Transitioning to Phase 3

Once phase 2 ends, there tends to be a mixture of anxiety and excitement when entering into phase 3.  Many people are ecstatic with their losses but terrified of gaining it back, now that the comfort of following a strict diet is gone.  One of the first questions we get is: do I continue the VLCD for 3 days after stopping the drops?  On our protocol we suggest slowly increasing calories on your first day of P3. There is no set amount to increase – eat when you are hungry to avoid starvation mode, but don’t immediately go to 1500 calories and throw your body into shock. The best way to increase these calories is through proteins and vegetables. Add in a breakfast, snack on veggies throughout the day, and increase your serving sizes of protein at each meal.

The other question we get is: what can I eat now?  In phase 3, they key is to stay strictly away from sugars and starches and to add foods SLOWLY.  This doesn’t mean you can’t eat things that have sugar grams in it.  Dairy, fruits, etc… all naturally contain sugar.  What you need to look out for is sugar listed in the ingredients area on a products label.  If you see any sugars in the ingredients, it means that it has been added to the food.  Aside from the sugars and starches, you are pretty much free to try whatever you want.  This is the time to find out what causes your body to gain.  Take phase 3 slowly, get up to 1500 calories of the approved foods before adding any new ones. Also, try adding no more than 1-2 new foods a day, that way you can see what causes you to gain.

Remember that during Phase 3 you are eating a high amount of protein so this is the best time to begin excercising. We do offer a program that takes all the guess work out of Phase 3 and gives you a 12 week step by step program that includes menus and workouts. Check out our Phase 3 LIVE THE LIFE or call our health coaches for more information at 800-980-7208. Most important… don’t over stress phase 3! Be proud of what you’ve already accomplished and enjoy moving on!