Ideal Protein Diet - Ideal Protein Diet

Good Luck this week Valkyrie. You are such an inspiration to me. I've been doing this over 3 months now and sometimes I get really bored and want to quit. Then I think of you and all you have accomplished and it keeps me going. Thank You.

Thanks alot... I appreciate that. You guys keep me going too! I get frustrated at times and know this is going to be a battle for the rest of my life and I feel like we are all on the same team.
Hang in there :)

Valkyrie...I agree with alwe74....you are a big inspiration to me, too. In fact, I always keep track of when you are weighing in.....so, correct me if I am wrong....don't you usually weigh in every 2 weeks instead of l? Here, I thought I had to wait two weeks for another update.

I am glad you said that doing the program was hard enough...because that is where I am at. They are gonna be disappointed that I didn't get in a mile every day or even every other day. Geez, I didn't get a mile in all week. The diet -- working the diet -- is overwhelming enough for me as it is. I keep thinking it IS going to get easier (like WHEN will I remember how much liquid goes into each packet...instead of running to look it up everytime....or geez, I didn't have time to cut up veggies before I run out the door). It is just all-consuming for me right now.

On the bright side....I find myself looking at clothes again. I haven't had any interest in sewing/creating clothes since my husband died. No matter what I sewed, or bought.....I was still heavy. This weekend I pulled out my stash..started designing things in my head...pulled out patterns...bought some new patterns. My creative juices had seemed like they died when Eddie died...but now that I am losing the weight (another 9# and I will be lower than I have been in 15 years), I am thinking "Yeah, I should be able to wear that now or soon". I am kinda a "wild child" up here where everyone dresses quite conservatively. I like animal prints....glittery fabrics...rhinestones...lots of gold. I had quit dressing that way a) because of my size, and b)no one else dresses like that up here in the boonies. My point....losing even 11-1/2# makes me kinda excited for the future...something I NEVER thought I would say...

Normally I do go weigh every two weeks but it really depends on when I'm home. I'm usually on the road every other week but my trip was cut short last week and I'm home for the next two weeks, then gone for 5. I've arranged my flights where I can get home early a couple of those weeks.. just have to fit it in when I can!
I'm so jealous that you can sew! One of my best friends makes the most beautiful things and I am just in awe of that talent! My mom got all of the flashy genes.. I'm more of a simple, classic style... her motto is 'the gaudier, the better!'.. lol She loves all of the things you mentioned!
Make yourself something beautiful and post it!! You deserve it!

Just started IP this morning. I'm really excited and have about 40 pounds to lose. The omlette this morning was great. We'll see what the rest of the day brings. This forum will keep me motivated!

Well I have to report that I relapsed over the week-end (sorry Sunkissed) I was sick, on antibiotic, pain meds, and cranberry juice (per my Dr). Just didn't feel like eating. So Friday I only had two of my packets and no dinner, Saturday I couldn't eat due to pain meds, but my son did fix my some chicken noodle soup.
I didn't lose any thing this week. I was doing so well too. I feel really bad for cheating. So I’m going to get back on track this week. I know I set myself back at least 4-5 days, so I’ll have to get to work this week. :(

Hi everyone! I just wanted to post a quick note and introduce myself. I am married with 2 teenage sons, and I live in beautiful Northern CA in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about an hour and a half northeast of Sacramento. I am just 4 days into the Ideal Protein diet and hope that the worst is over. What a rough 4 days! I feel better this morning, with a little bit more energy and not as much of a craving for food. Is this where I am supposed to be burning fat?

I am in this for the long haul. I have 100 lbs to lose. I have always been chunky, but really started packing on the lbs when I had a complete hysterectomy a few years ago. In just four years I gained over 50 lbs.!

I am a professional photographer and aside from the obvious benefits of being healthier, stronger, and able to move easier, I think being thinner will help me be able to market myself and get more business. I mean, really, who wants to have their picture taken by a fat lady?!!

Nice to read all your comments here in the past few days. This seems like a really friendly group!

WW~

Hi everyone! I just wanted to post a quick note and introduce myself. I am married with 2 teenage sons, and I live in beautiful Northern CA in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about an hour and a half northeast of Sacramento. I am just 4 days into the Ideal Protein diet and hope that the worst is over. What a rough 4 days! I feel better this morning, with a little bit more energy and not as much of a craving for food. Is this where I am supposed to be burning fat?

I am in this for the long haul. I have 100 lbs to lose. I have always been chunky, but really started packing on the lbs when I had a complete hysterectomy a few years ago. In just four years I gained over 50 lbs.!

I am a professional photographer and aside from the obvious benefits of being healthier, stronger, and able to move easier, I think being thinner will help me be able to market myself and get more business. I mean, really, who wants to have their picture taken by a fat lady?!!

Nice to read all your comments here in the past few days. This seems like a really friendly group!

WW~

As my son says "Your not FAT your FLUFFY" gotta love kids: :):angel:

Ok.. I have fallen out of the habit of checking in here... so glad to see so many people posting. Great job everyone!! I am on week 6 and am down 40 pounds. It has been getting progressively harder for me not to cheat! Weekends kill me... :(

Hi all!!

I started 9/22, i did very well the first week but i cheated this weekend. i feel just awful and was going to quit, but then i read all of these wonderful posts again. i can do this...i want to do this...i am going to do this.

i have to weigh in tonight and i am so scared!!

can anyone tell me how to add the weight ticker thing at the bottom of my message???

wish me luck!!

Hi all!!

I started 9/22, i did very well the first week but i cheated this weekend. i feel just awful and was going to quit, but then i read all of these wonderful posts again. i can do this...i want to do this...i am going to do this.

i have to weigh in tonight and i am so scared!!

can anyone tell me how to add the weight ticker thing at the bottom of my message???

wish me luck!!

Granted city IL, i used to live in Alton Il not to far away but now in WY.. miss IL falls we have winter winter and alittle warm and winter

I would also like to know how to add that weight ticket to my posts. Is it fairly complicated? I like the one that shows a happyface for every 5 pounds lost.....

GoddessTT.....haven't heard from you in awhile. Just went to check your blog but didn't know how to post a comment. So sorry you haven't been feeling well. I was sick 2 days during the past month, and I couldn't get the food in either. Just try to get better....you know you are still losing.
Thanks hun! I hope you are doing well! I am getting better though.

TT
Seattle, WA
follow my blog (http://skinnygirlinafatchick.blogspot.com/)

To MJV: I noticed you live in WY, me too.
I've been doing IP for three weeks, down about 14 lbs. I'm way happy about the scale but my clothes feel the same. When do the inches start to drop??

Valkyrie...I agree with alwe74....you are a big inspiration to me, too. In fact, I always keep track of when you are weighing in.....so, correct me if I am wrong....don't you usually weigh in every 2 weeks instead of l? Here, I thought I had to wait two weeks for another update.

I am glad you said that doing the program was hard enough...because that is where I am at. They are gonna be disappointed that I didn't get in a mile every day or even every other day. Geez, I didn't get a mile in all week. The diet -- working the diet -- is overwhelming enough for me as it is. I keep thinking it IS going to get easier (like WHEN will I remember how much liquid goes into each packet...instead of running to look it up everytime....or geez, I didn't have time to cut up veggies before I run out the door). It is just all-consuming for me right now.

On the bright side....I find myself looking at clothes again. I haven't had any interest in sewing/creating clothes since my husband died. No matter what I sewed, or bought.....I was still heavy. This weekend I pulled out my stash..started designing things in my head...pulled out patterns...bought some new patterns. My creative juices had seemed like they died when Eddie died...but now that I am losing the weight (another 9# and I will be lower than I have been in 15 years), I am thinking "Yeah, I should be able to wear that now or soon". I am kinda a "wild child" up here where everyone dresses quite conservatively. I like animal prints....glittery fabrics...rhinestones...lots of gold. I had quit dressing that way a) because of my size, and b)no one else dresses like that up here in the boonies. My point....losing even 11-1/2# makes me kinda excited for the future...something I NEVER thought I would say...
Sounds like you are doing quite well! I think grief makes us think funny things. I am sure you beloved would want you to be happy. It seems that being creative with clothes makes it so. And who cares what others wear...it is about you looking fabulous they are all just jealous!


TT
Seattle, WA
follow my blog (http://skinnygirlinafatchick.blogspot.com/)

Good Morning Everyone! I noticed everyone has introduced themselves, thought it was time for me. I am 38, been married for 20 years. I have a 18 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I live in the boonies... aka Oklahoma. I have lost 41 pounds in the past six weeks on this plan and I love it. I have about another 100 pounds at least to lose. So I am in for the long haul.

wow.. I think I figured out the weight tracker thingy!!

Anyone here doing the ideal protein diet? I've been doing it for 3 weeks now and I have lost about 15 lbs. I was hoping to find others doing the same plan.




I started yesterday!! I have gained 30 pounds while nursing my husband through cancer --he has NO appetite==so I eat his, mine and what's in the pot! I am trying to figure out the ins and outs--The huge amount of veggies is daunting-what veggies are you eating? You have been SOOO successul! Also, I ate my supper for lunch--is it ok to switch the meal like that-I made a huge lettuce salad with tuna.Had no other diet veggies in the house-ate a lettuce salad for supper with one tomato--will shop today for the other veggies on the list. I hate that tomatoes are a once a week veggie. Any input from you would be so helpful-15 pounds-wow!

I started yesterday!! I have gained 30 pounds while nursing my husband through cancer --he has NO appetite==so I eat his, mine and what's in the pot! I am trying to figure out the ins and outs--The huge amount of veggies is daunting-what veggies are you eating? You have been SOOO successul! Also, I ate my supper for lunch--is it ok to switch the meal like that-I made a huge lettuce salad with tuna.Had no other diet veggies in the house-ate a lettuce salad for supper with one tomato--will shop today for the other veggies on the list. I hate that tomatoes are a once a week veggie. Any input from you would be so helpful-15 pounds-wow!

I eat zuchinni, cauliflower, brocolli, spinach, cabbage, sour kraut and cucumbers mostly. Sometimes, a few mushrooms sauteed in my stir fry. Just remember to mix it up and you wont get bored!!

Thanks, longhornfaninOK!!! Thanks for the input!! I love stir fry. I made the omelet this morning for breakfast and thought it was yummy! I only had one packet in my starter bag, though. I may run by the doc's office and exchange a couple of the restricted things for more eggs. I had tried WW but lost only 1 1/2 lbs. in 6 weeks!!! I did NOT cheat either--my friend has lost 60 on WW and I know she will think this diet is nuts--but, I saw my husband's oncogist melting away on this det and he said it was really easy--sooo! He's lost over 40 lbs.and still losing.
After I bring my hubby to his doctor's appt, I a mgoing veggie shopping!
I think that this forum is going to be the best thing to keep me focused. Thanks everybody!!!

I am new so I am not sure about the 2 cups--do I measure before I cook or after? Thanks

I love the omelet with a bit of lemon pepper... you can put your veggies in it too.. it can also be cooked in microwave... (not as good as stove, but it can be)... The chicken soup and chocolate drink are my faves... Heat the chocolate for hot cocoa or use the drink with lots of water for a shake.. I always add more water to everything... :) Good Luck!!!

I measure before... I have a 2 cup container I just fill up.. the only one that really changes a whole lot is spinach...

To MJV: I noticed you live in WY, me too.
I've been doing IP for three weeks, down about 14 lbs. I'm way happy about the scale but my clothes feel the same. When do the inches start to drop??

not sure but i've been on since 7/11/09 and have lost a total of over 25inches all over!!! it will start soon i'm sure just keep it up!!! good luck:carrot:

My favorites veggies are asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, cucumber, bok choi, and celery. I am not a big broccoli or cauliflower fan, but I will eat them. I miss my green beans.

My favorite foods so far are: chocolate drink (with a bit of almond extract) and the lemon pudding.

Question - has anyone used the Walden Farms spreads or the blueberry syrup? I was thinking they might be good additions to the vanilla drink to mix up the flavors a bit.

Hi everyone. Had my second weigh-in today. Was down 3.3 lbs. The weekdays are pretty easy for me, but the weekends are tough! Good luck everyone.

Great Job!!! Had my Official 6 week weigh-in today and I am totalling 43 pounds... that's the equivalent of my six year old daughter.....

Wonderful to see so many new people....and I am SO glad we have this forum now. My nurse has been giving the website out to some of their patients so we may have even more.

I was told I could have 2c. of restricted veggies...and could spread them out during the week. I eat less than that....but boy, I can sure make a cherry tomato go FAR!! I need to look at it in my salad.

I mostly eat broccoli and cauliflower...steamed or stirfried with honey dijon WF dressing over it, sometimes. I also grill asparagus on my Foreman Grill. I add a touch of sugarfree Toranti syrups (cuz I already had them here) to my puddings and you could use extracts. Sometimes I drizzle a teaspoon of WF pancake syrup over them.

OK -- I had my month weighin today...and I am down 15# for the month (3.5# loss this week...which seems to be about my average). I am on a lot of meds so that might be slowing my loss. The main reason I went on IP was to see if I could eliminate some of my meds under doc's supervision.

I also bought the vanilla premixed drinks today. I have gotten caught 5 times without anything for lunch (like, yesterday -- I WAS prepared with cutup veggies...and apparently, I didn't put the top on tight. One big curve...all my veggies were on the floor). I thought if I threw in a drink, it was there if I needed it. (it is very hard for me to eat lunch....never have...).

Thats great to hear so many people are being successful! I only hope i can post something positive after my weighin tonite!!

Sandrab... You will be successful... with this plan ... it's hard not to lose the weight if you follow it... I have faith in you...

you should have a list of allowed veggies from your rep. if not I can help. Tomatoes are fruit and should be avoided, they will slow down your weight loss. I have been sticking to broc, coliflour, green squash and asparigus, spinich so far. I lost 21 pounds in the month of sept. total weight loss to date is 24 pounds. anything that has sugar even fruit sugar will slow weight loss. My mother weighs 345 lbs at 5 foot 3 and i'm trying to be an example for her and hope she will join me....she can loose her weught in 14 to 15 bmonths if she commits..this program is awsome..I went to a family reunion over the wekend and ate 2 grilled chicken legs, I was not even temped to those high sugar foods, just looked at all the obese diabetics eating and thought thank God for my lack of desire to eat those foods.

I am on my second day--and really feel full. My question is do I HAVE to have a packet for a snack if I am not hungry. I had the eggs for breakfast, then the bueberry yogurt for lunch. Had good dinner, but am not hungry now. I love reading all the food hints as well as the encouragement given by everybody.

I've been spying for a couple of weeks now, thought I'd go ahead and post. I've been on IP for 8 weeks and have lost 37 lbs so far. Its great to see so many others are doing well! Keep up the good work and I will post recipes some time soon (i'm a trained chef and LOVE to cook...hence the 100 lbs I need to lose)
Stacy

WELL, i had my weigh in and am trying to feel positive. my first weigh in i lost 9.2 lbs and promised myself that even though i knew it would be impossible to lose that much each week, that i would not be disappointed. yet I WAS....i was down 3.2lbs this week. thing is, i felt i did everything so much better this week, although i never cheated in the first week, i did not take the time and care in my meals as i did the second week. i just read the post about the tomatoes, and now wonder if this affected my week. i understood that we could eat from the restricted veggies twice a week. both times i chose a tomato....because i thought we could. so now i am left wondering... i am having trouble with the protien options as well. finding i am mainly having the vanilla and choc drinks, and cereal. i do not like much of the other choices. i have not yet tried any restricted packets nor have i bought the bars or the snacks. hopefully i am not affecting weight loss by limiting the variety of protien...i would like to think that it should not matter which 3 packets i choose, as long as i have 3 daily and they are not from the restricted or limited groups. does anyone have any insight on this?

My favorites veggies are asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, cucumber, bok choi, and celery. I am not a big broccoli or cauliflower fan, but I will eat them. I miss my green beans.

My favorite foods so far are: chocolate drink (with a bit of almond extract) and the lemon pudding.

Question - has anyone used the Walden Farms spreads or the blueberry syrup? I was thinking they might be good additions to the vanilla drink to mix up the flavors a bit.

You can go to waldenfarms.com & order whatever you like.....just remember we want to teach healthy eating habits- so it's not good to go overboard with it , just keep it simple. I personally love a lot of their products we carry a bunch in our office for a convienence to patients

I am on my second day--and really feel full. My question is do I HAVE to have a packet for a snack if I am not hungry. I had the eggs for breakfast, then the bueberry yogurt for lunch. Had good dinner, but am not hungry now. I love reading all the food hints as well as the encouragement given by everybody.
Yes you do. Even though you might not feel hungry your body needs it to get through the night. It is a requirement.

TT
Seattle, WA
follow my blog (http://skinnygirlinafatchick.blogspot.com/)

WELL, i had my weigh in and am trying to feel positive. my first weigh in i lost 9.2 lbs and promised myself that even though i knew it would be impossible to lose that much each week, that i would not be disappointed. yet I WAS....i was down 3.2lbs this week. thing is, i felt i did everything so much better this week, although i never cheated in the first week, i did not take the time and care in my meals as i did the second week. i just read the post about the tomatoes, and now wonder if this affected my week. i understood that we could eat from the restricted veggies twice a week. both times i chose a tomato....because i thought we could. so now i am left wondering... i am having trouble with the protien options as well. finding i am mainly having the vanilla and choc drinks, and cereal. i do not like much of the other choices. i have not yet tried any restricted packets nor have i bought the bars or the snacks. hopefully i am not affecting weight loss by limiting the variety of protien...i would like to think that it should not matter which 3 packets i choose, as long as i have 3 daily and they are not from the restricted or limited groups. does anyone have any insight on this?
Does not matter which 3 you choose, not one bit. 3-4 lbs a week is average for a woman. Don't stress you did AWESOME! I don't eat anything restricted anymore, I never ate the restricted veggies to begin with, but now I don't even eat the restricted bars. I was sick all last week and am still a little sick but sticking to the meal plan.

Don't worry the lbs will melt away, like I said, I would just stay away from anything RESTRICTED if you can, you might see much better results! Also journaling and making adjustments on what you ate one week to the next might help you loose too.

TT
Seattle, WA
follow my blog (http://skinnygirlinafatchick.blogspot.com/)

Can I have coffee on the Ideal Protein diet? And I am not sure of what kind of sweetner. I usually have a cup of coffee ,dash of milk and sweet and low in the mornng--I can't find anything about coffee,sweetener in my paperwork.

Can I have coffee on the Ideal Protein diet? And I am not sure of what kind of sweetner. I usually have a cup of coffee ,dash of milk and sweet and low in the mornng--I can't find anything about coffee,sweetener in my paperwork.

It does say in the plan that you can have coffee in the morning. At our info session they said you can use 1 oz of skim milk per day - for purpose of coffee. I have been told we can sweeten with splenda. I am uncertain, if drank black, if coffee is limited, so have been trying to have one per day in the mornings, with the occasional cup in the evening if i am visiting. I would think this is ok! I am learning that this meal program is really touchy, with various info bits around, so i tend to ask as well, if i am unsure about something. That idea of something tiny setting me back a few days, does not appeal to me one bit!! good luck!

I was told coffee was ok (in moderation, of course) as long as you drink one extra glass of water per cup of coffee.

I'm on day 3 of IP. Feeling a little slow and crummy today, but nothing too bad. Weigh in is Friday. So far this hasn't been too bad. I need to get more creative with the veggies or I'll be really sick of them.

Does anyone know if you can have veggies for Breakfast? I was wondering if you could saute some in a pan and then add the omlette.

I'm on day 3 of IP. Feeling a little slow and crummy today, but nothing too bad. Weigh in is Friday. So far this hasn't been too bad. I need to get more creative with the veggies or I'll be really sick of them.

Does anyone know if you can have veggies for Breakfast? I was wondering if you could saute some in a pan and then add the omlette.

Several times i have added green onion and mushrooms to the omelette. It is good. I only have the omelet on weekends and just cut back a few veggies in my salad at lunch. I think that should be ok... I know of other people who do the same. I am not able to make the omelet at work, ( don't see it as a microwavable item!) so prefer to change it up on the weekends. Good Luck in your first week. I am only mid way thru week 3 myself.

Hello everyone, I started the IP plan 7 days ago and so far I am doing well. My first weigh in is Friday also. I was losing a pound a day until two days ago, I havent gained but I havent lost either, is that normal for everyone? I have been reading everyones posts since my first day but finally registered this morning so that I could join in on all the support and ideas.

I also have the omelettes on weekends and I too add spinach and mushrooms to it, my nurtitionist told me too so it must be okay. I thank everyone for all of thier good ideas, recipes and all the input, I have taken a lot from this thread alrady. Good luck to everyone!

SandraB...I, too, am only averaging 3.2-3.5# a week. At first, I was very disappointed too. So - my month weighin was 15#. I had to really think about it...15#??? Had I ever lost 15# in a month...not that I remember. I talked to some friends and relatives last night, and their reaction was much different than mine. They thought 15# was awesome! On an average diet, one usually only loses 1-2# a week..so we are way better than that.

I was also cutting out different foods before I went on IP..trying to prepare myself for no grains or fruits...and lost 5# the month of August while I researched IP...so maybe my weight loss is lower because I was already dieting. BUT...a big difference between 5# monthly loss and a 15# monthly loss. So don't get discouraged. This is a whole new way of eating so I am sure our bodies are adjusting....

This forum keeps me going...everyone is positive. I read it first thing in the a.m., and before I go to bed to keep my head on straight. Welcome to all the newbies....sounds like Friday will be a big day here!

Day 3 for me-feel pretty good and did have a protein drink for my night snack. I really appreciate all of your input-it seems like some of you have gotten REALLY good info for this diet wherever you are going. I am getting more help form this forum then from the place where I went on Monday!!!
I am curious to see what I weigh on Monday.

I have been reading your posts and wondered if anyone can tell me if they have been off ideal protein plan for a while and kept the weight off. I am thinking about joining on Sat. but that is the one worry that i have is that I will put the weight back on.

I started yesterday!! I have gained 30 pounds while nursing my husband through cancer --he has NO appetite==so I eat his, mine and what's in the pot! I am trying to figure out the ins and outs--The huge amount of veggies is daunting-what veggies are you eating? You have been SOOO successul! Also, I ate my supper for lunch--is it ok to switch the meal like that-I made a huge lettuce salad with tuna.Had no other diet veggies in the house-ate a lettuce salad for supper with one tomato--will shop today for the other veggies on the list. I hate that tomatoes are a once a week veggie. Any input from you would be so helpful-15 pounds-wow!

Hi there Maggie. Sorry to hear that your husband is ill. The veggies were a little overwhelming for me at first as well. Now I just head to the produce aisle whenever I am at the grocery store to stay stocked up. You can have as much lettuce as you want but it doesn't count toward your veggies. I usually keep cucumbers, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and cabbage on hand at all times. Frozen veggies work great with the soups. It's really easy to chop up some cucumber in a salad or grab a few stalks of celery with a meal. You can switch your lunch and your dinner as long as one of the meals has a packet with the veggies.

Good luck on the diet!

I've been spying for a couple of weeks now, thought I'd go ahead and post. I've been on IP for 8 weeks and have lost 37 lbs so far. Its great to see so many others are doing well! Keep up the good work and I will post recipes some time soon (i'm a trained chef and LOVE to cook...hence the 100 lbs I need to lose)
Stacy

WooHoo a chef!!! Please post recipes... I would love something new to cook!

Well I had my weigh in this morning. 2 lbs. again. I know that seems kind of low but I do have a restricted every day. I guess I could cut out the restricted and lose faster but I really LOVE the sea salt/vinegar ridges!!! Plus, I think that I would burn out quick.

Yay...a chef!! I really need to beef up my veggies or meat, or something. I don't even look forward to dinner anymore (mostly cuz I have to cook it!!).

I have been eating babyspinach instead of lettuce...wonder if that is okay? The last lettuces I bought tasted nasty. I thought of sauteeing the spinach,too....in broth or something.

Anyone ever eat the mashed cauliflower that we used on Atkins? Of course, it tasted wonderful because of the butter and half and half....what could we put in mashed cauliflower now? (I was thinking of the 1oz of milk that I don't use in my coffee -- but I don't think that would help much).

Kinda brain dead with any recipes. It is midnight....maybe that is why.

hi all,
So I have actually lost inches after all. I do need to work out though or i'm afraid the weight loss will slow way down since the calories are so low. To Torchlaker: I see no problem with the spinach for lettuce. My first couple weeks were more spinach, maybe half n half sometimes and I still lost 10 lbs. Way more fiber that way too. Good luck all. Can't wait for some recipes from the chef! I'm kinda bored and find myself cheating. Though to date I am still in ketosis according to my sticks!::cool:

Hi there,

Thanksgiving this weekend! I have been trying to think of a dinner i can look forward to - seeing as how i will be avoiding the perogies, cabbage rolls, potatoes, meatballs...! oh my, the list is endless! LOL

So i think i am going to try a recipe with turnip and cauliflour. Actually not a recipe, but something i imagine will work. We grew up with turnip as a staple for any occasions that involved turkey. I grew to love it over the years but of course it was mashed with brown sugar, milk and butter. So i am going to mash some cauliflower and turnip with a little chicken broth, splenda, seasalt and pepper and see how this goes. I cannot see a problem with ingredients...am i wrong? and then of course i am going to have turkey...and use a bit of the WF jelly in lieu of cranberry sauce. For that day i am going to eat all my veggies at that meal - i think that would be ok for one day as long as i keep my protien normal. I will be feeding 4 - 20 year old hockey players, along with my own family so I will be cooking up a storm but this time round on the IP program, i have not found it hard to cook for others when i am not eating...The strict regimen, and likely the cost is keeping me in line! Have a great week and good luck to all the friday weigh ins!

HI! I am soo excited! I swore I would not weigh until my visit on Monday. But, I couldn't wait and weighed this morning!! I am down from 154 to 150!!! When Frank's cancer journey started two years ago, I weighed 127-130--but between trying to cook him all sorts of good things in the hope that he would eat them--and stress--I was the one cleaning up all the leftovers!! Thanks to this forum, I am so inspired by everyone. When I went to WW, I weighed in at 143 and it seemed to me that a lot of people there wondered WHY I needed to lose weight. I just never felt support adn I only lost 1 1/2 lbs in 7 weeks--discouraing. They did not realize that on a very small frame and 5'3"", my "good" weight should be 115-120-so, over that, I am "FLUFFY"!!! But, the people on THIS forum encourage each other--I feel like I am surrounded by friends who are on the same journey as I am. I know that at 71, I am never going to be the 107-110 lbs. SO, 127-130 is good for me. I was pretty thin until my 60's, but the sands shifted a little, to say the least!! Anyhow, thanks for all the people who take the time to encourage one another and also post great food hints and how to use the packets. I think that sometimes we don't take the time to tell each other how truly kind they are.

Hi Maggie LA, I too was on WW and didnt lose hardly anything and all the people there wondered why I was there because I was 145 just trying to get down to 130-133 again where I felt comfortable and my clothes werent so tight on me. I agree that this program truly works so much better and the results are so worth the effort. Congrats on your loss!!

And thank you again to everyone else for all the recipe ideas and low cal finds, I truly have gotten so much from this thread to keep things exciting.

I am amazed at all the cute pictures people have with their names. How do you put those on and the weight measure at the bottm of a post is amazing! Are there instructions on this ID forum?

I am amazed at all the cute pictures people have with their names. How do you put those on and the weight measure at the bottm of a post is amazing! Are there instructions on this ID forum?

Maggie, go to the user cp panel at the top left... you can edit your avatar and add cool stuff from there. You are doing great... Keep it up!!!!:carrot:

I am still trying to figure out how to add that weight ticker...I must be technically challenged!

WooHoo a chef!!! Please post recipes... I would love something new to cook!

Well I had my weigh in this morning. 2 lbs. again. I know that seems kind of low but I do have a restricted every day. I guess I could cut out the restricted and lose faster but I really LOVE the sea salt/vinegar ridges!!! Plus, I think that I would burn out quick.

know what you mean I feel like i've hit a wall :?:. not losing as fast as I was, but i di love my chili!!! plus was sick missed a few meals that didn't help, i was goig to try and cut out the restricted to every other day and see if that helps. Also "things" are not "moving" like they should be!!! so I think i'm hold some weight there... oh well i'm not giving in or up I did however have my son hide the cupcakes he got yesterday out of my sight just in case!!!!

ps love this web site!!!!

Granted city IL, i used to live in Alton Il not to far away but now in WY.. miss IL falls we have winter winter and alittle warm and winter

my husband is from Alton...yeah the falls are nice, but the summers are HOT!!!

Hi everyone!

After spying for the lasts few weeks, I've decided to join... I live in Canada, married with two young boys and just didn't want to wear a swimsuit anymore!

I started IP 9 weeks ago, after summer vacations, and already lost 30 lbs. I average 3 lbs a week and sometimes find myself not loosing as fast as I wish!

This forum really is a motivation - thank you to all of you SO much!
Sylvie :-)

Okay, I weighed in on Monday, after a horribly cheat filled weekend...i lost 1.4 pounds and 2 inches, still a loss, but not great!!

i am having a tough time getting back on it, i really want a big mac, but when i weighed in, one of the coaches reminded me that the only person that is hurting is me. It is going to cause me to have a harder time staying on track, lose less, spend more money, and ultimately keep me from reaching my goals.

These posts really help me stay motivated, just going back and reading the day to day accomplishments allows me stick to it!!

is it me, or do the weeks seem longer now???? LOL

I am going to a meeting on Saturday - what are some of the foods I can buy so I'm ready to go. I have a lot of lettuce and a mixed veg (frozen and fresh) of broccoli and cauliflower. What else do I need?

I was surfing information on Ideal protein Diet and this site came up in the surfing.. I was reading all the post and how wonderful this diet has worked for everyone. I'm signed up with my first meeting on Oct 27 th me and a friend want to do this ... I don't know how much you have to lose to be on the diet. we both are wanting 30 pounds off . I weigh 160 pounds is it going to take me longer to lose it? or is it up to the person and the body? I'm so ready to get there.. I have been on other diets and could never get where I would be happy with myself and if it helps with cellulite I'm for that too....

Welcome new people!!!

Well I hit my halfway mark today. I have lost exactly 45 lbs. and I have 45 to go. This is the best I have done on any diet!!!

Thanks LonghornfaninOK for the avatar info. Since I am a new member, I have to wait 20 days tp add one. I still am not sure what to do after I pick the one I want. I am computer illterate!! You are doing so well on this diet--you must be so proud of yourself. Tonight one of my daughters flew in from WI and she baked white and brown chocolate homemade brownies!! AND made a huge dish of stuffed shells---was I tempted--but I did NOT even have a crumb!! Just tried to get my hubby to eat a little and froze the rest!! If you want to read about wonderful natural food, go to her blog at www.sustainable soapbox.com She is a real foodie and is all about natural foods-she also ran a marathon last Sat. !!!!

i think i finally learned how to do this!





http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-chicks/chick01/lb/227/160/215/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

Kaygirl- I also want to lose about 30 lbs. I lost 6 lbs the first week and 3 the second...not huge, but way more than I've lost on any other diet. I can really feel the difference in just two weeks..not just the lbs, but the inches lost.

Welcome new people!!!

Well I hit my halfway mark today. I have lost exactly 45 lbs. and I have 45 to go. This is the best I have done on any diet!!!

Awesome!!!! Congratulations!
I went and weighed.. and NOTHING. I am so frustrated. I have exercised super hard the past 2 weeks.
I talked to a guy I work with who does Iron Man competitions and he says I need to mix it up so he gave me some things to try over the next week so I'll start that this evening.
I have to remember.. not gaining.. probably trading out fat for muscle since those size 12s I bought are fitting pretty dang good today.. just want the numbers to move on the scale. How silly of me... lol
Yall have a great weekend!

Hey Everyone!

Haven't posted in a couple of days but I've been keeping up with the posts - so good to see so many people on here :)

Had my weigh-in yesterday, I'm down 13lbs!!!! :carrot: This "diet" has finally gotten easy for me too. I'm figuring things out and doing more cooking and eating at home than I've ever done! It's awesome and I'm so exciting.

One thing I have learned is that momentum is a huge key in this. I've had a few cheat days but I've learned that when I do that it takes about 3 or 4 days to get back on track. That's a lot of work to have to re-do, but at the same time, in my mind, it helps keep the diet real world for me and more "doable," if that makes any sense.

Anyway, I'm so excited at everyone else's progress as well :) Keep it up guys!

Kaygirl- I also want to lose about 30 lbs. I lost 6 lbs the first week and 3 the second...not huge, but way more than I've lost on any other diet. I can really feel the difference in just two weeks..not just the lbs, but the inches lost.

That's great no it isn't huge but you are still losing.. Like I said my first meet isn't until Oct 26 .. I'm so ready! Thank you for letting me know.. keep up the goos work it will pay off when you fit that goal.

Hey Everyone!
So I'm brand new to this forum and wanted to say that reading everyone's posts has been such a source of encouragement and motivation for me :) I'm a 27 year old grad student in Chicago, but originally from Toronto, Canada! Is there anyone else in the Chicago area doing this diet? I would like to know where I can purchase the IP products here.

Secondly, does anyone know what the rules are for alcohol on this diet? On the sheets my doctor gave me it said strictly no alcohol...does anyone know the reason behind this? Well, good luck to all of you and again it's so nice to have an online support system to fall back on :)

I started Monday 10/5 and had my first weigh in today. Down 6.4 pounds! Yeah. I'm trying a few restricted food this week. Hope it won't make a difference.

Hey Everyone!
So I'm brand new to this forum and wanted to say that reading everyone's posts has been such a source of encouragement and motivation for me :) I'm a 27 year old grad student in Chicago, but originally from Toronto, Canada! Is there anyone else in the Chicago area doing this diet? I would like to know where I can purchase the IP products here.

Secondly, does anyone know what the rules are for alcohol on this diet? On the sheets my doctor gave me it said strictly no alcohol...does anyone know the reason behind this? Well, good luck to all of you and again it's so nice to have an online support system to fall back on :)

hi there!

the no alcohol part would be mainly because of the sugar i would guess. i went to hear a healthcare worker discuss the IP diet over a period of 2 hour seminar. what was said about alcohol was that one drink would set you back3-4 days and that if it was worth it to you, then to go ahead. given the cost of the diet and desire for results, i have turned down the " nasty juice" a few times in the short time i have been doing this. however i think a person has to live life too, and my niece is having a big wedding social on halloween nite and i am making that my first "planned cheat" i will suffer the setback and have a good time. this diet is really all about choices, and individuals will lose at different rates, pending on those choices.

University - sans alcohol. your brave! Good Luck

Sandrab, Thanks for your post! I agree, its definitely not worth the setbacks considering the amount of money we are spending on these products. And yes, grad school without alcohol is tough, but all worth it once I fit into those skinny jeans!

Skinny jeans...I am dreaming of skinny jeans too!!

Valkyrie...I dream of a size 12!! Just remember what size you were before you lost 100#!!!

20bydec -- Probably the only other items you need other than stocking up on veggies...would be whatever protein you will use at night for your meal. Otherwise, it sounds like you have it covered.

Kaygirl - I have about 30# more to lose, too.....I have already lost 15#. The doc didn't think I should lose more than 30#, but I will see when I get closer. What I did (while I was researching IP) the month of August, was start eliminating things I knew I would have to give up if I went on IP (orange juice, potatoes, wine, desserts) so I did lose 5# while I was waiting to go on IP.....

SleepingBeautE....you are on brave girl to give up alcohol while attending grad school....but it can be done. There are a few nights when I would have loved to kick back with a glass of wine. There is a site called idealtogo.com...Valkyrie was going to try to reach the guy. I had received an email from him back in August, saying that he could only sell me the IP products with my doctor's permission. My doc carries all the products, tho....I understand that in the US, we do not have all the products that Canada has, tho...(I think that is what I heard).

SandraB...I have a planned cheat too, and it will be 3 days...so I am worried. A bunch of us get together the end of October at a nice hotel and sew all weekend...and bring loads of delicious food. We DID say we were going to keep in healthier this year. I am bringing the salad. The hardest thing for me will be NOT having the belgian waffles the hotel serves in the a.m. I am thinking of just skipping the breakfast room altogether and just eating oatmeal in my room!!

It sounds like we are all doing well on IP. If there is anyone that is NOT having luck with the diet, they haven't posted yet.

Welcome new people!!!

Well I hit my halfway mark today. I have lost exactly 45 lbs. and I have 45 to go. This is the best I have done on any diet!!!

You are such an inspiration! I have 100 lbs. to lose myself, so I really admire others who've stuck with this.

Hi everyone!
congratulaions to all who are successful pioneers!
I started on Monday Oct 5 and weigh on Monday the12th.
Would love it if everyone shared favorite recipes.
I found a favorite lunch for me (because I love Applebee's Oriental chicken salad) ;chopped celery, onion, cucumbers, and brocoli equalling 2 cups - add lettunce, Then top with the Walden farms Thousand Island dressing with a touch of splenda to give it the right 'sweet sour' taste. . . yummy, then I have the raspberry jello for dessert!

Hi everyone!
congratulaions to all who are successful pioneers!
I started on Monday Oct 5 and weigh on Monday the12th.
Would love it if everyone shared favorite recipes.
I found a favorite lunch for me (because I love Applebee's Oriental chicken salad) ;chopped celery, onion, cucumbers, and brocoli equalling 2 cups - add lettunce, Then top with the Walden farms Thousand Island dressing with a touch of splenda to give it the right 'sweet sour' taste. . . yummy, then I have the raspberry jello for dessert!

That sounds really good! I will have to try that!

Well I had my weigh in today and lost 6 lbs, I a, really happy because Ihave never lost that fast on any diet> My stomach is finally starting to shrink and that is huge for me because it my biggest area of weight.

Thanks for the salad recipe Iwill have to getthe WF thousand island dressimg, i dont have that one yet just the bacon ranch and honey dijon.

congrats to everyone1

Well, this was day #5 for me. I went to an all day flea market with friends and was on my feet from 9 to 4 walking- I started to feel really bad about 11, but we ate our lunch under the trees and my veggies and water helped. I read where some of you are exercising-I thought we were not to exercise for 3 weeks. I don't think I got enough info when I started this diet. When I go in on Monday for my weigh in ,I am bringing a list of questions. I also really need to figure out how to make the lunch meal better. I am ok at night because I can have an almost normal meal-but lunch is a challenge. Ideas please!! I also brought back all the redtricted packets as I have to monitor my husband's meds so carefully, that I want to have this diet as stress free as possible. I don't want to be bothered about what I can eat only once a week,etc. Also. have any of you any info about what happens weight wise when we go off of Phase 1 ??? After spending all this time and effort and MONEY, I sure don't want to put the weight back on!

well.. 1st weigh in... 10.8 pounds gone in a week! I love this (non)diet!!!!


I take the puddings and add more water and ice in the blender.. they are yummy, especially the chocolate one!!!! The chicken soup is my favorite.

Congrats on your loss....I started Tuesday and weigh on Monday, sure hope my results are as good! .....funny about the favorite foods.....I liked the blueberry cranberry drink better than the chicken soup!

Well, this was day #5 for me. I went to an all day flea market with friends and was on my feet from 9 to 4 walking- I started to feel really bad about 11, but we ate our lunch under the trees and my veggies and water helped. I read where some of you are exercising-I thought we were not to exercise for 3 weeks. I don't think I got enough info when I started this diet. When I go in on Monday for my weigh in ,I am bringing a list of questions. I also really need to figure out how to make the lunch meal better. I am ok at night because I can have an almost normal meal-but lunch is a challenge. Ideas please!! I also brought back all the redtricted packets as I have to monitor my husband's meds so carefully, that I want to have this diet as stress free as possible. I don't want to be bothered about what I can eat only once a week,etc. Also. have any of you any info about what happens weight wise when we go off of Phase 1 ??? After spending all this time and effort and MONEY, I sure don't want to put the weight back on!

Day 4 for me....looks like there are several on here that have just started IP

I started Monday 10/5 and had my first weigh in today. Down 6.4 pounds! Yeah. I'm trying a few restricted food this week. Hope it won't make a difference.




Awesome loss!

alwe74 -- you must be SO proud and excited! Halfway to goal! It will be another 8# before I am halfway! (Newbies -- Alwe74 started this forum...and I am SO glad she did).

MaggieLA - there was a site posted earlier in this forum by the Dr. that invented IP....I remember looking at it, and it basically showed what they add after Phase I, Phase II, etc. I do remember thinking that by the time you are at the "end" - you have most of your foods back (i.e., fruits, grains, dairy)...so I assume they will teach you how to integrate these back in the diet. I was told you go on Phase II, once you lose 90% of your weight. I think Valkyrie is about to enter Phase II....she just lost 100# (since February!!).

Most of us on IP are fairly new.....within the last 4-6 months....so we are probably all learning together. I have been on IP for almost 5 weeks...and I still have so much to learn. I was never a big veggie or salad eater so that is always a challenge for me.

I struggle with lunch also....probably because I eat a late breakfast. Just too nauseated when I get up to consider breakfast. I just haven't been able to eat a salad for lunch yet. I usually cut up veggies and then have a pudding or shake around 3pm. I also have restricted every day, and am sure that is slowing my weight loss. Trying to learn how to do without them. The lunch that Spatime posted sounds really good...and I might add chicken to it for my dinner.

A few things I would suggest would be, a)go back thru old posts because a lot of your questions will be answered (there are recipes and food ideas there) and b)Go to Netrition.com website. Go under Walden Farms....and read the reviews. I have gotten a lot of ideas from there....plus it also reviews whether people like or dislike certain items (thus,saving you money...).

Two really good ideas I have gotten from forum is a)pour WF Honey Dijon dressing over veggies, b)Freeze the premix Vanilla shake for 30 min, stir, and freeze again for 30 min. Kinda tastes like ice cream. I also add a tad of Torani syrups to the vanilla puddings for variety (don't know if that is legal or not). Sunkissed or Babygene????

I just ordered the French Onion dip from Netrition.com, hoping to dunk my veggies in it. It had fairly good reviews. I have also used WF thousand island dressing to dunk veggies in (kinda runny, tho). I DO use the BBQ sauce a lot. Others have been told they can only use the dressings....so again, don't know if it is legal or not. Still haven't come up with a good tarter sauce. Tried the WF mayo (yuk)...then tried WF coleslaw dressing (better). I think - since I have to use dill relish instead of sweet relish - I may NEVER come up with a good one.

Great info, thank you!

thanks for the replies. I'll have to go back on the older posts and read and re-read them.
Recipe ideas would be great.
Just started today and am excited!!

Let's see if I have this ticker thing right.....do I have to go thru the WHOLE thing each time I want to change it??

(PS: If it doesn't show up, I give up!!)

Found a new taste treat - I put bunch of cinnamon (>1/2 sp) in my vanilla pudding before shaking it and had cinnamon pudding! Yum! Unfortunately I am cheating today. Had some chips, a few sips of rum... a bite or two of ice cream, some jelly beans. What is wrong with me??? the first two weeks were sooo easy. I am at 3 & 1/2 wks and down 14 lbs. you would think that would carry me over. Does menopause cause PMS symptoms? Carb cravings, etc??:?:

Torchlaker- I think the link below will help you with the ticker thing. It explains what to do to add them to your signature.
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/announcements-forum-help/56332-how-add-weight-tracker-code-your-signature.html
My ticker is a 3FC ticker so when I change mine I go into User CP and change signature. Then somewhere on the code for the ticker it has your beginning weight/current weight/goal weight. I just change the current weight in the code. This seems to work so that I don't have to keep doing a new ticker every time. I haven't tried this on ticker from other sights so I don't know if it works for them or not.

Thanks to everybody for their support. You don't know how much your encouragement and positive comments have helped me! :hug:

Hi,
I just heard about this diet today and was wondering if anyone knows a doctor in greensboro offering this diet?

I just thought I would post my results (Friday's are my weigh/measure days)...

I have lost 7 3/4" overrall in 4 weeks! I have lost over 30lbs in 4 weeks! I have not weighed this week because I hurt my back during last weekends purge of the garage (while I was sick).

We are also in the process of moving near work (5 mins) so I will be out of touch!

WELCOME to all the newbies, and grats to Alwe on meeting your half way goal! Grats to everyone else as I know you are also on target for losing. Those who just started it will get easier!

Way to go Goddess!!! 30 lbs. in 4 weeks...that's incredible!

Today was a rough day. I just could not get the food down. I did my protein stuff and most of the water. I also ate one of the bars and it was yummy!! I thought I had returned all the restricted packets but found this in the bottom of the box. I could eat these all day!! Also I am sooo proud of myself. One of my daughters flew into visit her dad and she is an oraganic and healthy cook.She made white and brown chocolate brownies from scratch and stuffed pasta shells. She left today and I packaged everything up and froze it! My hubby eats very little because of the cancer and I have to vary his food to get him to eat. Before this diet, I would have eaten everything up!! No leftovers!!! She is reading Michael Pollon's book and after talking to her Lots of food for thought in his book. First weigh is Monday at 1 !!!

Way to go Goddess!!! 30 lbs. in 4 weeks...that's incredible!

GREAT JOB!!!! half way thats great!! keep it up:carrot:

I have decided that I will start walking tomorrow. Today is rainy. I can only be out of the house in about 15 minute increments because of my hubby's illness--but my 9 month old Maltese is a butterball too--so I figure we will walk 3 times a day. I love to walk and since I have not in months, the short walks will get me back into practice. I had leek soup for breakfast!!! I wanted something hot and I love soup--it was great! I sure miss my big cups of LA coffee and milk--to me that is the hardest part of the day. I think I read where I can have hot tea. I love green tea and had 3 cups yesterday--I need to look at old posts to see if that is ok. I used Splenda in my tea.I filled out my request sheet this morning and will try some of the things others have mentioned. Lunch is still the hardest for me. But , I am determined!

GoddessTT - 30# in a month...that is twice what I lost...hang in there. I know this is a rough weekend for you...you are doing great (and look at all the obstacles you had to overcome in just the past 2 weeks).

Maggie LA: Boy, that is determination. The walks will probably help relax you too and clear your mind a bit. You have a lot on your plate. I bought "10-minute Dance Solutions" in case I thought I had 10 extra minutes. So far, I have just taken the plastic wrapping off (does that count??). Whew...if it does...no wonder I am so tired.

I have been struggling getting in my water...don't know why. I KNOW I have a book around called something like "Your Body's Many Cries for Water", but can't find it (an old book).

"Things" are finally "moving" today....yay! I hope this means the end of my problems!

Hi all! First off, I wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experiences here. This thread is what inspired me to start Ideal Protein. Had my first weigh in last week and lost 10 lbs! I don't expect that much again this week, but what a great feeling!

Sounds like depending on your nutritionist/doctor/etc instructions might vary a bit. I was just going to note that we were told we could also use the Wishbone Salad Spritzers for dressing. All things in moderation of course. I have the Italian Vinaigrette, and 10 sprays equals 10 calories, 1 gram of fat, and 1 carb. I use 2 sprays max, so figure I should be safe. =)

I'm not a huge fan of the WF dressings...prefer just to chop up some green onion, and sea salt and pepper on my salad for flavor, and skip the dressing altogether. Same for meats, except I cook with garlic and mushrooms as we were told no cooked onions...I'm usually so excited to have "real food" that I don't need any dip to get in the way anyway.

That's my tip of the day. Thanks again for all of yours. Keep losing!

Well, this was day #5 for me. I went to an all day flea market with friends and was on my feet from 9 to 4 walking- I started to feel really bad about 11, but we ate our lunch under the trees and my veggies and water helped. I read where some of you are exercising-I thought we were not to exercise for 3 weeks. I don't think I got enough info when I started this diet. When I go in on Monday for my weigh in ,I am bringing a list of questions. I also really need to figure out how to make the lunch meal better. I am ok at night because I can have an almost normal meal-but lunch is a challenge. Ideas please!! I also brought back all the redtricted packets as I have to monitor my husband's meds so carefully, that I want to have this diet as stress free as possible. I don't want to be bothered about what I can eat only once a week,etc. Also. have any of you any info about what happens weight wise when we go off of Phase 1 ??? After spending all this time and effort and MONEY, I sure don't want to put the weight back on!

Hello, it is normal to feel yucky after quite a bit of exercise, especially when you're only at day 5. Your body isn't using carbs for fuel now, so it's a change! We recommend to wait 3 weeks, you are correct. If someone absolutely must work out in the beginning, we recommend to take it easy so you don't end up burning muscle, and there is a modified version of this diet for people who are athletes.

As far as lunch goes, just choose one of your IP packets and have 2 cups of the *SELECT veggies, cooked how you like (except fried:). Check out your phase 1 sheet if you need to. I found that using very fibrous veggies like broccoli helped to keep me feeling fuller longer. But everyone's different!

Phase 2 is still a weight loss phase, so don't worry about gaining anything, you will continue to lose. When on phase 3, you will introduce complex carbohydrates back into your diet. If you follow this program, you will not gain your weight back. If you go back to bad eating habits everyday, you will gain it back. It has to be a lifestyle change. Phase 4 is a balanced diet. With fruit, veggies, grains and healthy protein. And also some junk food SOMETIMES.

GREAT idea, write down all of your questions and ask your coach!

Thamks,Epona! I had FOUR protein packets today!! I sure hope I did not mess up--just did not write things down and have so much going--I am keeping my brother's Fox terrior--a really nice girl--but I feel like I am ina fish tank all three dogs now go round and round!! LV,DR and Kitchen and back again-I am sure they will settle down after a while!! You and others have explained things so much better than the clinic I am going to. I hope I get some clarification tomorrow.

Your welcome! I'm glad I could help. Sure, the 4 packets you had is fine! You can have up to 5 packets per day in your 1st week only. After your 1st week you must only have the 3 packets per day (breakfast, lunch, after dinner snack).

It sounds like those pups are keeping you busy:) Keep up the good work, and I hope your coach and clinic can get you some more info! There is a lot of information, and it can be easy to get confused or for coaches to leave out some info. You're doing great!

Today was a rough day. I just could not get the food down. I did my protein stuff and most of the water. I also ate one of the bars and it was yummy!! I thought I had returned all the restricted packets but found this in the bottom of the box. I could eat these all day!! Also I am sooo proud of myself. One of my daughters flew into visit her dad and she is an oraganic and healthy cook.She made white and brown chocolate brownies from scratch and stuffed pasta shells. She left today and I packaged everything up and froze it! My hubby eats very little because of the cancer and I have to vary his food to get him to eat. Before this diet, I would have eaten everything up!! No leftovers!!! She is reading Michael Pollon's book and after talking to her Lots of food for thought in his book. First weigh is Monday at 1 !!!

My first week weigh-in is at 5 on Monday. Hope we both do well!

GREAT JOB!!!! half way thats great!! keep it up:carrot:
Oh that is not half way for me...but thanks anyways =-)! That was Alwe she is doing great! I still have a ways to go.

GoddessTT - 30# in a month...that is twice what I lost...hang in there. I know this is a rough weekend for you...you are doing great (and look at all the obstacles you had to overcome in just the past 2 weeks).

Maggie LA: Boy, that is determination. The walks will probably help relax you too and clear your mind a bit. You have a lot on your plate. I bought "10-minute Dance Solutions" in case I thought I had 10 extra minutes. So far, I have just taken the plastic wrapping off (does that count??). Whew...if it does...no wonder I am so tired.

I have been struggling getting in my water...don't know why. I KNOW I have a book around called something like "Your Body's Many Cries for Water", but can't find it (an old book).

"Things" are finally "moving" today....yay! I hope this means the end of my problems!
Thanks hun! Seems like you are doing good too! Keep up the good work and remember all...it is about feeling good about yourself for yourself!

Goddess TT-- I just read your blog! wow! And you did not break your diet! I am so proud of you! I think losing weight is a HUGE chore and the added stress in our lives is helped so much by a coolkie or chips!

Eona, thanks so much with the info about the packets. I have really learned more from reading all the old posts then I did in my first visit. I certainly think that the doc's assistants need more training.

I weigh in at 1. I weighed once at home on the 3rd day, but restrained from weighing again. I am going to wear the same clothes as first time!

Please keep us in your prayers. Hubby gets a CAT scan tomorrow and I am hoping that the new drug is working. He had a bad night because of a bad cold that he came down with Friday. Have no idea where he caught it--probably from the doc's office!! Can't win for losing!

I don't mind the eggs-but cooking them just about ruins my expensive non-stick pan. I tried real low heat today-but they still stuck. Anyone have a better technique!!!

Epona--mispelled your name--sorry-hand is not working well today! Dogs are settling in--have to let them out one at a time or the Maltese comes in coevered in mud from head to toe from following our Fox terrior guest!! It has been raining for a week in LA --I need hip boots!

alwe74 -- you must be SO proud and excited! Halfway to goal! It will be another 8# before I am halfway! (Newbies -- Alwe74 started this forum...and I am SO glad she did).

MaggieLA - there was a site posted earlier in this forum by the Dr. that invented IP....I remember looking at it, and it basically showed what they add after Phase I, Phase II, etc. I do remember thinking that by the time you are at the "end" - you have most of your foods back (i.e., fruits, grains, dairy)...so I assume they will teach you how to integrate these back in the diet. I was told you go on Phase II, once you lose 90% of your weight. I think Valkyrie is about to enter Phase II....she just lost 100# (since February!!).

Most of us on IP are fairly new.....within the last 4-6 months....so we are probably all learning together. I have been on IP for almost 5 weeks...and I still have so much to learn. I was never a big veggie or salad eater so that is always a challenge for me.

I struggle with lunch also....probably because I eat a late breakfast. Just too nauseated when I get up to consider breakfast. I just haven't been able to eat a salad for lunch yet. I usually cut up veggies and then have a pudding or shake around 3pm. I also have restricted every day, and am sure that is slowing my weight loss. Trying to learn how to do without them. The lunch that Spatime posted sounds really good...and I might add chicken to it for my dinner.

A few things I would suggest would be, a)go back thru old posts because a lot of your questions will be answered (there are recipes and food ideas there) and b)Go to Netrition.com website. Go under Walden Farms....and read the reviews. I have gotten a lot of ideas from there....plus it also reviews whether people like or dislike certain items (thus,saving you money...).

Two really good ideas I have gotten from forum is a)pour WF Honey Dijon dressing over veggies, b)Freeze the premix Vanilla shake for 30 min, stir, and freeze again for 30 min. Kinda tastes like ice cream. I also add a tad of Torani syrups to the vanilla puddings for variety (don't know if that is legal or not). Sunkissed or Babygene????

I just ordered the French Onion dip from Netrition.com, hoping to dunk my veggies in it. It had fairly good reviews. I have also used WF thousand island dressing to dunk veggies in (kinda runny, tho). I DO use the BBQ sauce a lot. Others have been told they can only use the dressings....so again, don't know if it is legal or not. Still haven't come up with a good tarter sauce. Tried the WF mayo (yuk)...then tried WF coleslaw dressing (better). I think - since I have to use dill relish instead of sweet relish - I may NEVER come up with a good one.

I couldn't stand the WF mayo either.. I use Hellman's light mayo on the rare occasion I need it.

Epona--mispelled your name--sorry-hand is not working well today! Dogs are settling in--have to let them out one at a time or the Maltese comes in coevered in mud from head to toe from following our Fox terrior guest!! It has been raining for a week in LA --I need hip boots!

Maggie,
Where in LA are you? I have a house near Winnsboro.... currently live in Jackson, MS and go there every other weekend or so.
Good luck today!

good luck maggie! i have my weigh in tomorrow.

Survived Thanksgiving ( canadian) for the heck of it i am going to post my meal...

5 oz roast turkey - NO gravy, stuffing!! but used WF jam for "cranberry"

1 cup turnip - mashed with chicken broth, seasalt and bit of splenda - good!!
( not quite the same, but still enjoyed it!)

asparagus spears - used WF honey dijon mixed with regular mustard ( really like this sauce, and seen mustard does not have carbs, sugar, calories, etc)

homemade icecream - lol ( IP drink frozen)

so no pumpkin pie or meatballs, perogies for me. but it was not so hard. would have enjoyed that glass of wine that everyone else had, but had my wined glass filled to the rim wth ice water. oh well. kept telling myself that if i do well until christmas, i will allow myself those few luxuries then. this holiday was just too soon to my start date to stray....i do concern myself about going over the 2 cups of veggies now and then, but was assured that is not a problem... with all this different info flying around, sure hope my coach is right about that!! if i dont have alot of progress tomorrow i will weigh every single veggie i eat!!

good luck this week everyone and have a great week!

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend, and Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canadian(s)! For the past week I feel like I've plateaued or been stuck at the 160 mark. I dont know what I can do to push pass this :( Does anyone have any suggestions or any insight they could shed to help me get through this. Thanks!

Maggie,
Where in LA are you? I have a house near Winnsboro.... currently live in Jackson, MS and go there every other weekend or so.
Good luck today!

I am in New Iberia--the SW part of LA--we just had our big gumbo cook-out!! I did NOT go :).http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/images/smiles/carrot.gif
But we have a guest coming for an overnight visit and I plan on cooking some GOOD food--it will be temp:carrot:ting, but I am determined not to break this diet!

OK--how do I get one of the smilies on my post without the web address!! Someday I will be computer literate!!

Hello everyone!
I have been doing IP for 5 weeks and have lost 13.2 lbs with about 20 lbs left to loose and my daughter is going on six weeks and has lost 32lbs and about 50lbs left to lose. This is a great program! We are looking for some receipes so please help. Do you do anything different with your protein packets and what food do you like to have for dinner? Anything you can offer will help us. Good luck to everyone!!

Just came in from my one week weigh in. Lost 5 lbs!!!! This is a first for me. The girl said that I may only lose 2.5-3 lbs next time but that would be fine with me! Sandrab--thanks for the wonderful info about fixing Thanksgiving edibles. I agree with TayCee--we need recipes!! I am already in a rut after 1 week!! I am going to look at the old posts again for info.

you are all an inspiration to me. I am NOT going to cheat or quit!
Went to a meeting this weekend and have a few recipes to share:
MINI MUFFINS
35ml cold water, mix with 1 pack of Ideal Protein choc. crepe (or orange)
Put in small muffin tins
bake 350 degrees for 10min or put in microwave safe cup for 45 seconds.Can be topped with IP pudding of choice.

Jazzed up ranch
WF ranch dressing
add cilantro, coriander, pepper/sea salt/or tobasco


TUNA WRAP
Canned tuna, mix with WF honey dijon dressing, finely chopped dill pickles, onion. Place mixture in a large Romaine lettuce leaf or two and eat like a wrap.

QUICK STIR FRY
Saute minced garlic and ginger with coconut oil until fragrant. Add vegetables and soy sauce and cook until crisp tender. Top with cooked chicken or beef for a hearty dinner.

Hope those help. I'm going to try the asparagus that i read on an early post.

Good luck everyone.

Hi, I'm new to the IP diet. I'm on day 4 today. I just have a few questions though. I ran out of greens yesterday and haven't been able to go shopping. Is it bad if my lettuce is the only thing I'm not getting?

Another question for down the road... I only have about 20 lbs to lose. I'm worried about loose skin. Has anyone here dealt with loose skin issues, and if so, what did you do?

I'm going through feelings of "is this really going to work?" Can someone help get me out of that mind set? It's too early to be feeling that way! I haven't cheated, so i'm doing good in that department!

TIA!

OnceAndFor All--same thing happened to me last week. I had a huge lettuce salad with my olive and salt for lunch plus a protein drink. weighed in today adn lost 5 lbs my first week so I guess it did not hurt me. I now realize how fast I can go thru 4 cups of veggies a day and shop accordingly. I have 30-35 lbs to lose and hopefully when I can start walking I will tighten up.Read all the old posts. Not only are the gals on this diet so encouraging, you will pick up so many ideas of what to do and not do. Hang in there!

Is it odd that it is all girls on this forum? or is there some men doing this diet as well? i wonder if this diet is to stict or regimented for most men?

In response to 'Once and for all"


Hello fellow Montanan! I think you are feeling the same way I did on day 4, it gets better. The raspberry jello and cranberry drink are supposed to help with cellulite and loose skin. I am on day 7, weighed today, lost 6.6#! Hang in there!

Hello,
I started this program on Sept 20th. I just finished up my 3rd week, and am down 12 pounds. My brother and SIL told me about the program and had great results - he lost 30 pounds in 8 weeks and is at goal; she lost 40 and 8 weeks with more yet to go. My husband is also doing the program. He's lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks.

There isn't anyone local offering the program, so I joined the Ideal to Go program (www.idealtogo.com). I wish there was someone in my area so I didn't have to plan everything so carefully. We try to buy 2-3 weeks of product at a time. They ship all the product, and have a coach assigned to answer questions either by phone or email.

There's some great info on this thread! Thanks for sharing all the insights.

I had sent over some questions to my coach today, and will share some of his info in case it helps. I think it's curious that different places offering the program seem to sometimes have conflicting "rules".

1. Sorbitol... this is ok. Many of our dieters who like to chew gum find lots of gum has sorbitol.

2. No issue with tea. When drinking tea/coffee with caffeine, drink one extra cup of water for each cup of tea/coffee.

3. Splenda and Stevia/Truvia are both the sweetners of choice with IP.

4. Chicken Broth can be used. Try to find fat free. Also you might try vegetable broth.

5. On restricting cooked onions -- cooking onions carmelizes them. Use them sparingly, or better yet, use green onions/scallions when possible.

6. Cooked veggies should be uncooked volume. When eating cooked leafy greens like spinach or turnip greens, use your judgement. I'm not sure that even a dump truck of cooked spinach has any calories... :)


My favorite IP protein recipe is best made with a partner.


Stuffed Dessert Crepes
1. Make one IP Crepe (chocolate, orange or plain). For all the crepes, add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. For the Plain crepe also add 1 packet sweetener.
2. Make a compatible IP pudding (chocolate crepe with vanilla pudding for example). When making the pudding cut back on the water so it's a little thicker. 120 mL instead of 150 ML is a good amount. Also add 1 packet sweetener.
3. Spread the pudding on the crepe. Then roll, like a blintz. Cut in half.
Makes 2 servings.


My favorite products are the Shakes (both Chocolate and Vanilla); Chocolate Covered Soy Puffs; Crepes, Puddings, all the bars.

Things we don't love include the Lemon Pudding -- it's a little artificial to me - reminds me of lemon flavored pez. I'm not crazy about the soups, and unfortunately we bought a lot of that (my brother said it was their favorite). It's funny reading folks comments on the products - just shows that everyone's tastes are different. What one person loves, another will hate.

Thanks everyone for the tips!

Wow...what wonderful posts!! Can't wait to try the recipes! I am braindead when it comes to cooking veggies (I want them with BUTTER!!)

Kira....one way I got thru the lemon puddings that I bought was to add a bit more Splenda and add some coconut syrup (or extract) to it. Tried to tell myself it was a pinacolada pudding. I also water down the soups more than it says....and try to add something to it (cooked veggies??)....I am not crazy about them either. When I last looked at Ideal To Go...I noticed they had "forums" on there, but unless you actually order from the guy, I guess one cannot access the forums....have you been on the forums??

20bydec - boy, you have hit the ball and got it rolling, huh? Did you come up with those recipes yourself? I remember you were supposed to go last Saturday for your first time, right??

OnceandForAll - I too, am concerned about loose skin. Maybe someone that has lost more than us could help us with that one. I didn't think I would lose weight either since I had been dieting before I went on IP. I have been on it a month and lost 15#. There isn't much loose skin yet (except my WRINKLES seem deeper).

SandraB -- I thought I saw a guy post once back in August or September....I have seen 2 guys at my dr's office holding bags filled with IP. It looks like Kira has had a brother on it, AND a husband on it.

Valkyrie - that mayo is the worst stuff I ever tried. Don't even know what to do with it. My 2nd Netrition order came today. I ordered the chocolate syrup so I can try the protein drinks frozen...got some salad dressings in packets...and 3 bottles of sugarfree Divinci syrups (still don't know if they are legal or not!!). One was a peanut butter syrup...and I do miss peanut butter.(boy, I LOVE the way Netrition packs their products...It almost seems like Christmas as you open each thing individually! Thanx for putting me onto them!!) In the vanilla puddings, I put a little bit of the sugarfree syrups...certainly tastes better than the plain pudding.

I weigh in tomorrow. My nurse did not take measurements last week, so I am anxious to see if I lost any inches. My personal scale is not moving....I don't know why I get on it anyhow...it weighs 4#-6# heavier than my doctors!!

Thanks for the tips everyone. I think a good place for me to start is by reading the last 23 pages in this thread!!! I'm sure some questions will be answered! I weigh in on Thursday... I'll check back in then. In the mean time, I have lots of reading to do....

Hello,
I started this program on Sept 20th. I just finished up my 3rd week, and am down 12 pounds. My brother and SIL told me about the program and had great results - he lost 30 pounds in 8 weeks and is at goal; she lost 40 and 8 weeks with more yet to go. My husband is also doing the program. He's lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks.

There isn't anyone local offering the program, so I joined the Ideal to Go program (www.idealtogo.com). I wish there was someone in my area so I didn't have to plan everything so carefully. We try to buy 2-3 weeks of product at a time. They ship all the product, and have a coach assigned to answer questions either by phone or email.

There's some great info on this thread! Thanks for sharing all the insights.

I had sent over some questions to my coach today, and will share some of his info in case it helps. I think it's curious that different places offering the program seem to sometimes have conflicting "rules".

1. Sorbitol... this is ok. Many of our dieters who like to chew gum find lots of gum has sorbitol.

2. No issue with tea. When drinking tea/coffee with caffeine, drink one extra cup of water for each cup of tea/coffee.

3. Splenda and Stevia/Truvia are both the sweetners of choice with IP.

4. Chicken Broth can be used. Try to find fat free. Also you might try vegetable broth.

5. On restricting cooked onions -- cooking onions carmelizes them. Use them sparingly, or better yet, use green onions/scallions when possible.

6. Cooked veggies should be uncooked volume. When eating cooked leafy greens like spinach or turnip greens, use your judgement. I'm not sure that even a dump truck of cooked spinach has any calories... :)


My favorite IP protein recipe is best made with a partner.


Stuffed Dessert Crepes
1. Make one IP Crepe (chocolate, orange or plain). For all the crepes, add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. For the Plain crepe also add 1 packet sweetener.
2. Make a compatible IP pudding (chocolate crepe with vanilla pudding for example). When making the pudding cut back on the water so it's a little thicker. 120 mL instead of 150 ML is a good amount. Also add 1 packet sweetener.
3. Spread the pudding on the crepe. Then roll, like a blintz. Cut in half.
Makes 2 servings.


My favorite products are the Shakes (both Chocolate and Vanilla); Chocolate Covered Soy Puffs; Crepes, Puddings, all the bars.

Things we don't love include the Lemon Pudding -- it's a little artificial to me - reminds me of lemon flavored pez. I'm not crazy about the soups, and unfortunately we bought a lot of that (my brother said it was their favorite). It's funny reading folks comments on the products - just shows that everyone's tastes are different. What one person loves, another will hate.

Thanks everyone for the tips!

Just a few questions - if you split 2 of the IP protein packets (like in your stuffed crepes, do they only count as 1 packet? I'm still learning.

How about sugar free jello - can we have that?

Goddess TT-- I just read your blog! wow! And you did not break your diet! I am so proud of you! I think losing weight is a HUGE chore and the added stress in our lives is helped so much by a coolkie or chips!

Eona, thanks so much with the info about the packets. I have really learned more from reading all the old posts then I did in my first visit. I certainly think that the doc's assistants need more training.

I weigh in at 1. I weighed once at home on the 3rd day, but restrained from weighing again. I am going to wear the same clothes as first time!

Please keep us in your prayers. Hubby gets a CAT scan tomorrow and I am hoping that the new drug is working. He had a bad night because of a bad cold that he came down with Friday. Have no idea where he caught it--probably from the doc's office!! Can't win for losing!

I don't mind the eggs-but cooking them just about ruins my expensive non-stick pan. I tried real low heat today-but they still stuck. Anyone have a better technique!!!
Thanks Maggie! I hope all goes well for your hubby tomorrow.

Just a few questions - if you split 2 of the IP protein packets (like in your stuffed crepes, do they only count as 1 packet? I'm still learning.

How about sugar free jello - can we have that?

I think it's a "no" on the SF jello. Stick to the IP Raspberry Jelly (actually pretty good).

I think if you could accurately measure the powder in a packet, and use half of it, it would count as a half packet. And two half packets would count as 1 packet.

I really like the combo of the 1/2 crepe with 1/2 pudding - very satisfying with different textures. And it's only a half of a restricted item! It's good enough you feel like you're cheating! :devil:

Thanks torchlaker - I've tried some raspberry sugar free davinci syrup in the lemon helped a bit. It took a while to figure out what the flavor reminded me of. My husband was sure it was "pledge', but it really is lemon pez.

Those Walden Farms products are so hit or miss. I think the problem for me is that the first couple that I tried were good - pancake syrup, chocolate syrup, and honey bbq sauce. Then I went and bought everything I could find. I was so excited to get those dips thinking I could dip raw broccoli and cauliflower for my lunch veggies rather than have more steamed broccoli. Then I tried them. They are unlike any found product I have had - in fact the closest comparison for the Blue Cheese Dip is paint.

I think I saw someone say the dressing "mists" were OK to use. I may check those out.

Hi, I'm new to the IP diet. I'm on day 4 today. I just have a few questions though. I ran out of greens yesterday and haven't been able to go shopping. Is it bad if my lettuce is the only thing I'm not getting?

Another question for down the road... I only have about 20 lbs to lose. I'm worried about loose skin. Has anyone here dealt with loose skin issues, and if so, what did you do?

I'm going through feelings of "is this really going to work?" Can someone help get me out of that mind set? It's too early to be feeling that way! I haven't cheated, so i'm doing good in that department!

TIA!
Drink the cranberry, pomegrante, blueberry drink and/or eat the raspberry jelly. Both have beef collagen which will help with the worry of loose skin.

its funny reading peoples opinions on the WF products and their comparisons to the real thing! i have had more misses, than hits with the products, but we do not have the selections that other people are speaking of. as i mentioned earlier, i threw the ranch out, i knew i would never eat it again. the jelly is ok, the peanut butter may end up where the ranch went. the honey dijon i can handle mixed with real mustard, but the bbq sauce i actually enjoy. so 1 in 5 i am happy with. so i am done with those products, except will buy the bbq sauce. i am not wanting to bash thier products, but seriously they have a taste that i cannot endure. it actually hurts my process on the diet, so i am sticking to homemade dressings. lots of lemon juice ....i have not tried their chocolate or maple syrups, because the odd time i have a sweet craving i can usually appease it with the choc drinks, or the butterscotch pudding. i really like the butterscotch, much better than the other puddings!

My coach recommended the daVinci syrups. They're carb-free and are sweetened with Splenda. I also find the WF sweet stuff good, i.e. chocolate syrup - have been using it in my coffee, since I'm a "Mocha-latte" drinker.

As far as likes & dislikes go: LOVE the crepes-the closest thing to "real" food they have; Like the puddings and chicken soup. I like my soup creamy, so that works for me. I HATE all of the fruity drinks-think the flavors are just not compatible with the protein they use. Love the chocolate-covered soy crisps, but since I eat crepes every day, I can't have another "restricted" packet. Only tried 1 bar, but again, as they are restricted, not giving up my crepes!

I have had NO problems with "things not moving". I am eating more vegetables than I ever have before in my life, and if anything my colon is wondering what the h*ll has hit it. LOL

I wouldn't think that someone with only 20# to lose would have a skin issue. I've lost 20-25 pounds in the past and had no problems. (I have always been an avid body-lotioner, so that has probably helped) As I have about 100# to lose, I'm afraid it will be an issue. Might have to get over my "jello is for when you're sick" mentality. I know that when I lose weight, I will look older. It's inevitable. People always tell me I look much younger than my 45 years, and I always say, fat fills in the wrinkles quite nicely!

I go to my second check-in tonight. According to the scale at home, I've lost another 4# this week, making 8 total in 2 weeks. ( and I've cheated with meat and cheese. SSSHHHHHH!!!!)

OK -- I must have done something wrong. I tried freezing the readymade vanilla drink yesterday....kept stirring it every 30 minutes...after 2 hours, it still wasn't frozen. I tried pouring WF chocolate syrup on it (tastes better than the old sugarfree Hersheys I used to use)...and I just ended up with glop that went in the garbage. What did I do wrong??

Have to agree about the WF products. I struggle thru them. Still trying to figure out a way to save the Sundried Tomato one...nasty by itself. I do love the pancake syrup (use it on top of my oatmeal....about 1/2 T...makes it look pretty). I doctor up the BBQ sauce with WF catsup, some worchestershire sauce and soy sauce, some garlic powder and a tad of Splenda....but it isn't bad by itself. My version kinda tastes like my homemade BBQsauce. I thought the chocolate syrup was pretty good. Disappointed in the Onion dip...might have to doctor that up as well.

For me, even IP products have a chemical taste...so I usually doctor those up, too (well, NOT the bars or the Chocolate soy puffs). Garlic helps cut the taste...Sugarfree syrups, extracts or a tad of Splenda help the puddings and shakes. I did find out I like sea salt (never was a big salt fan)...so that helps.

Well, on to my weigh in.....

Hi, I am new to the Forum. I have my first IP appt on Thursday. Have a friend who kept urging me to do this. She loves it. We both travel for our jobs and she feels it is very easy to do on the road.

I'm 53, single, live in Austin Tx. Am looking to lose about 50lbs. Gained most of it about 10 years ago going through a nasty divorce. However, have always been up and down. Have done just about everything out there.

Am curious about people who have gone on to maintenance and if they have maintained their loss.

Had my 3rd week weigh-in today. Lost another 3.4 lbs. I even got rid of two pair of pants last week! Really appreciate the recipe and inspirational posts on this forum...it helps alot!

torchlaker, the icecream did not work for me either when i tried it with the premix drink....it is thinner than the packet drinks....
it worked really well with the packet chocolate drink - froze in about an hour. i also tried it with the butterscotch pudding...really froze!! had to wait about another hour to eat it. so my suggestion would be to use the packet drinks...and it is a nice alternative, eating it frozen. i think i will pick up the chocolate sauce that everyone seems to like....

weigh in today! - not very excited....

Hey..I am new here. I have been on the Ideal Protein diet now for a little over 6 weeks and have lost 26lbs...I am starting to fight "wanting" other foods, and finding variations on veggies is tough..I'm kinda sick of broccoli and Cauliflower.

Great to see other on this diet too!

Hi!!! I am on the ideal protein diet. My step-mom did it a year and a half ago and lost 40 pds. and has kept it all off! I've been on it for almost a week and I have to say I'm having trouble with finding enough "veggies" to eat. I am sick of eating the same things over and over. :?: I actually look forward to having the IP breakfast, lunches and snacks! It adds variety into my day. Can you share some of your recipes with me? My step mom did the diet by eating lettuce, broccoli, and cucumbers with some cauliflower in between. I can't do that! I'll get bored and I'll cheat:burger:! Please send me some strength!!!

I am having the same problem...but an even sadder story - I have been on the diet for about 3 days and am already sick of cauliflower, green bell peppers and mushrooms. I am okay with lettuce, but can't find dressings... Oh my...

OK -- I must have done something wrong. I tried freezing the readymade vanilla drink yesterday....kept stirring it every 30 minutes...after 2 hours, it still wasn't frozen. I tried pouring WF chocolate syrup on it (tastes better than the old sugarfree Hersheys I used to use)...and I just ended up with glop that went in the garbage. What did I do wrong??

Have to agree about the WF products. I struggle thru them. Still trying to figure out a way to save the Sundried Tomato one...nasty by itself. I do love the pancake syrup (use it on top of my oatmeal....about 1/2 T...makes it look pretty). I doctor up the BBQ sauce with WF catsup, some worchestershire sauce and soy sauce, some garlic powder and a tad of Splenda....but it isn't bad by itself. My version kinda tastes like my homemade BBQsauce. I thought the chocolate syrup was pretty good. Disappointed in the Onion dip...might have to doctor that up as well.

For me, even IP products have a chemical taste...so I usually doctor those up, too (well, NOT the bars or the Chocolate soy puffs). Garlic helps cut the taste...Sugarfree syrups, extracts or a tad of Splenda help the puddings and shakes. I did find out I like sea salt (never was a big salt fan)...so that helps.

Well, on to my weigh in.....

Thanks for the tips on the products. I will have to try experimenting which is hard for me because I really am not a recipe cooker. I'll keep looking for your posts for updates.

Woohoo - I weighed in today and lost another 3#!! (gotta figure out how to change my ticker). So in 5 weeks, I have lost 18#...which I am excited about! Another 2#, and I will be lower than I have been in nearly 20 years!! Now I am trying to cut down on the restricted and beef up my exercise and water!!

Texan123 - I asked the nurse today if anyone was on maintenance yet. She really could be on it, but her daughter is still losing, so she is kinda doing Phase I and Phase II. So - no, I don't know anyone on maintenance....would sure be interested myself. Already tho, I am thinking how I will eat in the "real world" when I go to maintenance....Sugarfree puddings with extracts (if I don't get sick of puddings before then)....Maybe cereal bars instead of bars....Just thinking outloud.

Hummingbird1918...I am sick of broccoli and cauliflower too....actually, I am sick of salads AND veggies...but seeing the scale move has really been helpful. Today I bought eggplant...never made it before...gonna try to grill it on my Foreman.

SandraB - oh yay...it didn't work for you, either huh? I did try putting the puddings in the freezer, and yeah...it does change the texture. Today, I tried putting the Divinci Peanut Butter syrup in the puddings and might drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup on it! Tasted pretty good off the spoon....I will have it for dessert later. How did the weighin go???

Welcome to everyone that is new!! Wonder how many people we have on our forum now? Someday, I will have to go back and count. SOMEDAY, I would like to put all the good ideas and recipes into a folder (bought a 3-ring binder today)...wonder when I will ever have time??

MontanaMom - I am afraid to get rid of all my loose pants! (just thinking of past diets). PLUS -- today was fun because everyone was telling me how BIG my clothes are on me....mmmm....maybe I will just stay in my big clothes and keep hearing that! Nawwww....just kidding.

Let's see if I figured out this ticker thingy-mabobber.....

Whew...if you all want some inspiration...go to GOAL under the Community Forum....there are some big weight losses there....Just think, soon we will ALL be there.

Hi everyone, I haven't been on for awhile. Glad to see everyone is doing well and all the new people too! well my diet is on hold, IM PREGNANT!! which is kinda what losing weight was all about. all my drs said "lose weight and it will happen, blah, blah, blah. well i did lose weight and it did work, but i did have some help from a fertility specialist. so now the worst part is everyone has noticed the weight that i have lost, (20lbs from Ideal protein and 55lbs i lost prior to that completely on my own) and now i am going to put most of the new weight back on. everyone will ask me at work what i am doing to lose weight. now they will be thinking what happened? oh well guess they will figure it out soon enough when i have a baby bump! only my boss and close coworkers know, but the rest will know soon enough. I work in a hospital and most days the gossiping is worst then watching General Hospital. I'm almost 8wks so i hope i have few more to go before i start to show. well enough about me just wanted to share with friends. i am basically trying to follow the maintenance so that i don't just pack on unnecessary pounds. Keep up the good work everyone. to all the new dieters, it does get easier and you will be so proud of yourself for what you have accomplished and it won't be too long before everyone will want to know your secret!

Hello to everyone and welcome newbies. I have my weigh in tomorrow morning. I don't think I did so good this week, I'm guessing 1-2 lbs.

When I was at Wal-mart the other day, they had those plastic popsicle molds. I bought one and when I got home I poured the chocolate pre-made drink into it (one pre-made drink made 4 popsicles). It froze really well and made a pretty good fudge pop. It was a little bland and icy though. I'm thinking of trying it with the chocolate pudding I think it will be more like a chocolate pudding pop.

Nikel78 - congrats on the baby! Remember you are eating for two now. With your experience under your belt I bet you only gain the recommended 25 or so pounds. And you will take that off in no time! Best wishes!

Does anyone have experience with snacking on meat/chicken/fish just to tide you over when your stomach growls but its not meal time yet?? I grabbed one little chicken strip from the hospital cafeteria today mid afternoon. The first couple of weeks I had NO hunger but now I find my stomach telling me it needs more. I have hashimoto's hypothyroidism so I wonder if that is part of it. I used to eat every 3-4 hours.

Good Evening everyone!!!
My name is May from New York. I am really excited thatI found a forum on Ideal protein!!!!!! I just started last week with the program but to be honest I am a bit dissappointed! After reading some of the blogs ive noticed that people have attended seminars and have been given lists of vegetables etc.. I didnt get any of that. I am going to my primary care doctor and they have a nutrionist there and I saw the products and asked to start the program but i didnt really get much further direction. It would be great if anyone could help! I would love to maximize my weight loss since I have so much to lose!!! Thanks in advance for your help and congrats to everyone losing weight! Keep up the great work!!!!!
hope to hear from you soon

it was my son 16th b-day today we had cake and icecream and I didn't have one bit I was so happy that I was able to control it. and my daughter is coming home from college for about 4 days and is wanting all these dinners that i just don't cook any more but will have to fix for her I hope I can stay strong plus we'll have another bday cake on sat for him and his friends lord help me!!!!!!!! lol

Just went to the IP office and picked up a few more recipes:

CRACKERS made from Plain Crepe Mix
Mix plain crepe mix with water so it is thick and spread on cookie sheet and add sea salt, garlic and other herbs you like on crackers. Bake 350 degrees until brown & crispy. options: garlic, pepper, dill, sesame seeds, dried bell pepper seasoning for steak.

Cole Slaw
Chop cabbage, green & red bell peppers, cucumbers & chives, poppy seeds. Add WF Honey Dijon dressing and 1 packet of Spenda to taste.
(MY QUESTION??? CAN WE HAVE CABBAGE?)

Hope everyone is having a good day - a few in the family have influenza and I pray i won't get it!

hi everyone!'

was happy with my weigh in today. down 6.4lbs. i also started exercising at the new gym in town tonite. very light workout, mainly walking the track, and a bit on the bike. i felt good when it was done, was surprised to have the energy. so i think i will keep at it, but also keep it simple. i do find that i am hungrier tonite than i have been other nites. thinking the exercise has something to do with that....so i finished 3 weeks now, and happy to have lost 18 lbs. this diet is not easy, but for once the scale is keeping me motivated!


http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/tulip-bar/slider-but6/lb/227/160/209/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

:carrot:Just went to the IP office and picked up a few more recipes:

CRACKERS made from Plain Crepe Mix
Mix plain crepe mix with water so it is thick and spread on cookie sheet and add sea salt, garlic and other herbs you like on crackers. Bake 350 degrees until brown & crispy. options: garlic, pepper, dill, sesame seeds, dried bell pepper seasoning for steak.

Cole Slaw
Chop cabbage, green & red bell peppers, cucumbers & chives, poppy seeds. Add WF Honey Dijon dressing and 1 packet of Spenda to taste.
(MY QUESTION??? CAN WE HAVE CABBAGE?)

Hope everyone is having a good day - a few in the family have influenza and I pray i won't get it!

That sounds really good gonna have to try it

WOW, there's lots of posts here :bravo: You ladies ROCK !!

May I please suggest opening up a new thread so I can close this one.
I think the bigger the thread the longer it takes to open (load) for some people.

:hug: Thanks Chickies,
Leenie

Just went to the IP office and picked up a few more recipes:

CRACKERS made from Plain Crepe Mix
Mix plain crepe mix with water so it is thick and spread on cookie sheet and add sea salt, garlic and other herbs you like on crackers. Bake 350 degrees until brown & crispy. options: garlic, pepper, dill, sesame seeds, dried bell pepper seasoning for steak.

Cole Slaw
Chop cabbage, green & red bell peppers, cucumbers & chives, poppy seeds. Add WF Honey Dijon dressing and 1 packet of Spenda to taste.
(MY QUESTION??? CAN WE HAVE CABBAGE?)

Hope everyone is having a good day - a few in the family have influenza and I pray i won't get it!

I've been told we can only have red cabbage and only cooked green peppers..not sure about red peppers, I know they are restricted.

Nikel- congrats on being pregnant! There is nothing like it! I DO remember losing a bunch of weight just before i got pregnant, and when I first got pregnant, I thought, "Oh geez...now I am gonna gain it all back." (I did...but wow..there was a baby in the end!!)

Toomanycats....I have really been hungry too...I mentioned it to my nurse. Of course, she says drink more water or some of the drinks or eat veggies. I thought I remembered Bob Greene saying on Oprah once, that those growling sounds means you are burning fat.....I don't know if I buy that or not. Those growling sounds are just water rolling around in my belly....but I like to think of those growling sounds as another "person" inside me, telling me "Look, I know you are hungry...but look, I am vacuuming up all the fat and vacuums make noise." lol

Bundukaa - I think you could probably get most of your info that your nutritionist didn't give you from reading old posts. I plan on going back and rereading, too. Some people seem to have received more info than others, but those "others" have sure been williing to share. We have 2 coaches on here, a chiropractor...a few gals that are halfway to goals...and of course, Valkyrie...who has lost 100#!! (my hero!). Heck, I have been on IP for 5 weeks, and I learn something new every day from reading these posts.

Alwe74 - should we start a new thread? What happens to the old thread cuz there is so much info on it...!! I don't even know how you started this forum in the first place (but so glad you did).

SandraB -- way to go!!

Gotta go outside in the rain and sort thru my rocks. gonna start teaching my painting classes again (I teach once a month at our senior center). Wish it was warmer outside....

Wow, I spent last night and this morning reading through all 27 pages! Lots of great info and inspiration. Today is my first day on the plan. Does anyone remember the old Diet Divas plan from about 10 years ago? That's what this reminds me of, only stricter.:) I had good success while i was on that but ended up getting pregnant and never getting back on track. Now I'm almost 43 and have 111 lbs to lose. :(

I'm so glad to have found y'all, looking forward to sharing the journey with you. now, off for my first "on plan" breakfast!

Here's a soup recipe our coach shared with us:

1/4 of an onion-diced
1 clove garlic crushed
1-2 stalks celery chopped
1/2 package sliced mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (more or less to taste)- these are spicy
1-2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup beef boullion (can't spell that word)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 big handfuls of spinach
1/2 medium tomato chopped
Juice of 1/2 of a lime
cilantro to taste (i love fresh cilantro)
shrimp or chicken (5 oz)

Start with the oil in your pan on the stove. Warm the oil over medium heat, throw in the garlic, onion, celery, mushrooms, and chili flakes. Squeeze in the lime juice. When the veggies are wilted, throw in your chicken or shrimp (I prefer shrimp). As soon as the meat is just about done, pour in the 8 oz beef boullion and soy sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Add your spinach, cilantro and tomatoes at the very end. Cook just another minute till spinach is wilted.

Hey Everybody! Everyone is doing so great! My weigh in was awesome, 5.4# on week 5 of the diet. I love this program. My Doctor (who is on IP for 2 months now) said that she would never perscribe Gastric bypass again.
http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar07/slider-snail1/lb/272/160/247/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

WOW, there's lots of posts here :bravo: You ladies ROCK !!

May I please suggest opening up a new thread so I can close this one.
I think the bigger the thread the longer it takes to open (load) for some people.

:hug: Thanks Chickies,
Leenie

Would anyone be interested in participating in a Yahoo Group? It would be nice to be able to have different threads (like recipes!), and to post documents. If there's some interest, I can take a look at setting it up.

A question about vitamins. I've been ordering the official natura vitamins. Does anyone use regular vitamins and supplements rather than these "special" ones? What do you get?

I had the Butterscotch Pudding today with a little cinnamon and sweetener. Really surprised at how good that tastes!

I found a copycat recipe last week for PF Chang's Lettuce Wraps. I tweaked it and came up with an on-plan option. I was shocked at how much the "special sauce" tasted like the real thing!


Modified from a recipe at http://www.recipezaar.com/P-F-Changs-Chicken-Lettuce-Wraps-15865


Chicken Lettuce Wraps
25 min | 10 min prep
SERVES 2

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 12-14 oz of boneless skinless chicken breasts (will cook down to about 5 oz / person)
• 2 cups water chestnut
• 2 cups mushroom
• ½ cup chopped onions
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 4-6 leaves iceberg lettuce

Special Sauce
• 1/4 cup sweetener
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar free ketchup
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1-2 teaspoon garlic chile sauce

Stir Fry Sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoons sweetener
• 1/2 teaspoon rice wine vinegar


1. Make the special sauce by dissolving the sweetener in water in a small bowl.
2. Add soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, ketchup, lemon juice and sesame oil.
3. Mix well and refrigerate this sauce until you're ready to serve.
4. Eventually add your desired measurement of garlic chili sauce to the special sauce mixture to pour over the wraps.
5. Bring 1 tablespoon oil to high heat in a wok or large frying pan.
6. Saute chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side or done.
7. Remove chicken from the pan and cool.
8. Keep oil in the pan, keep hot.
9. As chicken cools mince water chestnuts and mushrooms to about the size of small peas.
10. Prepare the stir fry sauce by mixing the soy sauce, sweetener, and rice vinegar together in a small bowl.
11. When chicken is cool, chop it to the size of small peas.
12. With the pan still on high heat, add another Tbsp of vegetable oil.
13. Add chicken, garlic, onions, water chestnuts and mushrooms to the pan.
14. Add the stir fry sauce to the pan and saute the mixture for a couple minutes then serve it in the lettuce"cups".
15. Top with "Special Sauce".


Good luck to everyone today staying on plan!

Hi Everyone,
Today is Day 1 for me on IP. I'm really feeling inspired reading all your posts. I look forward to the same success you have had.
Catsmommy

Kira,

You can have different threads for recipes here if you'd like. Start a new thread and let me know, I'll make it a sticky for you.

Leenie

Hi,
I just read about IPD in my local newspaper today and plan to go to learn more about it at an upcoming meeting. I googled it and found you guys. Its so motivating reading everyones posts - I wish I found this forum years ago. I'm married with two kids 10 and 7. I'm 5'8" and weigh 213. I haven't checked my weight in a couple months because I knew it was going up. I just purchased the Wii Fit second game and started playing last weekend. I did my body test and it said I was obese. It kind of smacks you in the face to see your little wii mii on the screen with fat buldging out of its clothes. Then to hear my 7 year son say I'm a fat wii mii as we played last night. Thats always comforting?! Anyway I'm tired of cycling around diets since I was 14 years old. I think 14 is the youngest to join weight watchers. Now I'm 40 and still fat. Its no way to go through life. Help!:mad:

Kira,

You can have different threads for recipes here if you'd like. Start a new thread and let me know, I'll make it a sticky for you.

Leenie

if you know how to set it up and not lose any of the previous thread? I'm not sure what that all means, but 27 pages is hard to get through.

HI torchlaker! Thanks for the reply. I have read many of the old posts but i havent gottena list of the dos and donts. I was wondering if anyone was kind enough to share the vegetable lists and also they didnt tell me about the sea salt? do i take that everyday!!! I feel so lost!:(

My husband and I were inspired by the cracker recipe using the plain crepes. We came up with this recipe for chocolate cookies.

Chocolate Cookies
Ingredients:
2 oz water
1 packet sweetener
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 packages IP Chocolate Pancake Mix
1 Egg white

Preheat oven to 350
In a med bowl mix the water, egg white, sweetener, and vanilla. Add 2 packages Chocolate Pancake Mix and stir until well mixed.
Drop by rounded spoonful onto a cookie sheet. Makes 6 cookies (3 cookies per serving).

Bake about 15 minutes.

Cool on a rack. Then enjoy.

Wow...I am SO impressed with all these recipes. Here I thought I was just limited to "opening a packet."

Alwe74 (and Leenie) -- this forum was your baby. Do you know how to start a new thread or make stickies? I have NO idea what Leenie is talking about....I have only ever posted to this forum. A yahoo group would be nice, too.....don't know how to do that either. I just have this set up under Favorites...and click on last page. (and go backwards).

Mmmmm...I tried Toasted Marshmallow DiVinci syrup in my pudding today...tasted pretty good!!

Taking a big step (as we speak). I have been a light blonde since my early 20's (many moons ago).....and am trying a shade FOUR shades darker. It looks pretty scarey. Oh geez, I guess it is time to go take it off. (I wanted new hair for my new body....lol),

Hi everyone,

I am starting IP in the morning. I have all my packets and vitamins. I am so inspired to hear all the great stories shared by everyone and I can't wait to be part of this reducing group. The recipes sound great and I will be trying them and any new ones I come across. My friend started IP about 6 months ago and has lost 90 plus pounds. Good luck to all.

CONGRATULATIONS Nikel78!! I'm sooo happy for you! :congrat: :preg:

Torchlaker, I can start a new thread but I don't know what a "sticky" is. I don't want to lose all of the good recipes we have here. Maybe we could start two threads, one for chat and one for recipes.

Disneynerd- OMG your story made me laugh... Leave it to kids to tell you how it is!

Well I had my weigh in today. Only 1 lb. down. I have been having the sea salt/vinegar ridges everyday. I guess they only have one less carb than the bars. I was told a couple of weeks ago to only have the bars twice a week. Now I have to add the sea salt/vinegar ridges to that list. AAARGH...Those are my favorite food!!! Anyways, it sound like everybody else is having good weigh-in's. Keep up the good work.

Made it through the first day!
I feel pretty good. had a little nausea during dinner but I think that had more to do with me getting tied up at a church thing and not getting to eat until late than anything else. I had one of those boxed chocolate drinks right after and felt better.

For breakfast I had a cup of coffee and the omelet. it wasn't bad. Are we allowed to use cooking spray? Like Pam? I used a little to keep it from sticking.

For lunch I had a salad loaded with veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers and red onion) with WF Thousand island and one of the cranberry pomegranite something-or-other drink.

Since dinner was late, I just ate another salad like I had at lunch but added 5 oz of cooked ground turkey breast. And like I mentioned previously, one of the boxed drinks.

I'm looking forward to trying some of the recipes from this thread!

CONGRATULATIONS Nikel78!! I'm sooo happy for you! :congrat: :preg:

Torchlaker, I can start a new thread but I don't know what a "sticky" is. I don't want to lose all of the good recipes we have here. Maybe we could start two threads, one for chat and one for recipes.

Disneynerd- OMG your story made me laugh... Leave it to kids to tell you how it is!

Well I had my weigh in today. Only 1 lb. down. I have been having the sea salt/vinegar ridges everyday. I guess they only have one less carb than the bars. I was told a couple of weeks ago to only have the bars twice a week. Now I have to add the sea salt/vinegar ridges to that list. AAARGH...Those are my favorite food!!! Anyways, it sound like everybody else is having good weigh-in's. Keep up the good work.

I agree, Alwe. I would not want to lose all of the info on this thread either. I really need to go back and read certain things from time to time. I helps me. Cant explain that but it does.....I am not very technical so have no idea what a sticky is either, but don't mind the idea of a thread that contains recipes only.....maybe the people that have already posted recipes, could take a minute and repost them on that thread? would that work? I like this forum, and cannot believe all the people on it now!!!

Wow...I am SO impressed with all these recipes. Here I thought I was just limited to "opening a packet."

Alwe74 (and Leenie) -- this forum was your baby. Do you know how to start a new thread or make stickies? I have NO idea what Leenie is talking about....I have only ever posted to this forum. A yahoo group would be nice, too.....don't know how to do that either. I just have this set up under Favorites...and click on last page. (and go backwards).

Mmmmm...I tried Toasted Marshmallow DiVinci syrup in my pudding today...tasted pretty good!!

Taking a big step (as we speak). I have been a light blonde since my early 20's (many moons ago).....and am trying a shade FOUR shades darker. It looks pretty scarey. Oh geez, I guess it is time to go take it off. (I wanted new hair for my new body....lol),

I've been playing with haircolor for about 10 years. I've about got down how I like to do it, but it's a lot of work! I've always been blonde, but getting tired of fighting darker and darker roots, :( I have tried going brown, but I just don't recognize myself! I have started going with a darker base. Before, you change back, try heavy highlights. You'll end up with a blonde with low-lights effect.

Hope I'm not too late!

My 2 cents: Yahoo groups are a pain in the butt. I would definitely like a separate thread with recipes, as it would make finding them easier, as well as keep this one for advice and support.

I will make a recipe sticky for you. I will also start a monthly chat for you, you can do it weekly or how ever you like to suit your needs. Nothing will be lost.

I will close this thread but it will remain on the board for you all to reference :)

Leenie :hug:

Congrats on your one pound, I only have one thing to say, :carrot:

You can find the ladies by just clicking on the link below.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/other-reduced-carb-diets/184252-ideal-protein-diet-monthly-chat-october-2009-a.html