LakeGirl's Journal, 30 January 2008

I read today where someone mentioned that three weeks was a good place to cut off Phase 1; but, I originally read (in the first book) that it's ok to stretch it out more. How long was not really defined as I recall. At any rate, you can modify Phase 1 only slightly (1 pear per week) and it becomes Phase 2. :-) Just take as much time to re-introduce foods as you need. As long as you are losing weight, you are doing a good job. Good luck! 

I thought I read phase 1 was for 2 weeks. I'm only on day 3 of Phase 1. But I'm sure it will be scary to introduce carbs. The weight won't fall off as fast but it probably will be healthier long-term. I figured I can always go back to phase 1 for 2 weeks to give me another boost, especially since I have a pretty good amount to loose. Have any others done that? But if I stayed on Phase 1 to long I worry about my skin changing, my hair falling out & I don't want to do that because I want to be HOT when I am done!!! 

The books suggests that you not stay on phase one more than 3 weeks. It is in fact to help you get over those cravings and urges to binge that you mentioned. Isn't it great that they are gone! the book and my doctor both said its important to move to phase to because your body needs the good fruits and whole grains. Be careful and re-introduce one food at a time for each week.. my first week it was oatmeal and grapefruit .. then see how you feel.. any cravings? any tummy aches? feel bloated?" feel like binge eating? test each new food, each week. Yes weight will slow down to 1-2 lbs per week, a healthy weight loss . The book also says to look for the LOW GLYCEMIC FOODS to introduce into your diet. Look them up on a glycemic index list...choose fruits and grains that have a low glyceminc level. If you fall off, go on a cruise, vacation, etc and gain some weight back...you can go back to phase one again..and start over. Hope this helps. 

Ok...how long you stay on phase 1 depends on how high your BMI is. The higher the BMI, the longer you can stay on phase1. If your BMI isn't high, staying on phase 1 too long can hurt your over all long term weight loss. #1, be truthful to phase1, do not cheat. Then add one new carb a week, in little amounts here and there and see at the end of that week, how it effected you. If all is well, add a new carb the next week. repeat as necessary. LakeGirl, as you move to phase two, add carb lower in the glycemic index, perhaps grapefruit? 

Gee mom, we ditto'd each other without knowing it. I taught you well...ha ha wink, wink! 

I don't like to sound ignorant but what is a BMI & how do I find what mine is???????? Thank you for the additional input. 

BMI = Body Mass Index It is a ratio of your fat to your height basically. Here is a handy link (you might have to copy and paste it cause this comment box doesn't let you add a link) to a site that has a BMI calculator and more: http://www.nutritiondata.com/tools/calories-burned 

It is your fat to body mass ratio. Amy websites will show you that by entering your height and weight and bone frame. Basically the more FAT you have in your body, the higher your BMI.