Ideal Protein Diet - Ideal Protein Diet - FAQ

I had this listed in a different thread, but was asked if I could post them here. This should help those that are doing the program on their own without a coach.

These are very helpful!

I wanted to purchase some Stevia in the grocery store today, but the brands I THOUGHT were ok had Dextrose along with Stevia in the ingredients list--is that ok, and also I was following the sheet my coach gave me that says no restricted foods in first couple of weeks, but have seen comments on here saying that we should have one a day (I'm only on day 4 and have lost 3.6 lbs. :?:
thanks for the help

I wanted to purchase some Stevia in the grocery store today, but the brands I THOUGHT were ok had Dextrose along with Stevia in the ingredients list--is that ok, and also I was following the sheet my coach gave me that says no restricted foods in first couple of weeks, but have seen comments on here saying that we should have one a day (I'm only on day 4 and have lost 3.6 lbs. :?:
thanks for the help

Try the health food section of your grocery store for stevia only.
AND there is a difference between coaches and new protocol out. Restricted add more carbs. So (IMHO) restricted at the beginning or waiting really is a personal choice. again just my opinion.

I wanted to purchase some Stevia in the grocery store today, but the brands I THOUGHT were ok had Dextrose along with Stevia in the ingredients list--is that ok, and also I was following the sheet my coach gave me that says no restricted foods in first couple of weeks, but have seen comments on here saying that we should have one a day (I'm only on day 4 and have lost 3.6 lbs. :?:
thanks for the help

I am going into week 3 and I have not been allowed any restricted yet either. It depends greatly on your coach.. What I've been told by MANY member here, trust the diet, it works..

I asked my coach today about the restricted deal. She allowed one per day from the beginning. I asked her about having days with no R and she said IP has found the average weight loss is not affected either way and that people tend to do better in maintenance if they allow R's. I see what she's saying and it makes sense. She said not only is maintenance more successful but that they found the average weight loss really isn't affected by NOT having R's from the beginning.

Thanks for the info! My coach didn't say not to have the restricted foods, I just read it on the sheet and want to get the most bang for my buck--it's day 6 and I'm down 5 lbs., woo hoo!! I think I'm going to start adding a restricted, just for more variety. Thanks again! ;)

Hi--my coach said to used the Body Diary on the IP website but I don't have a password. Does anyone else use that tool? And did your coach provide you with a password?

Is there better success sticking w IP foods that have lower carbs?

Is there better success sticking w IP foods that have lower carbs?

My coach said yes, she actually said its especially importent to stay away from restricted items if only you have 20-30 pounds to lose. The alternative to staying away from restricted items was to start some sort of exercise 30-40 minutes a day to burn off the extra calories. Also she said do your restricted item daily in the morning, that way your day to day walking, etc will burn it off too.

Hi,
I started the IP diet through a local coach Jan 31st, did great and lost 4.8 pounds the first week and close to that the second. Only problem is all the soy based packets (Soy is super high in estrogen and estrogen like compounds) messed with my birth control. So did the need for a daily laxative no matter how much lettuce I had. So off the diet I went due to health concerns. So new plan. I am keeping with the concepts of the diet, the no no lists and all that with one exception. I also replaced all the soy protein you get from IP with Whey protein. My daily menu is below. Let me know what you think and if anything like this worked for anyone else? Thanks a lot!!!

Breakfast:-One Yo-Toddler organic yogurt at: 110 Calories, 16 g carbs, 4 g protein, 14 g sugar. http://www.stonyfield.com/yobaby/yot...ana_/index.jsp

(I choose yo-toddler because it is low is calories, and most of our IP packets had some dairy in them. My understanding is that we could not have any more daily than what was in the packets so I hope this is close.)

Lunch:
-Natures Way Metabolic Reset Chocolate Shake at: 130 Calories, 13 carbs, 1 g sugar and 21 g protein. With the two scoops as directed but I am going to do a scoop and a half which will put me at 98 calories, ect.)
http://www.naturesway.com/Products/D...Chocolate.aspx
-Two cups of select, low carb veggies like pickles.

Supper:
-5 oz select meat or 7 oz select sea food.
-2 cups lettuce.
-2 cups select veggies.
-WF Bacon Ranch dressing, or honey dijon salad spritzer.

Snack:- 1 med size grapefruit at: 74 calories, 1.45 g protein, and 18.4 carbs.

I'll probably add miracle noodles to a couple suppers eventually but that is like lettuce and will not count towards my daily intake.

So that's the plan, thoughts or comments? Thanks! Ash.

Day 20 and really getting into the groove, but woke up light headed. Anyone hear of this on IP. It's not normal for me so wonder if it's IP related.

I did get stuck out last night and didn't get vitamins until I got home, so took them with night time snack vitamins. Maybe too much (4) Cal-Mag at same time?
:dizzy:

I was lightheaded (had to sit back down after standing at times) and my Dr put me on additional potassium which has me feeling fine again. My coach suggests taking some sea salt in water, but I haven't tried that yet.

Hi, I am a newbie and want to know more about the IDeal Protein Diet. Is this something on the Internet or are there clinics? I am from Virginia.

First off...WELCOME!!!

http://www.idealprotein.com/ipcl_caen.asp?no=371

Here is the link to Ideal Protein. I am doing it through a clinic. I have also heard some people say that you can do it online. But if you follow this link it will allow you to find the nearest location for you :) Hope it works out for you...its a wonderful program!!

I have these 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.

File 4: Synopsis of Ideal protein Plan.pdf -- This is good background on the plan and how it works.

Here are the results for the Ideal Protein Product Survey. If you haven't taken the survey yet, please go here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=GNskPECvm2P4_2bYdG1PaLwg_3d_3d

The more people who take it, the more accurate the results will be!

Where can I find the Nutritional Fact Sheet?

Does someone have an opinion on sugar free/ fat free jello. Is it ok to have?:?:

Where can I find the Nutritional Fact Sheet?
:welcome2: Love your user name!
Clicking this link will open up a dialog box to download (open or save) the pdf. Note that some of the values have changed since this was posted, so compare it with the boxes at your clinic. Nutritional fact sheet (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/attachments/ideal-protein-diet/34548d1266685641-ip-food-altnerative-ideas-tips-nutritional-fact-sheet.pdf)

Does someone have an opinion on sugar free/ fat free jello. Is it ok to have?:?:
:welcome2: to you too!
Yep, if you like it. :) Just make sure it doesn't use aspartame (NutraSweet). Splenda/sucralose is fine, as is ace-K (also called acesulfame K or acesulfame potassium). SF/FF jello should fall within the IP guideline of 0 calories/0 carbs/0 fat grams.

Hi, today is my first day on the IP diet and I feel awful and my stomach is bloated and upset and I am very sad adn I just want to quit. Has anyone felt this way toward the end of their first day? I really dont like the taste of sugar free stuff and everything I ate today tasted like it had splenda in it. Is it all full of Splenda? I am in need of some help here. I wou ld appreciate any info.

Thanks,
Ready to quit and very sad

Hi, today is my first day on the IP diet and I feel awful and my stomach is bloated and upset and I am very sad adn I just want to quit. Has anyone felt this way toward the end of their first day? I really dont like the taste of sugar free stuff and everything I ate today tasted like it had splenda in it. Is it all full of Splenda? I am in need of some help here. I wou ld appreciate any info.

Thanks,
Ready to quit and very sad
:hug: :hug: Moeeliza Did you buy any soups or the omelet? They have no splenda, so it might worth trying a day with them to test. I made it a point to have the omelet for breakfast and a soup for lunch to minimize the amount of artificial sweetener I consumed.

Another thought:
How many vegetables did you eat usually, i.e. before yesterday?
Did you eat the 4 cups of veggies yesterday + the unlimited lettuce?
Which vegetables did you eat?
Vegetable fiber is digested by the "good" bacteria in our gut to produce a set of essential, good fatty acids. If you haven't been eating many vegetables, you may not have as many of these bacteria as someone who has been eating veg. and will have some digestive discomfort -- for a short time. Just keep feeding the little critters veggies and they'll be fruitful and multiply and you'll feel great! Also if you eat a lot of the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc) or combine them in sufficient quantities, you will experience bloating and gas.

Breakfast:-One Yo-Toddler organic yogurt at: 110 Calories, 16 g carbs, 4 g protein, 14 g sugar. http://www.stonyfield.com/yobaby/yot...ana_/index.jsp

(I choose yo-toddler because it is low is calories, and most of our IP packets had some dairy in them. My understanding is that we could not have any more daily than what was in the packets so I hope this is close.)

Lunch:
-Natures Way Metabolic Reset Chocolate Shake at: 130 Calories, 13 carbs, 1 g sugar and 21 g protein. With the two scoops as directed but I am going to do a scoop and a half which will put me at 98 calories, ect.)
http://www.naturesway.com/Products/D...Chocolate.aspx
-Two cups of select, low carb veggies like pickles.

Supper:
-5 oz select meat or 7 oz select sea food.
-2 cups lettuce.
-2 cups select veggies.
-WF Bacon Ranch dressing, or honey dijon salad spritzer.

Snack:- 1 med size grapefruit at: 74 calories, 1.45 g protein, and 18.4 carbs.

I'll probably add miracle noodles to a couple suppers eventually but that is like lettuce and will not count towards my daily intake.

So that's the plan, thoughts or comments? Thanks! Ash.

Sorry, I just saw this and I guess nobody else did, either.

I think you're on to something with no soy, especially if you have a thyroid condition.

I think you missed the point of a low carbohydrate program, though. You've got over 47 carbs/day in just the three supplements you mention. Then there are the vegetables and romaine. You can't be much under 60 carbs a day. Maybe not under at all.

If you want the program to work, really work, you've got to get down to 25-40 g of carbs per day, preferably closer to 25. Keep posting, OK? And let us know how you're doing. And try the EAS products and read the Alternative Thread. Both should help, a lot.

:hug: :hug: Moeeliza Did you buy any soups or the omelet? They have no splenda, so it might worth trying a day with them to test. I made it a point to have the omelet for breakfast and a soup for lunch to minimize the amount of artificial sweetener I consumed.

Another thought:
How many vegetables did you eat usually, i.e. before yesterday?
Did you eat the 4 cups of veggies yesterday + the unlimited lettuce?
Which vegetables did you eat?
Vegetable fiber is digested by the "good" bacteria in our gut to produce a set of essential, good fatty acids. If you haven't been eating many vegetables, you may not have as many of these bacteria as someone who has been eating veg. and will have some digestive discomfort -- for a short time. Just keep feeding the little critters veggies and they'll be fruitful and multiply and you'll feel great! Also if you eat a lot of the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc) or combine them in sufficient quantities, you will experience bloating and gas.

Thanks for your help, I will try the soup and the omlet! Thanks for the info about vegetables, I havent been eating very many vegetables lately so that does make sense. Before I started this yesterday, I ate lots of fruits. Do you think a probiotic would help me with the digestion? I will try to be more patient. I was so excited to start this diet and then about 7 pm last night I felt just horrible and sick. So I will hang in there and eat more lettuce and vegetables and hopefully my digestive system will get in order :)!!;)

Thanks for your help, I will try the soup and the omlet! Thanks for the info about vegetables, I havent been eating very many vegetables lately so that does make sense. Before I started this yesterday, I ate lots of fruits. Do you think a probiotic would help me with the digestion? I will try to be more patient. I was so excited to start this diet and then about 7 pm last night I felt just horrible and sick. So I will hang in there and eat more lettuce and vegetables and hopefully my digestive system will get in order :)!!;)

WELCOME -- just a thought -- you should start posting your questions and feelings in the daily threads -- you will get more answers to questions and more support -- the daily threads are very very helpful. What you are experiencing is detox... which is rough. The first 3-4 days are the worst, but it gets better. keep reading, keep visiting these posts-- all the support and stories continue to keep me motivated and helped me heaps and heaps in the very beginning!!!

So I purchased Natural Calm today and just took my first dose. I started with the minimum which is 1/2 teaspoon daily so I used 1/4 teaspoon twice a day. I'm eager to see how it works and wanted to know if everyone else has increased to the 2 teaspoons daily. I was taking the 2 tablespoons of mag. citrate but wanted to get away from it due to the sodium and sacharin (plus, I took a wee bit to much and had lingering effects all day :( yuck!) Anyway, the raspberry lemonade flavor is yummy. Has anyone noticed a big difference with using the IP enzymes? And if so, how much are they? Thanks!

Hi, today is my first day on the IP diet and I feel awful and my stomach is bloated and upset and I am very sad adn I just want to quit. Has anyone felt this way toward the end of their first day? I really dont like the taste of sugar free stuff and everything I ate today tasted like it had splenda in it. Is it all full of Splenda? I am in need of some help here. I wou ld appreciate any info.

Thanks,
Ready to quit and very sad

Hang in there...the first 4 days are the worst. During the first week I kept asking myself , how am i ever going to eat all of these vegetables and lettace. Now I look forward to my salads and vegetables and finding creative ways to fix them. I am just finishing week 6. Keep reading info on this site....it is SOOOOO helpful!

Does anyone know how many bars are in the box of raspberry bars or how many soy puffs are in a box? thinking of buying buy the box instead of individually if it comes out cheaper!
thanks!

Does anyone know how many bars are in the box of raspberry bars or how many soy puffs are in a box? thinking of buying buy the box instead of individually if it comes out cheaper!
thanks!

There are 7 in a box

So I purchased Natural Calm today and just took my first dose. I started with the minimum which is 1/2 teaspoon daily so I used 1/4 teaspoon twice a day. I'm eager to see how it works and wanted to know if everyone else has increased to the 2 teaspoons daily. I was taking the 2 tablespoons of mag. citrate but wanted to get away from it due to the sodium and sacharin (plus, I took a wee bit to much and had lingering effects all day :( yuck!) Anyway, the raspberry lemonade flavor is yummy. Has anyone noticed a big difference with using the IP enzymes? And if so, how much are they? Thanks!

I love this stuff -- I use it every day --I take 1 tsp a day (a heaping tsp) I drink it at night...this is the correct amount for me - I think everyone is different. I drink 1 gallon of water a day and always eat all my 4 cups of veggies and my romain salad and still I need 1 tsp to stay normal :). I am taking the digestive enzymes as well just to see if they make a difference - but since the natural calm works for the big C ...I am not sure if the digestive enzymes work -- nothing in that department has changed even with the addition of the enzymes. (not sure I am going to buy them again) Some in my group are chronically suffering the big C and they have to take both the enzyme and the calm to get normal. Hope this helps

I'm having the same problem. IP coach sold me vita-lax. I can't the dose right - it's either to little or too much.....ew. I bought Colace today. My doctor had suggested it awhile back when I was injured and on pain meds.

I was lightheaded (had to sit back down after standing at times) and my Dr put me on additional potassium which has me feeling fine again. My coach suggests taking some sea salt in water, but I haven't tried that yet.

I tried the sea salt in water. I did about a 1/2 teaspoon in a mug of warmish water. Worked.

I love this stuff -- I use it every day --I take 1 tsp a day (a heaping tsp) I drink it at night...this is the correct amount for me - I think everyone is different. I drink 1 gallon of water a day and always eat all my 4 cups of veggies and my romain salad and still I need 1 tsp to stay normal :). I am taking the digestive enzymes as well just to see if they make a difference - but since the natural calm works for the big C ...I am not sure if the digestive enzymes work -- nothing in that department has changed even with the addition of the enzymes. (not sure I am going to buy them again) Some in my group are chronically suffering the big C and they have to take both the enzyme and the calm to get normal. Hope this helps

Thank you for the insight! I have been gradually increasing my dosage. I think the magnesium citrate messed me up for a couple of days so hopefully things we get regulated soon. :wave:

IP vs real foods/ what has been you real meal? I am having a bit of a time getting in my evening protein as I am just too full at night. Ideas?

IP vs real foods/ what has been you real meal? I am having a bit of a time getting in my evening protein as I am just too full at night. Ideas?

Please move your question to the daily chat.

Hi, today is my first day on the IP diet and I feel awful and my stomach is bloated and upset and I am very sad adn I just want to quit. Has anyone felt this way toward the end of their first day? I really dont like the taste of sugar free stuff and everything I ate today tasted like it had splenda in it. Is it all full of Splenda? I am in need of some help here. I wou ld appreciate any info.

Thanks,
Ready to quit and very sad

HI Moeeliza,
Hope you're doing better today and that all the great suggestions are helping you. Try adding fresh herbs to the omelette. Even use one of your allowed tsp of olive oil to drizzle over the eggs and so on. You also might want to try the orange pancakes and give yourself a restricted food here and there. I add extra egg white to the pancake mix. It gives it more body in the non stick pan. I also add a little extra water (not much) plus the egg whites and have been able to stretch the formula to 2 pancakes. See how that works for you.
Also on the shakes and sweet stuff that you don't like, I found they were way too concentrated for me, too. Like if they said for the pudding for instance to add4-5oz of water, I throw about 5 ice cubes, the powder from the packet and water enough to total 16 ounces, even more. Then I blend it up and have the best frosty. You can add pumpkin pie spice to the vanilla pudding or ready to drink shake, and coffee to a chocolate pudding or shake. But stretching them with water really took that artificial sweetener flavor away for me.

Hang in there and let us all help you till you're comfortable and get on a roll.
:)

Does anyone know if you can have olives - black or green? I can't find it anywhere. Thanks

Does anyone know if you can have olives - black or green? I can't find it anywhere. Thanks

Sorry (sadly) no they are too high in fat.

I loved the soy nuts in my salads, are these restricted, because i have them everyday???? also, sometimes on weekends, I take a break from lettuce ....for example yesterday for lunch I just had the chili and for supper I cooked some chicken with broccoli...is that okay?

I sure am frustrated and so far no real answers to why I can't tolerate the IP protocol. I have IBS which is medicated and since starting IP in Jan I have had the Big D. I have tried elimination, especially of SOY, for a short time this seemed to make a difference but then back to the daily Big D. For the past 3 weeks I have been eliminating other IP products (even the Supplements) and still having the Big D. I can't seem to find out if this is the IP products or if this is all the vegetables and for me Romaine lettuce daily. I drink plenty of water and follow the protocol basically 100%.

Is anyone else here having issues with the Big D instead of the Big C? Does anyone else have IBS and find they are having serious digestive upset?

I remain bloated and fatigued. My weight loss has slowed to about a 1 every few weeks. My blood was good with the exception of an increase in white blood cells (Metabolic and Liver Panels good).

One thing is even tho I have lost weight, I have new stretch marks with inflammation around them (red circle) on my abdomen and hips.

I don't know that I can continue with IP, my coach has requested info to see if he can get answers to why I'm responding this way and haven't heard anything back yet. He suggested I stop IP for a few weeks and try to get things under control, and I agree because elimination doesn't seem to be helping.

Another symptom I have that is terribly strange is when ever I use an IP product, the back of my throat gets really dry, I start to cough and I develop a lot of mucus. I have to drink a lot of water after ingesting the IP packets to try and combat that feeling in my throat and a decongestant to reduce the mucus.

I am really struggling with this, read the forums from top to bottom and can't find anyone who has these issues. I feel like a real whiner and depressed that even tho I have lost weight, everything else is dragging me down - motivation and all.

Any help at all would be appreciated.

Oh, and I had my gall bladder removed so it's not gall bladder related.

THANKS!

I loved the soy nuts in my salads, are these restricted, because i have them everyday???? also, sometimes on weekends, I take a break from lettuce ....for example yesterday for lunch I just had the chili and for supper I cooked some chicken with broccoli...is that okay?

Yes, soy nuts are restricted - are you using a whole packet a day or just a sprinkle?

I don't get lettuce in every day either - as long as you are getting all your veggies & packets in, I think you're okay if you don't have lettuce EVERY SINGLE DAY. Just my opinion.

I thought I was going to die my first 4 days. I had the same problem with the sugar subsititute. Bedtime was my worst and I would almost have an anxienty attack. My coach told me to have an extra IP packet before bedtime. That helped alot. The chili has been my life saver. I add about 8oz of water, cook as directed and then add mushrooms, celery etc to give it more volume. I also take it 4 hours at a time. My coach wanted me to have somethiing every 4 hours. So I watch the clock and try to make each small goal. So far I have gone 13 days and lost 9 1/2 pounds. Everyday is still a challenge to me but I am amazed at the end of the day when I have made it. I hope it gets easier but probably won't.

I sure am frustrated and so far no real answers to why I can't tolerate the IP protocol. I have IBS which is medicated and since starting IP in Jan I have had the Big D. I have tried elimination, especially of SOY, for a short time this seemed to make a difference but then back to the daily Big D. For the past 3 weeks I have been eliminating other IP products (even the Supplements) and still having the Big D. I can't seem to find out if this is the IP products or if this is all the vegetables and for me Romaine lettuce daily. I drink plenty of water and follow the protocol basically 100%.
...

I don't know that I can continue with IP, my coach has requested info to see if he can get answers to why I'm responding this way and haven't heard anything back yet. He suggested I stop IP for a few weeks and try to get things under control, and I agree because elimination doesn't seem to be helping.

Another symptom I have that is terribly strange is when ever I use an IP product, the back of my throat gets really dry, I start to cough and I develop a lot of mucus. I have to drink a lot of water after ingesting the IP packets to try and combat that feeling in my throat and a decongestant to reduce the mucus.

I am really struggling with this, read the forums from top to bottom and can't find anyone who has these issues. I feel like a real whiner and depressed that even tho I have lost weight, everything else is dragging me down - motivation and all.

Any help at all would be appreciated.
...
THANKS!

Have you or your coach considered you may be sensitive to, intolerant to, or allergic to one of the artificial sweetners in the IP products?

You may be having problems with sucralose (splenda), acesulfame k, or another sweetener or sugar alcohol.

I sure am frustrated and so far no real answers to why I can't tolerate the IP protocol. I have IBS which is medicated and since starting IP in Jan I have had the Big D. I have tried elimination, especially of SOY, for a short time this seemed to make a difference but then back to the daily Big D. For the past 3 weeks I have been eliminating other IP products (even the Supplements) and still having the Big D. I can't seem to find out if this is the IP products or if this is all the vegetables and for me Romaine lettuce daily. I drink plenty of water and follow the protocol basically 100%.

Is anyone else here having issues with the Big D instead of the Big C? Does anyone else have IBS and find they are having serious digestive upset?

I remain bloated and fatigued. My weight loss has slowed to about a 1 every few weeks. My blood was good with the exception of an increase in white blood cells (Metabolic and Liver Panels good).

One thing is even tho I have lost weight, I have new stretch marks with inflammation around them (red circle) on my abdomen and hips.

I don't know that I can continue with IP, my coach has requested info to see if he can get answers to why I'm responding this way and haven't heard anything back yet. He suggested I stop IP for a few weeks and try to get things under control, and I agree because elimination doesn't seem to be helping.

Another symptom I have that is terribly strange is when ever I use an IP product, the back of my throat gets really dry, I start to cough and I develop a lot of mucus. I have to drink a lot of water after ingesting the IP packets to try and combat that feeling in my throat and a decongestant to reduce the mucus.

I am really struggling with this, read the forums from top to bottom and can't find anyone who has these issues. I feel like a real whiner and depressed that even tho I have lost weight, everything else is dragging me down - motivation and all.

Any help at all would be appreciated.

Oh, and I had my gall bladder removed so it's not gall bladder related.

THANKS!

I too have IBS and it really has been a bit of both for me (Big C and big D) It seems to be all or nothing for me unfortunately. I luckily am not experiencing things as rough as you are that is too bad. I agree with Ms D sounds like you might have an allergy so a sweetener. Sorry to hear that:( hopefully you can figure it out, wish I could be more help....

You should check with your coach. I've seen conflicting information on this. Some people have shared recipes they received from their clinic that have Crystal Light, but others have been told to avoid aspartame. Some newer Crystal Light contains Splenda - but confirm with your coach.

http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/

Whatever your coach says....avoid aspartame...

i was worried about the soy nits being on the restricted list because i love them in my salad. when i talked to my coach yesterday she said not to worry since they were one of of the lower carb items. i asked if i could just use half the pack in my salad and,she said no that i have to use the whole pack. should i even worry, since i have continually lost? i love them!

If you're losing weight, I don't see any need in worrying! :)

hey! I am new to IP. I wont actually start for another 2 weeks. I do have a question though. I hate mornings. Ever since I have gained this weight I can't seem to have the energy to get out of bed. It's not a depression thing, I am fine once I get up, but I just can't gain any energy to take those covers off and get out of bed. (Horrible, I know!) I see everyone talking about how IP gives them tons of energy. Has anyone had this problem before, being too lethargic to get out of bed? and did it get better on IP? (it doesn;t matter if I get 4 or 10 hours of sleep, it's the same every morning...I am assuming it's because of my high sugar and carb diet.)

hey! I am new to IP. I wont actually start for another 2 weeks. I do have a question though. I hate mornings. Ever since I have gained this weight I can't seem to have the energy to get out of bed. It's not a depression thing, I am fine once I get up, but I just can't gain any energy to take those covers off and get out of bed. (Horrible, I know!) I see everyone talking about how IP gives them tons of energy. Has anyone had this problem before, being too lethargic to get out of bed? and did it get better on IP? (it doesn;t matter if I get 4 or 10 hours of sleep, it's the same every morning...I am assuming it's because of my high sugar and carb diet.)

I had the same problem as you. I work til midnight 3 nights a week and had trouble getting up in the morning. Once out of the shower I was fine it was GETTING to the shower! Now I only set the alarm as a precaution. I have not heard my alarm go off in months. I wake up and turn it off before it has a chance to go off.
welcome glad you are here.

question for you? I've been on IP for 8 weeks and have averaged about a 3 or 3.5 lb loss every week for the last 8 weeks. I had a stand still in week 4 and that was about it. My mom who is over 60 started IP 2 weeks ago. The first week she had an 8 lb loss, 2nd week a 1.5 lb loss? I don't want her to get discouraged by seeing my weight loss avg. Is that normal for IP to have a 1.5 lb loss in the 2nd week already? advice please....

Ok, So I know I am supposed to have 3 packets, 4 cups of the certain allowed veggies :), and 5 ounces of meat. So what happens if I just simply do not want to eat the meat tonight? I need a break from meat! can I eat another packet with my veggies and will that be fine? Anyone have this answer? Thanks so much!

http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/

Whatever your coach says....avoid aspartame...


What I was told by my coach is that aspartame is processed differently by the body than splenda, and it actually chemically causes Ketosis to stop. I agree there is much reseach to show that aspartame causes brain damage too....soooooo...avoid aspartme. Also, as far as splenda goes, I used to be a splenda user, and i actually gained weight, and what I learned is that the insulin our body releases is not only triggered by having sugar in our stomach, it is triggered by TASTING the sweetness. so our body will release insulin, thereby stopping ketosis simply from TASTING something sweet. So try to avoid adding sweetners to your drink, and drink regular old fashioned lemon water for flavor :) hope this helps!

I miss my vodka too! :( I haven't had any alcohol since september last year, when I started trying to lose. WHY you ask?? Because, I drank enough back then that when I counted the empty calories I was "eating" it was a WHOLE meal! ACCKKK!! So, no alcohol, then I started this in November, so it was kind of a good prep thing.

I LOVE Vodka. All Kinds - grape, potato, flavored, prickly pear, you name it, but it BETTER be good quality! Favorite drink was vodka and soda or vodka/diet tonic. Also, vodka martinis. When not drinking vodka, I was a whisky, scotch, rum, red wine, stouts, and micro brews gal. (in that order!) Not much for frou-frou drinks unless it was summertime by the pool. In that case, a nice Icey Cold, blended drink was PERFECT.
Even in phase 4 we aren't supposed to drink?....I miss my vodka martini's! :(

What are the vitamin/mineral supplements used on the IP program? Is there a list of amounts, so I can cost compare with other products?

Ok, So I know I am supposed to have 3 packets, 4 cups of the certain allowed veggies :), and 5 ounces of meat. So what happens if I just simply do not want to eat the meat tonight? I need a break from meat! can I eat another packet with my veggies and will that be fine? Anyone have this answer? Thanks so much!

You should have your meat once during the day. Night is preferred but, you could do lunch. If you really can't handle the meat that night, yes, you could have another 1-2 packets. You would have to have 2 packets if you are doing this too frequently because you won't get enough calories or protein from one packet as you get from a 5 -8 ounce serving of meat.

What I was told by my coach is that aspartame is processed differently by the body than splenda, and it actually chemically causes Ketosis to stop. I agree there is much reseach to show that aspartame causes brain damage too....soooooo...avoid aspartme. Also, as far as splenda goes, I used to be a splenda user, and i actually gained weight, and what I learned is that the insulin our body releases is not only triggered by having sugar in our stomach, it is triggered by TASTING the sweetness. so our body will release insulin, thereby stopping ketosis simply from TASTING something sweet. So try to avoid adding sweetners to your drink, and drink regular old fashioned lemon water for flavor :) hope this helps!

Not to be argumentative but, you WILL NOT bring yourself out of ketosis from tasting sugar and having an insulin spike. Not possible. Allowing for the science proposed, if insulin spikes and there is not enough glucose OR glycogen in your body available (as is this case on this diet) your body would become hypoglycemic then, as a means of self regulating it will try to create sugar from protein (that available or from your muscle if you aren't ingesting enough). You will create more problems potentially with insulin resistance or hyperinsulemia than with pulling yourself from ketosis.

We eat vegetable which have carbs and sweetness. We use sucralose in our packets which have sweetness. We are allowed stevia which is definitely sweet. The sweet alone is not what creates a problem.

Aspartame has a different chemistry than some sweeteners and it has been shown to be perceived by the body the same as a sugar and does create an insulin response that is not found with some other sweeteners.

To be pulled from ketosis your body must have enough glycogen and/glucose that it no longer needs to produce ketase for energy thereby stopping the ketogenic energy process. That means you have to be eating excessive amounts of protein, needing significantly more sugar than your body has or can self regulate through a normal high protein diet, or eating excess amounts of carbs.

Even in phase 4 we aren't supposed to drink?....I miss my vodka martini's! :(

You may have your vodka martinis on maintenance during one of your free (cheat) days. :) They are not gone forever.

What are the vitamin/mineral supplements used on the IP program? Is there a list of amounts, so I can cost compare with other products?


http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/210195-alternative-vitamins.html

Also, if you haven't found it yet, here is the link to the main page:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet-236/

HELLO Everyone!! :)

We are well over our 500 post limit in this thread. I have asked a moderator to move this new thread as a sticky.

Please continue your questions and posts over there.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/227314-ideal-protein-faq-part-2-a.html#post3743855

I thought I was going to die my first 4 days. I had the same problem with the sugar subsititute. Bedtime was my worst and I would almost have an anxienty attack. My coach told me to have an extra IP packet before bedtime. That helped alot. The chili has been my life saver. I add about 8oz of water, cook as directed and then add mushrooms, celery etc to give it more volume. I also take it 4 hours at a time. My coach wanted me to have somethiing every 4 hours. So I watch the clock and try to make each small goal. So far I have gone 13 days and lost 9 1/2 pounds. Everyday is still a challenge to me but I am amazed at the end of the day when I have made it. I hope it gets easier but probably won't.
What a great way to handle the situation. I've been on 7 weeks. It got easier. My mindset and getting used to having less food in my stomach. I was actually looking at other people eating all the empty fat and carbs with pity for the crap they were putting in their body! That said, right after I got confident, lost 20 lbs., and was feeling more energy - my weight loss slowed down, I got tired again and the big C got even worse. I was in deeper Ketosis though. Hmmm. Maybe that's it. I was actually trying to cheer you up that it does get better. It does! But still have to be vigilant.

question for you? I've been on IP for 8 weeks and have averaged about a 3 or 3.5 lb loss every week for the last 8 weeks. I had a stand still in week 4 and that was about it. My mom who is over 60 started IP 2 weeks ago. The first week she had an 8 lb loss, 2nd week a 1.5 lb loss? I don't want her to get discouraged by seeing my weight loss avg. Is that normal for IP to have a 1.5 lb loss in the 2nd week already? advice please....

I don't know if there's any definitive answer to this. I'm over 60; didn't lose any weight in Week 2; and lost 5 pounds in week three. Medication she may be taking could very likely be a factor in weight loss, no matter what week. Is she taking any medicine?

I had the same problem as you. I work til midnight 3 nights a week and had trouble getting up in the morning. Once out of the shower I was fine it was GETTING to the shower! Now I only set the alarm as a precaution. I have not heard my alarm go off in months. I wake up and turn it off before it has a chance to go off.
welcome glad you are here.

Thank you so much!!
I am so glad someone else has gone through this, and it's nice o know that this morning problem will go away. My fiance doesn't seem to understand it. I think he thinks I am being lazy but It's not that! It's just being too dead to get out of bed...and like you, once I am in the shower everything is fine.

Thanks.

hey! I am new to IP. I wont actually start for another 2 weeks. I do have a question though. I hate mornings. Ever since I have gained this weight I can't seem to have the energy to get out of bed. It's not a depression thing, I am fine once I get up, but I just can't gain any energy to take those covers off and get out of bed. (Horrible, I know!) I see everyone talking about how IP gives them tons of energy. Has anyone had this problem before, being too lethargic to get out of bed? and did it get better on IP? (it doesn;t matter if I get 4 or 10 hours of sleep, it's the same every morning...I am assuming it's because of my high sugar and carb diet.)

My energy increased dramatically since losing 20 lbs. I have no trouble getting out of bed anymore, are you getting enough sleep? I'm finding some days I'm full of energy and raring to go....others I'm a bit lethargic. I guess the body just needs rest.

Anyone else extremely constipated? I started ColonAide - a 14 day cleansing program - good results so far. I'll be adding a regular dose of Metamusal (sp). My coach (who I dropped this week - she adds no value) keeps suggesting laxatives even though I tell her I can't take laxatives due to the extreme opposite effect....ugh. I'm switching to Lindora and EAS - close enough and much less expensive. Any opinions?

I have had the same issues with the constipation try adding pro biotics . also try looking in to Nashua Nutrition very similar in product and alot cheaper

Anyone else extremely constipated? I started ColonAide - a 14 day cleansing program - good results so far. I'll be adding a regular dose of Metamusal (sp). My coach (who I dropped this week - she adds no value) keeps suggesting laxatives even though I tell her I can't take laxatives due to the extreme opposite effect....

Reposting from another thread...

Here you go my friend. Again this is from Carla she helped me alot. It was posted on March 3rd thread and think it is on page 3? Like Carla says on here you want to do this when you have some "Free time at home" if you know what I am saying....Do not do this if you need to go out any where for awhile...lol


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Just some ideas.

Have you thought about doing a sea salt water flush? It will work for many people and very quickly.

Use 1 liter of water and between 2tsp and 1 tablespoon of sea salt (you can adjust this to your body response as some people may require a tsp or so more.)

Mix a solution of sea salt and room temperature water.

Drink the solution as quickly as you can. You may feel a bit full but keep drinking. If you take to long it will make your gag reflex activate. The high volume of salt and water will rapidly move through your system. It will not leave you with a high sodium impact for the day.

Once you take the solution, you will have to be on guard, a bowel movement WILL be shortly coming. Sometimes it is a fast 5 or even 15 minutes, but generally in 30-60 minutes between taking it and the first movement. The last movements will begin to wind down an hour or so after they begin. Typically you will have between 2 and 7 bowel movements and the effects of more free bowel movements may last 2 days.

Your stomach will rumble a bit and for awhile. Let it. You also should be careful to avoid passing "gas" that might not be. When you finally go, it will at first be a lot of the solution, water really. That is just the start.

Most people prefer to do this in the comfort of there home, in the evening or at a time when they will not have to leave for several hours.

Has anyone noticed odd bruising? I seem to be covered in weird little bruises, or in some case, bigger bruises and I have no idea of where I got them. My friend is on IP and she too was asking me the same thing. Anyone else experience this?

Has anyone noticed odd bruising? I seem to be covered in weird little bruises, or in some case, bigger bruises and I have no idea of where I got them. My friend is on IP and she too was asking me the same thing. Anyone else experience this?

This is common. It has many possible causes. In part, how long you have been on the diet is a factor as is how much weight you have lost. If you have lost a large amount of weight, this skin and vascular structure are still adapting and shrinking. The fat we lost had a vascular support structure that is more exposed now and more fragile so, if it takes any little trauma we bruise.

Additional possibilities are:

- if you don't eat enough of the "greens" and lettuce vitamin K might be reduced for a rare group of people.

-it could indicate your body is not creating enough collagen. that might be corrected by incorporating the jello and blueberry pom drink into your week more often or by adding a quality collagen supplement (Neocell hydrolyzed collagen 1 and 3 plus C is good).

-deficiencies in vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin E, and zinc can lead to bruising more easily.

A vitamin C deficiency may be caused by several factors:

• eating too few fruits and vegetables (remember the problem sailors used to have centuries ago with scurvy outbreaks on long voyages? It was caused by a lack of vitamin C)
• taking drugs which destroys this vitamin
• long-time stress from illness, frustration or depression OR THIS DIET
• smoking (one cigarette can deplete the body of 25 mg of vitamin C)
• frequent emotional outbursts such as anger
• exposure to pollutants, allergens or heavy metals

A deficiency in hesperidin, one of the bioflavonoids (sometimes called vitamin P), naturally occurring nutrients usually found in association with vitamin C, has been linked with abnormal capillary weakness. These bioflavonoids, including hesperidin, Citrin, Rutin, Flavones, Flavonals, Calechin and Quercetin, were found to be essential in correcting the tendency toward bruising. Bioflavonoids, such as rutin and hesperidin, facilitate the functions of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps protect against bruising by strengthening capillary walls.

In general this diet is limited in vitamin C so, I would start there. Add in a quality vitamin C with BIOFLAVANOIDS ( I like to use on formulated with ester C as it typically has a somewhat better potency.)

Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C to repair tissues. Uniquely, too OR too much vitamin E can create bruising. Bruising from excess vitamin E occurs because this vitamin works to thin platelets.

Vitamin K is made in the intestines, but can be depleted by antibiotics, which kill the friendly bacteria that synthesize it. Supplementing your diet with leafy, green vegetables is a good way to add this vitamin to your system. You can also use vitamin K cream which will help fade and clear bruises and can help decrease post- surgical bruising when used approximately two weeks prior to surgery and after surgery. It helps the capillaries heal themselves by sealing the blood leakage. Vitamin K also supports the body's ability to reabsorb the blood in surrounding tissues, thereby helping fade the bruise and restoring the skin to normal color.

Taking probiotics helps the body with some of its natural production of vitamin K and supports the friendly bacteria in our digestive system

Zinc is helpful in maintaining healthy connective tissue, and a deficiency can lead to bruising. it can be boosted by taking 50-100 mg per day. Keep in mind zinc has its own positive and negatives. You won't want to take a dose of that level for more than a week or 10 days without medical supervision, as it may interfere with absorption of other important nutrients.



Lack of iron is also a possibility especially if you have a history of low iron. NONE of our supplements are iron enriched. I learned that is done because of some balancing chemistry of the diet. You can supplement it if you need to just remember to not take your iron when you take any supplements with calcium.

Excessive use of garlic, fish oil, aspirin or, ibuprofen will often lead to more thinned blood and easier bruising.

Having low B vitamins or folic acid can also contribute. This is not the most common reason on this diet as we do supplement and if you are getting plenty of greens/romaine it comes naturally. If you are prone to low B vitamin in your body, you might consider it.

To some extent not being well enough hydrated contributes to a lowered resistance to bruising.

There are other health matters that contribute too. For instance, people with thyroid issues may be more prone to bruising as will someone who has a lower platelet count from other related health issues.

As you can see there are many reasons we could bruise on this diet. They are all unique to you. You can try to look at your personal history, diet, and what other things you include in your lifestyle (medications, smoking, etc) to find your particular answer.

As a means to heal bruising, you could try a homeopathic remedy called arnica montana. Arnica can be used in gel form applied directly to the injured area before bruising or to the bruise. In both cases it helps heal so the bruising improves quickly. Arnica can also be taken orally. A small group of people find arnica gel can be a bit irritating to the skin so use a little to start and see your response.


I know that doesn't give you a solid answer but it might give you somethings to consider or explore.

Has anyone noticed odd bruising? I seem to be covered in weird little bruises, or in some case, bigger bruises and I have no idea of where I got them. My friend is on IP and she too was asking me the same thing. Anyone else experience this?

I experienced this at about week 6....it lasted for a few weeks then went away. I chalked it up (Thanks to Carla) to excess blood vessels since I was eating spinach and romaine daily. You seem to be at goal....how long did it take you to get there?? I am wondering if you should not have experienced the bruising sooner?? Hmmm.

What do you do if you're just not hungry? I've had 2 packets, a huge salad and 2 cups of veggies today, along with all my water. It's 5:30 and I can't imagine eating anything else tonight. Hopefully it won't slow down my losses, as I am doing boot camp this week again.

Mary

What do you do if you're just not hungry? I've had 2 packets, a huge salad and 2 cups of veggies today, along with all my water. It's 5:30 and I can't imagine eating anything else tonight. Hopefully it won't slow down my losses, as I am doing boot camp this week again.

Mary

Space it out from here. You could have an IP drink, Something light, instead of a real protein for dinner. Then just nibble on some cut up veggies. You don't have to have the meat which will be even heavier if you aren't hungry but, you must get in some protein.

Try something different. When was the last time you had real eggs or egg whites? Maybe make 2 real eggs for dinner or an egg white omelette.

You could do just some veggies cut up into the omelette.

If you have spinach measure 2 cups raw, cook it down. It will be fast to eat and meet your requirements.

You don't have to have the salad. As a regular thing, YOU SHOULD.. you don't have to tonight. Lettuce is a free food you can have more, occasionally you can have less.

try to have a jello, a pudding, or coffee/tea with a vanilla rtd drink or thinned out pudding as an evening snack.

Take it a meal or bite at a time. Get in as much as you can, even if you have to space it out. Skipping meals and food is as bad for your insulin, sugar levels, metabolism as a cheat.

Can you count coffee or tea toward your daily water goal? I am having a really hard time getting all my water in.

Can you count coffee or tea toward your daily water goal? I am having a really hard time getting all my water in.

Unfortunately, the coffee may not be counted toward water. It is a diuretic so, it opposes the idea of gaining hydration through drinking water.

YOU MAY count 1/2 of the herbal tea (decaffeinated) as part of your water in take.

I really enjoy apple cinnamon, orange, chamomile and, peppermint. The peppermint is very refreshing. Last summer I was making it with fresh mint and hot water, then as it cooled I added some stevia. It would keep for a day or two in the fridge, IF I let it! It was very refreshing and relaxing. And, that crisp flavor was a quite a change to incorporate with the water. It was also good sweetened with vanilla stevia.