I posted something close to this on another thread, but I thought it might be cool to hear from others on what tricks and tips they use to stay on track with the Ideal Protein Diet.
A Trick to Avoid a Bad "Fall off the Wagon" Day:
I think the biggest problem I am guessing that most people have is "cheating" with something really bad that disrupts the sugar/carb withdrawal. I know there are some days that you just crave something "good" or just feel hungrier. Here is one suggestion for the next time you feel like cheating. Eat an extra protein serving (a nice 4 oz. chicken breast with a 1 tsp of olive oil drizzled on) and a bit of spice (Cayenne pepper perhaps) ... or have an extra IP Chocolate Drink (that makes you think you are having a chocolate milkshake) ... that way you can cheat a little bit but you wont be breaking your carb/sugar withdrawal. You can even mix up an IP Chocolate Drink and partially freeze it in your freezer (takes about 20 to 40 minutes) ... then eat it like ice cream!
A Trick for a Naturally Sweet Drink that you can Guzzle all Day
One other trick I have that has worked great for me. I love Evian Water (which is natural (non-carbonated) spring water from France ... yes I know it's expensive (about $2.50 for a 50oz bottle)) but it tastes so good) but this will work fine with any water you drink. Buy a box or two (or 10) of Celestial Seasonings "Cinnamon Apple Spice" Herb Teabags. If you put 3 teabags in a large 1.5L (50oz) plastic bottle of Evian (or any water) -- after about 1 hour the tea "brews" right in the bottle. and what results is "tea colored" water that is VERY SPICY and actually tastes SWEET to your mouth and tongue. So much so that I bet you will be checking the box to make sure it contains no sugar (it does NOT!). (I think the sweet taste is a "taste-bud illusion" that results from the cinnamon spice.) By drinking this all the time, it really satisfies my cravings for something "sweet" and it has 0 carbs and 0 sugar and no artificial anything. I have been sucking this "tea" down like there is no tomorrow (about 100 to 120 ounces a day) for 33 days, and I have lost 27 pounds -- so it definitely works.
Let's hear your tricks and tips!