thanks suziq7575. I was very strict both times during phase I, with no cheats whatsoever....

After the first time I did phase I, I introduced fruit (mainly apples) maybe 2-3 times a week, and bread maybe once/week. I (continued to lose) lost nothing, so went back to phase I, which I again did by the book. Nothing.

I am aware of the fact that some of my current food choices are more of an Atkins approach (well, really just the eggs & bacon in the morning), but interestingly enough, noone else seems to have a problem losing that way.

I know I come off as really negative, but after having been so hopeful and also rigorously sticking to things, 4 months later with STILL 17 lbs. to go I have a pretty good reason IMO to feel that way..