P3 timing

[lisaks]

Can you go over the timing for P3 and P4? Specifically, what's the difference if you're doing rounds back-to-back, or with large breaks in between?

Because of work issues, the only time of the year it really works for me to do a round is January/February. So I did my first round in 2012 and my 2nd round in 2013. I've just started P3 for my third round, and if I do another round (I'm an optimist) it won't be until January of 2016. So, how long should I do P3, and how long for P4?

[tygereye]

I am not an advisor, but this is my opinion, and I hope an admin will correct me if I am wrong...

I think with a year between rounds like that you can get away with a 3/3 split...

Personally, I have always extended mine, and moved very slowly through phase 3 and 4. It helps me make sure the weight will stay off. I usually go ahead and do 4/4, or 5/5 minimally.... With this round, I am going to be finishing a 60 day round in mid March, and I am not planning to start another one till mid/late June, or early July. Then after that 60 day round, I will likely do 6-8 weeks each phase 3 and 4 just to make sure it sticks!!

[lisaks]

Thanks Tygereye! I certainly agree with you that slower is always better. Sadie, can you weigh in (ha ha ha) on this as well?

[lisaks]

Sadie, can you give me a reply?

[Sadie]

HI Lisaks - Because you do go so long between rounds, the 3 weeks of no sugars/starches with 3 weeks of slowly working them in would be fine. I would just make sure that you don't move on to the 2nd part where you introduce sugars/starches until your weight has stabilized while avoiding them. The 3 weeks & 3 weeks recommendation will work great if you are stabilized during those first 3 weeks, but if you are having a hard time maintaining during that time, don't introduce sugars/starches until you are maintaining steadily.

[lisaks]

Great - that's a big help!!