by alpha femme » August 2nd, 2007, 10:30 am
i'm posting this here, because it's how i do it-- not how "it's done." a lot of people have a hard time getting back on plan and ask for advice.
one meal at a time doesn't work-- not to start the program (or restart). restarting is always harder, because you know that once you are on program you will lose weight-- so it's easier to justify putting it off. the reason one meal at a time works once you are in ketosis is because the genuine hunger is gone; it's just a case of staving off munchies. getting on plan is quite different.
try a 6+1 but make sure to pick vegetables with the lowest possible carbs. the extra protein and bulk will help. or do a 4+2. this is how i usually restart. it's pretty freaking painless; eat one l/g at lunch and another at dinner & end with a shake. the shakes (powdered) are the most filling mf product; it's one of the reasons the plan used to call for 3 shakes a day.
i've let myself stop whatever plan i've been on after dropping 100# and learned to maintain each weight for a few months, because it's a much easier for your body to make the transition and it allows your metabolism to recalibrate. there's a huge difference betwen the calories you can eat at 400# and what you can eat and stay 200#. right now, i'm able to eat pretty much whatever the hell i want and stay at the same weight. this will not be the case when i cut another 40-60# off, but by learning how to watch the fluctuation of weight and respond accordingly, i've learned to eat like "normal people"-- ie, cut back when you gain a couple pounds.
now i'm hopping back on to drop a couple sizes and see how i feel. this sin't for everyone, but people should be aware that part of avoiding the yo-yo is learning to listen and respond to the body. anyway... glad this is my journal, because lack of sleep makes me sound insane. try a 4+2 for a day or two if you have trouble getting into ketosis; after the second day, adhere to the plan without exception, and it's all good.