Ideal Protein Diet - Ideal Protein Diet - Monthly Chat, October 2009

Oh Valkyrie....you are SO welcome!! Anything I can do to help the cause...lol! (hey, you are the one that told me about netrition in the first place....!!)

I am not liking the loose skin on my face and neck. I had just had botox and juvederm in August and you cannot even tell. So even tho I am losing in my body...I keep focusing on my face!! I have always had a poor self body image..even when I was thin. Something I am working on.......She said to hold off on any more botox, etc., until I get to goal! Actually, I meet with her later today for some medical issues....

I do try to do BodyFlex or LifeLift every other day because I carry 90% of my weight in my stomach area.....ah, but there is still loose skin. I really don't think those drinks will keep the skin taut (at least, not according to Dr. Oz). I think - pretty much - that is a marketing gimmick. I wish they didn't even mention it in the brochure, because a few of my friends have taken the brochure to their doctors, and one doc said that IP was wrong to say anything about a drink helping loose skin...thus, my friend decided the whole diet was a hoax...and we all know it is not! In all honesty, my doctor NEVER mentioned the drinks to me...but hey, I put it in my "questions to ask" for this afternoon.

Torchlaker: What are the BodyFlex and Lifelift? Just curious because I carry all my weight in my stomach as well so maybe it is something that can help me? Thanks.

To get back to adding the weight loss totals, I am not sure what the last total was posted but I have lost 10 punds in 3 weeks to you can add that in< week 3 was tough kind of hit a bit of a plateau i think maybe i was holding on to a lot of gass or constipation from all the veggies because it wasnt until i took a mild dig. enzyme that i finally went and dropped 2 pounds and i have stuck to that for the past 3 days so i am pretty happy the scale finally budged again.

The three things i miss the most:
peanut butter, so bad
chocolate
cheese

As always thanks everyone for all the support, recipes andmotivation, although i dont post too often, i do read this thread first thing every morning!!

Colel75 - Bodyflex AND Lifelift are both deep diaphramic breathing with stretches. Body Flex is a really old tape...I should transfer it to a CD. I think you can go to lifelift.com to get any info on the other. Greer Childers probably used BodyFlex as a gimmick years ago...but I like it (I am a smoker...so I always think I am cleaning out my lungs!) I also have been trying to add a one-mile walk (Leslie Samone) when I can (doc wants me to do that).

I have also battled constipation BIG time on IP...I have tried stool softeners, enzyme pills. Usually once a week (before weighin -- lol!!), I have to resort to a laxative...but I don't want to depend on those. Seeing the doc today....going to ask her if I can go on Miralax. I researched and cannot find what makes Miralax SWEET...so I don't know what she will say.

I miss peanut butter, too. I did buy DiVinci sugarfree syrup in peanut butter, but it really doesn't do the trick. I miss nuts and fruit.

Torchlaker: Thanks for the video info i willcheck them out. i have a prescription for Miralax because i have dealt with constipation my whole life and my 4 year old son is on it too, i take it as needed but its the only thing that makes you go "normal" no cramps no emergency blowouts (sorry to be descriptive), you drink it with water at night and you go in the morning the next day, its not harsh at all, they prescribed it to me when i was pregnant too so its very gentle and not harmful at all, you can buy it inthe store but its cheaper if you can get a script for it. You can get the generic which is called Glycolax and it works the same.

Yeh i got the WF peanut butter, its taste like chemicals and not anything even close to p. butter but i do cook with the Torani pb syrup it makes my veggies taste kinf of peanut thai sightly, even my husband will eat the when i cook them like that he loves them and hesnot a veg person at all!!

I miss fruit too i think thats also why i have suck bad sugar cravings because i gave up my daily dark chocolate fix and fruit at the same time.

I hope i can come back from my weekend and be able to say the same torchlaker! this is my "planned" nite off that i spoke of earlier. A family wedding, and although i do not plan to cheat on the food, i am going to have a few drinks. I have not cheated/slipped at all since i started, i planned right from the begginning to treat myself to this event. So i am not sure what the effects will be, but i am sure looking forward to it. (the wedding!) i absolutely know that i will not have a problem going right back on track, i am still very motivated and "into" this program....have a good day everyone!

does anyone have a recipe for shrimp gumbo? i thought i saw one, but its not in the recipe thread. That just sounds so good with it being chilly today.

yahou !!!


hey girls ! hope you are all doing well . Lost of chatting on this topic i can hardley falow :P


Just got in from my wieght in !! lost 5.2 pounds this week !!!

for a total of 32 pounds ! I can not belive it !!!

I was suposte to be in phase 2 after 32 pounds but i decided to continue an extra 8 pound to make my total wieght lost 50 pounds !!


The three things i miss the most:

-Chesse
- Pasta
- carotts

( probably the 3 things that got me on this diet :P)


thanks for all your suport !! We will be looking beautiful at X-MAS !!

couple things id like to share. I love to cook so this has been a whole new undertaking :)
chicken
chicken breasts
1tbs lemon juice
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tbs olive oil
onion powder (if you like)
whole garlic
salt and pepper

make foil packets with chicken and place the whole garlic clove in there (i like this because it gets roasted and you can break it up when you serve. put it in the oven at 350 for about 30-40 minutes or until done. It is wayyy juicy and delicious. A sprig of fresh thyme would probably be nice. recipe is per packet (i do my boyfriends seperatley cause he insists on regular salt)
pork chops
brown pork chops over high heat in a tiny bit of olive oil.
add 1 1/2 cups of water and about tbs of soy sauce
throw in as much garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper, salt and pepper as you like. let simmer for 30 minutes until water is very reduced.

Throw in mushrooms and red or yellow peppers, cook thoughrougly.
Tilapia
2tbs cayenne
1tsp garlic powde
1tsp onion powder
1tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1tsp salt
dry the fish and rub spice mix on both sides, let rest.
put a thin layer of olive oil at the bottom of the pan a pre heat to medium high.
cook fish on both sides until crust is formed. 2 minutes each side approx

serve with lemon

They are all amazing and I am starting to realize how delcious food can be with out throwing in all the crud i used to. it just takes some trial and error

boy i messed up tonight. I was so excited to buy the crepes, that I made one for my snack tonight, forgetting I had already had chili for lunch. Will that put me out of ketosis? UGH!!!!!!!!!

boy i messed up tonight. I was so excited to buy the crepes, that I made one for my snack tonight, forgetting I had already had chili for lunch. Will that put me out of ketosis? UGH!!!!!!!!!

You should be fine.. I've had more than one restricted several days with no ill effects from it. Some days you just gotta.... :)

coming from you with your HUGE success, that makes me feel so much better. thanks!

Coolbreeze....I usually eat more than one restricted a day. I know that slows my weight loss...but like Valkyrie said...somedays, you just gotta....!!! I don't remember seeing a seafood gumbo.

Saraj1022...those sound great! Especially the chicken packet!! It will be like a "little present" when I open it up, huh? If you ever get a chance, could you put those in the recipe file? I would love to be able to go right to it, rather than search.

Annmawy....How wonderful. I THINK you will be the first one to go into Phase II....unless ValKyrie went into it last week. Let us know what the difference is when you lost these last 8#!!

I forgot to ask about the drinks and loose skin.....sorry. (I left my list of questions at home.....)....and I was there an hour and a half!! She decided to do a whole physical...blood tests and all!! I just remember some of the contestants on Biggest Loser had some of their skin removed! Ewwww...sounds scarey! I decided today that I don't like my belly either!! Before, it just puffed straight out and looked like I was pregnant. Now, it just kinda hangs there (ewwww...what a visual!!)....but I don't think I look pregnant anymore! (it would be a miracle....I am 62 years old!!)

couple things id like to share. I love to cook so this has been a whole new undertaking :)
chicken
chicken breasts
1tbs lemon juice
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tbs olive oil
onion powder (if you like)
whole garlic
salt and pepper

make foil packets with chicken and place the whole garlic clove in there (i like this because it gets roasted and you can break it up when you serve. put it in the oven at 350 for about 30-40 minutes or until done. It is wayyy juicy and delicious. A sprig of fresh thyme would probably be nice. recipe is per packet (i do my boyfriends seperatley cause he insists on regular salt)
pork chops
brown pork chops over high heat in a tiny bit of olive oil.
add 1 1/2 cups of water and about tbs of soy sauce
throw in as much garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper, salt and pepper as you like. let simmer for 30 minutes until water is very reduced.

Throw in mushrooms and red or yellow peppers, cook thoughrougly.
Tilapia
2tbs cayenne
1tsp garlic powde
1tsp onion powder
1tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1/2 tsp oregano
1tsp salt
dry the fish and rub spice mix on both sides, let rest.
put a thin layer of olive oil at the bottom of the pan a pre heat to medium high.
cook fish on both sides until crust is formed. 2 minutes each side approx

serve with lemon

They are all amazing and I am starting to realize how delcious food can be with out throwing in all the crud i used to. it just takes some trial and error
Great recipe suggestions Saraj! I wasn't much of a cook before starting this-and really am not yet-but I'm learning, and really enjoying preparing different meats and vegetables in new healthy ways. It is amazing how good food can taste without ketchup, ranch, cheese, or breading. =) I will never, ever give up my garlic though.

I know a few people have said Spry gum is ok to chew. Are a lot of you chewing it? And have you noticed any difference as far as losing? I can't imagine any kind of sugar free gum could have a significant impact (unless you're chewing a pack a day), but am kind of nervous about the Spry anyway.

I personally chew the heck out of sugar free gum at times. I've never chewed spry... I just see if it's sugar free. I also LOVE those ice breaker sours.... they are sugar free and a few of those tend to kill any sweet tooth I have at times.
I'm not saying those are right things to do but when I consider the alternatives for myself, I think they're a good choice.

couple things id like to share. I love to cook so this has been a whole new undertaking :)
chicken
pork chops
Tilapia
They are all amazing and I am starting to realize how delcious food can be with out throwing in all the crud i used to. it just takes some trial and error

Those recipes look SOO GOOD! ;) I cannot wait to go at the grocery store to get the missing ingredients to cook these! I hope the kids will like them so we can finally have a family dinner - which we haven't had in a while - cooking two different dinners every night... :chef: Thank you saraj1022!!

312.15+50=362.15 whoot

i have not been losing weight like I was when I first started I don't cheat, but over past few weeks have felt really bad not sick just bad so have not been eating all packets, went to Dr. for some blood work. I had thyroid cancer some yr. back so i'm on thyroid meds and they have not changed in yrs i was always the same, but when I got my blood work back my levels was like 11.270 which is not good at all my dr was surprised I could get out of bed at all and was still losing any weight I had become hypothyroid don't know if it had anything to do with the weight lose or not but i'm on high dose and should be feeling better in a few days but i do have to go back in a month for testing again to see where i'm at. But the rest of my blood work she was really happy with. I guess my point is if you have any medical problems get checked out have some blood work done. i hope the lbs start fallling off fast again!!!!!! well ladies have a great day...

I know a few people have said Spry gum is ok to chew. Are a lot of you chewing it? And have you noticed any difference as far as losing? I can't imagine any kind of sugar free gum could have a significant impact (unless you're chewing a pack a day), but am kind of nervous about the Spry anyway.

I'm pretty sure that SF gum and mints are to blame for my stall in weeks 3 and 4. I went from losing 10 lbs my first 2 weeks, to losing 2 pounds the next two weeks combined. :?: I checked with my coach on whether the ingredients were OK - he said yes. But I really didn't pay attention to the carbs in the gum, thinking sugar free, no worries. When I finally happened to check how many carbs, I realized it was 2 carbs per serving (which is 2 pcs). I freely acknowledge that I overdid it. "I'm sure I have ketone breath" (pop a piece); "serving size is 2 pcs" (pop 2 pcs); "no more flavor in this" (pop a fresh piece - or two).

Anyway, I looked up info online about the sweeteners used in these. Most of them are sweetened with sugar alcohols (xylitol, sorbitol, malitol). Sugar alcohols aren't absolrbed the same way by the body. A few low-carb sites talk about these. What I found is that it's uncertain whether these affect ketosis. One site indicated that it seemed to vary by individual - some people will be fine, others not. A good reference I found was here (http://www.lowcarb.ca/tips/tips010.html):

If it's the difference between making the program work for you or not, try it. But do note it in your food diary that you've had it, and how many pieces. Then monitor to see if it's impacting your progress. If you're still seeing progress at the rate you want, then continue on. If you're not, then you may need to make an adjustment. For those seriously wanting to test it, get some ketosis strips to see if it is affecting ketosis.

today was a bit rough. I helped at the little girls pre school today...halloween festivities :/ It started with them making mini "mummy" pizzas. They came out of the oven and I about died and i dont even like pizza. I then had to serve the brownies with chocloate frosting to the kids. I opened the pan and again about died...smelled sooooo good. Then of course parents begin offering me left overs. This was the first time it was truley hard!! Luckily I remind myself I made it through 3 months of Marine Corps boot camp, I can say no to a brownie...but I figured out why it was so hard. I had had no water! I was starving. It is sooooooooooooo important to begin drinking water the minute you wake up..otherwise GAME OVER!

does anyone have a recipe for shrimp gumbo? i thought i saw one, but its not in the recipe thread. That just sounds so good with it being chilly today.

mmmm shirmp gumbo. I will do my best to modify my favorite recipe. But it is hard because it has all sorts of naughtiness in it!
2 tbs olives oil
1-2 pounds whole shrimp
2 quarts water
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced green peppers
2 tbs minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped tomato (phase one only once a week!!!)
1 tbs salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
1/2 tbs onion powder
1 tsp thyme fresh if possible
1/2-1tsp tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp pepper flakes (if you like it with a punch)

1/2 a cup of diced white onion..normally this would be cooked in but we are not allowed cooked onions, so If you really enjoy your onions you can still sprinkle some on top, or use some green onions.

As far as the sausage goes, there is no sausage at your grocery store that is going to be what you need. If you really want those flavors in your gumbo, here is my recommendation-
1 lb of ground turkey or chicken...maybe even beef
1/2 tbs paprika
and you will want to add a little extra of the thyme, cayenne, pepper flakes and salt and pepper.

-As far as the creamy sauce you normally achieve with flour, if you add about a tbs or 2 of dijon mustard you get a little creaminess.

-this step is optional, if you can find FF, low cal, no carb shrimp/seafood stock use that and do half stock, half water but only 1 quart!!!

otherwise, peel and devain shrimp and drop, head and shells in the water, boil and reduce liquid to half

in a seperate pan heat olive oil and cook vegetables until translucent. add all spices except the bay leaves and let them toast for about 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Add stock, bay leaves and mustard (optional) let simmer for about 30-40 minutes or longer if you would like ( i have found with this diet allowing food to reduce down a bit, gives you more of what you want ) add shirmp and remove from heat after 2 minutes. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes (this allows the shrimp to cook, and absorb the flavor without being chewy)

ENJOY!!

I also wanted to share a few ideas for the salad dressing. (if you haven't noticed the cooking part is kinda my thing :) so if anyone wants any ideas for some of there favorite recipes never hesitat to ask!) I hope coolbreeze enjoys the gumbo!
ill post my regular dressing again
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice (just buy the big bottle
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp of whatever kind of herbs you enjoy
i do 1/2 tsp of thyme, garlic, red chili flakes, salt and pepper
if you want to add a tsp-tbs of soy sauce and/or spicy mustard that is delicious too!
I make this in big batches so its always there. Sometimes if kept in the fridge it may seperate and harden. Just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Here is my new discover...if you accidently over heat it..ooops :) it is AMAZING warm over a mixed salad, but even more so over spinach, YUM!

mmmm shirmp gumbo. I will do my best to modify my favorite recipe. But it is hard because it has all sorts of naughtiness in it!
2 tbs olives oil
1-2 pounds whole shrimp
2 quarts water
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced green peppers
2 tbs minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped tomato (phase one only once a week!!!)
1 tbs salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 bay leaves
1/2 tbs onion powder
1 tsp thyme fresh if possible
1/2-1tsp tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp pepper flakes (if you like it with a punch)

1/2 a cup of diced white onion..normally this would be cooked in but we are not allowed cooked onions, so If you really enjoy your onions you can still sprinkle some on top, or use some green onions.

As far as the sausage goes, there is no sausage at your grocery store that is going to be what you need. If you really want those flavors in your gumbo, here is my recommendation-
1 lb of ground turkey or chicken...maybe even beef
1/2 tbs paprika
and you will want to add a little extra of the thyme, cayenne, pepper flakes and salt and pepper.

-As far as the creamy sauce you normally achieve with flour, if you add about a tbs or 2 of dijon mustard you get a little creaminess.

-this step is optional, if you can find FF, low cal, no carb shrimp/seafood stock use that and do half stock, half water but only 1 quart!!!

otherwise, peel and devain shrimp and drop, head and shells in the water, boil and reduce liquid to half

in a seperate pan heat olive oil and cook vegetables until translucent. add all spices except the bay leaves and let them toast for about 45 seconds, stirring constantly. Add stock, bay leaves and mustard (optional) let simmer for about 30-40 minutes or longer if you would like ( i have found with this diet allowing food to reduce down a bit, gives you more of what you want ) add shirmp and remove from heat after 2 minutes. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes (this allows the shrimp to cook, and absorb the flavor without being chewy)

ENJOY!!

YOU ARE SO, SO FABULOUS!!!!! I cant wait. That took along time to post, thanks so much!!!

YOU ARE SO, SO FABULOUS!!!!! I cant wait. That took along time to post, thanks so much!!!

It is no problem! I feel lucky that I love to cook, I think if I didnt this diet would be impossible!! with all my recipes feel free to add more or less of what you like! I try to keep them moderate because I tend to like things way spicy and flavorful

Well, down 2 more lbs. I don't know why I get disappointed when it's "only" 2 or 3 lbs...it's still going down! Coach gave me a few pointers to hopefully boost the weight loss. Highlight of the day...I had to go buy some new pants (second hand store since I'm not to goal yet). Hang tough, girls!

I had my first weigh in today....I'm excited to say that I lost 8.4 lbs! Wohoo! I do know that I'll likely never see a loss that big again, but it's a great motivator and a great kick start to the program!

I'm on to week two today, and am finding that it's getting easier and easier every day. I'm getting in to a routine and just playing around with the different foods and when I eat them. I can do this!!!!

I am also starting to experience some loose skin... :( Does anyone have secrets to share about this issue? My IP coach seems to sell some product for this but I don't know if it works and if it is sold in the US... I will sure ask her next time I go to her office! (on Nov 2) :listen:

There is another forum on 3FC in the maintainers section:

Body Image and Issues after Weight Loss (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/body-image-issues-after-weight-loss-219/)
Including discussions about excess skin and reconstructive surgery

I've not read any threads, so don't know if they will have any answers for you. Since I have so much to lose, I may have loose skin issue, but would rather have the weight gone.

Here is something quick I had for dinner. It was yummy!

Stir fry

7 oz shrimp
1 c broccoli
1 c califlower

Sauce
1 TBLSP Soy sauce
1 TBLSP Water
splenda to taste
cayenne pepper to taste

Spray pan with Pam - cook shrimp, add veggies until crisp tender, add sauce-
heat through.....enjoy!

Hi everyone,

I went for my second week weigh in and I was expecting a loss of 2 to maybe 3 pounds as everyone says the loss goes down in the second week buttttttttt I lost 5.5 pounds. This diet rocks!! Several of my friends are starting up and now I feel like the expert. Weird as I am so new to it myself. I can't wait for my family to see me a Thanksgiving. The recipes on here are great and so easy. Thanks everybody and have a great Friday. Jenn

Saraj: I FEEL so lucky that you like to cook.....I HATE to cook! Your salad recipe is very similar to mine except I use water instead of lemon juice. Anxious to try it with the lemon juice. Also bought some of the mango drink...and thought I might substitute that for the water/lemon juice.

Spatime - I am going to SuperWalMart today (1-1/2 hr drive each way for me!! -- I really do live in the sticks!!). Gonna pick up shrimp and try that.

MontanaMom: I feel the same way when it is only 2 or 3 lbs....BUT as I was reminded on this forum....I was "supposed" to get excited about 1/4# loss weekly on weight watchers. What other diet have you been on that you really DO lose 2-3# a week (none for me).

Awful, rainy day here in Michigan. Last thing I feel like doing is driving to WalMart. I would rather put the electric blanket on, and go crawl into bed and read! BUT....I HAVE to alter this weekend. Everything looks so sloppy (I always wore my clothes big anyhow!! -- so now they look really bad). I don't want to buy new clothes yet...so it is either secondhand shop or alter.

AND -- I had to get a new bra yesterday. I usually wait until I go back to Cleveland and am measured there (professional fitting)....but I had to break down and get measured here. I went from a 42 to a 38...but get this...E cup (hope there aren't any guys on here). Darn thing was SO expensive, it should have been encased in gold!! (....hey, on the bright side....now "the girls" stick out further than my stomach!!)

yahou !!!


hey girls ! hope you are all doing well . Lost of chatting on this topic i can hardley falow :P


Just got in from my wieght in !! lost 5.2 pounds this week !!!

for a total of 32 pounds ! I can not belive it !!!

I was suposte to be in phase 2 after 32 pounds but i decided to continue an extra 8 pound to make my total wieght lost 50 pounds !!


The three things i miss the most:

-Chesse
- Pasta
- carotts

( probably the 3 things that got me on this diet :P)


thanks for all your suport !! We will be looking beautiful at X-MAS !!

:dust:
If you dont mind me asking when did you start IP?? :goodscale:

I just started last week and today is my weight-in I hope to see results like yours!!! :bravo:


:goodluck: with your new goal!!

today was a bit rough. I helped at the little girls pre school today...halloween festivities :/ It started with them making mini "mummy" pizzas. They came out of the oven and I about died and i dont even like pizza. I then had to serve the brownies with chocloate frosting to the kids. I opened the pan and again about died...smelled sooooo good. Then of course parents begin offering me left overs. This was the first time it was truley hard!! Luckily I remind myself I made it through 3 months of Marine Corps boot camp, I can say no to a brownie...but I figured out why it was so hard. I had had no water! I was starving. It is sooooooooooooo important to begin drinking water the minute you wake up..otherwise GAME OVER!

I think halloween altogether is going to be a tester :dust: Also, Going to the grocery store triggered all my cravings.

Keep up the good work everyone!! :carrot::carrot:

Today is my first day. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised bu how good the cappuccino breakfast drink was. Wow.

I ordered two "legal" items from Netrition which arrived yesterday. They are Heinz sugar free ketchup and Jok n Al's chili pepper sauce. The ketchup is made with sucralose(Splenda) and tastes EXACTLY like the regular Heinz, and the chili pepper sauce is delicious. It sounds like it's really hot but it's not. It is also made with Splenda.

Are any of you PLANNING to go off program on either Christmas or Thanksgiving? Does the program tell you how best to do that?

I also wanted to share a few ideas for the salad dressing. (if you haven't noticed the cooking part is kinda my thing :) so if anyone wants any ideas for some of there favorite recipes never hesitat to ask!) I hope coolbreeze enjoys the gumbo!
ill post my regular dressing again
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice (just buy the big bottle
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp of whatever kind of herbs you enjoy
i do 1/2 tsp of thyme, garlic, red chili flakes, salt and pepper
if you want to add a tsp-tbs of soy sauce and/or spicy mustard that is delicious too!
I make this in big batches so its always there. Sometimes if kept in the fridge it may seperate and harden. Just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Here is my new discover...if you accidently over heat it..ooops :) it is AMAZING warm over a mixed salad, but even more so over spinach, YUM!

What can i use for a stir fry sauce without soy sauce - i should just go buy the low sodium, but the regular stalls my weight and adds water to my body - oh no!!
thanks

Are any of you PLANNING to go off program on either Christmas or Thanksgiving? Does the program tell you how best to do that?

I have a 10 day vacation in Hawaii over Thanksgiving and into the first week of December. :beach: I see 4 options.

1) Stay on program (ha!)
2) Forget the diet and enjoy it (yikes).
3) The Tran Tien Chanh website talks about food combining, and the need to keep carbs and fats separate. So going off plan, but trying to maintain aa low carb diet is another option.
4) I'm reading up on the Carbohydrate Addict's Diet (CAD). Very interesting - there's a lot of common information between Ideal Protein and CAD. It's primarily low carb, but for the evening meal you can have anything, provided you have it in a one hour period.

I'm leaning toward option 4. 10 days is a long time to be off the program, so I don't want to lose too much progress and do option 2. But at the same time, I want to enjoy the vacation and not have to worry about packets (forget option 1).

For just one day (Thanksgiving and Xmas) I'd say if you want the day off, take it. Give yourself the freedom to enjoy the day and then get right back on (this is the key! don't let the holiday go on to long). In the grand scheme of things, what's 3 days to get back on track?


:haphal: Stay strong for tomorrow! We bought a bunch of candy Tuesday night. My husband then traveled this week, so I made him put it in the trunk of the car that he then drove to the airport.

I also wanted to share a few ideas for the salad dressing. (if you haven't noticed the cooking part is kinda my thing :) so if anyone wants any ideas for some of there favorite recipes never hesitat to ask!) I hope coolbreeze enjoys the gumbo!
ill post my regular dressing again
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice (just buy the big bottle
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp of whatever kind of herbs you enjoy
i do 1/2 tsp of thyme, garlic, red chili flakes, salt and pepper
if you want to add a tsp-tbs of soy sauce and/or spicy mustard that is delicious too!
I make this in big batches so its always there. Sometimes if kept in the fridge it may seperate and harden. Just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Here is my new discover...if you accidently over heat it..ooops :) it is AMAZING warm over a mixed salad, but even more so over spinach, YUM!

:drool: This looks delish! :thanks: We tried torchlaker's mom's and mother-in-law's recipes and they were so much better than Walden Farms (seriously girls - don't spend your money on the WF dressings!)

What can i use for a stir fry sauce without soy sauce - i should just go buy the low sodium, but the regular stalls my weight and adds water to my body - oh no!!
thanks

It actually calls for Tamari sauce, don't know if I spelled that right, but I used Soy. Maybe the Tamari sauce has less sodium?

What can i use for a stir fry sauce without soy sauce - i should just go buy the low sodium, but the regular stalls my weight and adds water to my body - oh no!!
thanks

The problem that I saw with the Tamari sauce in my grocery stores was that it had more carbs than soy sauce. I use the low sodium, and even the regular I would say is ok! It may feel that its bringing you down, but we need sodium...and I guarantee you are not eating anywhere NEAR what you were before.
When I used to make stir fry I would pile on the soy sauce but i made lettuce wraps the other day that inspired me to try my stir fry.

Just start your meat and veggies out in a little olive oil
Mix together water, soy and dijon or spicy mustard. and i would say the amount is up to you. But the water allows the flavors a little time to suck up into the meat and veggies so you dont have to over do it. Put whatever spices you like. Garlic powder, onion powder, and red chili flakes are my personal favs

Mustard has been rocking my socks the last 2 weeks lol

Hi Ladies, Well I was down 2 lbs. on my weigh in this week. I'm OK with that. Although I'm still about 40 lbs. from my goal, I've decided to go on maintenance until after the holidays. I think that I could stick to the diet through the holidays but I just can't financially afford it. Hopefully by the first of the year I will be able to go back on and finish out my weight loss. I'm still going to be checking in on this thread because the support here has been so amazing.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!! :haphal:

Good Morning,

Just checking in to see if everything is going well?

Don't forget, tomorrow is November, so please start a new monthly thread (this way it doesn't slow down the forum), the last thread here can post a link to the new thread but I'm sure y'all have it figured out :D

If you need anything just holler !! ;)

Leenie


Happy Halloween

:haphal: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :sklol: . :haphal:

I have just found this wonderful website! Yall are such a inspiration to keep going.
Thanks:)

[url=http://www.3fatchicks.com/]

Has any one reached Phase II yet? My daughter is about to get there and not sure how phase II works.

Thanks

Hi Everyone, I haven't posted in awhile but I've still been reading everyday!

I wanted to share my story from the last two weeks or so. In no way am I endorsing my behavior for any of you but I think it can be good news for all of us!!!

Two weeks ago I took a planned cheat night for a wedding reception. I ate good all day but planned to be a little more liberal at dinner. I had a couple glasses of wine, a small (really small) helping of cheesy potatoes and a piece of cake. (I LIVE for homemade cakes and cookies...not in a craving way but in a "my favorite things EVER" kinda way.) Then, that following Monday I was on vacation from work for a whole week. It was REALLY hard for me to follow the plan while I was on vacation and hanging around home - especially with a husband who can eat anything in any amount and gain NOTHING. So, I didn't really follow the plan that week but I did try to eat "low carb". There was one dinner where we had lasagna and breadsticks but for the most part I still completely avoided pasta, bread, etc...all those really heavy carbs. (Although one day I did have a piece of cake for a co-workers going away party. It was store bought so totally not worth it but that is my ultimate weakness. LOL.) Anyway, I was slow getting back on the wagon but still trying to eat "low carb" so there was basically two full weeks that I was on my own sort of maintenance plan.

The good news? I didn't gain a pound!!!! While that doesn't really seem significant, what it does tell me is that maintenance is going to be a piece of cake and it's going to work at keeping the weight off!!!! I think that's good news for all of us!!! I believe for myself (and maybe many of you also) that I'm going to have to be "low carb" for the rest of my life if I want to keep the weight off but at least I know that now. I've been doing a lot of reading and I truly believe now that low carb is very healthy - especially if you're including salads, veggies and even fruit someday. So, for those of you worried about maintenence: it's totally doable as long as you don't over do it.

I'm back on the wagon now and down another 3 pounds!!! One other thing I did learn after being "off" for a few weeks was that even though I didn't gain, not losing was rather discouraging. The momentum you have while staying on the diet is so very helpful!!! Once you lose that momentum it's hard to get it back...... but it can be done.

So, once again I'm not at all advocating my own behavior - but for those of you who are worried about going off for the holidays or vacations or while on maintenance, just know that it can be done as long as you don't go crazy!!! Try to eat really well during the day, for example, and then be a little more liberal (not out of control) for dinner. It worked for me and it gave me confidence in this "diet" as a permanent lifestyle change.

Happy Halloween Everyone! The good news for me is that candy is not tempting at all. I bought my son some safe Halloween candy (he has some food allergies) and one of the things I picked up was those yummy red Swedish Fish. They come in little single-serve packets so I checked the nutrition info..... two packets which is maybe 10 of those little fish is 31 carbs!!!! Not even tempted after seeing that!

Has any one reached Phase II yet? My daughter is about to get there and not sure how phase II works.

Thanks



hi i will be in phase 2 in 8 pounds somaybe in 2 weeks or 3 . ( if halloween will not be a desaster ) :P

what are your questions , u can send me a private message if u wish.

:devil: good day !

I started the IP diet 5 days ago and must admit I've been "spying" on you all since I started. Just so many wonderful stories, tips and challenges that I had to keep reading. Finally signed up just so I could see the pictures of Valkyrie. Wow girl you look great!!

I've been feeling hungry and the diet is so restrictive-however, I realized that I would be hungry on just about any diet - without the lbs lost that you all talk about.

bought Halloween candy I don't like.

First week's weigh in today! Lost 10lb and 2"off my waist!! Woohoo!
Gave me the motivation to keep going! Love the omlettes stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, with hot sauce. Hate the fruit drinks (gave them back and swapped them).

Hi everyone. I love you guys. I am from the middle of Iowa and I am doing IP to Go. So I am doing it online. I don't have a store or counselor to go to every week. I just finished week 1 and lost 5 lbs. I am very happy about that. I feel blessed to have this thread to refer to for recipes and the encouragement and the great ideas.

First week's weigh in today! Lost 10lb and 2"off my waist!! Woohoo!
Gave me the motivation to keep going! Love the omlettes stuffed with spinach and mushrooms, with hot sauce. Hate the fruit drinks (gave them back and swapped them).

how do you fix the omelets? how much water, in the microwave or on the stove? could you tell me all the details. I like the omelets also, but they tend to get a little rubbery and i would love to add veggies.

GREAT job on the weight loss and inches. When the scale goes down it really does motivate a person to stay on the plan.

I use the amount of water on the pack, and use a large pan over mod heat to make a thin omlette. I stuff it full of veggies and fold it over, and sprinkle hot sauce over the top. YUM!

See you on November's thread :)

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/other-reduced-carb-diets/185492-ideal-protein-diet-monthly-chat-november-2009-a.html