Just finished the 5-day pouch test and it was super helpful for me. I did adjust it slightly given my schedule and my birthday, but that didn't seem to matter. I don't think I realized how many slider foods I had been sneaking in without noticing and going back to the liquid diet really did help my restriction. On day five I really felt restriction and I am down 3 lbs.

A couple of things I did to help me get through it all.

1. I didn't rely only on protein drinks for the liquid stage. I made two batches of homemade soups at the start so that I could eat them throughout the week. I also incorporated Starbucks Chai Latte fat free milk because I can't drink coffee anymore. Between those two things and the protein shakes it was pretty easy.

2. I found that a single glass of OJ was enough to give me a little sugar and cut the carb cravings during the first few days.

3. I prioritized my multi-vitamin. I was taking a prescribed prenatal vitamin which I hated and made my stomach upset and my DR said that I could switch to one that I liked better and still be good so I went back to the viactive flavor glides which I love.

I wasn't as strict about the soft meat stages either. Mainly because I was working with what was in my pantry and certain things were easier for me to manage during the week. But I was able to pay attention to my eating, the amount that was going in, and most importantly I began to put a stronger emphasis on my protein, bringing in 20 gms or more over what I was originally told. I did this because I am very active and it became apparent that maybe I wasn't getting enough for my body to be comfortable giving up the pounds.

Hoping it will continue over the weekend and into next week I'll be traveling so there will be new temptations to overcome.