Ive read through the entire p4 lounge and dont really find that it gives me the information that I'm really looking for. I'm having a bit of a difficult time transitioning, and thought that it would be really helpful to have a no frills thread of p4 advice. Things that you have realized, troubles, successes, whatever. Just things related to p4, not p3, not last week of p2, not anticipation of p4, just good solid p4 information. Hopefully this thread will take off and I and others who will not be doing any more rounds will be able to use it as a resource.
I will start. Im trying to stick to no sugar forever, however Im learning more and more negative things about artificial sweeteners, so I probably will stick to low sugar, not no sugar. I have not had a problem with dairy, and do seem to have problems with artificial sweeteners and nuts causing me to retain water, therefore gain a couple extra lbs. I am trying not to dwell on weight fluctuations, instead focus on how easy it seems to be to adjust them by drinking LOTS of water and concentrating on protein. Im still quite confused on the ratio of protein to carbs, veggies, etc. and how much is too much, too little, etc. during p4 and forever. I have learned that a high protein day is quite sufficient for me and has kept me from having to do a full on steak day, which is nice, considering Im trying to move on from a 'diet' mentality, to just plain good healthy eating lifestyle. My aversion to water has pretty much taken care of itself. After 6 or 7 weeks of having to drink water, I finally reach for water before anything else, including food, which is nice. Its no longer an effort. One thing Ive noticed is its very expensive to do much shopping in a health food store, so Im trying to seek as much advice on here as possible to avoid the costly trial and error mistakes.

I am not an expert hcger but will be starting P4 next week and wanted to mention this. I use Stevia sweetner (drops and powder in packets). It comes from the root of the Stevia Plant (I think) and is completely natural. I really enjoy using it in coffee and to sweeten lots of things. What I have noticed is that stevia doesn't enhance my cravings for sweets the way that artificial sweetners do. Good luck to you and I will be following this thread while on vacation :) :) :) I soooo want to be successful at every phase of this diet. I feel like it's the answer for me!!!!!!!!! If you decide to try Stevia drops or packets, I've read on this forum that its much cheaper to buy on line than in health food stores.
Kelly

Health food stores. Even Kroger carries it here. Maybe Walmart too!
Colleen

It is absorbed differently. You can add granola in P4. It's a grain. Oatmeal, which is what granola is made from, is the first grain I added back.
Colleen

Trader Joe's also have the Agave Nectar.