Some people have asked what keeps me going on Ideal Protein, I always tell them “the little things”. What I mean is, I have to keep myself interested in the protein packets, drinks, etc with FLAVOR and keep it FUN! Otherwise, I get distracted and find myself wanting to go off protocol.

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Water Enhancers as Mocktails:   Choose flavors you like! When  I started IP in the summer I would often mix a splash of Raspberry/Blueberry  Mio with seltzer and fresh mint-- to me, it felt like I was having a fancy cocktail! Zero calories, zero guilt. 

Tea/Flavor Roasted Coffees: One thing I love about this diet is that I don’t have to give up my daily tea routine! Even better, if you consume decaf tea/coffee you do not have to replace it with extra water consumption throughout the day, as it counts towards your daily water intake! Fantastic! Another perk about this is, tea and coffee can be seasonal -- so get creative! Summer/Spring-  I drink a lot of peach, blueberry and pomegranate tea. Fall/Winter- Peppermint, Constant Comment, Earl/Grey, Pumpkin Spice. 

Extracts/Spices go a long way: Adding extracts to your protein packets can keep you interested in the them. I actually don’t eat any of the puddings or drink mixes plain at all. Some of my favorite flavor combinations are the following:

• Cappuccino packet with Pumpkin Spice- either blended as a frappe or warmed as a latte- yum!
• Chocolate drink mix with Raspberry extract- blended as a mocha frappe, or hot as a raspberry cocoa
• Chocolate pudding with Coconut extract- taste like Mounds! yum!
• Strawberry pudding with Walden Farms Chocolate syrup baked as chocolate strawberry muffins- oh yeah!
• Butterscotch pudding with cinnamon, pumpkin spice as muffins- taste delectable

This last week was a dozy if I'm honest. I was lazy in blogging and super busy. But here goes my confessions: I find when I'm honest-- instead of feeling guilty or depressed, I acknowledge my flaws and am able to move on-owning what ever happened.  If I try to "justify" a cheat, a nibble or a flat out indulgence-- I get grumpy, 'hangry" and just plain mean to myself and others. Not fun!

This past week was jammed pack with friends  and get togethers,  and while I did not go completely off protocol-- I did allow myself to relax and enjoy the moments that only seem to happen this  time of year.

Monday: typical IP day, stayed on protocol 

Tuesday:  I had a hellish day at work. Computer systems crashing, clients upset, and the work load piling up! All I wanted to do was be in my jammies, eat mac and cheese and veg out. I came home and told my husband of this hard day and he said-- "I'm taking you out for some comfort food". We had fifteen minutes of going and back and forth until I caved in. We went to a tavern up the road from us, and I had thee most delightful mac and cheese (split as an appetizer with husband) and then ordered beef pot roast (only splurge there were a few diced potatoes). I did however have a hot roll with light butter. Oh my inner fat girl was so delighted! Yum--- did I mention this dinner took place by fire? Romantic and charming. I allowed myself to relax.

Wednesday: I baked cookies for our church, ended up making 8 dozen! So, a nibble here and a nibble there turned into 2 whole gingerbread men devoured. Quite tasty.

Thursday: Friend from Zambia in town. He wanted to go to the Cheesecake Factory. OH MY GOSH! Cheesecake is my  second favorite dessert  to a perfect warm chocolate chip cookie, any day! I thought I would try and stay semi healthy and order the Skinny White Chicken Chili, with a side of Asparagus. I did partake of a slice of pumpernickel bread--- ahhh, bread how I have missed you! BUT, I am proud to say I denied my urge to devour the raspberry chocolate ganache cheesecake that my inner fat girl craved. Moving on!

Friday: Went out with a girlfriend for dinner before a concert: stuck to protocol!! Praise the Lord! Ordered grilled shrimp  (2 oz) + blackened tilapia spinach salad with Apple Cider Vin. dressing ( Locals to Delaware: Big Fish Grill is SUPER accomodating and has lovely HH prices).

Saturday: Stuck to protocol

Sunday: Was doing fantastic until..... we went to see the Hunger Games! WOW, it was fantastic-- go see it!  Not just the movie, but the child's size popcorn Mitch and I split. Buttery goodness.


SO, I've gotten the cheating out of my system-- just in time for Thanksgiving. :) Thanksgiving is a holiday, I know I can behave with- give me the protein and veggies and I'm fine. Christmas on the other hand, cocktails and desserts --oh my! My game plan for Turkey Day is:  I am going to stick to protocol and have ordered all   NON-RESTRICTED items for this week. 

Weigh- In day is today! Next week marks my 4th month doing IP- the way I look at it-- I have not gained once in all that time (even with my fall foliage splurge foodie trip to VT). SO, if I gain this week.... what the heck? A girl has got to live a little,  have fun and not being the "evil skinny dieting lady".

So my readers, when you have weeks like this and you WILL...it's unrealistic to think every week you will have the stamina to be 100% IP, let your hair down and remember how far you've come! Then, pull yourself together and start a new, tomorrow!

  So tonight, as I step off that elevator , and down the hall to the scale... "May the odds be ever in my favor".