Wow. Today is my 5th day in phase 1 and I lost 3 lbs! Unbelievable. You know - I had no faith that this was going to work. I was only doing it because my husband was doing it.

Of course - it could be water. I was up 5 times last night to run to the potty.

Do you think this is for real?

I was so excited that I got the treadmill back out and strolled while watching TV today.

Wow.

Congratulations, Stacey! Of course it's for real! Even if it's water, it's still real!! Keep it up, girl!

Congratulations! Yes, you are probably losing water, but that doesn't matter because it is still excess weight which makes you feel bloated and bad. Water or not, it is still weight, mostly around your stomach. By the end of the week your pants are going to feel a bit better!

The reason for the water loss is the lack of carbs lets our body burn stored glycogen, which is most popularly stored in water in the stomach area. When you burn off the glycogen from the lack of carbs, your unneeded water flushes out, and you feel a ton better.

Good going, Stacey. Isn't it a wonderful feeling? I vaguely remember it and need to recapture the thrill.

Good explanation of the water weight, Jennifer. I didn't realize that.

So - this happens to everyone?

My book didn't mention it. It seems like I learn more from the people in the forum than I have from my book. The phase I list, for example, isn't very thorough. I still don't know if spanish olives are OK. I guess they must be, because the diet is apparently working and I've been eating them.

Even my cravings are gone! But I must admit my very favorite foods on the diet are the ricotta cheese dessert, fudgesicles, and sugar-free jello.

Making healthy decisions and knowing the do's and shouldn'ts are such great helpers.

This is a WONDERFUL way of life.

Your weight loss will be a great gift to yourself and you will benefit from health, happiness and a great new attitude.

Good Luck.

Lady