Original email for context: I have been on Phase 3 for two weeks and have gained 5 lbs… I am super super bummed… I have studied this phase time and time again and feel like a failure every time. I have had no sugar or starches as noted on the protocol and am eating the same as in Phase 2 and upping the proteins and vegetables and do not eat salt. I know it’s important to up everything (and not a whole lot) so my body can get use to the first 3 weeks and the 2nd 3 weeks start incorporating “slowly” other things, etc…. Other than that the only thing I have incorporated is chewing sugarless gum, adding Fat Free Creamer to my coffees and have had now and then Vodka straight as allowed and never overdue “anything”. I am doing the Ultra Burn as well…. And walking… But am at a total loss… Is there something wrong with me? How can I lose them again? And get back on track? Should I eat less again? Should I do phase 2 again without HCG?
I know it can be SO confounding sometimes when you know you are doing your very best and things don’t seem to be going in the right direction.
I have a few thoughts for you here.
The first one is I’m not sure if you know about my P3toLife program– if you don’t I just wanted to throw that out there to you since you are having trouble and the program works pretty reliably for the ladies who follow it. It would give you exact structure for your eating during this time. It doesn’t involve only eating more of P2 foods either- I know this is popular but the way P3toLife is structured just seems to work very consistently.
In looking at your scenario, the only big thing that stands out is the walking – this is not a bad thing- but might be causing water retention – I too gained weight after reincorporating exercise, but it wasn’t fat so I was okay with it. I have an article on that – P3 and Exercise.
The other thing is, did you eat fruits during Phase 2? If you didn’t, that can case more glycogen store loss that will come back right away in Phase 3. I have a post that discusses this: How Not Eating Fruits in P2 Affects P3 Stabilization.
I saw you mentioned Vodka- I’n not sure where you heard this, but really any alcohol is not advised during P3. It just seems to make things more volatile. Most fat free creamers actually contain a fair amount of added sugar- in P3 it would be better to use something with fat and no added sugar – like half and half or even a little heavy cream.
I also don’t think avoiding salt is a good idea – remember that the weight you maintain should be a “true” weight- not one that’s just temporarily being altered by being dehydrated or not having enough proper water weight on your body. Not having enough salt in the diet can cause electrolyte imbalance and energy problems.
I’m not sure if this helps, but I hope it gives you a few ideas. If you try P3toLife it may help give you a clue if the eating is any different from what you have been doing.
