Amen to the easy and effective part, Sarya!! I'm 2 months in and STILL amazed at the continual progress.
Like you, I"m still working on the "interest" before I get to the "principal" of my weight loss. You know, though, I don't think it necessarily comes off at any different rate. How's that for a miracle? The great equalizer!
Congrats on your triumph over the company bbq!! If you can, make a list of those people who bet you would NOT go off plan. You've got allies out there in the jungle! The fact that it became such a big deal, though, is not all negative even though it may be uncomfortable to be at the very silent center. If they didn't care and didn't want you involved, there would have been nary a word. People have very strong emotional and social attachments to food. It's a bonding thing to break bread together. (If you haven't read Success in a Shaker Jar, I highly recommend it!)
Just a suggestion: My hubby has found he likes the Hebrew National 97% fat free beef franks, but it takes about 3 and a half of 'em to make 5 oz.
I'm really proud of you, Sarya! I didn't have your resolve and needed outside help! We had lunch at my principal's house yesterday. She was the first one to encourage me to try Medifast when she saw that I'd put on 50 lbs in just over a year. Someone made a huge platter of fudge (wimperwimper). I found the tiniest piece and cut it in half; the result was about the size of my thumbnail with the thickness of my pinky nail (I have small hands). I held it up to get my husband's opinion. (He's on Medifast, too, and the Science Department Chair.) I had just asked him, "Do you think this will throw me out of ketosis?" when from across the house flew this crazed woman with a panicked yell, "NO!!!!!!" It was my principal to the rescue. I threw it away, washed my hands, and got a bottle of water for one hand and napkin for the other.
Keep track of your victories! They will add to your strength! And here's to our mutual success!
Diana