P3TOLIFE INTERVIEW EPISODE 26

Cathy's Experience with:

the P3toLife Program During Phase 3 of the hCG Protocol

 

What were/have been your biggest concerns when contemplating going into P3?

I worked so hard to get to lose the weight and was so used to depriving myself (somewhat) that I was scared that anything I did outside of what was now my routine would cause me to not only gain weight but to also spiral out of control.

P2 is very defined. Cut and dry. And while it can be difficult to stick to, there is an ease in its restriction.  I was afraid I would “mess things up” ruin my diet and metabolism. ( I know quite dramatic)

I am following a doctor-prescribed plan. For Phase 3, they gave me the Macros- but very little beyond that. I felt a bit stranded. I had already looked into your program, but thought- I have already paid for the program I was on currently. BUT, then I said to myself, if it helps then it is worth it- why not use every tool available?

 

What did the P3 program provide to you that you feel like you didn't have before without it in past Phase 3s?

See above. Honestly? It gave me peace of mind- it eased my worries and fears and I felt totally ready to step into P3. I poured over the recipes and “digested” all the information available- blogs etc.

Using the macros provided ( I used yours and not from the MD plan I am on) I developed an EXCEL spreadsheet so that I could hit my marks. I travel a great deal, so that makes things a bit more difficult. I had to develop my own menus etc.

 

How did you end up following the program - did you do the original plan, the simplified, or build your own meal plan or just tweaks to one of these? Can you give a few details of how you utilized the program and tailored it to yourself and your circumstances?

I built my own and it was beautiful. As I stated above, I travel for work and I am on the road (out of state) 4 nights on average a week.

In fact, on my very first day of P3, I was out of town. But I relied heavily on the food sheets in your program. I entered all the food information into my spreadsheet so I was sure to count everything.

This held me accountable in a way I thought I would never need. I needed to make sure, that I ate ENOUGH calories. I knew with my fear, I would restrict myself because I was scared to gain. So the spreadsheet made me hit that calorie goal.

In just a few days, however, I was able to see that following your plan, I did NOT gain weight and I was able to let all of it go- enjoy the freedom of the food and also drilled into my head that when I eat clean and healthy- my body does exactly what it should!

 

Did you have to do any correction days during P3 this time and if so, what do you think was the cause and how did your correction day(s) go?

So, this is kinda funny. I DID one correction day, but actually, I knew it was water because the days prior I was at a festival with porta-potties- and I didn’t want to drink and have to use them! But, I love steak so much- I just really wanted to do a steak day. Anyhow, I did the steak day and the next day I was back where I needed to be.

 

In a nutshell, can you share your tangible results from following the P3tolife program? - how your weight has been, while following the P3 program?

I had zero issues maintaining my weight.  I had the one time where I went up 4 pounds, but again, I am sure that was due to my not getting the water in over the 3 days. Otherwise, I stabilized without issue.

 

How did you feel about the portion sizes & taste of the P3 meals? Did the portions and taste of the food make any difference in how you felt about eating/relationship with food while on p3? If you still felt hungry, how did you adapt it to add calories?

This is a GREAT question! I was fine with the portions and stayed full. Once I got past the fear of food and gaining which was actually pretty quick. I noticed I was finally for the first time in my 50 plus year, enjoy food. I enjoyed the food and recipes. I stepped outside my comfort zone and loved it. I added foods even from the “questionable” list and did absolutely fine.

I did so well, that I am back to P2 and loosing beautifully. This will be a very short P2 for me- and I am not afraid to move on to P3 for the holidays. (after the holidays, I will do P2 until I meet my ultimate goal)

The best part about your program is, it literally took away my fears to move forward!

 

Can you share a little about your personal life- ie work full time/part time, kids or hubby or school? Would love to hear how you made the logistics work of cooking the program with whatever time constraints you deal with. How did you manage to fit in preparing the meals with your schedule each week?

So, I am living proof that anyone can do this. I work more than full time (don’t we all) I travel a great deal as part of my job. Long car trips and plane ride. Hotels and eating out. I am gone for the most part on average 4-5 nights a week.

I actually started P3 D1 on the road! I have learned to be very creative. I have a travel cooler that I bring with me on each trip. I bring meals to get me by so that I am not tempted to eat poorly.

I spend my weekends preparing meals and freezing them. P2 is much more difficult- P3, I can usually find something at a restaurant a good salad with a protein and some ranch dressing. But I have found, I prefer clean eating- so that means me buying and preparing organic foods as much as possible.

And omg, the smoothie recipes? Were a treat for me each day!

 

Have you struggled on past p3's and if so what were your struggles? Did the P3 program help address these struggles/how so?

Absolutely- see above

 

Were there any positive results from following the plan that surprised you, that you weren't expecting? Have you learned anything new from the program?

YES! I learned to not be afraid of food and that if I eat healthily, my body is smart and GOOD and it WILL do the right things. Its when I eat poorly that my body puts on the weight.

Garbage in? garbage out

 

What were one or two of your favorite recipes in the plan?

Definitely the Pumpkin Smoothie and the zucchini fritters

 

Was there anything in the coaching section you found useful or that resonated with you and how so?

It is hard to say exactly what was the most helpful, I went through everything and what I found was that my mind went back to what I had read or heard and it helped me a great deal.

 

Any other closing thoughts that you want to share about your experience with the program, or that might help others considering whether or not to give it a try?

This diet is not easy, it takes all of your willpower. It is mental and physical. This is one of the few things that you really cannot do halfway. You must do it all the way. All 4 phases.

I worked REALLY hard in P2 to lose the weight that I lost. It was NOT easy. I am post-menopausal and have a hypothyroid. It was a struggle. Each day I had to commit to doing what it took. I was not always successful and had says where I just “fell off the wagon” but I got right back on and kept moving forward.

P3 is IMPORTANT. Why work sooo hard in P2 to fail in P3? Honestly, in my opinion, P3 is more important than P2 because this is actually how I will need to eat probably the rest of my life.

The money I spent to be successful was totally worth it.  This is not where you want to short-change yourself. This was by far the best money I have spent in a very very long time.

 

What type of hCG did you use?

I started my journey on drops from a local clinic and then moved to injections which I received from Diet Doc. I take 17 units daily.