. Too much just gets peed out. Also, exercise slowly. Yes, get moving it will help your body dip into more fat for the added calories needed but, do not over exert or you can have a negative impact. A nice slow ride or walk for about 45 min is plenty!


That is great! The patience really does pay off!

Isn't it great to have a place that just fits your needs!

You are welcome! It wasn't much in form of a recipe just my "kitchen soup" thing. I call it that because whatever is in the kitchen that is on that list, may be in my soup.

You can substitute low sodium lower carb chicken, beef or veg broth or stock and water to make up the volume if you don't have time to make your own broth or stock.

Oh no! Sorry to hear the grocery issue this week. What kind of options do you have to choose from at work? Do you ever pack a lunch? You could do canned tuna (often on sale) or tilapia (sometimes only 3.00 a pound) or egg whites to get protein at lunch.

It is very easy to go over 25 carbs a day if you aren't counting net carbs. It is also easy to go over if you using much powdered garlic in your cooking, cooked spinach, cooked broccoli/cauliflower, cooked mushrooms. All of those add carbs. Tomatoes and onions will also bump carbs.

To get in all your veggies, do the IP packets and stay under 25 REAL carbs a day you have to eat a large quantity of raw foods, and many, many cups of greens and lettuce. Almost no stalk or root vegetables or flowering veggies (cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus) and no fruit (tomatoe) and little bell pepper can be in the diet.

It can be done. MANY of us have done it. As a nice side note, if you have any hard to lose places (love handles, thighs) or cellulite you'll be surprised just how much and how quickly that changes.

Don't worry about being a 2 pound a week loser. We often get what we think or worry about. Think only about reaching your goal. You will get that. You can only do your best. Stress will not help you. If the time comes you have to find an alternate way to do this, we can help you find some suggestions/options to consider. Until then focus on getting the greatest success out of your efforts now. Adding exercise will not hurt you. Adding to much or too aggressive an elliptical workout will. Try just walking. One of our best losers on her walked 3-4 miles a day 5 to 6 days a week. She lost 100 pounds under 5 months. I truly believe just some nice, regular, easy exercise will give you a great boost.




You made ONEDERLAND!!! Gotta love that moment!!


Thanks Marilyn! Yes, Round two! Last time I managed to get to 90 pounds off. I went up 12 while on break. Now, I am trying to get down 45. I will be a bit under 130 when I am done. I have tried to restart a few times since November; I just couldn't make it stick and had issues from day one. I decided a week ago I felt ready for another round and I am committed to finishing it this time! Day one was great! Day two was also wonderful. Unfortunately, it ended with TOM which, explains some of my day two weight gain. As of today, day 3, I am down 3 pounds from day 1 and down 5.5 pounds from yesterday (all fluid). I am still waiting for ketosis. Hopefully, that will be tomorrow or friday.

My biggest fear during break was restarting and it not working this time or, my going back through all the side effects. My coach suggested not going as low carb this time as last time and, maybe, I won't see as many of the side effects. OR, maybe, I got through what I needed to and it can just be a part of the past.

I am feeling very comfortable, happy, and focused in my commitment to do this right now and to the end!

I agree! Like Jordanna, I took it in 15 pound increments. This time I am doing the same thing. I only have to lose 15 pounds 3x and I am into maintenance for good!

Thank you so much for your reassurance. It means so much. I really appreciate hearing it from all those who are committed and doing this and those who proved it can be done, like yourself!

4 pounds!!! You had a great week and weigh in! I bet you were excited! Isn't it just the best affirmation when people start commenting on your results! I couldn't help but feel excited and proud.

I am glad you are feeling good on day 3. I am right there with you! I can't wait for us to post our first week results next week! I haven't yet had a problem with the jello. I know normal jello can take up to 4 hours to gel. I also know you can do a quick set method with Ice. I wonder if that would help in this situation?

My boyfriend is doing the alternate form of IP. He doesn't want to do all the packets but, is ok if I serve him up a protein drink. Anyway, he has lost about 68 pounds in since Nov 1 and like you, he weighs multiple times a day. I don't know how many times I hear "it went up!", "it didn't change", "I am down (3, 4, or 5) pounds". He will fluctuate a lot during a day. He also had 3 weeks where he only lost 2 pounds a week but, he blew through his clothes like no tomorrow! The inches were just dropping off. He has about 20 pound left to go and he is still losing like he lost before. We are thinking he has about 4 weeks left.

Regarding the WF dressing, I used up my honey dijon as a marinade on chicken and then baked it and grilled it. (two separate times) I added some extra dijon and a tbsp of sugar free honey. I also added some extra salt and spices (can't remember which, it was just to my tastes). I thought it worked out well and I didn't have to waste the "sauce".

Congratulations!! That is a wonderful goal!



Hey Melissa! I hope you are doing great! I am sure Scentsy is keeping you busy. Thanks for giving us a shout out!

I like rondar's suggestion of keeping a packet or back up at your desk. I too keep one in my car and have my emergency pack in my handbag/shopping tote.

Hey Mimi!! I saw your pictures you last posted. You look AMAZING lady! How have you been? Did your honey do well on his exams? Did you guys celebrate and get some time when things settled down?

Wonderful! Sometimes all you can do is go to bed early. It isn't a bad thing. Our bodies real need the rest to heal and to lose weight so, you did yourself a favor!

Way to go!! I am sure you can do it. Only 7 pounds left!!

WONDERFUL! I am so happy you are seeing the results in inches and pounds. The nice thing is you aren't just losing superficial fat, you are losing fat within in the muscles. That is part of why we shrink so well.


I switch it up. I would get too bored eating the same thing. Others have had the same things day after day and it worked. SO, do what works for you. We have a thread for our daily journal and it could give you some ideas too! Check out the new thread today about a typical day, in one of the posts you can also see the link to the daily journal.
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...look-like.html

Definitely add it to the recipes!! This sounds great! Just copy and paste it in there if it is easier than re-typing.



My motivation came from years of saying "I wish I knew." I now know. I have wanted so badly to be thin and now I can. I have no excuses and only me standing in my way.

I gave myself little rewards along the way and that kept me going.

I took out my smallest clothes and tried them on once a week. That wasn't really enough because I completely skipped size 14! I weighed one week and it was just too much too tight. The following 2 weeks I blew past and when I tried them on, they looked like sacks!

This time, I have a picture of what I want to look like. I also have a picture of what I had let myself become (not who I really am). I keep reminding myself of which picture I deserve to be seen as.

You could try to do another sauce. Maybe a lemon garlic sauce would be nice.

The cheese curls are no longer able to be ordered. If clinics have them, that's it for now.

Thanks for the new picture. You are looking so GREAT!!! I am sure you will have such a good time on your trip. More energy, great looks, and new clothes! That all sounds like the start of fun!


Congratulations!! I bet you had the biggest smile on your face and were full of excitement.

That is an amazing week 1 weigh in!! Congratulations!!

This diet definitely made my sense of smell sharper. I remember sitting in the airport and smelling cookies baking from 2 football fields away!

6 pounds!! Jolie, you must be doing something right! No wonder your shorts feel off you!


It is a bit different for each of us. It might be the taste in your mouth changes and becomes metallic, you have a funny breath or body odor, you have more energy, you are very thirsty, you pee a lot, your skin is drier and your finger tips seem to lose their oils (not pick up paper easily). Below is an article from the Atkins site that give some signs.

What are the physical signs of being in ketosis?

Ketone breath, which imparts a sweetish smell, does not cause bad breath so much as a different breath odor. In any case, this condition is likely to last only as long as you are doing the Induction phase of Atkins. Try drinking more water, and remember this is a great sign you are changing your metabolism, burning fat and just your body letting you know!!!

Lipolysis, the process during which your body primarily burns fat as fuel rather than glucose, causes ketosis, which in turn generates ketones, the by-products of fat breakdown. During ketosis, ketones are released in your breath and your urine.

As long as you drink enough water, the bad breath caused by ketosis usually lasts only a few weeks.

The Atkins Diet is a ketogenic diet and once your body's two-day supply of glycogen (stored glucose) is gone and your body starts to burn fat, the natural appetite suppressant side effect of lipolysis kicks!!! Believe it or not you may "forget" to eat a meal. But DO NOT do that. Never go six waking hours without eating.

Increased Energy!!! Once you have hit ketosis, usually on the third or fourth day you may get a huge burst in energy!!!!! During the first days of Induction, you may also experience a slight light-headedness and that is a point to remind you to eat your veggies as per the list of acceptable foods, to eat enough food and to drink your water!

Thirst. This ... is a natural diuretic. And what a great thing. ...

Different taste in your mouth. Some people call the taste sweet, others say it is "metallic". It is caused by your tongue tasting ketones in the saliva.

Different odor of your urine and/or sweat.

Last edited by Georgiana; October 19th, 2009 at 02:27 AM. It may be edited out but, this post is from the atkins diet bulletin board. http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...g-ketosis.html


here is a link to our old discussion on the topic

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...t-ketosis.html
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...-question.html

That is great! I have always envied you guys the numbers you are able to post.

You definitely get to say "hello" again on an occasional basis to some old favorite things.

Gotta love actually seeing the results of your efforts. I kind of marked my time/life by the clothes I had worn. As I got into (and outdated ) clothing I'd saved, it felt like going back in time and gaining back years.

I was/am always cold. I was able to get rid of that feeling only when I finally took a break from the program. I live in the desert and during the early summer, at 85 degrees outside, I was wearing long sleeves and sweaters. I never felt warm.

I am on day three now and last night, I had to wake up and put on warmer jammies. I was dreaming I was freezing and sitting outside in the snow in shorts and a tank top. All day today, once again, I am cold. It is DEFINITELY diet related.

Cook it like beef or maybe more like bison because it is leaner. Check out the links for more tips.

http://www.elkusa.com/elk_roasts.htm
http://www.elk-hunting-tips.net/veni...st-recipe.html

I like the idea of putting labels on the pantry!! I can also relate to crying in dressing rooms. Before it was because I was too big now, because I am so happy!

That was quite a reward for sticking with it! Congratulations!

7??? WOW!! I pray I have such a good week 2!

measure meats and veggies precooked. Leafy greens should be measured in a cup measure and not on a scale.

yes, we need all of our veggies. Missing a day may be fine but if done often and every week it is a problem. Our multi vitamin is designed to complement and complete the nutrition we get on the diet and those veggies are a big part.

Yes, you can use extracts if they are zero cal, zero carb, zero fat. If you are talking about something like vanilla extract in nature, it is fine IF you have a no/low carb version.

I agree about the cold veggies and salads. I cook my veggies, make them into soup, and even grill or broil my cabbage and lettuce just to get something warm.

I also do stirfry. Did you know you can make a sugar free terriyaki sauce? Authentic terriyaki is just sweet soy. I make mine using splenda, soy sauce, a little hot chili, ginger and garlic. Sometimes, I season the meat with sea salt, pepper and five spice , cook with veggies, then add the sauce over it and let simmer a few minutes. If you want it thicker, you can use arrow root powder to thicken the sauce.

Good luck in your weigh-in tomorrow! The first number is always big, because it's water, glycemic reserve and some fat. It starts to taper off some but don't worry about it. It all adds up one day at a time.

He just finished week one. I'll let you know next week! I suspect that next week he won't lose nearly as much though.

WI today - down 2.2 lbs. I've lost a total of 41 lbs in 15 weeks. I was so excited to break through the 40 lb mark. I feel like I've been in the 30s forever! (Or you know, 4 weeks... I hit 32 lbs on 12/23). This has energized me for another week - I'd really been feeling burned out this last week.

I copied this from yesterday's thread - I never got any feedback on the last part, so I wanted to throw it out there again! My coach just told me to talk to the PA about it when I asked her today.

Seriously, the first time for the chocolate drink? Wow. I love it. I get a box every time I WI! Totally fills that chocolate need for me.

I was always cold for months 2 & 3. I bought crocheted hand warmers so I could type on the computer but keep my hands warm! It does get better...

Mmmm.... Elk. So much healthier than beef! Yes, cook it just like a regular roast. Enjoy!

I definitely weigh less now than when I met my husband. Love it!

[QUOTE=Medicmom734;3663674NSV - Last week I had tried on some shorts from 2 or 3 summers ago, while getting ready to pack for my trip and they were absolutely tight and 1 pair didn't even do up. I tried them on today, and TADA, they fit nicely, and look hot! YAY! [/QUOTE]

Yay! I have a pair of Lucky Brand capris that I bought 2 years ago that I bought in the largest size they came in - 14/32. When I bought them, they were a little tight and since I wore them so infrequently, I never washed them because I was afraid that they would shrink and then I couldn't wear them. I washed them last fall before I put them away for the season and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring to bust them out and see if they are even remotely wearable or if they are just going to be too big!

ShowgirlAZ- You are amazing! I LOVE that you take time to answer each and every post. So, so, so thoughtful!!!

I have found that the water must be boiling first, then add the jello mix, otherwise it won't set up.

Mrs Diettrich - a friend of mine was on IP and had breast reduction surgery. She went off of IP during her recovery (and unfortunately never started back on again). I don't know if her doctor suggested this or if she just needed more calories during recovery.

I TOTALLY know what you mean about the smells. Everything is heightened! It is funny because things that I used to really like eating smell awful to me. I guess my sense of smell has gotten healthier Lol.

Awesome! I am just about to start training. I have been doing general workouts and downhill skiing without much change in my energy level, so I hope the training have the same result.

I am planning on doing the Buffalo, WY triathlon. How about you?

YAY for us and setting goals!