Scared, freaked out, nervous.

[mpickner]

I will be starting Phase 3 tomorrow. Today is my last drops day. I am stressing out bad and I know I shouldn't be. I've started in January and this is my Round 2 since. But this is also my "last". I didn't meet my goal but I am 60lbs lighter. My goal was to do 80lbs but... I guess it is what it is. I am scared because 5 years ago I was on this same plan lost 40lbs. I seen my self slowly gaining again which was because I was a first timer and was "too confindent" that I could maintain but I then got pregnant with my 3rd child Which she is a blessing. I double my weight that I lost, and gained 85lbs back. I tried my hardest to stick with it to the book. I am not gonna lie, I did cheat, but regained controll.
I checked my BMI and shows that I am still in the Overweight range Its frustrating! It says I still need to lose at least 14 more pounds I can be out of that Overweight range. UGH!
I told my self I don't want to do another round because summer is creeping up, which means more vacations in my household and I just wish I would have just lost what I wanted.
Well our first mini vaca is coming soon and it will start as soon as my starting of Phase 4 comes into play which is very scary. I wasn't worried the first time because I knew I had another round ahead of me so I was content with eating all the numminess of the restraunts. But who knows, I may be back. I know I will be checking back here for more encouragement but in the real world when I am faced with the choices, I tend to BREAK! My head, "one isn't going to hurt", next thing you know I ate like 5 cookies! But... I know for sure that I have to fight and keep fighting. Thanks for reading my Rant. -Misty

[Sadie]

Hi mpickner - Great job on losing 60lbs! That is a huge achievement, even if you didn't reach your goal of 80lbs. Moving to maintenance can definitely be nerve-racking. Make sure to do the 3 days after the drops where you continue the low calorie diet, but without the drops. Then on day 4 without the drops, start phase 3 maintenance.

BMI is a hard thing to go off of regarding being overweight or not. It doesn't necessarily take into account your bone structure, body structure, etc. To find your true healthy weight, I'd recommend that you consult with your physician.

When on maintenance, just remember that moderation is key, especially once you reach phase 4 where you start reintroducing sugars and starches. During phase 3, start introducing more lean proteins, along with a variety of fruits and veggies. Then when you reach phase 4, reintroduce sugars and starches slowly. Start with lets say 1/2 cup of brown rice, then see how your body/weight react. Anytime you are over 2lbs from your last dose weight (so your weight today), do a steak day. This will help keep your weight within range and this can be done even when you are 100% done with maintenance. It's a great tool for long term weight maintenance. Because you are going on a vacation, planning ahead may work best for you. Try to pack healthy snacks in a cooler like fruits and vegetables, proteins like raw almonds or hard boiled eggs, and plenty of water. If when you get back from vacation and you see you are over the 2lb mark, do a steak day to help correct any gain that may have occurred.

Definitely check back here for not only encouragement, but also accountability. We are here to help, so if there is anything I can do, let me know.

[George Realakerfan Price]

how soon on P3 you can have raw almonds

[Sadie]

Hi George - Once you reach Phase 3 you can start to introduce other proteins. I'd start with 1 serving of raw almonds and then see how your body reacts to it the next day. If your body continues to stabilize, you can continue to have a serving if needed. This is the best way to help maintain your loss while seeing what foods will cause a gain/stabilization for you.

[mpickner]

Thanks Sadie. Today is my last day on 500 calories and prepping for week one. Tomorrow can I start breakfast? I know I need protein snacks every 3 hours, wasn't sure about breakfast, like hard boiled eggs? I always start to get confused around this time, and this time more than ever because I don't want to mess up. I will be having baked chicken tonight and will be making extra for my course of snacks. Last round I even did hard boiled eggs, not eating any yolk, because I don't like it anyways. But just preparing. Thanks for any fed back

[George Realakerfan Price]

Tuesday is my last drop day so my weight that morning is the weight I'm to maintain. right? Then Wednesday morning continue 500 cal for 3 days.

[mpickner]

George that's correct I believe. This morning I am starting my day one of protein load. And I already had eggs. And they were so good. I also took shower and used real shampoo and conditioner. I used lotion and I feel like this could be good I feel a little more comfortable about moving forward. I know it gets stressful at times but I then have to realize, I am 63lbs lighter than before. If I can make it this far I can keep going.

[moni232829]

George and mpickner congrats on your weight loss! P3 although seems easy enough is still pretty tricky since you are trying to do the best you can in stabilizing your weight. Just remember during the first 3 days on P3 make sure to eat plenty of protein. I found that this really helps not only in satisfying cravings that you may have had on P2, but also in making sure the weight doesn't go up. I'm currently in my 3rd week of P4 and have been able to keep all of my weight off that I had lost and it feels great. I made sure that during these last two phases I really followed the plans and didn't introduce new things to early, but rather took things slowly. That's the best advice. Don't rush it. Can't wait to hear your updates!

[Tiffany Reynolds Volkman]

P3D1 is like loading for your skin! Enjoy it! I will be there in about 2 weeks.

[Sadie]

Hi MPickner - Hard boiled eggs are a great protein during the first part of maintenance. You can start to have breakfast once you reach maintenance as well. Preparing is really the key, and by cooking extra baked chicken it sounds like you are already preparing. You can start to introduce other proteins like turkey, raw almonds, avocados, etc.