Hi lunnp, as you work toward your short-term goal of your visit to your parents, I think the best thing you can do is get on induction, do it until your visit and no cheats. Drink lots of water. That is the best you can do and I'm sure you will see some progress if you stay honest to the food plan. I've found that you look slimmer than your actual weight. Something about losing the fat. I wear clothes that are smaller than when I weighed less years ago. Good luck, Start right now....