... long stretches of (kind of) boring days (at least around food), that stack up like a long line of dominoes -- with fun and inspiring, but short lived (in terms of excitement), milestones reached every so often.

I hope that doesn't sound too depressing! LOL. But it's true for me.

I always get excited when I reach another 10 pounds gone milestone, but that only happens once every 3 to 4 weeks or so.

It really does take a lot of patience, fortitude, willpower, and desire to stick to any diet. But ultimately dieting is a usually a lonely (solitary) path. Maybe that's why so many flock here? To get a bit of camaraderie amongst those going through the same thing.

... as tolerable as I'm prepared to make it.

Yes, the IP packets get old but the only person who controls how boring they are is me. If I make the effort to adjust them, then I get the benefit of a nicer tasting product.

Good thought Briael!

(BTW, I didnt mean to imply that IP wasnt worth the difficulty!! It's totally worth it! It's just there is a lot of time when it seems like little is happening (or happening very slowly)). And you do need to be patient and work it.

Today is day #25 with my weight in the 260's ... and I can just TASTE the 250's from here. I am so looking forward to that next 10 pound milestone of getting into the 250's ... I think I might hit it Monday or Tuesday next week.

A prescription for weight loss. If you follow it, it will work.

It isn't super hard if you have lots of support. On the other hand when you don't have that support it is very hard! Either way anyone can do it if they put their mind to it!

Great thoughts Rayze and Christine!

EFFECTIVE - if you're willing to do what it takes....following the plan and staying OP.

easy if you understand it and follow it.

somewhat boring as far as food choices, but very effective and worth doing

A tool . . . To get rid of the parts of me that need to be gotten rid of.

A diet like any other if you stick to it, it works, but for me thie one made me feel better and taught me how various foods affect my body and mind. Taught me I do not have to live with acid reflux. And is my life tool for keeping my weight under control. This diet has changed me forever I may not always ahere to every aspect through life but some parts will never leave me!

Life Changing....losing weight in an environment that is for the most part craving-free while developing very structured eating patterns with food that is amazingly adaptable.

...and this forum shows me that the weight loss that I never dreamed possible, is in fact is attainable. I derive so much joy from watching all your successes.

....the best tool I have found to control my weight.
...a life changer in the way I think about my body, food, myself
...something I can do!
...a rather pleasant way to get the weight off and give me success. I generally can lose 10 pounds each month.. At times, it can be discouraging when the scale doesn't move like I want it to, but if I stick with it, it always works for me. Ten months each month is an amazing rate!
...a catalyst for me to eat more healthy foods, even in maintenance. After 9 months of IP my tastes and cooking habits really changed. I now love roasted vegetables and meat or fish protein cooked sensibly. I know how to cook foods and season them without lots of added fats and carbs.
...an opportunity to "clear out " the garbage in my body. Residues of refined sugars, etc. Sure, the IP foods have their share of chemicals, but once in maintenance, those are phased off and the healthy eating habits remain.

Hope that wasn't too long!

a giving me back control diet. For so long I have been on the cravings binge. After 5 days on this diet I am no longer feeling hungry due to carb cravings. Detoxing was a little tough but now I feel like so much better and back in control of what I eat. The structure for me is awesome. No gray areas because it states simply what I can and cannot have.

Trust the Process!

amazing and rewarding. I have learned that my body does better on low carbs in general (having grown up with bread, baked goods, and carbs galore! I watched my husband lose 100 lbs on the diet, and his perseverance inspired me to join up. The weight loss has transformed my shape to a younger looking one and I have to remind myself that I don't look the way I used to anymore. I recommend it, especially to people who have tried every other diet before as I have. Short people show every pound-IP has finally slimmed my profile. Also, my blood work is the best it has ever been, and my BP was low enough to please my doctors. All in all, worth all the costs and changes. My husband lost 7 lbs average just about every week (he started over 300 lbs) but I lost much more slowly (1-2 lbs every two weeks). But it was easier to stick with it knowing his success, and when people start asking you, "what are you doing? You are looking great!" It is all worth it in my experience.