WOW! Welcome to all of the new people! I've not been checking in as much lately as it seemed like Julie and I were the only two people here. I'm still at -35 pounds, which is frustrating, but because of all the exercise I'm down a LOT of inches- and I feel so much better! I'm down to 1/4 a pill on my BP meds and my pressures are great-so I hope to be completely off before Christmas.

Nitab, if the sweetness of the shakes bother you, perhaps you should have mostly soups- which aren't so sweet. I personally love the sweetness, but found early on that I preferred to have the puddings (lemon and vanilla are my favorites) which I mix with a little bit more water than recommended (9-10oz) so I can drink them like a smoothie. I feel nice and full. I too struggled with a lack of appetite partway in, just power the supplements down, as you need the nutrition. I'm not sure about 4 supplements. I never took that many- though I think Julie did. I started off with 3 packets and a "snack" protein bar. Week four I started eliminating one supplement and including a meal. She wanted to start me on week 3, but I begged to go one more, as I was really enjoying the steady, dependable weight loss.

Kendra, the first week was the hardest. But if you're sticking to the diet, you can assume you're in ketosis. If you keep to around 50 carbs daily, you're there (whether it's through healthy food or packets). Depending on your doctor will determine when you start your first meals. My doc was big on introducing one meal right away, just a few weeks in. She wants her patients to start learning portions and healthy eating habits ASAP. She also pushes exercise- HARD. Every day, lots and lots of resistance work. So I try to mix it up, cardio and resistance. I love to swim, so I can get both regularly.

As to emergency meals- especially when eating out- my doc told me to order a plain salad, just greens and green veggies, and then request the restaurant to cook you a chicken breast, steak or fish, but without any seasoning. Make sure it's grilled, and not grilled with butter, just a dab or oil. Most restaurants will accommodate you. You could also make your own "soup" with chicken broth, cut up chicken breast (grilled) and some green veggies (that wouldn't be sweet, but would be yummy). Just watch your portions.

As to having a long way to go, I think we all felt that way going in. I still feel that way. But I can also see and enjoy how far I've come so far. With the medical issues I was starting to have, I knew even 20-30 pounds gone would go a long way towards improving my health. At 35 pounds gone, people are noticing- and complimenting. I've had to hit the clearance racks and thrift stores for new clothes. My t-shirts look like tents. I wear them as nightshirts and workout shirts. I can't wear any of my old pants or nice shirts and sweaters at all, they look funny or fall off. I even had to buy a new coat, as my sleeves hung about 6 inches past my hands! Even my shoes are looser! Of course I don't buy anything pricy or too many "new" things, as I don't plan to wear them very long. I bought a few things to "shrink into", down to size 8/Med. They're hanging up according to size in my closet. It's exciting to see them there, waiting for me. It's extra motivation. And as I start working my way into them, I feel great- and further inspired to keep on going. This will soon be you all too! So enjoy the process and keep your eyes on the prizes, because there are many prizes to be had; good health, good example and motivation to others, more stamina, better sleep, compliments, new clothes and more. YOU CAN DO IT!

I hope you all will post regularly and keep us updated! Trust me, if I can do this- anybody can!

I've not heard of the chili- interesting! For me, I save my protein bar to take out with me. If I go to a movie, it's my "snack". Same with at school (I'm a full time student). I'll cut my bar in half and eat one as an inbtween mean snack. You'll learn little ways to adapt. You could also take some celery and cucumbers to work with you in a little baggie. Those are "free" foods. It would let you nibble and satisfy your hunger without compromising your diet.

Make sure you're chugging that water, ladies!

For me, once I got past those first two weeks and saw the easy off ten pound weight loss, it got a lot easier. Exercising was the toughest part for me. My doctor pushes exercise HARD and scolds me when I slack off. She wants to see activity, lol! I'm glad for that, because for me, all of the health issues I started the diet with are reversed or reversing and I feel that. It feels good. She told me that next week (barring issues) I can completely go off of the blood pressure medication I've been on for years. I've been slowing weaning off of it for over two months now. I'm down to a 1/4 pill and for Christmas I'll be medication free. I'm no longer pre-diabetic and I have healthy cholesterol levels. Most of those positives are exercise related.

If I can do it, ladies, you can too! I'm not even halfway to my goal, but the benefits I'm reaping are HUGE. You'll be reaping those same benefits too. Keep up the good work!