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

Good Morning,

This is what I meant by opening a monthly thread. If there are Phases to this diet, please post them in a new thread titled "Ideal Protein Diet Phase I, II, III or what ever" and I will make it a sticky or.. a thread like FAQ - Ideal Protein Diet.

What ever you ladies like to make this work for you, let me know.

Leenie

Bump

My IP friends, have you found this new thread yet???

My IP friends, have you found this new thread yet???
Someone might want to re-open the old thread and post this linking thread there. Because not everyone is computer savvy and it would have just been easier and will be for all to find it. I would hate to lose someone because the thread was closed.

Not sure how I will feel about having so many different places to look amongst all the other stuff NON-IP related.

How can I find the old thread? I wanted to get the hints off of it.

Found it. Nevermind as Emily Latella would say. . .

From Original Thread From Bundukaa -- 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!

Answer: I don't think we are suppose to ask for private email addresses but I would be happy to scan and email you all the paperwork I received today at my first meeting if you want to send me your email address. I got quite a bit of info and would be happy to send to you. And yes, you need sea salt 1/2 a teaspoon a day.

How can I find the old thread? I wanted to get the hints off of it.

I will make it a STICKY for you :)

I will make it a STICKY for you :)

what is a "sticky"?

I found you guys!

what is a "sticky"?

When you log into "Other Reduced Carb Diets" look at the posts in red at the top of the screen that say Sticky. That means they are stuck and will not be lost in the sea of posts. You will see Sticky posts on almost every board you click on, whether it be Atkins, Weight Watchers, etc..

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/other-reduced-carb-diets-227/

.

thanks, found it with the link you have - now it is in my favorites!

So glad everyone is maneuvering over to our new thread!

Just wanted to share my weigh-in results today. Yesterday was exactly a month that I have been on IP. So far I am down 16lbs and 11.25 inches. :carrot:

I must be honest here though, I have done a few things that I shouldn't have. I've had a couple of cheat meals and I usually use a salad dressing that's probably not "safe" but that's the way I make this diet work for ME. I am eating more protein and more veggies than I ever have in my life so I know that I'm much healthier than I was a month ago. The fact that I've been able to make a few tweaks here and there is what makes this diet "real world" feasible for me.

Everyone who is starting or struggling: YOU CAN DO THIS!! If I can do it, ANYONE can.

:hug:

To Gink:

Congratulations!! That is fab for just one month. Just think what it would have been like on the "old" way of losing weight. My golly you wouldn't see 16 # gone for at least 2 months and maybe 3.

I had my first meeting with my coach today and got my food. She wants me to wait until Saturday to start. She said to eat what I wanted to for a couple of days. . .

She also said no exercise for the first two weeks then I could do whatever I wanted.

HI! so just want to get this straight about the new thread thing....what does it mean by monthly threads... this one being october, does that mean a new thread come november, december and so on? and are we supposed to post on the sticky that categorizes the posts for the phase we re on? am i understanding this correctly?

So glad everyone is maneuvering over to our new thread!

Just wanted to share my weigh-in results today. Yesterday was exactly a month that I have been on IP. So far I am down 16lbs and 11.25 inches. :carrot:

I must be honest here though, I have done a few things that I shouldn't have. I've had a couple of cheat meals and I usually use a salad dressing that's probably not "safe" but that's the way I make this diet work for ME. I am eating more protein and more veggies than I ever have in my life so I know that I'm much healthier than I was a month ago. The fact that I've been able to make a few tweaks here and there is what makes this diet "real world" feasible for me.

Everyone who is starting or struggling: YOU CAN DO THIS!! If I can do it, ANYONE can.

:hug:

I understand exactly what you are saying. I am the same way with dressing...I really do NOT like the WF dressings!

Well I made a modified version of the WW zero point soup tonight. It was really good! I made it pretty much like the recipe except I substituted celery for the carrots. It would be really good with some chicken or lean ground beef in it as well.

Hi all,
For those who have not gotten a list of vegies, here it is:
Vegies:
NO artichoke, avocado, beets, carrots, chick peas, corn, parsnips, peas (all), potatoes, pumpkin, sweet corn, squash, yams.
Occasional (2X per week): Brussell sprouts, beans (green & wax), eggplant, hearts of palm, peppers (all colors other than green - cooked), rutabaga, snow peas, tomatoes
SELECT: alfalfa, asparagus, arugula, broccoli, bean sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage (red, bok choy, pak choi), celery, celeraic, chicory, collards, cress, cucumber, dill pickles, endive, fennel, field salad, green onions, green bell peppers (cooked), kale, kohlrabi, leeks, mushrooms, okra, onions (raw only), hot peppers, radicchio, radish, rhubarb, sauerkraut, soya, sorrel, spinach, swede, swiss chard, turnip,watercress, zucchini

Enjoy!!!
Lisa:dizzy:

Wow...I found you guys. To think, we have had SO many posts that we are getting a new thread.

Alwe74 - was the WW zero point soup the one that was mentioned earlier or is that something new? Did you see we have a "sticky" for recipes now??? That should be fun....

Texan123 - I sent you a private message.

Ya know...when you have time to "browse" - this 3 Fat Chicks website is pretty great. There are before/after pictures.....I like the one that is about Feeling Great. A lot of inspiration.

Also wanted to share about a site I am sure many of you know about...it is called: www.fitday.com. That is a pretty great site too. It is free...you can keep track of your weight...it tells you your BMI....it even has a graph that shows you how you are losing. So far, the BMI on Fitday is the same as my doctors. Does everyone get their fat percentage and BMI when they weigh in? My doc has this really cool contraption that you hold up straight with your arms out. I really couldn't understand how it worked...but HEY...Dr. Oz had it on his show last week..... I don't do a food journal on Fitday but you can....

I went out with my red hat group tonight with my new darker hair. I really didn't want them to notice the weight loss (then I would have to explain how much money I am spending)....so I figured if I changed my hair color, I could just say I looked different because of my hair. It actually worked! They even had me take my hat off...and said, "yeah, it is the hair." They didn't realize I wore a dress that I haven't been able to get into for over a year!!! But the very best part is one of my dear friends (who DOES know I am doing IP) came down and told me, "You look absolutely beautiful tonight." I was so surprised...but so pleased. Is anyone else starting to notice that they are feeling better about themselves??? I think I feel better because there is HOPE!

torchlaker: apparently I don't have enough posts yet to send a PM. when you touch-up, do roots or re-fresh color, put foil around the highlights to preserve them and then just touch them up, if necessary.

Sorry for being off topic ladies.

Does everyone get their fat percentage and BMI when they weigh in? My doc has this really cool contraption that you hold up straight with your arms out. I really couldn't understand how it worked...but HEY...Dr. Oz had it on his show last week..... I don't do a food journal on Fitday but you can....

I went out with my red hat group tonight with my new darker hair. I really didn't want them to notice the weight loss (then I would have to explain how much money I am spending)....so I figured if I changed my hair color, I could just say I looked different because of my hair. It actually worked! They even had me take my hat off...and said, "yeah, it is the hair." They didn't realize I wore a dress that I haven't been able to get into for over a year!!! But the very best part is one of my dear friends (who DOES know I am doing IP) came down and told me, "You look absolutely beautiful tonight." I was so surprised...but so pleased. Is anyone else starting to notice that they are feeling better about themselves??? I think I feel better because there is HOPE!

My coach has one of those cool contraptions too. It measures muscle density by pinging some sort of signal through your body, supposedly. Even though I'm not losing weight as fast as I want, I did improve on the muscle density.

Even though I'm only on week 3, and have lost 8#, I have to say that I feel so much better than I did a couple of weeks ago. I think that eliminating sugar and wheat products has probably made a huge difference. This is yet another reason to keep going. I've toyed with the idea of going off, and just following Atkins with green veggies, but I need the discipline of checking in with someone, and spending the money.

Harmonymom2 - thanks for the info (again, sorry ladies...we did try to do this by private message).

I think that "contraption" is the coolest thing ever.....it has been fun to watch the BodyMass Index go down.....and it is right on with fitday. Before I went on IP, I too, had thought of doing this like Atkins on my own...but I THINK spending the money and having to "report" to someone keeps me honest.

My goal today is to do better on WATER and exercise!

Finally, I think I'm out of my rut! I went and weighed in today... 4 lbs down! 12 to go! I'm so excited! I went and put on my size 12's and am wearing them quite proudly today!
Everyone is doing so great.. I'm loving the recipes and mostly the positive attitudes! I'm so glad I found this group!!! Everyone have a great weekend!
Torchlaker, thanks for the 'fit day' suggestion.. I'm heading to check it out now!

Valkyrie....Ohmygosh....look at you!!! 4# down....makes last week seem worth it, huh?

Gals...if you want inspiration, look at Valkyrie's stats...She has lost over 100#!! -- If my math is correct...I think it is 105#!!!! I THINK just since February...am I right??? She has learned to do IP on the road since she travels a lot (I am still terrible at planning ahead just to go shopping!!) -- her suggestions are posted in earlier posts on the old forum.

Gink -- congrats!! Aren't you thrilled? I have lost 18# in 5 weeks....and have had to go digging in my closet for my "skinnier" clothes. Don't know what I am gonna do with more weight loss..I don't have anything skinnier.....I guess I will have to alter (yuk!! - hate altering!!). I am SO ready to buy new clothes...but since I still have 20+ pounds to go...I have to hold tight!!

I am going for my 2nd week weigh in today at 5:30, I lost 8 pounds the first week but the scale this week is only showing 1 pund loss and I am not sure why its not moving, I have stuck to the plan 100% and I feel great and all my clothes are getting really lose on me. Has anyone else runinto this anywhere aloong the way in the first phase? My dietician says it happens and that I am working out too hard and that I am losing muscle and that would cause the hault. I am not letting it upset me because I feel great and although the scale doesnt say so, I fell thinner everyday. We will see today, her scale always weighs lighter than mine anyways but mine is really old too so that could make a difference, also, I am due tomorrow so that could be bloat and water retention keeping the scale from showing any more loss this week. I welcome anyones input, I appreciate all the great support, info and recipes greatly, I look forward to reading the posts everyday, it helps me stay on track. Goodluck to everyone this week.

Nice to find a group with people doing IP. I've been on the plan for 11 weeks and have had a fair amount of sucess which really suprised me. I've found the plan a lot easier to stick to than I thought it would be.

I'm wondering, what exercise requirements does everyone have? I just want to compare... the gym that I do the program through recomends one toning class and no more than 55 mins of cardio per week.

:D

Cole75 - my doc says the average weight loss is about 3-3.5# a week. That is about where I have been staying (I am on week 6)...my scale rarely shows a loss. I don't even know why we get on it.....The first week is always the largest loss on any diet.

ALM - geez, according to your stats, you have done amazingly well. There are different theories on exercise here. My dr. told me that if one HAS been exercising, just keep doing it. If one hasn't...take it easier. I was never told NOT to exercise (but I hate to exercise) -- dr. would like me to walk a mile every day.....(I didn't say I did it....I just said "she would like me to......).

Yes, it is nice to have others to share the journey.....does anyone receive the comments I do, like "Why can't you do this on your own?" "Your doctor is the only one benefiting here" - "It is just another scam, and you will gain it all back?"

I am going for my 2nd week weigh in today at 5:30, I lost 8 pounds the first week but the scale this week is only showing 1 pund loss and I am not sure why its not moving, I have stuck to the plan 100% and I feel great and all my clothes are getting really lose on me. Has anyone else runinto this anywhere aloong the way in the first phase? My dietician says it happens and that I am working out too hard and that I am losing muscle and that would cause the hault. I am not letting it upset me because I feel great and although the scale doesnt say so, I fell thinner everyday. We will see today, her scale always weighs lighter than mine anyways but mine is really old too so that could make a difference, also, I am due tomorrow so that could be bloat and water retention keeping the scale from showing any more loss this week. I welcome anyones input, I appreciate all the great support, info and recipes greatly, I look forward to reading the posts everyday, it helps me stay on track. Goodluck to everyone this week.

hi Cole,

if you have time to read thru the old posts on the previous thread, you will see that it is common to lose alot of weight in the first week of the diet. my experience sounds very similiar to yours. in my first week i lost 9.5 lbs, realistically i knew i would not see that each week. the second week of my diet, i felt i was much more organized with my meal planning, was doing alot more physically as i had more energy and was actually looking forward to a healthy weight loss. i was disappointed to have only lost 3 lbs. again, i know that 3 lbs is a substantial loss for only one week....but the week before!...and i never cheated, not once. i felt a bit deflated, but then in the third week, i went and was speechless to see 6.5 lbs!! i never get on my scale at home...i find that it is not motivating to check too often. also, havng completed 3 weeks and having 3 totally different weighins, i kind of like the suspense of weigh in day. whether i am right or not, i think the tread i am noticing, is one good week, taper, good week, taper. etc. i can live with that! good luck!

Hi all- I just wanted to make a statement about the green cabbage - I have seen a lot of questions on this. I called one of the main head honchos for Ideal Protein - he said green cabbage is great you should definately be eating this if you like it. Also on the cooked green bell peppers that was on the old phase 1 the 1 that said till you reach 80% of your goal the current one is till you have reached 90% of your weight loss goal you can have raw green bell peppers. Your coach .....sunkissed

I am hesitant to tell anyone about this plan because I don't want to hear all the negative comments. I just hate it when people "rain on my parade". I wouldn't tell my family but I'm going home for Thanksgiving and am pretty sure they will figure it out!!

I can just imagine the naysayers. But fact of the matter is think of the things people do -- like bariatric surgery. That is much more invasive and not always permanent.

I start tomorrow and am concerned because I am afraid I won't like the packets. But I am just going to tell myself I can do anything for 16 weeks!!!

Love to read all the postings. They have been a huge help to me to feel that this is the right thing for me.

I've tried to attach a file. Hope it works.

Hi all- I just wanted to make a statement about the green cabbage - I have seen a lot of questions on this. I called one of the main head honchos for Ideal Protein - he said green cabbage is great you should definately be eating this if you like it. Also on the cooked green bell peppers that was on the old phase 1 the 1 that said till you reach 80% of your goal the current one is till you have reached 90% of your weight loss goal you can have raw green bell peppers. Your coach .....sunkissed

Thanks for checking on this. I really love green cabbage and I'm so glad that I can have it.

Yay about the green cabbage! I am taking coleslaw to a party next weekend and didn't think I could eat any!

Texan123 -- I find that most of the packets are pretty good (especially compared to other "diets" I have tried). Everyone has their favorites...naturally, mine are all the restricted!! I "play" with the vanilla puddings...doctoring them up (even added food coloring to the lemon pudding)..with extracts, DiVinci syrups...cinammon. I usually water the soups down more and add veggies. I think you will like them. Yup, your family should notice by Thanksgiving. Christmas is my goal....I haven't seen most of my husband's family in 6 months. (then..of course...I worry because maybe they will think I am spending "my husbands pension" foolishly -- or why didn't I lose weight when he was alive...?)

Most of my clothes are too big on me now -- but I still wear them because I don't want to answer negative questions.....I have found my true friends are really happy for me....I figure the others don't count.

SleepingBeautE -- thanks for the recipes in the recipe file! They look yummy. Do they have any way to "fix veggies"? I am braindead when it comes to veggies since I always ate them with butter (olive oil isnt quite the same). How are the 'forums" on IdealToGo?

I start tomorrow and am concerned because I am afraid I won't like the packets. But I am just going to tell myself I can do anything for 16 weeks!!!



I've found most of the packets are pretty good. I've taken to having the puddings for breakfast...they're very filling. I like having a big salad and soup made with veggies and ff broth for lunch, then having one of the IP drinks mid-afternoon. Sometimes having all the stuff (veggies and packets) at one meal seems to be too much. These are just some things that work for me. Good luck...you can do it!

Thanks Everyone! I am going to have the already made chocolate drink and get to the grocery for my veggies. Onward!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom Sandrab and Torchlaker, thank you for the support and related weigh stories, you both made me feel better and I will stop agonizing over the scale and juststick to the plan as I have and wait until my weigh ins with the dietician, she also told me that I was woeking out to hard and that i was burning musle which wouls cause a hault in loss, also i had missed a couple mieals and she said that would do it too and the fact that I am due for my cycle any minute> so given those three things she said that woulkd totally all cause the scale not to budge. I will look forward to next weigh in which should be on target as I will follow the rules this time. Thanks againfor the insight guys.

Where to I find the recipes and how do I get there? Thankyou for the chocolate pancale packet muffin recipe< i made them lastnight and they are awesome for my sugar cravings? If you just have one when you get a craving is that okay or do you have to count them as a meal? Thanks!

Thanks for posting the recipes SleepingBeautE. I just have a question. Is the recipe for cookies OK for phase 1? It sounds delicious if it is.

I am so interested in this program but cant seem to find anyone in my area that sponsors it.... anyone from around Cleveland Ohio........

Thanks
Vicki

Have you called?

Store Locator

From the IP webpage: Our Network of partners consists of more than 2500 service outlets in North America. It will be our pleasure to inform you of our nearest service location. Please dial our toll free number for customer service. (1-866) 314-4447.

Cole 75

To find the recipes go to the Forum Home Page; Diet Central; Carb Counters; other reduced carb diets

When you get "other reduced carb diets" open then you will see "sticky notes" and one of them is Ideal Protein Diet Recipes.

I had my first day on IP. I did okay. I drank all my water and had 3 packets, one restricted, plus my meal with my protein and veggies. I am going to need to have the veggies on hand and ready to eat and also have the protein ready. Tonight I baked chicken tendars so I will have them for tomorrow. I also love shrimp and buy it frozen at Wal-Mart for $5 a bag. They thaw so quickly in cold water.

I had the ready to drink chocolate drink and I love it. I also had the raspberry protein bar that is covered in chocolate. It was very good also.

Do you guys have any info on allowed sweeteners? I see some people using crystal light and extracts to flavor things. We were told to avoid maltodextrin... most of the sweet IP products list sucralose as an ingredient. Splenda is sucralose, right? And Splenda contains maltodextrin. I'm confused!

Also, what've you all been told about carbonated beverages? I basically drink my water, and usually have green tea or raspberry herbal tea once or twice a day. Wondering if it'd be ok to drink Splenda/sucralose sweetened beverages like Diet Rite? (I've had a couple flavored waters as "treats", and they don't seem to have had an impact on my weight loss)

Also wanted to note a holiday dessert substitution. I know you can make a pretty decent low carb/low cal pumpkin custard, but I experimented tonight and just mixed some pumpkin pie spice with the butterscotch pudding, and added a dollop of sugar free whip cream ( 1tbs = 1.5 g carbs, 10 calories, 1.5 g of fat....I think a reasonable cheat :-)). Not bad.

Sweetpoison - well, I lived in Cleveland for over 34 years...just moved to Michigan 4 years ago (my childhood home). I am SURE if we have IP up in this tiny area, there must be one in Cleveland. Hope you find one.

Ukeandewitt: There are some conflicting theories on sweeteners here. I was told I could use Stevia or Splenda...that aspartame was supposed to slow down weight loss. I was told I couldn't use Crystal Light.

In all honesty, I do have a half of a can of DietRite at night. My doc knew I had a cola addiction -- lol! I rarely ever finish it, but I like cola with my dinner. Otherwise, I just drink water. Great idea about the pumpkin pie spice....will have to try that. I don't think I was allowed any sugarfree whipped cream yet. I DID buy the marshmallow dip from Walden Farms, thinking I could "pretend" it was whipped cream, but I have yet to try it. I also read that you could add a dollop of the marshmallow dip to a powdered shake and it would make it thicker. I hate shakes...so I didn't try it. I use a lot of different DiVinci sugarfree syrups. I think there is a pumpkin one that I might try for the holidays. I add about a Tablespoon or less to my puddings. They are sweetened with Splenda.

Colel75 - are you still having sugar cravings? Mine have diminished greatly. I went to a party tonight and NO ONE could believe i didn't hit the dessert table(I wouldn't even go look at it....lol). I LOVE sugar! ....but surprisingly, I am able to live without it as long as I can have a bar (mmmmm...vanilla/peanut butter is my favorite). I am going to put my stupid scale either in the basement or garage, cuz I just can't stop stepping on it!! For a day or two, I am SO happy to see the lower number...and then I get crazy and start agonizing when it doesn't move!

See Texan123 -- we told you the packets were pretty good. I remember being on a program (was it the old Formu3 program??) and the shakes,puddings, etc., were just awful (maybe that is where my adversion to shakes comes from...).Actually, I DO carry a premade vanilla shake in a tiny cooler in the car when I am out....just in case.

good morning IP friends!

I was told the same thing about the sweetener, that splenda was the only kind i could use. even that i use sparingly, opening a packet and using only a dash for salad dressings. i get about 3-4 uses out of a packet, using only about one a week. i am thankful that i have always been a water drinker, never drank much pop anyways, unless it were with a cocktail! and we all know how many of those we can have right now...i mentioned before about my planned cheat coming up for my nieces social on halloween nite. it is really weird, because any diet i have been on before, i had no problem going off for a weekend due to a special occasion and believe me, was pretty much guilt free! i think about this social all the time and wonder if i am going to be ABLE to cheat! i guess the power of results mixed with motivation are a powerful combination. this is the first time i can actually see that my goal is within reach. i am not having any major problems with this diet, realize that i am only going on my fifth week starting monday. but after 3 weighins i have lost 18 lbs and hope to see a possible 3 more at tuesdays weighin. if i do / 21 lbs for a months work seems well worth it to me!! i try not to look at the fact that i have at least 3 more months on this diet, considering i am taking a week off for our trip to mayan riviera in january (figure i can treat myself by that point) i try to go one day at a time. i am not missing the carbs so much, i guess my only complaint being the limitations in the veggies. who knew carrots and beans would be restricted!! darn! have a good day everyone.

Oh i wanted to add something else. i had a bad experience this week with one of my lunch dishes. i work at a papermill, 10 hour shifts so it can be tricky on this diet for such a long day. ( i wake up at 530am, and dont return home till 6pm) so i found a hearty dish that helps get thru such a long day. its not a recipe so not posting on that thread...i use a packet of the leek or chicken soup - and add one whole package of the frozen chopped spinach, and a small can of asparagus. the spinach really beefs up the soup. so i was eating my soup as mentioned above and was 3-4 through it, when i looked down and seen a damn bug. it was a lady bug too. now these are wayyyyyyyy out of season here. we have had snow for weeks already. so this likely came from the frozen chopped spinach package. sadly i am a wimp with bugs, always have been. now i do not know if i can stomach that soup anymore, and that was a lifesaver for me at work. then someone said, how do you know it did not come from those packets your using....NOW i am checking every damn packet. seriously, it could not be from those i hope...had to be the spinach....sorry, but thought i would share this...

Texan123- thanks for the recipe location, I find it last night and printed the oatmeal cookie one, are we allowed these, given the extra oats? Just wanted to check due tot the carbs but it sounds so yummy.

Torchlaker-Thanks for the concern on the sugar crakings, this weekend they have been pretty bad but I think its because I am due any minute so thats probably causing it cuz usually if i just chew a piece of sf orbit gum it goes away, or i use the sf wf chocolate dip to get me through. Good job on skipping the dessert table, i would have to do the same and walk away. Im the same with the scale too I have to stop.

Have you called?

Store Locator

From the IP webpage: Our Network of partners consists of more than 2500 service outlets in North America. It will be our pleasure to inform you of our nearest service location. Please dial our toll free number for customer service. (1-866) 314-4447.

Yes, I did call. The office was closed so I left a message. If I dont hear from them I will try again. I also emailed them.


By the way....how expensive are we talking here?
Vicki

Sweet Poison - I guess different locations charge a different amount for the "physical and first appointment". I've heard $55 and $100 for that. The boxes of food (and I can only buy boxes which I hate -- some places sell the packets individually which I think is ideal but of course more work for the supplier) are $27 each. They have 7 packets in them I think. The premade drinks are $29 and there are 6 of those. I don't remember what the vitamins cost but it was quite a bit. They last one month and are mandatory. It's not cheap but I don't think any more expensive than the junk I was buying.

I think we are not allowed sodas due to the phosphoric acid in it. I know that is bad for osteoporosis also.

Can someone tell how to make the puddings? Do they need to "set up"? I've read that some people drink the puddings?

Can someone tell how to make the puddings? Do they need to "set up"? I've read that some people drink the puddings?

The puddings set up pretty quickly as you shake them in the shaker. They use,I think, 4 to 5 oz. of water. I like to use really cold water in them because I think it makes them a little smoother. If you want to use the pudding as a shake, just add more water (10-12 oz.). The vanilla makes a really good shake and you can doctor it up with different flavors of crystal light or pumpkin pie spice.

Oh i wanted to add something else. i had a bad experience this week with one of my lunch dishes. i work at a papermill, 10 hour shifts so it can be tricky on this diet for such a long day. ( i wake up at 530am, and dont return home till 6pm) so i found a hearty dish that helps get thru such a long day. its not a recipe so not posting on that thread...i use a packet of the leek or chicken soup - and add one whole package of the frozen chopped spinach, and a small can of asparagus. the spinach really beefs up the soup. so i was eating my soup as mentioned above and was 3-4 through it, when i looked down and seen a damn bug. it was a lady bug too. now these are wayyyyyyyy out of season here. we have had snow for weeks already. so this likely came from the frozen chopped spinach package. sadly i am a wimp with bugs, always have been. now i do not know if i can stomach that soup anymore, and that was a lifesaver for me at work. then someone said, how do you know it did not come from those packets your using....NOW i am checking every damn packet. seriously, it could not be from those i hope...had to be the spinach....sorry, but thought i would share this...

I'm sure the ladybug was from the spinach. I once got a sandwich at a restaurant and it had a ladybug wrapped up in some lettuce leaves.

What brand of extracts are you guys using? And where do you get them? I looked at the grocery store, and the ones I looked at contained alcohol.

:carrot:Hi to everyone!

I'm up for a chat about the Ideal Protein diet. I started the program on August 22nd at 241 and today am at 205 on October 18. Needless to say,
my weight loss is keeping me motivated, but I need some ideas for the upcoming holidays. I still have probably 30 lbs to go yet, so I expect to be
in the program through New Years. Any suggestions? For Halloween we
bought candy my husband and I don't like. So that part was easy. And I
try to avoid the break room at work with all the holiday goodies. But it's hard
to avoid the teaming holiday banquets all together. I'd love to hear how everybody else is doing on the program and share some successes!

SandraB - I almost didn't go to my party last night OR was going to go late and eat at home....Decided to go cuz I knew they were having chicken on the grill and a salad. I did ok -- wasn't motivated to cheat (because everyone was telling me how good I looked!! Great motivation!). I DID take a bit of jello salad from one friends plate, and a half of a cheesecurd from Wisconsin! Other than that...I just enjoyed all the social aspect of it...came home...ate my bar and was satisfied. I have a weekend away this coming weekend...and I am a little nervous about that...but after last night, I do feel more relaxed about it. You will do fine!

Wierd about the ladybug -- but hey!! I paint ladybugs on rocks and give them to people for "good luck" --!! I have always heard ladybugs were good luck....maybe it was a sign -- lol!! It sounds like a good recipe.....do you have to water down the soup because of all the veggies??

Texan123 -- I kinda "gulp" about the price of IP ...but ya know...isn't it nice to go to the grocery store and not spend as much? Since my hubby's death, I know I didn't eat right and felt i was sustaining myself on sugar..now that I don't buy that stuff, I know the amino acids, etc., in the packets are good for me! Vicki -- I think it is a personal decision on whether to go on IP. I think I nearly break even cuz I no longer buy junk. Also - I mix my puddings with about 5oz of water...and I do it in a bowl with a wire whisk. (took too long to get it out of that wire thingy in the shaker...and the shaker). I usually make one up in the a.m., and throw it in the refrig so that it is a nice consistency in an hour or so. You can also put them in the freezer to cool them off more, and freeze them for 30 min for an ice cream effect.

ukandewitt - I use DiVinci syrups - sugar free for changing flavors. They are sweetened with Splenda. I get them from netrition.com.

Patsue - I don't know how to do a chat (computer illiterate!). I figure I will be on IP thru New Years too. I guess I will take it "one day at a time." Your weight loss is great...You started about 2 weeks before I did...let's hope that is motivation enough, huh?

Thanks alwe74 and torchlaker for the info on the puddings.

One way I like to eat cucumbers is to cut them up and then put them in a bowl with vinegar and water and salt and pepper. They can stay in it for several days and are good.

I agree about probably breaking even on the food. I used to practically live on candy. I always said if I could give up the sugar I wouldn't have to worry about my weight and I think this diet will prove that.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-steps2/cartooncat01/lb/185/135/185/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

SleepingBeautE-
I had the Chicken Lettuce Wraps for dinner tonight. They were SO good! I didn't have any of the WF ketsup, so used WF BBQ sauce instead...it was awesome!

I had the vanilla pudding with a tiny bit of peppermint extract for my snack tonight. That was yummy.

Go in for my first weigh in tomorrow. Quite nervous - i know what my scale shows, but uncertain about theirs. Have cheated (without realizing it), the wrong kind of vegetables, but hopefully i'll be all right so i keep motivated. Some of the packets are "hard to swallow" - too processes or something. Any suggestions on what i should buy tomorrow - we can buy individual packets - i know i'll get the chicken soup (mix it with vegetables), chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding (used it with cinnamon). Not crazy about the beef stew and the fruit drinks are OK.
thanks for all the help with the recipes and the motivation.

Is anyone concerned about the soy in the products and the connection with soy and hypothyroid issues???

Vicki

Sweetpoison - if you don't have a program nearby, try Ideal To Go. They do the program for customers remotely. They ship all the product - shipping isn't free, but it's not horrible. It's less convenient because you do have to order everything in advance, and order a few weeks of food at a time, but it does provide an option to participate in this program.

:kickcan:

Tomorrow is my next weigh in... with all the ups and downs that goes with it! I did cheat a little this time on the quantity of chicken or groud beef I had in 2 or 3 occasions (weeks 9 & 10). And am, once again, worried about what the scale will say as I go to the IP office every two weeks...

How do you get over the scale scare?
:?:

20bydec and SylvieG - I also weigh in tomorrow...My scale only shows 1# loss, so yeah, I am nervous. Have NO idea how you get over the scale scare..and I am always disappointed, cuz I want MORE.

20byDec - (what date in December - you should make it??!) - Iusually stick to the soups and puddings...I eat oatmeal in the a.m., but the omelets are not bad.

Did anyone try that cookie recipe? I am trying to think what to take to my "weekend" this weekend. I would really rather not take a bowl, shaker, etc., or cook in my room. Any ideas of something that could be portable?? I am already taking my own salad dressing. (I made up my motherinlaws recipe yesterday using splenda and WF catsup (olive oil, etc) --haven't made it in years -- it tasted so good). I really don't like WF salad dressings at all...no matter HOW I doctor them up.

Sweetpoision - I guess I am not too worried about the soy because I keep telling myself that there is plenty of amino acids, etc., in the packets. (plus ALL the supplements!!)..plus IP is really only a short-term treatment plan. I won't be on it forever. Again, it is a personal choice.

I gotta go alter some clothes so I have something to wear for the weekend....(wow -- it has been a LONG time since I said that).

Hey everyone! I'm glad you're enjoying the recipes, and sorry for the delayed response. I will go back to the website and look up some veggie recipes then post them in the forum. I am sooooo tired of eating broccoli & cauliflower 24/7!

As for the cookie recipe...I'm not 100% sure if its ok for Phase 1 so please dont quote me on it!

Is anyone concerned about the soy in the products and the connection with soy and hypothyroid issues???

Vicki



Hi Vicki,

We were told they extract the parts of the soy that have no hormones....so it won't mess with the hormones.??

So I had my week 2 weigh in....2.5 pounds, was hoping for more, but it totals 9 pounds in 2 weeks, so can't complain...also lost 4 inches. :)

Hey all. I did the diet for about three and a half weeks and lost 13 pounds. Then I fell off! I went off it for about ten days and started back today. Has that happened to anyone else?

I had the chocolate covered soy bits today and they were good.

I had the raspberry jelly and it was awful! It only partially set up. I think it would have been better to just drink it.

hi all!

i have my 4th weigh in tomorrow...i feel i did well this week, but am not feeling a whole lot different. so i guess i will see soon!!

i am interested in some of those recipes i seen posted, but am unsure of some of the ingredients...some of what i am reading is not listed on my sheets.

i have been making alot of soups to take a break from the limitations in veggies. i find fresh spinach, bean sprouts, green onions and celery make a nice base. and i like to throw in lean beef to make it a bit heartier. seems to hold me over well.

as to the question about going off the diet and then going back on> i will be going off the diet in january for a week, to go on a trip that we have had planned with friends for well over a year. by that time, i hope to have made a lot of progress, and feel i would be able to go off for a week and get right back on....

have a great week everyone!

Tdee - most of us are pretty new here so I don't know if anyone has actually gone OFF the diet...maybe some "cheats" here and there. I may do that this weekend...gonna talk to the nurse tomorrow. I just can't see me taking a ton of food into my hotel room when I am not going to even be in it much.....dunno yet. (I mean, the hotel serves belgian waffles every morning!!) There is no restaurant at the hotel...we arrive Friday at noon and don't leave the hotel (At all!!) until Sunday afternoon.

My weighin is tomorrow, but I am not expecting much. Trying to find the "lightest" clothes I can find.....

Texan123 - I like the chocolate puffs too....I try to pretend they are M&M's...but they are all air when I bite into them (darn). I still eat them anyhow! Might try that cookie recipe...gonna go see if I have all the ingredients (still won't taste like belgian waffles).

Nothing tastes like Belgian waffles but Belgian waffles!!!!

Think about all the money you have spent
Think about all the pounds you have lost so far
Think about the sooner you get to goal the sooner you will 1) save money 2) be able to incorporate the Belgian waffles into your regular eating 3) you will feel so good -- remember nothing tastes as good as thin feels

You can hang tough Torchlaker. You have done so well so far. You don't want to lose days of weight loss. . . . . . .

Here is another way to think about your food this weekend. If you had a disease and had to follow a certain diet you would. And just to reframe this whole treatment plan I think I remember you said you went on this to get healthier so try to think of things you will be able to do when you lose the weight that you can't do now.

If this is really going to be the last diet we do we have to change the way we eat and that means changing the way we think too. I recommend not thinking "oh I can have xxx when I'm not on this anymore" that is the kind of thinking that will just pack the pounds back on.

Sorry I didn't mean to get preachy -- I've lost weight many many times only to have it return. I don't want to do that this time and I have to learn not to have the food be such a part of my social situations but to have the people and the activity be the focus.

What brand of extracts are you guys using? And where do you get them? I looked at the grocery store, and the ones I looked at contained alcohol.


I'm new to the forum, but wanted to respond and let you know that I ordered flavoring oils to jazz up the puddings and drinks. They do not have any alcohol and are 3 - 4 times stronger than extracts. I've been on IP 5 weeks and these have really helped disguise the protein taste!

Oh i wanted to add something else. i had a bad experience this week with one of my lunch dishes. i work at a papermill, 10 hour shifts so it can be tricky on this diet for such a long day. ( i wake up at 530am, and dont return home till 6pm) so i found a hearty dish that helps get thru such a long day. its not a recipe so not posting on that thread...i use a packet of the leek or chicken soup - and add one whole package of the frozen chopped spinach, and a small can of asparagus. the spinach really beefs up the soup. so i was eating my soup as mentioned above and was 3-4 through it, when i looked down and seen a damn bug. it was a lady bug too. now these are wayyyyyyyy out of season here. we have had snow for weeks already. so this likely came from the frozen chopped spinach package. sadly i am a wimp with bugs, always have been. now i do not know if i can stomach that soup anymore, and that was a lifesaver for me at work. then someone said, how do you know it did not come from those packets your using....NOW i am checking every damn packet. seriously, it could not be from those i hope...had to be the spinach....sorry, but thought i would share this...
I wouldn't worry to much about the packets. The packets are created in an air tight lab with men/women in white suits. These are pharamcutical grade products.

I had the chocolate covered soy bits today and they were good.

I had the raspberry jelly and it was awful! It only partially set up. I think it would have been better to just drink it.
The jelly takes a couple hours to set. It is just like Jello. :-)

Texan123 - you are SO right (maybe I should print that off, huh??). I decided to cut up veggies and take some chicken....maybe doctor up that awful tasting onion dip I got from WF...The chicken could be added to any salad (we order in one night). Am also taking my own salad dressing. I remember I barely snack at this retreats because I am so busy.

Still can't think what to have for breakfast, tho.

Mirazon - what are flavoring oils? Are they the same as DiVinci or Torani syrups? I, too, have to cut the "chemical" taste of nearly everything.

Off to the weighin. Geez, when I started IP, I weighed in summer clothes. It is 48 degrees out now and getting colder....so I have to wear my heavier clothes. Last time, I wore a sweatshirt and took it off to weigh and measure.

The jelly takes a couple hours to set. It is just like Jello. :-)

I made the jelly 2 days ago, and it still hasn't set.


I know some of you have been told not to exercise, and some have been told it's okay, etc. I just want to share my own experience. I find that I have more consistent weight loss when I walk. I just do 20-30 minutes, no big deal, no "power walking", nothing intense, and not necessarily every day. Now that it's finally cooling off a little here in Houston, I want to be outside. I also find it's easier to get myself going when I understand that exercise can just be walk, not an hour-long ordeal. Also, I find I have more energy not that I am no longer consuming sugar and bread products. I know they were making me feel sluggish, I just couldn't give them up until I found Ideal Protein.

As far as extracts go, I think it would be safe to use the ones preserved in alcohol, because you don't use very much—maybe a teaspoon. When they say no alcohol, they mean don't sit down and have a beer or a glass of wine at night, not alcohol cannot be the tiniest ingredient in anything you eat.

Okay, that's my 2 cents for the day. :-)

Well, finally found a doc somewhat in my area that sponsors this. He is a chiro. in Akron Ohio....about 40 miles from me. They are having a Ideal Protein open house type thing where they will explain it and give samples to taste.... it is on the 28th...so I have signed up to go. I am not to sure about the cost... If you use 3 a day....that would be 6 box per 2 weeks (paydays) and that alone is around $160.00....... dont know if I can afford that regardless of what I like or not. But, I will check it out. I may end up just buying a good whey protein shake or two and doing this on my own...we will see. Physicians weightloss program is the same as Ideal Protein....but...alot of theirs are sweetened with aspertame...and I dont want to use that...but they are half (really half) the cost of Ideal protein.

Vicki

Well, finally found a doc somewhat in my area that sponsors this. He is a chiro. in Akron Ohio....about 40 miles from me. They are having a Ideal Protein open house type thing where they will explain it and give samples to taste.... it is on the 28th...so I have signed up to go. I am not to sure about the cost... If you use 3 a day....that would be 6 box per 2 weeks (paydays) and that alone is around $160.00....... dont know if I can afford that regardless of what I like or not. But, I will check it out. I may end up just buying a good whey protein shake or two and doing this on my own...we will see. Physicians weightloss program is the same as Ideal Protein....but...alot of theirs are sweetened with aspertame...and I dont want to use that...but they are half (really half) the cost of Ideal protein.

Vicki

Hi Vicki --

Don't know how much you have to lose but that is another thing to factor. While Physician's weightloss program may be 1/2 the cost if it takes twice as long (or longer) to actually lose the weight 1) it will end up costing the same and 2) you will be on it longer -- you want to see results right now!!!! Just like the rest of us -- we are motivated by that ongoing loss.

Okay, my 2 cents. And yes, it is expensive and everyone has to decide what they can personally afford. You might keep track of what you are currently spending on groceries to see how it would compare. Now all I buy at the grocery store are approved veggies, chicken, fish. My grocery bills are way down, which they should be since the majority of the meals are IP which average out to $3.86 a meal (which is a packet).

I am going to have to try to find some of the things you all are using to "cut the taste of the soy" and the smell. Also, with the premixed chocolate drink the first sip I take tastes chemically then the next one doesn't. Guess my taste buds adjust somehow.

Did buy the Walden Farm choc syrup and the maple syrup.

I think I am going to drink the jello from now on.

Does the lettuce count as the veggies for the first two cups of it and then you can eat as much as you want or do you need to have 2 cups of veggies other than lettuces? A little confused on this.

As for salad dressing I prefer the olive oil, apple cider vinegar and sea salt and peppler.

On the Raspberry Jelly, I had one time where this didn't set up at all, and had it set up perfectly the other times. Then I realized that the box instructions, the packet instructions, and the handout instructions are all different. One calls for warm water, another for hot water, and another for boiling water. I realized that the time it didn't work out I had used warm water. The other times it was hot, probably between 175 - 195 F. I had to throw out the one using warm.

I think they modified the instruction to warm water to emphasize the use of the shaker (probably to promote sales of it). Which is silly, because with the hot water, the powder completely dissolves, and you can mix it easily in the bowl.

Anyway - try it again using hot or boiling water, and see if that fixes it.

Another note on preparing these. I don't trust the packet instructions and always double-check on the Preparation Instructions. One of the handouts that I'd received mentioned that the quantity to water to add was all originally in mL (these were developed in Canada), and had been converted to oz. I believe that the metric quantity is more precise, and probably the better one to use. My liquid measuring cups all have both, so it ends up not being a big deal.

I like to use the shakers to prepare the drinks, pancakes, and omelet; but most of the other items I prefer to make in a bowl with a whisk. The pudding especially is too thick (I think) for the shaker.

Hi there,

I have never had any problems with the jello "setting", in fact, it settles so quickly that if i leave it too long, it is rock hard almost. I do use boiling water, and exact amt shown on package....it works every time. the jello is one of my favorites, and sometimes i put a little WF choc on top. tastes good!!

On the Raspberry Jelly, I had one time where this didn't set up at all, and had it set up perfectly the other times. Then I realized that the box instructions, the packet instructions, and the handout instructions are all different. One calls for warm water, another for hot water, and another for boiling water. I realized that the time it didn't work out I had used warm water. The other times it was hot, probably between 175 - 195 F. I had to throw out the one using warm.

I think they modified the instruction to warm water to emphasize the use of the shaker (probably to promote sales of it). Which is silly, because with the hot water, the powder completely dissolves, and you can mix it easily in the bowl.

Anyway - try it again using hot or boiling water, and see if that fixes it.
I boil the water then add the packet. The warm water never worked for me.

Hi, back from a weekend away for business/pleasure. Cheated w/wine evrynite and still lost. But PLEASE don't take that as an "ok" to cheat!!!!! Otherwise I packed my lunch evry day before the seminar and on day two I ran out of vegies so I went to the hospital cafeteria salad bar and got raw broccoli and cucumber to add to my brought lettuce. The best part....every table had a big pile of candy bars, starburst, etc. on both days and I wasn't evn tempted!! :carrot:

Re: the ladybugs. They definately came from the frozen spinach!! When I was a kid (40 yrs ago) I stopped eating frozen spinach because of the ladybugs in it. Fortunatly, it was my brother who always found that nice crunchy bit but it was enough to make me stop even trying it. :D

I had the chocolate covered soy bits today and they were good.

I had the raspberry jelly and it was awful! It only partially set up. I think it would have been better to just drink it.

Make sure you're using the exact amount of WARM water and shake it up really well. I've only had a problem with it setting up once, and I think I used too much water. When it sets, it tastes very close to regular jello. Hope this helps.

Also another thing I've learned the hard way...don't try to heat the cappuccino up too much...it gets kinds of "chuncky". Otherwise, I really it.

Back from the weighin -- kinda disappointed. Lost 2#.....nurse says I am not eating enough veggies, especially in the afternoon (which I don't eat any at all). SO - I bought a bunch of veggies...and am going to make the WW soup listed under recipes and hopefully, freeze some. I DID eat my veggies this afternoon.

BUT -- I am over halfway to goal now,so there is good news....ya know...why are we disappointed with 2# - 3# - 3.5#? Got to thinking about it....most diets, you barely lose 2# a week. This is the lowest weight loss in 6 weeks. OK - talked myself into it. I am happy with it...and one more pound, and I will be the lowest I have been in 18 years!!!

Might try to make the cookies listed on the recipe page too-- maybe that will make me not want to try those belgian waffles. Just eat them in my room, and skip the whole breakfast room altogether.

PS: When I updated my ticker tape, I realized that I use a ladybug!! Now if I could only quit thinking about that ladybug in the spinach!!! lol!!!

Sorry...didn't mean to contradict anybody on the jello issue...forgot to continue on to page 6 and hadn't seen the other posts yet.

Jello issue -- I read somewhere that if you use boiling water it will kill the protein??? But I did not use warm water so maybe that was the problem. Was really looking forward to the jello too so will try again.

torchlaker -- Congrats on the 2 pounds. Heck I remember when I would go to WW and lose 1/4 of a pound and be happy. 2 pounds in one week is AWESOME.

And if I were you I would have to probably not go down to bkfst. Especially if my friends were eating the Belgian waffle. I don't have so much trouble with lunches but it would be hard not to lose it with the waffles.

Question for you all: When I shake up my drinks they get really frothy -- the jello did too. Do I need to wait for it to all dissipate before drinking? Or am I shaking too hard?

I have found the thread and shared it with my coach. I go for my first weigh in tomorrow and I am a little nervous. I haven't cheated but I really want this to work for me. Wish me luck. Thanks everyone.

YEAH!!!!! My first weigh in - down 5# and around 7 inches (not sure where the 7 inches lost is)! Now i'm motivated again.
Keep on the diet girls!! It will work, the cravings are (almost) gone. The chocolate soy balls seem to help with the chocolate cravings and the choc. pudding is really good. Vanilla pudding is good with a little cinnamon.

Way to go 20bydec!!! That is absolutely awesome.

sounds like a good week for most so far! i had my 4th week official weigh in as well this afternoon - and down 3 lbs. that makes a total of 21 lbs for the month. so i am happy with progress so far. congrats to everyone!

torchlaker, you always make me laugh...i noticed that damn ladybug on your ticker since the day i almost ate one. and funny thing is, it is lifesize just like the one i almost swallowed!! i am over that now, but have not yet eaten the frozen, especially wont now after reading about the poor little brother who always got the crunchy spinach. being that was frozen as well, those days are done for me. it is a mind thiing i know, because now i am eating canned spinach, seems ok. but for the first time i stir fried fresh spinach, that i washed myself and seen i liked it even better. so thats what i am sticking to.

i have never cooked with bok choy before this diet. i now eat it almost every nite, whether it be in stir fry, soup. i really like it, esp the texture. i dont seem to tire of it, so hope that continues. because like most am getting kind of tired of broccoli and cauliflower. asparagus is so off and on right now, does not always taste good. and i heat a **** of a lot of fresh mushrooms, cooked only though. cannot eat them raw... added dill pickles to my salad today, tasted pretty good! starting to experiment more, just to keep it interesting! nite everyone...

I made the jelly 2 days ago, and it still hasn't set.


I know some of you have been told not to exercise, and some have been told it's okay, etc. I just want to share my own experience. I find that I have more consistent weight loss when I walk. I just do 20-30 minutes, no big deal, no "power walking", nothing intense, and not necessarily every day. Now that it's finally cooling off a little here in Houston, I want to be outside. I also find it's easier to get myself going when I understand that exercise can just be walk, not an hour-long ordeal. Also, I find I have more energy not that I am no longer consuming sugar and bread products. I know they were making me feel sluggish, I just couldn't give them up until I found Ideal Protein.

As far as extracts go, I think it would be safe to use the ones preserved in alcohol, because you don't use very much—maybe a teaspoon. When they say no alcohol, they mean don't sit down and have a beer or a glass of wine at night, not alcohol cannot be the tiniest ingredient in anything you eat.

Okay, that's my 2 cents for the day. :-)

Did you use hot water to mix the jello? Mine is always ready to eat in about 1/2 hour and it is close to a 'normal' food. Leaving it longer makes it chewy.

my center was out of chicken soup today - tried the mushroom and mixed it with broccoli and cauliflower - UGH!! My center said the chicken was back ordered for a while - anyone else having that problem. Having a chocolate drink/shake tonight - delicious!!
Good night hope everyone has a good week.

I drink all the drinks cold with extra water and crushed ice. I'm always in a rush for breakfast so usually have the cappuccino or chocolate drink.

As for the jello, haven't had any problems. Use hot water, the EXACT amount called for, and put it in the fridge for an hour or so. I use a leeeetle extra water for the puddings, and refrigerate them before eating as well. They seem to make for the most filling/satisfying snack. (Although I do like the chocolate covered soy balls too!) I'm steering clear of the bars for awhile as they are too tempting! The fruit-flavored items are another story...ugh.

Does anyone have a list of all the foods and nutrition info? I'm going to try to stock up on the higher protein items for the next week or two to see if that makes a difference. I know someone posted info before and the top items were at 20g of protein - chocolate pudding, raspberry jelly, peach & mango drink.

Keep up the good work everyone. It really helps to hear everyone's struggles, questions, and encouragement!

i have not been able to get the cereal since the first week of my diet. that was my preferred breakfast food at work. went back today and still back ordered. disappointing....i liked the mushroom soup, but prefer the leak soup...i never eat the soup plain though, so the tastes are pretty disguised. if you have trouble with the soups, try adding some fat free broth to it. i find it tastes pretty good, and the veggies make a big difference. i hear of other people using tomatoes in soup,which i would love to do, but this is not on my list, so i haven't yet. i

Texan123- I remember those 1/4# weeks on WW, too. Thanks for reminding me!! I think you are absolutely right -- just don't go down to the breakfast bar! (it sounds so good in my head.....But...it is Belgian waffles...sob).

Never tried the jello (couldn't imagine it without whipped cream)....NOW it sounds too confusing...lol!!

20bydec -- I TOLD you that you would make 20# by Dec. I reached 20# today with IP (had dieted some before in preparation for IP)...6 weeks!! What a great first weighin for you!!

SandraB - how was the stirfried spinach? I never thought of doing that....did you stirfry it in broth or just in a pan, or what? Share!! Share!..how was that cereal? I bought one...but I am afraid the water won't look like milk (and I don't even like milk). Is it restricted??

My nurse suggested using the chocolate drink and warming it up like hot cocoa (yeah, I asked if I could have marshmallows). Gonna try that. I also tried a teaspoon of the WF marshmallow creme on top of my pudding and pretended it was whipped cream. It has a funny chemical taste (but i got thru it!!) I made the WW soup tonight...hopefully, I will eat it for lunch tomorrow. Didn't even taste it (I think I cooked it too long...the green beans looked really wierd).

....and what is bok choy? Is it a cabbage? Is it bitter? I have seen it in the bigger stores (not my little store)....but I didn't know what to do with it.

Geez, it is 11pm...and I forgot to take my supplements (and all my others meds too). Where did today go? (getting old sucks......)

Mirazon - what are flavoring oils? Are they the same as DiVinci or Torani syrups? I, too, have to cut the "chemical" taste of nearly everything.




Hi torchlaker, I found the flavoring oils on-line while looking for ways to flavor the drinks and puddings. They do not have the volume of DaVinci or Torani. I ordered 1 ounce bottles with some medicine droppers. Here's information from the American Spice website. This unsweetened, highly concentrated flavoring is available for home and professional use. Fat Free & Sugar Free. Our flavoring oils are generally 3-4 times stronger than extracts since extracts are diluted by significant amounts of alcohol and/or water.

They've really worked well for me.

Hey Sandrab -- I have an entire box of crispy cereal -- I tried the one packet I was given and hated it. Too bad there's not an easy way we could all mix and match our packets!!!

It's the smell I can't get over the smell of some of these foods. It is not restricted.

http://www.idealprotein.com/english/our_products.htm

Ukandewit -- if you go to this website and then click on the picture of the item the nutritional information will pop up.

So now that I have hated a few of the items I've tried I cannot even make myself make the omlete or the beef stew. I just gag on some of these foods. I've heard people say how good some of them are. I think it's because I've never been one for "different" food like tofu and soy products (before IP) and all of their stuff is soy.

Does anyone have a list of all the foods and nutrition info? I'm going to try to stock up on the higher protein items for the next week or two to see if that makes a difference. I know someone posted info before and the top items were at 20g of protein - chocolate pudding, raspberry jelly, peach & mango drink.

I'm attaching 3 handouts that I received when I joined. These 3 docs are taped to the inside door of my pantry for quick reference.

File 1: Nutritional Fact Sheet.pdf -- lists all the IP items with their nutritional breakdown. Also highlights which items are restricted.

File 2: Phase 1 - ITG.pdf -- This lists what you can have for each meal, and what food items are permitted.

File 3: Preparation Instructions.pdf -- This is the summary info of how to prepare each of the packets. I prefer to use the metric quantity for water since it's more precise.

Mizaron - Americanspice.com is a very interesting site. I am wondering what the difference is between the "oil" and the "syrups" i use. I am assuming one uses a lot less oil. How can oil be fatfree tho? Mmmmmm...the pumpkin oil sounds good for the butterscotch pudding, huh? (it is cold and rainy out -- thinking of pumpkin pie and hot cocoa today).

Kira...thanks for posting all the info sheets. Kira also posted this info under Ideal Protein FAQ, so that newbies can always find it.

Texan123 - I have never been a fan of soy either. I usually have to mask the taste of everything somehow. If you have ever had an eggwhite omelet, I think you might like the omelet if you throw in veggies. I hated the Leek soup, yet others really like it. I liked the chicken soup if I added garlic powder and watered it down and added veggies. Does anyone else have suggestions on how to make some of the packets taste a bit better? (I don't have to do anything to the bars....lol). On the oatmeal, I dribble less than a tablespoon of WF pancake syrup (not a bad syrup at all.....considering some of the sugarfree syrups I have tried in my life time). I DO like the oatmeal and actually look forward to it for breakfast (I was never a breakfast eater...).

I would like input on the crepes (are those restricted? duh...I think I know the answer...). What about the chili and the spaghetti??? What about the PinaColada drink? (if one added rum flavoring, would it taste like a pinacolada??)

Hi torchlaker -
Crepes - Like them a lot. They are restricted. My favorite IP item is to make a crepe / pancake, spread pudding over it and roll it like a blintz. Plain crepe with chocolate pudding, or chocolate crepe with vanilla is great. I do add a pkg of sweetener to both the pudding and the crepe, but that's per your taste. Since it's two packages, this is two servings (but only 1/2 a restricted item per person).

I've also started making chocolate cookies. I'll post this on the recipes, but it's 2 pkgs of chocolate crepe mix, 1 egg white, 2 sweeteners, and 2 oz water. Mix it together, put on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Makes 6 cookies for 2 people.

I like the Chili a lot. I was very suspicious when I first saw it - couldn't believe it would turn into something palatable, but it surprised me. I loved it with Green Beans mixed in -- before I realized those were restricted. I try to minimize its use though since it's restricted (but only to 1 per day, not the once / twice per week).

So this was really interesting to me. Yesterday I was googling Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, looking for more background info on the diet, and I came across something called the Matol Diet. They have identical products to the Ideal Protein Diet (same photos on the boxes and everything). It seems like this may have been around a little longer than Ideal Protein -- maybe it's a predessor to the IP program? I'm not sure.

Anyway, I came across this site with a ton of recipes! http://www.matol.com/Corpo/Hcenter/wpmatoldietrecipes.aspx?lang=EN_US
I'd post them, but it looks like there are over 50 listed. (and interestingly, a few of them were given out by my IP coach!)

Has anyone tried to make this? This is an old WW standby, but started thinking it could work.

1 packet of maple oatmeal
1 egg white
1/4 tsp baking powder
packet of splenda
cinnamon to taste

mix and fry in non stick pan. Any reason this wouldn't work for phase one?

BTW, I am new on here, been doing Low Carb for awhile and lost about 22 lbs that way, current weight 187, goal weight of 150. Nice to meet you all and your posts are extremely helpful.

If you go to the Ideal Protein site, you can click on any of the products to see their nutritional information. When you look at the number of carbs in each, you will quickly see why some packets are restricted. However, those items are among the most filling. All of the packets have 18-20g of protein, so there's not much difference in choosing any of them for protein's sake.

Also, there is a link to Dr. Tran's page on the home page of Ideal Protein. I was told Ideal Protein had been in Europe for 20 years, Canada for about 10, and the US for 2-3. So while it seems really new, it's tried-and-true.

The chemical taste is from Splenda—different from the chemical tastes of saccharine & aspartame, but similar in nastyness. It's an aquired taste. I'm starting to adjust. And I'm not a fan of soy either—prefer whey protein for taste—but I suppose I'll deal.

I too find the puddings to be really filling.

Harmonymom2 -- For me I think the chemical taste (and nasty taste) is from the soy not Spelenda. I love splenda and have never had an aftertaste with it.

Hi torchlaker -
Crepes - Like them a lot. They are restricted. My favorite IP item is to make a crepe / pancake, spread pudding over it and roll it like a blintz. Plain crepe with chocolate pudding, or chocolate crepe with vanilla is great. I do add a pkg of sweetener to both the pudding and the crepe, but that's per your taste. Since it's two packages, this is two servings (but only 1/2 a restricted item per person).

I've also started making chocolate cookies. I'll post this on the recipes, but it's 2 pkgs of chocolate crepe mix, 1 egg white, 2 sweeteners, and 2 oz water. Mix it together, put on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Makes 6 cookies for 2 people.

I like the Chili a lot. I was very suspicious when I first saw it - couldn't believe it would turn into something palatable, but it surprised me. I loved it with Green Beans mixed in -- before I realized those were restricted. I try to minimize its use though since it's restricted (but only to 1 per day, not the once / twice per week).

So this was really interesting to me. Yesterday I was googling Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, looking for more background info on the diet, and I came across something called the Matol Diet. They have identical products to the Ideal Protein Diet (same photos on the boxes and everything). It seems like this may have been around a little longer than Ideal Protein -- maybe it's a predessor to the IP program? I'm not sure.

Anyway, I came across this site with a ton of recipes! http://www.matol.com/Corpo/Hcenter/wpmatoldietrecipes.aspx?lang=EN_US
I'd post them, but it looks like there are over 50 listed. (and interestingly, a few of them were given out by my IP coach!)
Interesting recipes. Thanks for posting. I wonder what the Km is in our world, doesn't look like we have anything like it. The flatbread though is the pancake one.

My interest was peaked, and I am quick to find details. I knew this had to be the case. From the site listed above:

"MATOL DIET ORIGINS
The Matol Diet has its roots in a protein blend that was developed by Dr. G Blackburn from Harvard Medical School in 1973. This protein blend was later significantly improved by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, a reputable MD and doctor in nutrition, biology and sports medicine. His medical practice at the time focused primarily on high performance athletes. Dr. Chanh reformulated the protein blend with the objective to shed the athletes’ excess weight and maintain their muscle mass. A team of Matol scientists incorporated this superior biological value protein blend into a unique, pH-regulating, detoxifying and energizing botanical, vitamin and mineral weight loss regimen."

Harmonymom2 -- For me I think the chemical taste (and nasty taste) is from the soy not Spelenda. I love splenda and have never had an aftertaste with it.


Ha - I think Soy and Splenda are both innocent. If it were the Soy, I'd HATE the Chocolate Soy Puffs, and boy, do I love those. Plus, the omelette and beef stew (I think these were the source of the original "yuck" complaint) don't have any splenda in them so that can't be the issue there.

Anyway, since they can't use traditional ingredients for these (butter, flour, etc), sometimes I think they use some strange ingredients to get the flavors that they need. Sometimes that flavor works for people, sometimes it doesn't. And it varies for each person. I think Wildberry Yogurt Drink, Peach Mango and the Lemon Pudding have a strong chemical flavor. But I know I've heard from others that they love those flavors.

The Ideal Protein products are relatively expensive. To make choosing a new flavor a little less risky, I've put together a survey on how well participants like each flavor. To take the survey go here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GNskPECvm2P4_2bYdG1PaLwg_3d_3d

I'll periodically post the results of the survey on whatever our current thread is so everyone can see what people like (or not).

Note - I'm using a Free account on Survey Monkey. This means its limited to 100 responses.

hi there,

someone posted all the nutrional info and fact sheets on the Q&A site for those who are interested....

The cereal - torchlaker, is basically a vanilla protien drink, with a few rice crispies floating around. because i was already used to the premix vanilla drink, this tasted good to me. it is quick and simple for work days, and being that i am a cereal eater to begin with just seemed routine for me...

the bok choy - if i had to describe it i would say a cross between spinach and cabbabe. a while back, on the old thread, someone broke down the calories for cabbage and included bok choy as being the best for you...anyways the leafy part is just like spinach, and the bottom part is nice and crisp, even a wee bit sweet...i just really like it. i stir fry it alot.

the spinach i added to my stirfry which had natural juices from sprouts, bit or soya and yes, bit of broth. the fresh is good in the soups too. never ate so much spinach in my life!!

have a good day!

Interesting recipes. Thanks for posting. I wonder what the Km is in our world, doesn't look like we have anything like it. The flatbread though is the pancake one.

My interest was peaked, and I am quick to find details. I knew this had to be the case. From the site listed above:

"MATOL DIET ORIGINS
The Matol Diet has its roots in a protein blend that was developed by Dr. G Blackburn from Harvard Medical School in 1973. This protein blend was later significantly improved by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, a reputable MD and doctor in nutrition, biology and sports medicine. His medical practice at the time focused primarily on high performance athletes. Dr. Chanh reformulated the protein blend with the objective to shed the athletes’ excess weight and maintain their muscle mass. A team of Matol scientists incorporated this superior biological value protein blend into a unique, pH-regulating, detoxifying and energizing botanical, vitamin and mineral weight loss regimen."


I sent a question to my coach about the Matol Diet. He identified the following:
Ideal Protein makes the products sold under the Matol label.

However, Matol is a MLM venture. No one who markets Matol has to be
knowledgeable whatsoever in any particular field.


Kind of interesting. I think the Multi-Level Marketing aspect of it will ultimately hurt it. Also anyone can sell it, not just doctors and clinics.

Hey thanks everyone for the great ideas, recipes and the Matol list of recipes, I have printed it all and am starting a binder for Ideal Protein recipes since I am sure this will be my meal plan for quite some time.

Also thanks for the American Spices website posting too, I ordered some oils today to cure my sweet cravings.

I really appreciate all the feedback from everyone, this thread is what helps me each day through this journey.

Wow -- what a wealth of info you all are!! Kira -- you must love to research, or at least, know more than I do. I researched Ideal Protein for 2-3 weeks before I went on it, and never came across that site. Thank you so much! What a wonderful idea for the survey, too! The "filled crepe" sounds wonderful. I do miss my crepes (but with strawberries and whipped cream!!).

SandraB - Between you and my hairdresser (just got back from there), I HAVE to try the bok choy. I have NEVER eaten so much spinach in my life. Keep looking at my arms to see if I am ever gonna look like Popeye!! I will post my motherinlaws salad dressing recipe in the recipe file....It was made to go with spinach salad. Don't know how legal it is....but it sure helps the spinach go down. So....do you add anything to your stirfry besides the broth...I made it a few weeks ago, and can't remember how I made it.

CoolBreeze - are you on IP now, or doing LC?? (I assume we will all be doing low carb eventually, if I remember right). Liked your avatar (same as mine) -- do you live near the ocean or just dream about it? I am going to St.John USVI in March...first trip ever by myself since my husband died. Eddie and I went to Punta Cana just 3 weeks before he died and we parasailed up above the beautiful waters.....but, I gotta tell ya -- the reason I picked the avatar is because of Torch Lake MI (hence my screenname). Torch Lake has all the colors of the Caribbean and I am so blessed to live by it. My bedroom is all done in Torch Lake colors with all kinds of pictures of Torch on it...my big seller is pendants I paint of Torch Lake.

Well, I am procrastinating again. Easier to sit down and read all your wonderful posts instead of finishing off my pendants, and getting my sewing stuff together for the sewing weekend (just all seems like too much work today). Plus I need to make up my salad dressing, chicken and those cookies to take with me (awwww....I might just make puddings. I used to love pumpkin pie for breakfast - wish I had that pumpkin oil).

Hi,

Great idea - survey... i completed it, but am unsure as to how i can see the results?

Hi,

Great idea - survey... i completed it, but am unsure as to how i can see the results?

Hi Sandra - unfortunately the free survey package doesn't allow the users to view the results. I'll download these once a week (probably over the weekend) and post so everyone can view. I won't post an update if there haven't been any changes since the previous posting.

I did download the initial responses - see the attached! I've sorted this by highest rated to lowest rated. When using this as a guide, be sure to observe how many people have voted for an item - there are a few cases where the item is very highly rated, but only one person has tried it.

Quick question, crepes and oatmeal are restricted foods, meaning only allowed once a day for breakfast? Is this ok for phase 1. Up until now the only IP stuff I've been having are those drink boxes! I just ordered a ton of stuff from idealtogo and cant wait to get the puddings, oatmeal, crepes, etc.

Could some of you post a sample of your daily meal plan, please and thank you!? It would really help me to figure out how I should be spacing out the different products. So far I'm thinking, oatmeal/pancake for breakfast, drink box w/ veggies for lunch, lean protein w/ veggies for dinner, and pudding for snack?? Hopefully I'll be ok with this!

I actually have my "real meal" at lunch. It seems to keep me going for the day then at night I have the veggies with an IP drink.

Kira - good survey but you are right -- have to really see how people voted and how many people voted.

Takes seem to differ quite a bit also.

I had the pina colada drink for lunch and I thought it was very good.

One of the keys is definitely use enough water and ICE. It seems the colder the drink the easier it is to get down.

2nd day today on it...woke up feeling kind of hung over..a little tired but over all happy. I put my 2 cups of broccoli in my soup today and it was wayyy good and a lot more satisfying :)

oh and i got a salad dressing recipe from my boyfriends mom who is on IP

I just sort of eye ball it
about 1/3 cup olive oil
about 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
about 1/3 cup of lemon juice
and any kind of herbs you like. Its quite tasty

Hey Sandrab -- I have an entire box of crispy cereal -- I tried the one packet I was given and hated it. Too bad there's not an easy way we could all mix and match our packets!!!

It's the smell I can't get over the smell of some of these foods. It is not restricted.

can you return the box to the center and trade it for something else? That is allowed at the center i go to.

can you return the box to the center and trade it for something else? That is allowed at the center i go to.

Before I ever started the program I asked about that since they only sell by the box not the packet. My coach said that normally they don't allow that but that in my case she would. I told her I was pretty picky and if I couldn't do that I just wouldn't do the program. I go Monday for my 1st weigh in and I will switch out some of the boxes I got then.

Thanks Kira. I did not have the nutritional fact sheet on the foods. Had the other two but not this one. Good info.

Before I ever started the program I asked about that since they only sell by the box not the packet. My coach said that normally they don't allow that but that in my case she would. I told her I was pretty picky and if I couldn't do that I just wouldn't do the program. I go Monday for my 1st weigh in and I will switch out some of the boxes I got then.

I don't have anything local, so I get everything from Ideal2Go. They don't allow any returns. But the clinic (3 Points Clinic in Burlington IA) that my brother and sister-in-law go to allow it (kind of). They have a trade in bucket. People can come in and swap. I'm guessing they periodically did samples of flavors and that's how some initial packets got into the bucket. Anyway, I thought that was a great idea for clinics, as a way to make things easy for their patrons. Maybe if you suggest it they'll give it a try. Makes trying new stuff much less risky.

Mizaron - Americanspice.com is a very interesting site. I am wondering what the difference is between the "oil" and the "syrups" i use. I am assuming one uses a lot less oil. How can oil be fatfree tho? Mmmmmm...the pumpkin oil sounds good for the butterscotch pudding, huh? (it is cold and rainy out -- thinking of pumpkin pie and hot cocoa today).


Good ? Torchlaker. I don't know why they are called oils. They are definitely not oil based. They are a strong flavoring. I typically only have to use a few drops in a drink or pudding. I like the Davinci syrups for some things but since they have Splenda they can sometimes cause food to be too sweet IMHO. With the flavoring oils that doesn't happen and I can add Splenda if needed.

Funny you should mention pumpkin pie. The other day I had a vanilla pudding with the pumpkin flavor oil and a little bit of pumpkin pie spice. It was Awesome!!! I'm think I'll have it for my 3rd packet tonight. Thanks for reminding me :)

oh and i got a salad dressing recipe from my boyfriends mom who is on IP

I just sort of eye ball it
about 1/3 cup olive oil
about 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
about 1/3 cup of lemon juice
and any kind of herbs you like. Its quite tasty

Thank you so much for this recipe. I will try it tomorrow. I am really struggling with the Walden Farms salad dressings. I've had to mix the ranch and blue cheese with a Tbsp full of hot salsa to disguise the taste so I could eat it. (I'm too cheap to throw them away!) I figure at this rate, I won't have more than the 2 cups of tomatoes in a week.

I read in one of the earlier posts that the spritz salad dressings might be OK. Would someone please verify if this is true or not??? Thanks

Anyway, I came across this site with a ton of recipes! http://www.matol.com/Corpo/Hcenter/wpmatoldietrecipes.aspx?lang=EN_US
I'd post them, but it looks like there are over 50 listed. (and interestingly, a few of them were given out by my IP coach!)


Love this site and the recipes. I have a lot of weight to lose and these will be very helpful in keeping me on the program!!!

Well, today was my first weigh in and I lost 7.7 pounds. I also lost 5 inches. I am so psyched. I want this to be my last diet program. I am so tired of going to sleep worrying about my weight and then waking up and worrying again.
I hope next week goes as well as this week but I know how the first week thing works but I am forever hopeful.
Are their other WF things that we can order or buy that are on IP. Does anyone have a site to but them directly from? Thanks everyone. Jenn

Hi texan!!!

thanks so much for offering to send me the material that you have. Sorry i havent been on the site for awhile. I can give you my email i dont mind its egyptprincess929@yahoo.com....

Today i have to say I got some bad news. I had been seeing a fertility doctor to try to get pregnant and she wants me to lose 100 lbs before she even does anything!!! i feel so depressed

Well, today was my first weigh in and I lost 7.7 pounds. I also lost 5 inches. I am so psyched. I want this to be my last diet program. I am so tired of going to sleep worrying about my weight and then waking up and worrying again.
I hope next week goes as well as this week but I know how the first week thing works but I am forever hopeful.
Are their other WF things that we can order or buy that are on IP. Does anyone have a site to but them directly from? Thanks everyone. Jenn

Congrat on your loss!! That's fantastic :carrot:

The WF products are available at www.netrition.com (http://www.netrition.com) or www.lowcarbshop.com (http://www.lowcarbshop.com). They're cheaper at these sites than the WF site.
From reading old posts, it seems like netrition is a favorite.

Hi texan!!!

thanks so much for offering to send me the material that you have. Sorry i havent been on the site for awhile. I can give you my email i dont mind its egyptprincess929@yahoo.com....

Today i have to say I got some bad news. I had been seeing a fertility doctor to try to get pregnant and she wants me to lose 100 lbs before she even does anything!!! i feel so depressed

So sorry to hear about the delay in starting fertility treatments. That must have been very hard to hear.

For what it's worth, I think you're on a program that will help you meet your goal. In my short time on this board, I've read some amazing sucess stories. Ladies have lost 80 - 100 lbs in less than a year. There are a lot of caring people here who will support you on this journey.

Question for you all: When I shake up my drinks they get really frothy -- the jello did too. Do I need to wait for it to all dissipate before drinking? Or am I shaking too hard?

My drinks also get frothy when I make them. I usually just add more water to the shaker after I've finished the drink to clear the foam. I figure there's protein in the foam I need. The foam on the jelly usually dissapates while its in the frig.

I have a question....are we aloud to have vinigar? From my understanding there is sugar in vinigar. Anyone know the answer to this?? Thanks

I have a question....are we aloud to have vinigar? From my understanding there is sugar in vinigar. Anyone know the answer to this?? Thanks

Your Phase One handout is a good reference for this (if you don't have one, it's posted in the FAQ section). It identifies that the following seasonings can be used:

Seasonings
Apple Cider Vinegar, Fine Herbs, Garlic, Ginger, Lemon, Lemon Grass, Hot Mustard, Hot Sauce, Soya Sauce, Spices (MSG Free/No Carbs), Tamari Sauce, White Vinegar- NO BALSAMIC or REDWINE VINEGAR!!

torchlaker-actually, I am dreaming of the beach, I live in Kansas! ha ha. I am on ideal protein. I have been doing Low Carb on my own, but several friends of mine had success on IP so decided to make that move. It is much more restrictive than the low carb plans Ive been on which is fine because I was taking too much liberty with low carb choices.
What kind of sewing do you do?

Hi coolbreeze - I used to live in Kansas! but now I live in Texas -- LOVE it.

I do better with a program that has a lot of limitations because I will take liberties if I don't. Also, I just have to be totally off sugar or the littlest bit makes my cravings nuts.

No cravings since I started IP 6 days ago.

Just a reminder - please complete the survey on the Ideal Protein products. The more feedback we have, the more valid the results. Feel free to pass the survey link along to others following IP.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GNskPECvm2P4_2bYdG1PaLwg_3d_3d

I'll post an update on the results of the survey over the weekend.

[QUOTE=Texan123;2982166]Hi coolbreeze - I used to live in Kansas! but now I live in Texas -- LOVE it.

Awesome! Where in KS? I am in southeast area. I can give myself an inch on sugar or I start justifying everything. I need something with some pretty heavy rules. :-)

has anyone has stomach issues with this diet? I am embarrassed to admit, this is day 2 and having diarrhea issues. cant decide if i am coming down with something or if this is a side effect. I have a headache but that could go either way also.

Cool Breeze -- OP, KS area

I have had very little side effects with this. Mainly just fatigue.

I have not experienced nor heard of "stomach issues" in the first few days but have heard of the opposite "things not moving"...
hopefully you are not getting sick, would be an unfortunate way to start the program. best of luck to you.

""B"" - I hope for the best for you. It must have been very hard to hear that delay, but it has certainly given you an extremely high motivational goal.
Sometimes the news we like to hear the least, is sometimes the news that helps us the most. Heres hoping that applies to you. We will all be rooting for you!

so far it looks like a one time stomach issue. probably all the veggies. when i had to write down what i normally ate i realized it was heavily carb based, with not even the minimum rec'd amt on fruits and veggies. i told my husband at lunch, if there is one thing I am learning is that it is very easy to incorporate more veggies into my life.

Coolbreeze - I had quite a bit of nausea the first week....I probably would have killed for diahrea (at least you know the bad stuff is coming out...lol)..but I am one of the ones that "things weren't moving." I still struggling with it...I think I am not eating enough veggies or drinking enough water or something....The nausea did pass for me, tho. Sure hope you are not getting sick.

I do fashion sewing....I was very lucky to find a group up here that does exactly that. We call ourselves the "Fashionistas." I can quilt, but find it quite boring. Right now, I SHOULD be doing altering cuz my clothes are hanging...but I HATE to alter. Our group gets to this beautiful hotel on the Bay Friday afternoon, and we leave Sunday afternoon. We bring a whole lot of food, drinks, whatever - so that we do not even have to go out. The hotel serves a wonderful breakfast in the a.m. (which I am planning on skipping) but other than that, has no restaurant. I have a leopard fleece coat cut out, and 3 nightgowns for my granddaughters for my projects...plus just taking a bunch of things to "rip" to prepare for altering. I love the whole social aspect of it all.....

OK - I tried the WW soup. I used regular boullion cuz that was all I had....it was WAY too salty for me....and I made a bunch of it. Should I water it down with lowsodium beef broth or something?...AND I put on 1-1/2#!! It had to be the soup because it is the only thing different I have eaten. I am sure it is the sodium and I should lose it...but geez...it is the first time I have gained weight on IP....luckily,I didn't weighin.

I tried the crispy cereal this a.m. It was ok -- doesn't compare to the oatmeal!! (everyone...take a few minutes to complete Kira's survey...I think it will help all of us). Hope to try to make the cookies later on to take for my breakfasts...if not, I will just make up 2 puddings and take those. Still need to make chicken and salad dressing and cup up veggies. (I am beginning to think it is too much work to go anywhere....).

Texan123 - I struggled with fatigue and no energy for about 3 weeks. I just tried to tell myself that my body was purging itself because I was eating so much healthier than I had been. Add that to "things not moving" -- (which in itself, fatigues me) and fibromalygia....those were a few hard weeks.

"B" - I will be praying for you. I had a very hard time getting pregnant (I was a police dispatcher and all the shifts just messed up my cycle). I finally had to go on fertility pills. The "prize" was an awesome son!!!

Torchlaker - have you tried the broccoli slaw? Like cut up coleslaw but has broccoli instead. It comes in bags. Maybe you could take a bag of this and some WF honey mustard dressing - not too bad.
Hope your weekend goes well. Just made some bars for my family so i need to stay out of the kitchen! Just like you need to NOT go down for breakfast - too much temptation. Hard to tell my friends no when they ask me to try something really good.
I haven't done completely away with cravings - i feel if i give in I'll eat a lot so i'm trying not to even taste anything with sugar and/or carbs.
Drinking lots of hot tea - it is getting cold here, rainy/depressing.

torchlaker-your stats are fabulous! how long have you been on IP? I love to sew but never get a chance to. I am an atty by trade but "hopefully" in 2010 quitting my firm and just working out of my house. I have a 5, 4 and 3 year old and its just too hard to balance work, kids, husband and everything else.

Hi everyone,
Had my weighin today and was "only" down 2.3 lbs. The lowest week so far, but it put me at my halfway mark...so I'm very happy. Just 1 month ago I had to go through my closest to find clothes that weren't too tight...now I'm trying to find the ones that aren't way to big. I love it!

Everyone is doing wonderful! It's definitley the little victories that keep us going... not feeling like all eyes are on you anymore... finding someone has parked to close to your car and YES, you are able to get in with no problem... having people literally not recognize you...
You guys keep up the good work!!!!

Montana Mom -- how long have you been on IP? Wonderful loss.

Today is day 6 and is the first day I have been hungry. My stomach has growled morning and afternoon. I really don't feel so much hungry as not satisified. I've ordered some SPRY gum because I think it will help a lot if I can chew gum.

thanks so much for your support! I am so proud of everyone and you guys are def giving me inspiration i have lost to date 20 lbs in two months (but that includes just regular dieting before ideal protein so now im down to 278! but i have a long way to go

TEXAN - i too found I wasn't hungry the first week, but the 2nd week I have felt hungry. And I cheated today, so I'm feeling glum. I know from last week that I won't lose anything for 3 days. Funny how that works - just like they said it would. Oh well, no more cheating!

Hi everybody,

I woke up today feeling great and everything was "moving" thank goodness. I was wondering if anyone knows where to order the gum. I spoke to my dr. and she didn't know there was an approved gum for IP. I have baked two apple pies and a double batch of cookies for my family this week and didn't cheat at all. Texan, thanks for sharing your info on cheating thing, I have been tempted but I don't want to lose 3 days of loss. The good thing is you can start again tomorrow. Have a good nite everyone.

Go on line and google SPRY gum. It is cheaper if you order it rather than buy at a local store.

2ski4ever - I got my spry gum (along with other things I needed) from luckyvitamin.com. Wish I had ordered more than one pack....but I didn't think I would like it.

Coolbreeze. I went on IP 9/9/09 (kinda symbolic, huh??). Maybe when you work out of your house, you might have time to sew....altho there is a lot of distraction when taking care of young children. I had lost 5# before going on IP...just preparing for it (to see if I could give up OJ in the a.m., and chocolate at night....and eat a healthier breakfast than rice krispie bars...)

I had to buy some new tops -- got them for $5 apiece at Roamans...earlier this week. I am just not in the mood to rip apart sleeves and set shoulders. I am taking a bunch of things to rip...cuz now I have to roll waistbands over one to get them to fall right.

ValKyrie - you are SO near goal....when do you weigh in next???

Tried DiVinci raspberry syrup AND almond syrup in my vanilla pudding tonight...tasted like a real dessert.

Geez, it is 1:15am....just finished packing everything. Night everyone.

Just popping on to say hi. The move will be 75% if not 100% tomorrow! We will spend our first night in the new place. I am so glad to get rid of the commute again and take back 2-4 hours of my day back NOT to mention not having to get up before the birds.

Glad to see everyone is doing so well! I weigh in today but not sure how I will be fairing.

I have been off the forum for a while. It took me a while to find everyone!! I am so glad I did, as I need the comments to keep me going right now. My husbad was in the hospital with pneumonia and his recovery was complicated by his kidney cancer. A really scary time the last couple of weeks. he is home now and holding steady. We just take it day by day. Anyway, it was hard for me to get the veggies in while he was in the hospital-I was there night and day. I tried to get the water in and some of the packets, and did not eat food off the diet. I weighed yesterday and while I did not gain, I did not lose. At least I did not gain the 5 pounds back. I am back on track now and hope to see a loss when I weigh in next Friday. After being up at night with him, I crave something warm and nourishing!I had the leek soup this morning for breakfast!! I mix it by hand in a 4 cup measuring cup and pop it in the microwave. I stir it once, add more water and heat it some more! Drink it right out of the cup!!! Crazy,huh!! leek soup for breakfast!! But after being up and down all night, it seems more like the middle of the day!! Everyone is doing so well--keep it up. Someone put in a receipe fro chips using the crepes mix and I will try that next week. I copied it down but did not include her name. It sounded great tho and I miss my crunches!

I have a question....are we aloud to have vinigar? From my understanding there is sugar in vinigar. Anyone know the answer to this?? Thanks

It's my understanding that we can have white vinegar and apple cider vinegar.

Torchlaker -- the spry gum tastes just like regular gum. It is flavored with xylitol which does not activate the pancreas. There are also mints from spry and they are good. I used them several years ago. You'll like it if you like regular gum.

has anyone has stomach issues with this diet? I am embarrassed to admit, this is day 2 and having diarrhea issues. cant decide if i am coming down with something or if this is a side effect. I have a headache but that could go either way also.

I had some diarrhea with this, and still do occasionally. I've always been a heavy starch, very few green veggie eater, so I chalked it up to that. At least I no longer have to take anything to stay regular.

Hi everyone. I haven't been on in a few days. I was sick for a few days with a stomach bug and couldn't eat anything but toast, crackers, and tea. I am better now and back on plan but I find I am having the same withdrawal symptoms I had when I first went on the plan. If I remember right I ate lettuce every 2 hours when I first started and that helped. I guess I'll go buy a bunch of lettuce and do that again.

MaggieLA-Sorry to hear that your husband had pneumonia. I'm sure that was probably very scary for you. I hope that he has a speedy recovery.

GoddessTT- I hope that your move goes smoothly.

Montana Mom -- how long have you been on IP? Wonderful loss.

Today is day 6 and is the first day I have been hungry. My stomach has growled morning and afternoon. I really don't feel so much hungry as not satisified. I've ordered some SPRY gum because I think it will help a lot if I can chew gum.

I've been on IP for 4 1/2 weeks now. I've mentioned before that I started having my noon IP packet about 2:00 or so...usually one of the fruit drinks. It helped curb my hunger 'til supper time. Good luck!

I'm going to post the survey results in the FAQ file - that way they'll be easy to find. I'll update the the post periodically with new numbers.
Currently 13 people have completed the survey.
For those that haven't taken the survey yet, go here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GNskPECvm2P4_2bYdG1PaLwg_3d_3d

Torchlaker, it's TERRIBLE to have to buy new clothes, isn't it? hahahahaha
I went and weighed today and had lost 2.4 more lbs so I'm less than 10 lbs from the goal! I hope I can get there by thanksgiving because quite honestly, I want a little bit of my grandma's turkey and dressing and one just isn't as good without the other.

We are all at different pieces of our journey with this and all have our own issues to face but I just want to thank everyone for being so open and honest about feelings and things that have happened to you. I've been on this since February and still, some of the things some of you say really hit home.
For me, I'm close to goal.. at 91% in fact but am still on phase 1 and will be until I hit that magic number. I'm getting really nervous about the thought of going back into the real world. I found a website that has given me lots of good ideas and resources.. kind of done the leg work for me is what I'm thinking. It's www.hungry-girl.com Some of you probably know about her but I'm just in awe of what this girl has done and the work she puts into it. She follows the weight watchers system but still, it could give some of you ideas in the future so I just wanted to share.

Everyone have a great weekend!

Hi, All. I am new to this forum and will be starting IP next Friday. You give me a lot to look forward to.

Valkyrie - how many pounds did you average per week? How did you have the stamina to stay on this for so long? It is pretty restrictive and you have been on it for so many months.

OMG Valkyrie, I am so excited for you!!! What a huge accomplishment. I have to tell you, there are days when you are the only thing that keeps me going on this. Like Texan123 said, this diet is pretty restrictive. Some days I just want to give up but then I think "Well if Valkyrie can stay on it for as long as she has then I can too." It would be great if you decided to post some before and after pics.

...I'm less than 10 lbs from the goal! ...I've been on this since February...

You are amazing!!! Over a 100lbs since February. You give me hope that if I pay the price (figuratively and literally :)) long enough and stay true to the plan I will be successful. Thank you for sharing your experience with those of us just starting..

PS: Hungry girl is a great site

I have been off the forum for a while. It took me a while to find everyone!! I am so glad I did, as I need the comments to keep me going right now. My husbad was in the hospital with pneumonia and his recovery was complicated by his kidney cancer. A really scary time the last couple of weeks. he is home now and holding steady. We just take it day by day. Anyway, it was hard for me to get the veggies in while he was in the hospital-I was there night and day. I tried to get the water in and some of the packets, and did not eat food off the diet. I weighed yesterday and while I did not gain, I did not lose. At least I did not gain the 5 pounds back. I am back on track now and hope to see a loss when I weigh in next Friday. After being up at night with him, I crave something warm and nourishing!I had the leek soup this morning for breakfast!! I mix it by hand in a 4 cup measuring cup and pop it in the microwave. I stir it once, add more water and heat it some more! Drink it right out of the cup!!! Crazy,huh!! leek soup for breakfast!! But after being up and down all night, it seems more like the middle of the day!! Everyone is doing so well--keep it up. Someone put in a receipe fro chips using the crepes mix and I will try that next week. I copied it down but did not include her name. It sounded great tho and I miss my crunches!

wow maggie! hats off to you, for enduring these restrictions during which is obviously a busy and stressful time. i love how you manage to stay so positive, even making leek soup sound like a nice breakfast. good on you and way to stay on track, even when i am sure it would be easier not to. you are an inspiration. i wish the best for you and your husband.

Starting IP first thing in the AM. A little scared. :O

well been on for 12 weeks and just hit 50 lbs lost!! some days it hard and others its all good. but i just have to take it one day at a time!!!

WOW mjv-50 lbs in 12 weeks--awesome!! I weighed on my scale this morning and am down 10 pounds--but it has taken me 3 weeks to do this- now that my husband's home from the hospital, I am back on track--but had leek soup this morning at 6 for breakfast again!!! I love that soup and it is so cozy to eat it early in the morning! Since I am not losing quickly, I am not eating any of the restricted foods yet. I tried on some pants this morning and while I can't zip them, at least I got them over my hips!!! yea!!! I miss fruit so much--not sweets too much which surprises me as I have a HUGE sweet tooth--but--it is so hard for me to not eat fruit. Congrats to all of us for hanging in there--this is not the easiest diet I have ever tried (and I guess I've tried them all!), but I have not had headaches, etc.-so that is good!

well been on for 12 weeks and just hit 50 lbs lost!! some days it hard and others its all good. but i just have to take it one day at a time!!!

WOW...love hearing that, it makes me want to stay with it when I see results like that mjv! I am into week 3, weigh on Monday to start week 4. First week I lost 6.6 and second week 2.5. Hoping for another bigger loss this week.
Thanks for sharing!

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting here and I'm so glad I have found this board!

I am on day 3 of the IP program. Honestly, the past two days have been tough. I really felt awful yesterday. I've been dealing with headaches, fatigue and what feels like constant hunger. Today however, I think I'm starting to feel better. Did anyone else really struggle with the first three days? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it truly does get a lot better after day 4. I'm motivated, but I don't think I can feel like this for very long without going completely nuts.

I've loved reading all of your posts - it's definitely helping to keep me excited about something that is making me feel so terrible lol.

Valkyrie - how many pounds did you average per week? How did you have the stamina to stay on this for so long? It is pretty restrictive and you have been on it for so many months.

Texan, I've seemed to average between 3 - 4 pounds a week. During September, for about 4 weeks, I only lost 1 lb. My coach had said edamame was ok so I took that at face value and it stalled progress. I started working out more consistently and got jump started again.
As far as the length of time... I'm not a very creative eater. I've seen a lot of the recipes posted and while some them sound ok, I guess I'm fortunate that I like most of the packets at face value. Another thing that has helped me is that I like the Walden Farms dressings... well, a couple of them. I think I read that you travel for your job... I do too. They have the handy travel packs so getting my vegetable's on the road isn't hard.
We all have our reasons of doing it.. mind started out that I wanted to of course, be healthier, but I knew I was meeting my fiance's ex wife and wanted to look hotter than her :) Now I'm just stubborn and **** bent to get there... have spent to much time and money not to follow through!

You are amazing!!! Over a 100lbs since February. You give me hope that if I pay the price (figuratively and literally :)) long enough and stay true to the plan I will be successful. Thank you for sharing your experience with those of us just starting..

PS: Hungry girl is a great site

Thank you :) You will be successful... trust me, if I can do it, anybody can! Now to see if I can keep it off after reaching goal!

OMG Valkyrie, I am so excited for you!!! What a huge accomplishment. I have to tell you, there are days when you are the only thing that keeps me going on this. Like Texan123 said, this diet is pretty restrictive. Some days I just want to give up but then I think "Well if Valkyrie can stay on it for as long as she has then I can too." It would be great if you decided to post some before and after pics.

Here is my 'before' (Feb 23, 2009) and my 100 lbs (Sept 24, 2009) after picture. I've never done attachments so I hope it works. You guys put up some pics!!!

Wow, All these stories are so motivating. Today was my first day on IP. I have been very confortable considerdering. I noticed on several diffrent occations that I would have an urge to put something in my mouth and not even notice.....like cooking my son some pizza rolls and got some pizza sauce on my finger and and went to lick it off and had to stop myself. So I guess that's the 1st sign that I'm in the right direction. Good luck to everyone. ***The pre-made shakes are amazing***

Hi everyone! This is my first time posting here and I'm so glad I have found this board!

I am on day 3 of the IP program. Honestly, the past two days have been tough. I really felt awful yesterday. I've been dealing with headaches, fatigue and what feels like constant hunger. Today however, I think I'm starting to feel better. Did anyone else really struggle with the first three days? I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it truly does get a lot better after day 4. I'm motivated, but I don't think I can feel like this for very long without going completely nuts.

I've loved reading all of your posts - it's definitely helping to keep me excited about something that is making me feel so terrible lol.

I also experienced headaches and feeling very tired the first week. They suggested using sea salt to get rid of headaches, and it actually works most of the time! I go through the whole day without any tiredness now which is quite different than before, no cravings either.

Here is my 'before' (Feb 23, 2009) and my 100 lbs (Sept 24, 2009) after picture. I've never done attachments so I hope it works. You guys put up some pics!!!

You look great! You should be so proud of yourself. Thank you for sharing.

Here is my 'before' (Feb 23, 2009) and my 100 lbs (Sept 24, 2009) after picture. I've never done attachments so I hope it works. You guys put up some pics!!!

WOW Valkyrie, did you take measurements too?....you look like a different person! Thanks for posting this! I hope I can post before/after pics like that in a few monthss.

I also experienced headaches and feeling very tired the first week. They suggested using sea salt to get rid of headaches, and it actually works most of the time! I go through the whole day without any tiredness now which is quite different than before, no cravings either.
Thanks for the reply! I was told to use sea salt as well, but wasn't able to get it until this morning. I've been feeling pretty good for most of the day. I don't know if that's because of the sea salt or because I'm now three days in. Either way, I'm happy to be feeling almost normal again!

Hi everyone,

this is the first weekend where i really had to "fight" some cravings....and sometimes it helps just to vocalize it. but darnit i am really missing a few things in my diet!!

just for the fun of it, and to get some feedback so i know i am not the only one that "struggles" from time to time, how bout we list the 3 things we miss most that we look forward to reintroducing into our lifestyles once we meet our goals! give us something to look forward to!!

the things that I can't have now, but can be added back in (moderation) when the time is right!

what i look forward to the most are:

1- KETCHUP

2- PASTA

3-BREAD

a real benifit of this diet for me has been to see that there were a lot of foods in my life that i really can do without. the foods i listed are those that i know i could not go on forever without, and really look forward to in moderation when the time is here!! just what i am looking forward to!

Hi everyone,

just for the fun of it, and to get some feedback so i know i am not the only one that "struggles" from time to time, how bout we list the 3 things we miss most that we look forward to reintroducing into our lifestyles once we meet our goals! give us something to look forward to!!

the things that I can't have now, but can be added back in (moderation) when the time is right!

what i look forward to the most are:



1 - Wine
2 - Cheese
3 - Grapes

Wow...that's kind of weird, isn't it? I rarely had the three of them together, but I do miss all of them!

Here are a few recipes I was given at the IP center here...haven't tried them yet.

Cinnamon Roll Shake
10 oz cold water
1 packet IP vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Butter Buds or Molly McButter or Butter Extract
Shake in shaker for a cinnamon flavored shake.

Raspberry Jelly Lemonade

Mix in the 24 oz water bottle

To 4 oz very hot water, add the IP packet of raspberry jelly and 1 packet of Lemon Chrystal light 'to go' or (1/2 tsp Chrystal Light from the tube)
Then add 16 oz water and ice, and shake.


Lemon Chiffon Shake

10 oz cold water
1 packet IP vanilla pudding
1 Chrystal light lemonaid 'to go'
Shake well, add ice and shake and drink.


Stir Fry

7 oz fish or seafood, or 5 oz chicken, beef or pork loin
1 1/2 cups cabbage
1/2 cup broccoli

sauce
1 TBLSP Tamari sauce
1 TBLSP water
splenda to taste
cayenne pepper to taste

Cook meat/fish in a pan sprayed with Pam. Add broccoli and heat until crispy tender, add cabbage and sauce and heat thru.

For the first time since I startd this diet - I am week 3- I am STARVING!!! Am smothering some cabbage for my lunch veggies-it may be that now that I have night help for my husband, I am doing more housework, etc. in the house and thus burning up more energy--I don't want to cheat as the cost of this diet is lots of $$$$--but my stomach doesn't understand that!!! I would LOVE bowl of pasta right now!!! Not a packet!! Oh well, no one said being beautiful was not painless--ha! Maybe when I weigh in on Friday all of this will be worth it! When I get discouraged--I go back and read all the success stories and that keeps me going!

Maggie, just keep thinking about the end result and remember if you cheat you have to start all over again with that cruddy feeling for three days. It will all be worth it in the end. Remember nothing tastes as good as thin looks.
Congrats Valkyrie00, you look Fabbbbbulous. Have a great Sunday.

i am confused - i read the recipes above and they contain butter pats and crystal lite. are some people allowed different things on the diet? i thought crystal lite had aspertime, and we were told we could not have that? especially when mentioned these recipes came from the "IP center" is there a crystal lite that does not have aspartime? sure would be interested...

i am confused - i read the recipes above and they contain butter pats and crystal lite. are some people allowed different things on the diet? i thought crystal lite had aspertime, and we were told we could not have that? especially when mentioned these recipes came from the "IP center" is there a crystal lite that does not have aspartime? sure would be interested...

I wondered the same thing because they told me the Chrystal Lite also has calories, but the gal gave me these recipes and a few otheres I haven't posted yet. . . . good question!

Question concerning exercise. beginning tomorrow, I will have day help for my husband 3 times a week. I love to walk--and would love to get back to this-l found that it was very calming for me, and just being outside would be wonderful. I have not walked in over a year, so know that I won't be doing my old 5 miles--but, somewhere I read on the forum where there was no exercise--when can we start? was that just for the first 3 weeks?

Well, my "away" weekend is over....and i am back home, exhausted. It was a fun weekend. Didn't accomplish much. Got my leopard fleece coat nearly done.

OK -- I didn't go down for breakfast yesterday...and this morning, I just got a cup of coffee and sat with the girls....but, I wasn't very good. Terrible on water, and snuck in a few cookies. I AM proud of not pigging out at the snack table tho. I had to walk by it every time I left the room...pretzels, all kinds of candy, chip mixtures....(there was more, but I didn't want to look at it). I certainly smoked more than I ever have before -- cuz when I would get hungry, I would go up to my room and have one.

OK -- found out pudding doesn't hold me for breakfast....I made those cookies that had butterscotch pudding and maple oatmeal. I didn't like them at all.....Maybe more splenda....or something. Anyways, that was supposed to be my saving grace, so that didn't work. Yes, I gained.....and no, I sure am not looking forward to weigh in on Tuesday.

We went out for brunch about 12:30pm...and here I really screwed up. I was starving!! Ended up having the breakfast buffet.....and now, of course, after the sugar and carbs, I feel like crap. I also forgot to take my supplements with me (they were right on the table, too!!). I am already feeling cravings that I haven't felt in weeks and I am hungry again! SandraB -- I think you are right....we are going thru the withdrawal again. Oh well. I will get back on track tomorrow.

ValKyrie....I am so proud of you. You look wonderful. A whole different person. MJV -- yay!! 50#! You are my heroes! Actually, I think we are all doing great. There will be setbacks in real life....social events we cannot avoid...the trick will be - can we believe in ourselves enough to brush it off...and get back on our "treatment plan" and head towards our own goals..whatever they are. (ask me this tomorrow, lol!!)

I have a huge headache....and no energy tonight. Gonna go make a chicken salad....

Way to go ValKyrie!!! You are an inspiration to me. When i feel like cheating (and sometimes i do cheat and then get MAD at myself), I'll remember you and your photos and spit it back out! Thanks for posting.
Keep going girls. don't give up! WE CAN DO THIS!!!

I've added almond flavoring to the chocolate pudding and it adds variety. I also add cinnamon to the vanilla.

well been on for 12 weeks and just hit 50 lbs lost!! some days it hard and others its all good. but i just have to take it one day at a time!!!

WooHoo!!! Congratulations. That is over 4 lbs a week!!! Totally AWESOME:dizzy:

I started working out more consistently and got jump started again.

What type of work out routines do you do? My coach said not to worry about exercise because it damages the muscles that I need to burn fat. I've never been an exerciser so I loved hearing this, but exercise was obviously a part of your success. Thanks

Godd morning

Lomg time i didnt post . Everything is going great ! the pouns are melting down , people are noticing the changes . Even if its not for that , that i am doing IP its always flaterring :)


Have a good day !

I'm a newbie to IP and have only been on it for 3 days. I had lost some weight with diet and exercise but it had slowed to a halt over the past few months, so I thought I would try IP.
Any suggestions about the salt intake. I was told to have a full teaspoon of sea salt daily but the packs seem salty already and adding more makes them intolerable. Any sneaky ways of hiding the salt?
I love the omlettes with extra veggies and hot sauce, and the chili with extra mushrooms. The yoghurt was bleh but other than that, so far so good. Anyone tried freezing the yoghurt?
I love reading your inspirational stories and hope I will be successful to.

Try the sea salt on your veggies (along with other seasonings). But I agree - 1 tsp is a lot!

Is anyone in the US getting the ready-made puddings, or are these in Canada only?

Here's what my coach emailed to me regarding exercise:
Light, low impact exercise is what we recommend if you must exercise. The reason we suggest low impact is because this is a very low calorie diet. To be more explanatory, it's about 800-900 calories a day. So if you start burning more than you're taking in, you'll begin burning your muscle mass since your body has nowhere else to pull from. We don't want this to
happen! We just want you to burn fat. So if you want to exercise, I would
add additional protein right after your workout. A lower carb item would be
best...like a drink or pudding. Or you could make your own protein like
chicken or turkey.

Hi all,
My IP info says 1/2 tsp salt. I put 1/4 tsp on each of my salads, or sometimes my vegies. Its pretty easy to get the salt that way.

Also, Salt is WAY important when you are drinking lots of water. Too little salt and you get hyponatremic (low blood sodium) this = light headed and can be SERIOUS if not taken care of. (I work in a hospital).

I forgot my salt one day and couldn't figure out why I felt almost dizzy. Popped a salt packet from the cafeteria and drank an Alka Seltzer and felt better fast!

:listen:Godd morning

Lomg time i didnt post . Everything is going great ! the pouns are melting down , people are noticing the changes . Even if its not for that , that i am doing IP its always flaterring :)


Have a good day !



@Annmawy When did you start IP?? :listen:

:listen:



@Annmawy When did you start IP?? :listen:




Hi :)

I started IP mid august ... took it slow, had a fiew weeks with not much lost but i am still there :)

thanks for asking :)

Try the sea salt on your veggies (along with other seasonings). But I agree - 1 tsp is a lot!

Is anyone in the US getting the ready-made puddings, or are these in Canada only?

Here's what my coach emailed to me regarding exercise:





It must depend of each person , i play volleyball 3 times a week ( quite physical) and i havnt lost much muscle.:smug:

So excited...3 week weigh in and I lost 3.8 pounds....so that totals almost 13 pounds in 3 weeks!

You look great! You should be so proud of yourself. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you!

WOW Valkyrie, did you take measurements too?....you look like a different person! Thanks for posting this! I hope I can post before/after pics like that in a few monthss.

I did take measurements... have lost over 55 inches!
I wish I would have thought to have them measure things like my neck.. my wrists... calves. Any of you guys just starting, I would suggest you do that.. just for fun :)

Maggie, just keep thinking about the end result and remember if you cheat you have to start all over again with that cruddy feeling for three days. It will all be worth it in the end. Remember nothing tastes as good as thin looks.
Congrats Valkyrie00, you look Fabbbbbulous. Have a great Sunday.
Thank you!

1 - Wine
2 - Cheese
3 - Grapes

Wow...that's kind of weird, isn't it? I rarely had the three of them together, but I do miss all of them!

Mine are:
1. Cheese
2. Toast
3. Peanut butter!

I think it's just easier, and lazier, to say 'thanks' to all.

I wonder, as a cummulative group, what we have lost to date.....
Just an idea: I'll post my weight loss.. the next person post theirs and add it to mine, then the next person post theirs and add to the total.. so on and so forth...

107 lbs

Any suggestions about the salt intake. I was told to have a full teaspoon of sea salt daily but the packs seem salty already and adding more makes them intolerable. Any sneaky ways of hiding the salt?


I second the importance of salt. I've heard of people having seizures if their salt gets too low! I can always tell I need some when I bend over and get dizzy. Like toomanycats, I drink a small amount in water and it goes away. You might double check with your coach on the amount you need every day. My hand out only calls for 1/2 a teaspoon a day.

Usually I don't have a problem getting my sea salt in. I use salt free seasonings on the meat with the knife and fork meal and replace the salt normally in the seasonings with the sea salt.

Is anyone in the US getting the ready-made puddings, or are these in Canada only?


Here's what my coach emailed to me regarding exercise:"Light, low impact exercise is what we recommend if you must exercise..."
Thanks so much for this clarification on excercise. My coach didn't provide the explanation. I can honestly say I've never felt like I MUST exercise!!! Every other plan I've tried emphasized a lot of exercise. Now I don't have to feel guilty when I reach the end of the day with 3500 steps on my pedometer instead of 10,000. Woo - Hoo!!:).

My coach told me the ready made puddings have not made it to the US yet.

Got back on the IP today....and struggled with the headaches again. Makes me really want to rethink ever cheating again!!

I try to get in at least 1/2 t. salt a day. I usually use it on my fresh veggies, because I agree that everything else tastes too salty.

Great idea, Valkyrie (I also wish I had taken more measurements....my shoes are too big!!) Below is mine added to yours...(that's because I know I am gonna gain at weigh in). Geez, my loss seems so tiny compared to yours!!

107# + 28# = 135 lbs. lost!!

107# + 28# = 135 lbs. lost!!

135 + 39 = 174 lbs lost

I think I am addicted to the vanilla pudding. This sounds strange, but if I leave it a bit lumpy it honestly takes like yellow cake batter to me. Mmmmm.

135 + 39 = 174 lbs lost

174lbs + 15lbs = 189 lbs lost!

174lbs + 15lbs = 189 lbs lost!

189lbs+46lbs=235 lbs. lost

174lbs + 15lbs = 189 lbs lost!

189 lbs + 12.9 lbs = 201.9 lbs lost!

201.9+28 = 229.9 Wouhou !!!!

I bet we hit the 300# loss mark today if others put their loss in there!!

Coolbreeze...that is so funny about the "cake batter." I stir the heck out of it so there are NO lumps!!

Mirazon...I have never heard that saying before - "The Difference between FIT and FAT is I". Love it!

Seem to be feeling better today. Dreading weighin...(do I have to take the "gain" away from the total weight loss - lol?) My "inerds" are all screwed up!

ValKyrie - I love "hungry-girl" -- I haven't looked at her daily newsletter since I started IP because there doesn't seem to be much I can eat...but I have both her cookbooks, and hope to use them when I get on maintenance. She certainly covers the "comfort foods". (I have a whole pantry full of things she suggested! Unopened!)

Time to bite the bullet! Geez, just think - it cost me over $100 this week to gain!

Got back on the IP today....and struggled with the headaches again. Makes me really want to rethink ever cheating again!!

I try to get in at least 1/2 t. salt a day. I usually use it on my fresh veggies, because I agree that everything else tastes too salty.

Great idea, Valkyrie (I also wish I had taken more measurements....my shoes are too big!!) Below is mine added to yours...(that's because I know I am gonna gain at weigh in). Geez, my loss seems so tiny compared to yours!!

107# + 28# = 135 lbs. lost!!

I cheated a lot this past weekend. Snacked some on things not allowed, but I also had a couple of drinks Friday and Saturday evenings. This week, trying to be good, I've been very cranky. I don't feel bad physically, but am very irritable. Y'all have reminded me that I felt this way my first 3-4 days on IP. Have been debating sticking with the program, or doing an Atkins or South Beach approach, since I'm getting tired of the packets already after just 4 weeks. I could use some encouragement.
Phyllis

well, I had a caretaker for my husband today--first day that I had been able to get out of the house for longer than 15 minutes in weeks. I had soo many errands-bank, post office, grocery shopping, etc--did NOT eat until 8pm.--then had some soup-THEN ate EIGHT<YES>EIGHT oreos---I a sooo mad at myself--I had bought lots of veggies too--no excuse--I weighed today and did not gain--but I know I set myself back for days--so--this proves to me that I MUST eat the 3 meals and the snack so I don't attack the wrong kinds of food. I was home in teh afternoon--so there was no reason not to eat.

Out of curiosity, how much "off limits" food do you have to eat to get kicked out of ketosis? Is it as simple as a bite of something high-carb or a few sips of diet coke? I don't know much about ketosis, so I'm trying to understand. I went to my parents' house on the weekend for supper. It was day 4 for me, and I was finally starting to feel better after those first three days of ****. My mom told me we were having lean ground beef with ground up veggies (nothing restricted) in it to make it like a meat loaf. So, I had that as my lean protein and had salad, etc. I was almost finished eating when my mom said, "Oh, is it okay that I put tomato soup in the meat loaf?" My serving of meat loaf was around the 5 oz mark, so it's not like I had a whole bowl of tomato soup. But would that have been enough to bring me out of ketosis after just getting in? I have been sticking so close to the diet over the past 6 days, with the exception of that. But, I am still hungry all the time, and I thought that by now I shouldn't feel hungry any more. That makes me wonder if ketosis maybe hasn't set in. If anyone has any insight, I'd really appreciate it :)

Out of curiosity, how much "off limits" food do you have to eat to get kicked out of ketosis? Is it as simple as a bite of something high-carb or a few sips of diet coke? I don't know much about ketosis, so I'm trying to understand. I went to my parents' house on the weekend for supper. It was day 4 for me, and I was finally starting to feel better after those first three days of ****. My mom told me we were having lean ground beef with ground up veggies (nothing restricted) in it to make it like a meat loaf. So, I had that as my lean protein and had salad, etc. I was almost finished eating when my mom said, "Oh, is it okay that I put tomato soup in the meat loaf?" My serving of meat loaf was around the 5 oz mark, so it's not like I had a whole bowl of tomato soup. But would that have been enough to bring me out of ketosis after just getting in? I have been sticking so close to the diet over the past 6 days, with the exception of that. But, I am still hungry all the time, and I thought that by now I shouldn't feel hungry any more. That makes me wonder if ketosis maybe hasn't set in. If anyone has any insight, I'd really appreciate it :)
Thats a great question. Our coach gives the OK to crystal light and I accidentally bought the Ocean Spray brand, just 5 calories, sugar free, but yesterday I had two packets of it. My scale hasnt moved in 3 days which is strange for me. Wondering if I did something wrong and things are stopped. I know, I shouldnt weigh daily, cant help myself.

Out of curiosity, how much "off limits" food do you have to eat to get kicked out of ketosis? Is it as simple as a bite of something high-carb or a few sips of diet coke? I don't know much about ketosis, so I'm trying to understand. I went to my parents' house on the weekend for supper. It was day 4 for me, and I was finally starting to feel better after those first three days of ****. My mom told me we were having lean ground beef with ground up veggies (nothing restricted) in it to make it like a meat loaf. So, I had that as my lean protein and had salad, etc. I was almost finished eating when my mom said, "Oh, is it okay that I put tomato soup in the meat loaf?" My serving of meat loaf was around the 5 oz mark, so it's not like I had a whole bowl of tomato soup. But would that have been enough to bring me out of ketosis after just getting in? I have been sticking so close to the diet over the past 6 days, with the exception of that. But, I am still hungry all the time, and I thought that by now I shouldn't feel hungry any more. That makes me wonder if ketosis maybe hasn't set in. If anyone has any insight, I'd really appreciate it :)

Doesn't sound like it's enough to bring you out of ketosis. If you want to be certain, you can purchase KETOSTIX from the drugstore. You pee on them, and if they turn any shade of pink or purple, you are still in ketosis. The darker the shade, the more ketones(burnt up fat) you are throwing off. The darker the shade, the less hungry you should feel.

I've heard a lot of negative things about the taste of the Walden Farms dressings. I'm starting IP friday and was wondering what your favorite/least favorite dressings are? I'm about to order some. Thanks.

Thank you so much for this recipe. I will try it tomorrow. I am really struggling with the Walden Farms salad dressings. I've had to mix the ranch and blue cheese with a Tbsp full of hot salsa to disguise the taste so I could eat it. (I'm too cheap to throw them away!) I figure at this rate, I won't have more than the 2 cups of tomatoes in a week.

I read in one of the earlier posts that the spritz salad dressings might be OK. Would someone please verify if this is true or not??? Thanks

oh and if you like it you can throw in some soy sauce and hot mustard or dijon!
;)

Woo hoo! I lost 8 lbs! 191 starting, my goal is 155. I made it through my first week and after day 3..no crazy hungriness. I am actually enjoying it. My days and nights are so easy. I know exactly what i will have through out the day and dinner is so simple, my boyfriend is unwillingly losing weight hehe. I really cant see myself eating the way I used to. I already feel so much healthier. I used to get so bloated I would seriously look pregnant and hour after I ate, and it has not happened at all! (i think i may have a gluten intolerance) I took the girls I watch to Mcdonalds on friday, one of them has cystic fibrosis so from time to time she needs a good fattening meal, and they have an awesome play place :) I brought my salad and veggies with me and go stared at like a freak! For the first time in my life I looked around and noticed how many large people were there, with there large children and overstuffed trays. There were some that I had expected to sit down with others because the size of there tray, but they didnt! It really put things into perspective to me and that is NOT what I want for my kids when I have them...or for myself! Yes when I have lost my weight I will indulge, but the difference will be once a week, not every day like I used to! I never want to feel like i was feeling ever again! does anyone know how to get one of those weight loss count downs??

I've heard a lot of negative things about the taste of the Walden Farms dressings. I'm starting IP friday and was wondering what your favorite/least favorite dressings are? I'm about to order some. Thanks.

I personally enjoy the dressings. My mother says it takes/smells like finger nail polish. I would suggest at least trying it. The more I eat salad without dressing I'm actually enjoying it. But the dressing is a back up plan if its hard to eat the salad. (I purchased Walden Farms at Albertsons)

On day 4 and feeling a little mind confusion, but nothing bad enough to make me stop!!

Keep up the great work everyone.

THINKING THIN;)

Woo hoo! I lost 8 lbs! 191 starting, my goal is 155. I made it through my first week and after day 3..no crazy hungriness. I am actually enjoying it. My days and nights are so easy. I know exactly what i will have through out the day and dinner is so simple, my boyfriend is unwillingly losing weight hehe. I really cant see myself eating the way I used to. I already feel so much healthier. I used to get so bloated I would seriously look pregnant and hour after I ate, and it has not happened at all! (i think i may have a gluten intolerance) I took the girls I watch to Mcdonalds on friday, one of them has cystic fibrosis so from time to time she needs a good fattening meal, and they have an awesome play place :) I brought my salad and veggies with me and go stared at like a freak! For the first time in my life I looked around and noticed how many large people were there, with there large children and overstuffed trays. There were some that I had expected to sit down with others because the size of there tray, but they didnt! It really put things into perspective to me and that is NOT what I want for my kids when I have them...or for myself! Yes when I have lost my weight I will indulge, but the difference will be once a week, not every day like I used to! I never want to feel like i was feeling ever again! does anyone know how to get one of those weight loss count downs??

Congrats...on your weight loss. :bravo:

I took my son to Mc'd yesterday and it was an absolute struggle. :?::dust: All the smells expecially the chicken nuggets and the apple dippers were hard to resist. I ordered a water......and just manned up and didn't give in. Cannot wait until the cravings go away!!

Good luck to everyone:goodluck:

BREAD
CHEESE LOTS OF CHEESE
BUTTER
It makes me sad to think of the amounts of those items I actually consumed each day Wow....:drool:

:frypan:


:haphal:.

Hello! I have been on the Ideal Protein Diet for 1-year now. I started after kicking Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma's tushy to the curb! I started at 190.8 and was down to 155.8 shortly, but my body has been hovering at around 159 cuz I haven't been 100% on it. I'm back on full force now cuz I have a cruise coming up and I want to break through to 150 before! I started at a size 18 and I'm a solid 14 now and into some Junior sizes! :)

Anyhoo, my oncologist told me I am NOT allowed to have ANY aspartame. That is anything with the Blue packets in restaurants. Splenda is ok and some pink packets are ok when Splenda (the yellow packets) aren't around. I actually now carry Splenda with me in my purse. Diet Rite is OK and if you live where there are Sweetbay supermarkets, they sell their own brand called Waist Watchers and it is EXACTLY like the Diet Rites (splenda, no sodium, no caffine) but cheaper. The Vanilla creme sold in 12-packs is the best! I also now buy Koolaid and make it with Splenda instead of Sugar. THen I put lots of ice in my glass to water it down. Makes it last longer too. Here's to being healthier! :)

Creamy bacon, Cesar and Ranch are my favs! I didn't like the Marshmellow dip. Oh.. and the BBQ sauce is great on chicken on the grill!!

10 week weigh in was yesterday...I know I haven't been on much, but wanted to share with you all.........
50 lbs gone!!!!!!!:carrot:
It feels amazing! Keep in mind you can ALL do this...it gets much easier!

3 things I miss
buttered toast
movie theater popcorn
pizza
(I have cheated a bit and eat cheese on occasion as my 1 oz of dairy...it helps me stay on track, plus has no carbs!)

I've heard a lot of negative things about the taste of the Walden Farms dressings. I'm starting IP friday and was wondering what your favorite/least favorite dressings are? I'm about to order some. Thanks.

i like the vinagrette (can't remember if it is raspberry?) But i also like the vinagrettes from Kraft.

3 things i miss
1) Pizza
2) apples
3) granola

275.9 + 36.25 = 312.15!!!

The 3 things I miss the most:
- Bread
- Peanut butter (especially when I see my husband eating some!)
- Cheese

Almost cheated last weekend when I baked apple pies... Smelled soooo good in the house!

Torchlaker: Keeep the good work - it is always harder after a cheat but you overcame the struggle when you did first started this plan! Even if I was afraid of the scale, I made it quite good (-6,5# for 2 weeks!).

Valkyrie: Wow - those pictures tell a lot about your determination! You are a inspiration!!

Next weigh next Tuesday - maybe I will buy a scale... cannot wait! (& still scared - love those mixed emotions!!)

10 week weigh in was yesterday...I know I haven't been on much, but wanted to share with you all.........
50 lbs gone!!!!!!!:carrot:
It feels amazing! Keep in mind you can ALL do this...it gets much easier!

3 things I miss
buttered toast
movie theater popcorn
pizza
(I have cheated a bit and eat cheese on occasion as my 1 oz of dairy...it helps me stay on track, plus has no carbs!)

HOLY COW, THAT IS SOOOO ENCOURAGING, I have a bunch to lose and am
very encouraged by the time frame! Thanks for sharing!

Walden Farms products that I like include:
Strawberry Syrup, Chocolate Syrup, Pancake Syrup
Honey BBQ Sauce
We tolerate the Creamy Bacon, Honey Dijon and Thousand Island dressing.
Hated Caesar and Ranch Dressings. And the dips (marshmallow, blue cheese and ranch) are horrid. Blue cheese actually reminded me of the smell of paint.

I was struggling on my veggies - avoiding doing a salad because I couldn't find a decent dressing. Last week I made a couple that were in the recipe file. SO MUCH BETTER THAN WF!!! I am now enjoying taking a big bowl of spinach every day with some homemade dressing. Save yourself the money and make some at home.

The one thing I'll keep the WF for is that we bought some of the singles packages. Those are good for travel.

sarah1022 - I agree with your mom....a lot of WF tastes and smells like fingernail polish! I can't think of any salad dressings I like....I just make my mom's or my motherinlaws. I do like the pancake syrup...the chocolate syrup and the BBQ sauce.

Dogchef - congrats! How inspirational!!! Sparkles1965 - boy, I wish we had that waist watchers around here. Creme soda sounds so good.

Well, guess what? I DIDN'T gain.....I didn't lose...but I didn't gain!! I am so glad....and more determined than ever right now to stick to this. When we actually discussed my choices over the weekend, I guess I was pretty proud of myself. Yes, I did indulge a bit....but I sure passed up a LOT of things.

does anyone know how to get one of those weight loss count downs??

Congrats on the 8 lb wt loss!!!

Apparently there is a minimum number of days you have to be a 3 FC member (I think 20) as well as a minimum number of posts you have to make to be able to edit your signature and add the weight ticker. Keep watch in the control panel. The bar on the left side under "Setting & Options" will show an "Edit Signature" option eventually.

Well, guess what? I DIDN'T gain.....I didn't lose...but I didn't gain!! I am so glad....and more determined than ever right now to stick to this.

Great that you didn't gain and regained your determination! This will hopefully make a little easier as you go through the carb detox symptoms :)

hi everyone,

just completed my 5th week weigh in and have lost a total of 25 lbs. i am happy, would love to have lost more, but it is enough to keep me motivated! good luck to everyone else!



http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-steps/bear01/lb/227/160/202/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

hi everyone,

just completed my 5th week weigh in and have lost a total of 25 lbs. i am happy, would love to have lost more, but it is enough to keep me motivated! good luck to everyone else!



http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-steps/bear01/lb/227/160/202/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)


Whoa....you will be out of the 200's next weigh in....and in "OnederLand". Congrats.

Wow, so many wonderful posts! Everyone is doing soooo good!!
I finally gave in to cravings and went out of ketosis recently. But had my weigh in tonite and only up a pound. 50th birthday coming up in a couple of weeks so I am back at it. NO RESTRICTED food for two weeks again! YES I CAN DO IT. :p
the keto sticks can be gotten at most pharmacys. You do have to ask for them from behind the counter. Walgreens has an inexpensive brand. But KMart and others carry them too. Shop around. Should be less than $15.00 for 50 sticks. Atkins is why I got them a long time ago. My coach and I were discussing them tonite. She recently heard that in general under 40 grams of carbs should keep you in Ketosis. Atkins has you add back 5 grams of carbs a week until out of ketosis then drop back by 5 grams to keep losing. But I would be safe and Just do what IP says.
Good Luck to all!:hug:

Hi Everyone,
I am New to IP...I am on Day 2 and I just wanted to tell everyone how much I appreciated reading all your posts. I have never dieted before and am nervous as to if this will work. I have done so much research on many different diets and by far this one is the best for your overall well-being. I hope to be able to post my success soon!!!! I have started the program with my daughterand I am hoping the "friendly" competition will get me over some hurdles.
Best of Luck to everyone! Keep up the postings!!!!!!!

275.9 + 36.25 = 312.15!!!


Valkyrie: Wow - those pictures tell a lot about your determination! You are a inspiration!!


Thank you! You guys give me way to much credit.... lol I've just been on it a LOT longer... yall hang in there! Everyone is doing so great!
I'm in El Paso this week and had a travel day from **** on Monday. By the time I landed, after a very long, long, long delay (thanks to the sudden storm from nowhere in Houston), I was STARVING!
I don't eat or drink before I fly.. that whole going to the restroom at 30k feet creeps me out... lol
I had a packet as soon as I got in the rental... that was breakfast. By the time I got to the jobsite, 30 min later, I had some soy puffs.. that was lunch. I was still SO hungry. I went to the quick stop next door and got a piece of beef jerky... bad bad me... BUT it didn't have any sugar, or carbs.. just a lot of salt and preservatives. I think that is probably the 2nd thing I've had that I probably shouldn't have but compared to a Snickers bar, I think I made a better decision.
I'm at work and have been since 430am...you guys have a great day!

What type of work out routines do you do? My coach said not to worry about exercise because it damages the muscles that I need to burn fat. I've never been an exerciser so I loved hearing this, but exercise was obviously a part of your success. Thanks

My workout is mostly walking/jogging... I just vary the speed and incline to keep my heart rate up. One of the best things I've bought is a heart rate monitor... it just sparks something in me to push it a little harder!
I also bought the full version of that fitday.. and 5 bottles of sugar free syrup.. thank you torchlaker... lol You're costing me to much money! lol

I am having a huge issue with loose skin though... my belly is just saggy ugly.. not to mention other parts of my body.. inner thighs, my breasts need some help, my neck even shows some wrinkles due to weight loss. Its funny how I have much more of a body image issue now than I did before the diet. I'm not sure if that makes sense or not but when I look in the mirror, I don't see anything different. I can tell in my clothes and in pictures of course. There are times I feel much more self conscious now than I ever did at my biggest.. how crazy is that??

I know the jello and blueberry drink are supposed to help with loose skin but if you had as much to lose as I did, I don't think that is going to take care of the issue. I probably should have started doing some core training or other exercises sooner than I did. After my wedding in January, we are going to decide on kids. If there are none in my future, I see some nip/tuck in my future. If there is, then after that we'll see.

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: