From what I understand it is becouse you are not getting enough carbs to exercise and it will break down your muscle.

Hi! I JUST had my initial consult and officially start tomorrow. I am glad these boards are here but it is a little overwhelming. Is there a place to look for BASIC recipes (where you don't have to buy WF products). I am worried that doing the packets plain will take gross but there are almost too many recipes out there for changing them up. I just hate to feel overwhelmed before I even start

I've been looking around for Sven's (sp??) recipe link but can't find it. I spent some time searching the recipe threads but didn't find reference to it there

Is EAS and acronym? If so what does it stand for? Perhaps we don't get it in Canada as I have looked...

Here is what I have been told: Because IP is such a low calorie diet when you add excericse your body can go into "starvation" mode and stop burning calories. It thinks it needs to store all your food so your weight loss can slow dramatically or even stop! Some people have success by adding 1/2 a packet before and 1/2 a packet after exercise. I have also read that keeping your heart rate in the 65 - 70% is important because that is the rate at which our bodies burn fat.

So sorry to hear you arent feeling well!! Take this advice or leave it, lol, but I'm not sure that is definitely your problem! I spent the WHOLE DAY Sat and MOST of Sunday in bed (my 4th & 5th Day) due to severe nausea. I couldn't even stand holding my head up.. According to my Dr., some people react this way while their bodies adjust to the lack of calories... and, not to mention there is a nasty stomach flu going around everywhere... If you feel terrible and are convinced, go with your gut.. but, might not hurt to go back to it in a week or so to make sure it wasn't something totally unrelated. Saturday, I was ready to quit, so glad I didnt!! Best of luck to you!!

Lots of people exercise. Most recommended is weight training for building muscle and walking. Intense cardio is NOT recommended. Also, those who do exercise often have an extra packet a day, making sure they get something to eat before and after exercising.

is this what you meant?
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...x-finland.html

Congrats to all the great WIs and NSVs today!!!

Have you read through the alternative thread? I know there's a lot of information there but there are a lot of good links there too. I even posted a few pages from the end what I was planning on ordering and I've survived (and done well IMO) since 1/2/12 on those products.

As for the restricted products there are two different kinds. 1 a restricted veggie (things like tomatoes, and brussel sprouts) that you don't want more than 2 cups of in a week. English peas are not allowed at all but green beans are occasional. The other restricted is the actual packet, usually a bar, soy puffs, or something crunchy and snacky like that. Personally I have found my weight loss better when I have a restricted ever day. I order from Nausha Nutrition because I really prefer their bars, but there are some acceptable alternatives at mega stores. Pure Protein bars are the ones that come to mind.

I don't use the WF products so I can't give you the exact amount, but I do know those that use them limit them to a certain number of tablespoons a day because while they're still technically 0/0/0 they add up and everyone's body acts differently.

I have just signed up with them and have been very impressed. From my understanding you have to not be currently enrolled in another IP program, but I have heard some people say there is a distance requirement. They never asked me, but I was driving a good 30 min to my appointments so maybe they just assumed? If you can go through a local coach and your coach is halfway different IMO that's the best bet because I loved the one on one accountability and support, but we're in the process of moving across the country soon so I knew that wasn't an option. I don't know about ordering requirements, I ordered a full month's supply, but didn't see anything on there about it. I ordered at about 7am, called at 8 because I forgot to add my salt (they added it no problem) and got my shipping notice at 11. It should be here tomorrow and I'm really excited!

Look in the sticky thread, there's one posted there about exercise, it's really helpful.

I just got back from my weigh in. I was up .1 lbs. It was hard to see I just started bawling in my coaches office. I have been 100% OP I mean down to every morsel of food and water that goes into my mouth. But, apparently TOM decided to try and get my discouraged. I refuse to let it and will continue on my path of IP and staying OP. My grandmother and mom were really supportive and gave me great encouragement. My step-dad however said "well maybe this isn't the diet either" UGH, anyone who has read any of my posts know how he is with eating in front of me and almost teasing me with it. But anyway, I am glad to have this website to vent and just say how I am feeling because without it and my mom and grandmother I just dont know. I know that I need to be strong on my own, but sometimes, everyone needs someone. I would like the "woosh fairy" to visit me for the next weigh in I am going to go for a leisurely walk with my dog and just calm down. Thanks everyone and I hope everyone continues to have a great OP day and don't get discouraged. I feel like so many have overcome so much, I can overcome this. ))

I agree with the person who earlier suggested the Dukan Diet. it is alot like IP just with real food not packets and shakes. Just go to mydukandiet.com and check it out. Also you can look for the book on ebay or Amazon. I think it could really look for you. good luck!

Most coaches do not recommend starting a new exercise retiming during phase 1. Do you exercise now?

I continued my 5--6 day a week workouts throughout ip. It didn't seem to hinder my losses until recently, although I am down to the last few pounds and have been doing my normal intense work outs and the scale is moving Down.

I try to add an extra packet those day, or at least ensure I am having a restricted bar. My weight loss has mainly been body fat and I have not been sacrificing muscle, if I believe the body fat scale.

I do not feel weaker, tirder or less able to do even the most intense work outs, but I was doing this for a long time before I found ip.

My advice is continue with what you are used to. If you currently exercise, and feel like continuing, do. If not, now might be the time to focus on weight loss and worry about exercise later.

Exercising can make you hungrier, and it takes many hours at the gym to lose even 1 pound.

Good luck.

Don,t let him get you down! Just look at how far you have come! almost 1/2 way to your goal! That is awesome! All of your WI have been amazing so it is that much harder to see a not great number. Just keep going your body is trying to catch up with how fast you have lost. You WILL be a success! I hope you had a great walk.

THANK YOU! Isn't it funny how just a few kind words of encouragement, even from a total stranger can give you strength? And I never even thought about it like that, almost halfway to my goal. That is an achievement in itself! Thank you so so so so so much!!!