Ideal Protein Diet - Ideal Protein Diet - FAQ

Here's a spot to post FAQ's and Answers :)

Remember to keep this section for questions only... for all other chick chat like introductions, thank you's, post on how you are doing, etc., please post that on the weekly/monthly thread. By doing so it helps folks who are looking for a specific question become less frustrated (like me lol).



Thanks :yes:

i am confused on the cabbage - i see spots where we can and then when i checked on the trantiendiet.com it says cabbage is fine.

Honestly I'm confused as well. Our first Phase 1 client handout sheet said cabbage was fine, all kinds. The new protocol phase 1 sheet says green cabbage is a no no but purple cabbage is ok. Sunkissed said that she called about it and green is ok to eat, but why they give conflicting rules is beyond me.

I'm on my lunch break right now, but I will try to find out more details on this today.

The doctor I work for lost over 70 lbs in a few months and he ate cabbage often. It didn't affect his loss. I also ate it some when I was on phase 1.

As a coach, I would say go ahead and eat it. But don't get into trouble with your own coach, lol. You may want to ask him/her about it and follow their guidelines. Also write it down if/ when you do eat it, that way you can figure out if it makes a difference in your numbers.


I'll try for some more info today though!

iI have 2 questions that maybe someone has answers to...

1 - i was told by my coach that the IP rep told her directly that we were allowed to go over on the 2 cup veggie serving, but they do not want us going under that amount. on this site , people have said otherwise. does anyone know? i do tend to go over now and then.

2 - we were specifically told to use coconut oil for frying...reasoning being that olive oil goes rancid when heated to high degrees. they even sell the coconut at our oulet for frying purposes. noone else seems to have heard this information....

if anyone can shed some light , i would be grateful!

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!

Has anyone experienced this side effect??:dizzy::listen:

Hair loss should not be a side effect from the diet. You should check with your medical doctor.

I really haven't given much info on this website, but I've decided that I'm not going to be posting much. My reason being that every clinic / coach is different and I think you all should be asking your coaches and following their advice.

Good luck to everyone, you will have great success with this diet if you stick to it!

I really haven't given much info on this website, but I've decided that I'm not going to be posting much. My reason being that every clinic / coach is different and I think you all should be asking your coaches and following their advice.


I think it's unfortunate that Ideal Protein as a company hasn't developed official responses to answer many of the common questions. Based on information that has been posted, there is a great deal of variation in what different clinics communicate to their clients. My own clinic had some off-the-cuff responses to some of my questions, which didn't seem as credible as the information posted on this site (this helped explain my 2 week stall). I hope others will continue to share their information and experience, so we can all optimize the program.

Princass, the info I have says it can be an effect of the diet but is usually temporary. HTH


Thanks feverfixer. thats why I brought up the point, because I recieved a list of possible side effects and was just curious if anyone had any issues. :o

Day 3 and feeling fine. Wal-mart was a little hard with all the halloween candy jumping out at me!! :stir:

Has anyone experienced this side effect??:dizzy::listen:

Hi Princass. I have experienced this side effect. Also, a co-worker of mine who is doing the diet has experienced this. Neither one of us had this problem until about the 3rd month on the diet. We asked about it and were told that it is temporary and that a way to help it is to take an omega 3 vitamin. I just started taking the omega 3 so I'm not sure if it helps yet.

Hi Princass. I have experienced this side effect. Also, a co-worker of mine who is doing the diet has experienced this. Neither one of us had this problem until about the 3rd month on the diet. We asked about it and were told that it is temporary and that a way to help it is to take an omega 3 vitamin. I just started taking the omega 3 so I'm not sure if it helps yet.


:congrat: on your weight loss.
:thanks:

I've been taking Omega 3 for about a year now for depression....so hopefully I have a good omega store!!

Please let me know if you notice it start to work.

:listen:

Is the hair loss extream?

iI have 2 questions that maybe someone has answers to...

1 - i was told by my coach that the IP rep told her directly that we were allowed to go over on the 2 cup veggie serving, but they do not want us going under that amount. on this site , people have said otherwise. does anyone know? i do tend to go over now and then.

2 - we were specifically told to use coconut oil for frying...reasoning being that olive oil goes rancid when heated to high degrees. they even sell the coconut at our oulet for frying purposes. noone else seems to have heard this information....

if anyone can shed some light , i would be grateful!

Olive oil only goes rancid if it's old, stored in a high heat area for extended periods, or exposed to oxygen for months(open bottles). High heat during cooking may take away the strong olive taste, but then it wil just taste like other, less pungeant oils(vegetable). Not to be so cynical, but sounds like the coconut oil they are selling you is just another product they can get you to pay for. I guess that was cynical, after all.

can we drink crystal light ?

can we drink crystal light ?

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.

Olive oil is recommended for medium heat and under because it will break down faster under high heat, it has a pretty low smoking point. Coconut and peanut oil are better to use with high heat in general.

You want to avoid cooking with oil at high temperatures as much as possible anyways, because heat causes a chemical conformation in the structure... basically, when it's heated and then cooled, some of it changes to trans fat, and no one wants that!

Nutritional Information on Fish/Seafood

Is there a website I can use to find an IP center in my area? I have been to lots of IP sites but havent been able to find one with a link to locate a center or a doctore near me:?:

BestyAnn, I haven't found anything. Perhaps try "Contact Us" on idealprotein.com??

BestyAnn, I haven't found anything. Perhaps try "Contact Us" on idealprotein.com??

thanks!

where do you order your IP food supplements from? I am trying to find a dr or center near me and not having any luck.

Betsy, I've started to order everything online from here: http://www.aimtobehealthy.com/catalog.htm#nutritional%20supplements as I'm tired of having to rush out of work to drive 40 mins to the doc who has these in my area. You may also order from www.matol.com. People have posted all the information you need here under FAQs and also under Phases for you to refer to. Hopefully that helps you!

:congrat: on your weight loss.
:thanks:

I've been taking Omega 3 for about a year now for depression....so hopefully I have a good omega store!!

Please let me know if you notice it start to work.

:listen:

Is the hair loss extream?

Hey, Ogdog.

I never heard of taking O3 for depression. Do you feel a difference?

Echobaby, not a clue on the O3 for depression. I would think you have to take a considerable amount. I've been eating fish a lot now that on the diet....not sure if that is enough O3 to affect bipolar depression...I'm not depessed....maybe...;)

***
"The 1999 Harvard pilot study that started it all was conducted on 30 patients with bipolar disorder, generally in stable condition but with a history of relapses (all had experienced bipolar episodes over the past year). All but eight of the subjects were on medications, which were left unchanged. Half the subjects were given 9.6 grams of fish oil capsules, the other half received olive oil.


Andrew Stoll MD, who conducted the study, admits the olive oil, which did not have a fishy taste, was not a perfect placebo. In one case, a person's cat actually attacked the fish oil capsules. But, as he jokingly confessed in a session at the 2000 DBSA annual conference, "you want a flawed study. That way, you get money to do another study."

The trial was supposed to go on for nine months, but was stopped after four due to its outstanding results, with the omega-3 group staying in remission significantly longer than the placebo patients. By two months, half of the placebo group had dropped out compared to two in the fish oil group. The omega-3 group actually did less well in lowering their mania scores than those taking placebos, but fared much better getting their depression down. Some patients experienced nausea, diarrhea, and fishy aftertaste, not surprising considering the high doses."

Carbs in Veggies

Hey, Ogdog.

I never heard of taking O3 for depression. Do you feel a difference?

Hey Princass and Ogdog..I got you 2 confused somehow. So Princass, the question above is for you.:o

Echobaby, thanks for the goof! I read up on it and have decided (reminder that I'm bipolar and really have problems with the depression part) to order flax oil capsules to add more to my diet!!!

Hey Princass and Ogdog..I got you 2 confused somehow. So Princass, the question above is for you.:o



I started taking them pre/post-pregnancy, so for about 1 yr now. I really notice if I don't take them because I start to feel very emotional.

I started the IP diet today, for breakfast I had the plain cereal, lunch mushroom soup and salad (no dressing) and afternoon break the cappaccino drink. I've been told to have 4 proteins a day to start. I've always been very sensitive to food additives, artificial sweeteners, colourings and food dyes. One piece of sugar-free gum and I feel like my skin is crawling. 5 minutes after the cereal I felt the same feeling and with it comes an anxious feeling, sometimes a headache or mild chest discomfort. I have NO health problems and these symptoms I only have when eating or drinking diet products ie gum, diet pops, popsicles, candy etc. Although the soup left a bad after taste, I liked the taste. With the cappaccino I had the same feeling that I had after eating the cereal this morning. I'm really hoping this diet will work for me and I know a few ladies that have had great success with it. I'm normally good at sticking to a diet and have no problems getting through the first few days...my problem has always been after I lose 20 pounds I fall back into old eating habits. I'm hoping with the support of the IP ladies I won't follow that trend this time and make this a life changing diet. HOWEVER, I'm concerned that maybe some of the ingredients in their products are not agreeing with me and wonder if my body will adjust. The cereal and cappaccino I've had today, both had only 10 mg/packet of sucralose where most of the sweetened products have upwards of 30 and I saw one that had 88 mg/packet. Has anyone experienced this? I'm going home from work to have fresh veggies and the spaghetti bolognese and tomorrow I'm trying something new. I do hope that my body adjusts to the diet products and I lose these creepy sy mptoms lol. Thanks for listening and great forum 3 Fat Chicks!! I hope I have all good posts from today forward!! x0:dizzy:

I started the IP diet today and I was told to take 4 protein packs a day instead of 3. Has anyone else been told to do this before?
Also, the paperwork I was given says that I can have only 1 of the IP envelopes per day of all bars, soy puffs, chili, oatmeal, pancakes etc. Does this mean I can't have 2 bars in one day or I can't have a bar and soy puffs in the same day? Also Hearty Stew and Spaghetti are premitted two times per week. Does this mean I can have 2 stews and 2 spaghetti's per week or only 1 of each per week. I feel stupid that I can interpret this and that I didn't ask when I was there.
I was given a starter pack that included 35 protein packs of almost every product. Next week when I go back, can I purchase what I want ie, one box of puffs or do I have to buy pre-made packages put together by them? If I wanted to go in one day and just buy a box or two of something I've run out of, can I do that or do you have to purchase a full package (I think $27)
Also, is tea and coffee unlimited if it's black and not sweetened?
If someone knows the answers....I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks a bunch.
Trish

Hey Trish!
Let me see if i can help clarify some stuff for you!

My diet consultant told me that when I first start the diet, I can eat 4 packets a day to help me adjust to eating less food. It might be a similar situation with your case!

The 1 per day for bars, puffs, chili, etc. means that on any given day you can only eat 1 from all of those groups combined. In other words, don't eat 2 bars, or a bar and soy puffs, or any other combination of those items on the same day.

The 2 per week max applies ONLY to spaghetti. It's another one of the once a day limits from above, but you could only eat it two different days out of a week MAX. This has something to do with the contents/ingredients.

I would imagine that your diet consultant would allow you to make exchanges and purchase individual servings of products (I know that mine does). But it never hurts to ask them!

I cannot help with the coffee/tea information (sorry!).


I hope this helps you out!
Chris

Thanks very much Chris you have been very helpful. I think the diet eating part will be easy but keeping track of what I can and cannot eat and drinking all that water and then keeping track of what I like and don't like...will be the challening part :dizzy:. That's good though, another thing to preoccupy me during this first difficult week.
Tks again.
Trish

I started the IP diet today and I was told to take 4 protein packs a day instead of 3. Has anyone else been told to do this before?
Also, the paperwork I was given says that I can have only 1 of the IP envelopes per day of all bars, soy puffs, chili, oatmeal, pancakes etc. Does this mean I can't have 2 bars in one day or I can't have a bar and soy puffs in the same day? Also Hearty Stew and Spaghetti are premitted two times per week. Does this mean I can have 2 stews and 2 spaghetti's per week or only 1 of each per week. I feel stupid that I can interpret this and that I didn't ask when I was there.
I was given a starter pack that included 35 protein packs of almost every product. Next week when I go back, can I purchase what I want ie, one box of puffs or do I have to buy pre-made packages put together by them? If I wanted to go in one day and just buy a box or two of something I've run out of, can I do that or do you have to purchase a full package (I think $27)
Also, is tea and coffee unlimited if it's black and not sweetened?
If someone knows the answers....I'd sure appreciate it.
Thanks a bunch.
Trish


We were told we could have 4 packets for the first week because we might be hungry and need the extra food. The bars, soy puffs, chili, etc. are called restricted items. Like Chris said, you can only have ONE per day. As far as ordering new food, each place is different. My consultant is very lenient. We can order individual packets, whole boxes, and even trade items we don't want. However, not all clinics are like this, so you'll definitely want to check (though since they picked out your first week's food, I would think you could trade).
A final thought: this diet IS a lot to keep track of. My coach has us keep a food journal, where we write down exactly what we eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack, and also to record how much water we drink every day. It even has a place to check off vitamins. She provides us with the log through the clinic, but this is something you could easily make yourself if your coach does not do so. Good luck!:D

Hello all,

Just a note about keeping track...I found a spiral book titled "Diet Minder". I think I got it at Barnes and Noble (been a long time), but you can also go to the diet minder website to order ($15). You can track all sorts of things - brkfast; lunch; dinner; snacks; vitamins/supplements/meds; physical activity, etc. I think there are enough pages for 3 months worth of tracking.

Funny & sad side note: I've had this tracker for 4 yrs and it's still empty! I guess it's taken me a while to get motivated, lol. It even survived a move! I haven't officially started IP yet, as I just ordered my food and should be here within 5-7 bus. days (so I was told). Looking forward to start losing lbs. and gaining control of my weight.

Does anyone know the carb count for the phases? For instance, I think my coach said they want us to stay around 25 carbs in phase 1. I'm wondering if this is outlined anywhere? Thanks!

Hi Chris, I wanted to let you know that I'm really finding the diet good and enjoying most of the foods. I'm also happy to report that yesterday at my first weigh-in week 1 i lost 7 lbs. I'm feeling great. I'm not pleased however that my clinic will not sell by the package...the actually told me it was ilegal for them to do that. So I have found another clinic an hour away who will sell me by the package. I bought $81 last Friday and I don't think I would still be on the plan had I not been able to do it this way. I can't afford to buy one box at a time so that would have been a big problem. Hopefully I'll be able to drive to the other clinic every two weeks (pay week) and stock up on what I need and like. Thanks for your encouraging words on the outset....everything I've read on this site has been very helpful and motivated me to keep going. :carrot:

Here are some Lindora Products that follow (for the most part...read the ingredients) the IP structure.

Updated to include all products. Am waiting for them to send me the ingredients for some of the products. Will update again upon receiving those.

Thanks Ogdog13 I was just heading to that site to get the same information....couldn't have been better timing!!

Trish

Food for thought on comparing IP....

More food for thought (comparison)

Hi, End of week 2 and I've lost 5 lbs...so total for 2 weeks on plan is 12 lbs. I hope that is good! I'm sure feeling better and my clothes are much looser arounder the waist so this is good for me!!

My question, how did using the IP cleanse help you in your weight loss and how did you feel when using it. Do you feel it made a change and helped you to lose weight better than before using it? I'm not sure why they are giving it to me, it's $54Cdn and they haven't provided much information at my clinic. I have irritable bowel syndrome and I'm worried that this may cause some problems that I really don't want...I have to be very careful as I get serious of bouts constipation and diarehea and intestinal cramps. If it is going to help me though I'm more than happy to give it a try but I don't want to spend $54 on something that could make me ill.....I guess I probably won't know unless I give it a try.

This is me venting lol.
Have a great day everyone!

Also, one thing I haven't been able to give up is my tea and coffee. I have probably 3 cups of tea and 1 cup of coffee per day. In total I probably use about 1 cup of SKIM milk per day. Could this be a set back for me? After 2 weeks I've lost 12 lbs and I'm trying to cut back a little on the caffeine but it's hard and since I've given everything else up I really need to have my tea!!

Has anyone substituted other food products for the IP products? Either for more variety or becuase they are less expensive? Any guidance is appreciated.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/other-reduced-carb-diets/192865-ideal-protein-monthly-chat-february-32.html....follow the post from the beginning and you'll see us talk about it.

OgDog13 - thanks for posting all the info as pdf files! :D I made a scan of my Phase 1 sheet but it looks terrible. Yours looks great! Also, there is a difference on my Phase 1 sheet and the one you posted. Mine says to eat Green Peppers but doesn't specify whether they should be raw or cooked. For the other colors of peppers it specifies that they must be cooked. I've been eating green peppers raw in salads! I'll ask my coach about it.

Green peppers either cooked or raw are fine. This was discussed in one of the months. :)

Has anyone substituted other food products for the IP products? Either for more variety or becuase they are less expensive? Any guidance is appreciated.

Yes, do a word search for Lindora, EAS carb advantage or matol here on the IP threads.

There has been a lot of discussion about these subjects and the posts are spread out all over.

Look for threads with the word "alternative" in them.

When comparing them, I found the EAS carb advantage shakes more comparable to the IP shakes than the Atkins. (more sugar and carbs, less protein in Atkins). Don't know about the bars. I have substituted the EAS shakes for my morning packet at least once a week, and keep one in the car 'just in case' I get caught out and get hungry....

Well I have a guilty confession: I've been substituting some Atkins low carb bars and shakes for some of the Ideal Protein packets. Does anyone see anything "terrible" about this? What makes the IP food packets so special that I can't have an Atkins Shake/bar in lieu of an IP packet?

Confused.....

Thanks

Atkins bars and shakes have a lot more fat grams compared to IP.

Do you this the extra 1 or 2g of sugar in the EAS shakes make a difference? Will it affect my ketosis?

No. Not at all. Look at the higher sugar amounts in the bars, soy snacks, and restricted hot foods. (all 3g to 7 g of sugar) EAS is 1 or 2 g of sugar higher than the shakes.. so from 1or 2 g in the IP to 2 or 3 in the EAS.

I had the dark chocolate today... it was SOO good!

Can we have any packet for any meal? For example - can I have a ready to go drink for my snack?

Also.. i have done so much reading on this board trying to get some add'l info and for some reason I can't open the attachments for the comparisons of alternate products. I need to order but don't want to pay the price from my coach but also want to get something that is most comparable. I know several people in here have ordered there own stuff.. What site is it that is most comparable also the products you would order that matches the closest so I can just go and order. I do thank you for all your help and I look forward to your reply.

You should be able to double-click or right click on the attachments and they should either open in your .pdf reader or you should get a dialog box asking if you want to download the file to your computer.

Back to our EAS Edge carb control discussion...
the EAS shakes have 0 g of Sugar... as in none. The sweetener is sucralose.
I must have been thinking of the Atkins shakes when I referenced the sugar content in grams. SORRY!!

Also.. i have done so much reading on this board trying to get some add'l info and for some reason I can't open the attachments for the comparisons of alternate products. I need to order but don't want to pay the price from my coach but also want to get something that is most comparable. I know several people in here have ordered there own stuff.. What site is it that is most comparable also the products you would order that matches the closest so I can just go and order. I do thank you for all your help and I look forward to your reply.

For me, it's Lindora. The NewLifeStyle things have more carbs. I've switched to Lindora with the same results as I.P., only the I.P. keeps you full longer. But for less than half the price, I can deal fine. See below.

here's a site for "liquid diets" of which IP is one(although it's not mentioned). Some answers to stuff we've all mulled over for months.

http://www.liquiddietdiscussion.com/faq/11/

Also, one thing I haven't been able to give up is my tea and coffee. I have probably 3 cups of tea and 1 cup of coffee per day. In total I probably use about 1 cup of SKIM milk per day. Could this be a set back for me? After 2 weeks I've lost 12 lbs and I'm trying to cut back a little on the caffeine but it's hard and since I've given everything else up I really need to have my tea!!

I use the vanilla shake in my coffee instead of cream and sugar. It's so good.

I started this program 3 1/2 weeks ago. Weight 181, now 165!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So very happy and feel wonderful! Menopause, depression had me for a while.. not now!!

I've been on the IP regimen for a few months now. I wanted to lose 20 lbs and have stalled big time. I've lost inches, but the weight has gone up 4 lbs. after losing 14 lbs. I haven't been able to achieve my goal weight, yet. I got tripped up over Easter and it seems like my cheating has thrown off my system. Any suggestions on getting back in line?

You might want to try doing IP bootcamp for a week:

Only Non-restricted IP Packages
Only Select Veggies
Stay below 20 grams of NET carbs per day or 30 grams of total carbs

I just started the IP diet on Thursday ... How do you deal with the craving? I am having a difficult time curbing my hunger .... any suggestions?

Hiya Frank - the first few days are the hardest until you get in to ketosis (usually takes about 3 days!). Here are some things you can do:

-You can add an extra package of food for the first few days to get through it
-Have a mixed green salad with some oil/lemon juice/sea salt on it to fill you up
-Drink some water with lime or lemon wedges

After three days you'll feel much better and the hunger will go away which makes cravings easier to deal with! I hope that helps! Good luck on IP!

I just started the IP diet on Thursday ... How do you deal with the craving? I am having a difficult time curbing my hunger .... any suggestions?

Hi Frank!

For me, hot tea works. I keep an assortment of teas, mostly herbal and decaf types but I really love the GOOD EARTH ORIGINAL too, and when a craving hits I can quickly make a cup of tea. The heat seems to help me and the flavors are usually potent enough to kill a craving.

Carla

How is your coach working out for you? Talked to someone on IP who feels her male coach in AZ doesn't really coach but just sells product and takes measurements. Was told he often demeans instead of encourages if he doesn't think the weight loss is satisfactory. She talked to other coaches and it seems hers really isn't doing what a lot of others are. I'd like to do IP but don't want to start with a coach who just wants to take my payment, measurements, and send me on my way. Thoughts?

How is your coach working out for you? Talked to someone on IP who feels her male coach in AZ doesn't really coach but just sells product and takes measurements. Was told he often demeans instead of encourages if he doesn't think the weight loss is satisfactory. She talked to other coaches and it seems hers really isn't doing what a lot of others are. I'd like to do IP but don't want to start with a coach who just wants to take my payment, measurements, and send me on my way. Thoughts?


Every person will, of course, have an individual experience with their coach. I have to say I really like mine. He was really quite new to IP at the time we started working together; he'd only completed the program last year for himself. I have seen his style change, his experience related information grow, he constantly keeps in touch, is concerned about me and my whole life impact on the diet (stress, etc.). He takes my concerns seriously and treats them as if they are all important. He will keep trying to get answers and not give up. He says things to keep me focused, shows real enthusiasm over even the smallest losses, and doesn't beat me up for a slip up or low loss. He doesn't encourage me going off the strictest version of the program, tries not to give me leeway that might make the diet harder, wants to see me keeping a journal, takes picture and weights/measures regularly. He provides information on how the program works or chemistry of the body is effected as it is known by him or appropriate. I don't feel rushed or pushed out when I have an appointment with him.

I would have to say, I have a great coach.

I use the vanilla shake in my coffee instead of cream and sugar. It's so good.

Thank you for that tip. I can't wait to try it! My beloved creamy coffee is in my future! :carrot:

Thank you for that tip. I can't wait to try it! My beloved creamy coffee is in my future! :carrot:


Cute name!!

I like to make the vanilla pudding with about 8 oz of cold water and give it a good shake. Then I pour it in to a big coffee mug (like a friends coffeehouse sized mug) and heat it up for about a minute before topping it up with coffee & a splash of french vanilla sugar free divinci syrup.

It's frothy and rich and tastes like a cafe au lait! - I have it every morning!

Lemon juice as an approved item on my list from my coach, but not lime.

I would imagine they are the same, but was looking for insight here to be sure.

I want to make a cilantro lime vinegarette.

Lemon juice as an approved item on my list from my coach, but not lime.

I would imagine they are the same, but was looking for insight here to be sure.

I want to make a cilantro lime vinegarette.

I have the same instructions but haven't been able to find out why. Researching it, all I can find is that the PH of lime is more acidic than the PH of lemon by a slight amount. Perhaps, because the diet tries to control for ph or acidity the lime is out??? Although, to be somewhat honesty that would only also be logical if lemon has less sugars than grapefruit or orange which are both, and respectively, more alkaline than lemon.


Call me clueless too! :)

I've currently lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks.. noticing sagging skin. Any suggestions?

I've currently lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks.. noticing sagging skin. Any suggestions?

Eat more of the jello and drink more of the blueberry pomegranate drink. They have stuff in them to help with skin elasticity.

Also, talk to your coach. IP offers some high grad (medical grade) collagen/elasticin builder supplements.

Drink more water! :)

Eat more of the jello and drink more of the blueberry pomegranate drink. They have stuff in them to help with skin elasticity.

Also, talk to your coach. IP offers some high grad (medical grade) collagen/elasticin builder supplements.

Drink more water! :)

Make sure you're getting your full dose of olive oil for the day, too. I'm trying to keep well moisturized but I still have a lot of extra skin too. As much as I hate it though, I'd rather loose skin than tight skin full of extra fat! :o

What is the problem with aspertame? Does it affect weight loss or is it restricted because of health issues?

FYI, just wanted others to know that I contacted IP by email and told them there was no clinic in my area and I was able to get online and can order what I want with no hassles.

TO WUC1013
From what I understand, some people get headaches from aspartme. We have a couple docs as neighbors and they use only sucralose (Splenda) and they also believe that Stevia is a good option. Even Dr. Tien Tran Chan discusses in his book aspartame as the non-sugary sweetener to be used, but that book was written before sucralose (Splenda and generic equivalents) were on the market and available. The IP packets do not use aspartame (Equal brand) but instead, the sucralose which tells you it is preferred over aspartame. Google aspartame for more info. Stevia, the natural leafy herb supplement is what I use when I need a sweetener. It's available in liquid or powder.

Did you go directly to IPs website and how much was each IP packet or box of 7 packets. Please let me know the website. Thanks.

TO WUC1013
From what I understand, some people get headaches from aspartme. We have a couple docs as neighbors and they use only sucralose (Splenda) and they also believe that Stevia is a good option. Even Dr. Tien Tran Chan discusses in his book aspartame as the non-sugary sweetener to be used, but that book was written before sucralose (Splenda and generic equivalents) were on the market and available. The IP packets do not use aspartame (Equal brand) but instead, the sucralose which tells you it is preferred over aspartame. Google aspartame for more info. Stevia, the natural leafy herb supplement is what I use when I need a sweetener. It's available in liquid or powder.

Did you go directly to IPs website and how much was each IP packet or box of 7 packets. Please let me know the website. Thanks.

It is idealtogo.com sent them an email and they called and set me up over the phone. Then I went online and did my assessment and I have access to the whole website and can order whenever. I have not ordered from them yet because I got some things from my sister who lives near a center.
wen:cool:

What is the problem with aspertame? Does it affect weight loss or is it restricted because of health issues?

FYI, just wanted others to know that I contacted IP by email and told them there was no clinic in my area and I was able to get online and can order what I want with no hassles.

Before sucralose, aspertame was the lowest impact sugar substitute thought safe for diabetics. At that time Dr. Chanh used it as part of the protocol. Since then, in the past 20 years, it has been learned that aspertame (equal) has its own issues. Issues that are, in some countries minds, significant enough to not allow it to be over a certain percentage of the volume of a food item.

The only things that are known with certainty are Aspertame has an impact on the body's insulin production. It does activate the pancreas. That being the case it is no longer considered a reasonable sweetener for this protocol. The idea is we are to use sweeteners that cause the least response from the pancreas and the smallest change in insulin. Sucralose, and Stevia (rebiana), and acesulfame potassium (acesulfame k) or ACE-k are the preferred sweetners along with a few sugar alcohols that don't cause an insulin response. ( if you research sweeteners glycemic index or, more importantly glycemic load, you will see the differences) WE STILL NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL USING SUCRALOSE. IT MEASURES APPROXIMATELY 1 CARB per TSP.

Also, be very careful to avoid most sugar alcohols. The top of the "to avoid list" are any of the maltotol, maltodextrin family. xylitol and erythritol seem to work ok for most people.

Hi !

I've been reading in some post in the forum that everyone that goes to the restaurant bring their own salt.. I'm using my ''IP salt'' at home, but when I go to the restaurant, is that correct if I use the own they have there ? What's the difference ?

Hi,

I've seen this question a few times and some answers in different threads. Each clinic is different and i just wanted to share mine for the benefit of people interested in this diet.

yesterday was my first appointment and measurements, they also gave me a starter kit containing all the informational materials, food log, 28 packets, my supplements and a shaker for preparing the food and a bag to carry it all.

the admin fee for the clinic was = $125
the supplements:
omega3 = $31,
multi-vit=$30,
cal-mag = $25 ,
potassium-calcium = $15

natural calm(for constipation) = $22
ip shaker and bag = $15

sea salt(small) = $2.50

28 protein packets at $4 each = $115

Not sure if this is the same per clinic, but this should give you an idea what to expect the first time. It is a big amount up front, so be prepared.

they told me the supplements would last about 4-6 weeks usually. but as you take a different number of each, you might need to refill some sooner than the others.

Hope this helps.
:dizzy:

I am on phase 1 and am finding that I am extremely thirsty all the time, wake up dried out in the morning, eyes are dry etc. My first thought was to cut back the salt but I still have the same results. My mouth is dry all the time.

I am finding the shakes and puddings bother my stomach a bit, I think I have a bit of a lactose intolerance from the whey. Are lactose supplements ok? I take rolaids or sometimes a diet ginger ale to settle my stomach.

Lastly I am finding on this diet I am extremely tired at the end of the day and sleep early and like a baby all night. I think my energy is low? Have taken an extra potassium pill but its still an issue. I find when I get up to walk around I get quite dizzy. Any recommendations for the issues I am experiencing? I am quite active, gym, sports etc so I'm not sure what to do but I do feel hungry a lot! thanks.

I am on phase 1 and am finding that I am extremely thirsty all the time, wake up dried out in the morning, eyes are dry etc. My first thought was to cut back the salt but I still have the same results. My mouth is dry all the time.

I am finding the shakes and puddings bother my stomach a bit, I think I have a bit of a lactose intolerance from the whey. Are lactose supplements ok? I take rolaids or sometimes a diet ginger ale to settle my stomach.

Lastly I am finding on this diet I am extremely tired at the end of the day and sleep early and like a baby all night. I think my energy is low? Have taken an extra potassium pill but its still an issue. I find when I get up to walk around I get quite dizzy. Any recommendations for the issues I am experiencing? I am quite active, gym, sports etc so I'm not sure what to do but I do feel hungry a lot! thanks.

How many day on IP ?

I started IP two days ago. Do I have to consume all foods that are suggested? I'm finding I can't finish my lunch or dinner because it's just too much. Anybody have that issue?

I started IP two days ago. Do I have to consume all foods that are suggested? I'm finding I can't finish my lunch or dinner because it's just too much. Anybody have that issue?

You do need to consume all of your food. You might try breaking it up into a few more smaller meals thru your day.

If you are on the regular Phase I (not an alternate model) try:

Breakfast Ideal - Protein packet
Mid morning snack - veggies
Lunch - small salad with veggies and a protein packet
Afternoon snack - veggies
Dinner- your choice of :meat, fish, poultry with a small salad and veggies
Late evening snack - protein packet (try for something dense or higher calorie like a chocolate drink, pudding, mango drink, yogurt, jello)

If that is still to much at 1 setting you can try to split the parts of lunch and dinner out again but, you will probably be eating every 2 hours IF you are up a 16 hour day.

I did have some similar problem with not wanting to eat, being too full to eat when I was in a very heavy ketosis. Make sure you are getting in plenty of water AT LEAST 2 liters (64 oz) and up to a gallon a day.

I am on phase 1 and am finding that I am extremely thirsty all the time, wake up dried out in the morning, eyes are dry etc. My first thought was to cut back the salt but I still have the same results. My mouth is dry all the time.

I am finding the shakes and puddings bother my stomach a bit, I think I have a bit of a lactose intolerance from the whey. Are lactose supplements ok? I take rolaids or sometimes a diet ginger ale to settle my stomach.

Lastly I am finding on this diet I am extremely tired at the end of the day and sleep early and like a baby all night. I think my energy is low? Have taken an extra potassium pill but its still an issue. I find when I get up to walk around I get quite dizzy. Any recommendations for the issues I am experiencing? I am quite active, gym, sports etc so I'm not sure what to do but I do feel hungry a lot! thanks.

This could be anyone's "guess" so, you should probably talk to your doctor. Do you know if your thyroid is operating as it should? If not ask your doctor about that too. Dizziness can be from a health condition or a nutritional deficiency.

Magnesium and potassium can cause what you are describing. Usually you need more of each to get over this. Also, you probably need more water. This diet does use up a lot of our water and electrolytes making us very dry, thirsty and fatigued. You actually need MORE not less salt... are you taking 1/2 to 1 tsp a day? Having more REAL SEA SALT or a brand called REAL SALT will help the body and you won't retain fluids. It will help with fatigue, headache, and dizziness.

If you are quite active, my guess is you are losing to much fluid and electrolytes and not getting enough calories.

Many of us were told do not exercise on this diet or, if allowed to exercise, keep it to low intensity workouts - things that keep your heart rate in the 60 - 70% category.

You do need to consume all of your food. You might try breaking it up into a few more smaller meals thru your day.

If you are on the regular Phase I (not an alternate model) try:

Breakfast Ideal - Protein packet
Mid morning snack - veggies
Lunch - small salad with veggies and a protein packet
Afternoon snack - veggies
Dinner- your choice of :meat, fish, poultry with a small salad and veggies
Late evening snack - protein packet (try for something dense or higher calorie like a chocolate drink, pudding, mango drink, yogurt, jello)

If that is still to much at 1 setting you can try to split the parts of lunch and dinner out again but, you will probably be eating every 2 hours IF you are up a 16 hour day.

I did have some similar problem with not wanting to eat, being too full to eat when I was in a very heavy ketosis. Make sure you are getting in plenty of water AT LEAST 2 liters (64 oz) and up to a gallon a day.
Thanks so much Carla! I'll try your suggestions.

Hi everyone :) I am new to IP and dont know much about foods. I was wondering if anyone knew if we can have polish bigos (hunter's stew)? i know it has tomato paste but other than that its just cabbage, sauercraut and sausage and meat scraps, well ... and some seasonings I guess ;) I feel so guilty bc I had some and now Im worried it will push my weigh loss back by days :( Please if anyone has any idea about this....help

I was asked to post this here since so many people have questions about the working out deal...so here goes

Here is some useful info...


HEART RATE TRAINING ZONES
The whole point of using different heart rate zones when training is that each training zone has a different effect on your fitness. It is worthwhile taking the time to understand the benefits of training in each zone.

The value of each training zone should not be underestimated and although it may feel strange the first time you do an ergo at 65% (because it doesn't hurt and you're not sweating like a pig), resist the temptation to pull harder and just keep at it, it's on your program for a reason.

The Energy Efficient or Recovery Zone - 60% to 70% (this is where IP suggests you stay)

Much of the benefits from heart rate training involve the body's energy systems and one of these systems is responsible for the long term supply of energy to your working muscles.

Fat is an abundant source of energy for the endurance athlete. Training within this heart rate zone - best accomplished by doing long, slow ergos, (or runs or water-work) - develops the body's ability to feed the working muscles more efficiently.

The other major advantage to training in this zone is weight loss, because you are almost exclusively burning FAT. You will also be allowing your muscles to re-energize with glycogen, which has been expended during those faster paced work-outs.

Underestimate this training zone at your peril.

The Aerobic Zone - 70% to 80%

When you train in this Heart Rate zone, you are training your cardiovascular system. Within this range, the body's ability to transport oxygen to, and carbon dioxide away from, the working muscles can be developed and improved.

As you become fitter and stronger from training in this zone you will get the benefits of some fat burning and improved aerobic capacity. 75% training often feels good.

This zone is also ideal for developing local muscle strength.

The Anaerobic Zone - 80% to 90%

This is the zone in which an enormous amount of benefit can be gained.

Somewhere between 80 and 90%, your individual anaerobic threshold is hiding. Between these heart rates, you use very little fat, instead you start to use glycogen - which is stored in your muscles - as the main source of energy.

Unfortunately, one of the by-products of burning this glycogen, is the rower's worst enemy, Lactic Acid.

There is a point at which the working muscles are producing lactic acid at a faster rate than the body can remove it. The heart rate this happens at, depends on you as an individual but when you do hit this point - known as Anabolic Threshold it will be accompanied by a rapid rise in heart rate and a slowing of your pace - sound familiar?

Through the correct training it is possible to delay the Anabolic Threshold either:
# by increasing the heart rate at which you reach it or
# by increasing your body's ability to deal with the lactic acid for a longer period of time.

The fitter you are the nearer you will be racing to your Anabolic Threshold. But beware, pulling a 1:45 split does not mean you are rowing at your Anabolic Threshold if the training you have been under-going is incorrect.

Assuming you are fit you will be racing at just below, or right on, your AT (depending on the length of the race). Sometimes elite athletes can hold a pace above their AT but for most mere mortals "going off too hard" will only result in you "blowing up" half way through a race - something most of us have experienced at some stage, and it's not pleasant.

The Red Line Zone 90% to 100%

In this zone you will only be able to train for short periods of time. It effectively trains your fast twitch muscle fibers and helps to develop speed.

It is worth being aware that to develop this speed you must first have developed your ability to deal with lactic acid.

This zone is reserved for racing sprints and only the very fit are able to train effectively within the red line zone.

Remember, training very near your maximum HR can be dangerous.

Calculation of Maximum Heart Rate

The easiest and best known method to calculate your maximum heart rate (MHR) is to use the formula

* MHR = 220 - Age
between 60% and 70% of your MHR... is where you are tapping into the fat reserves more.

BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR BIRTH CONTROL.

I tought I should post it here because many Newbies didn't know this information.

Ideal protein diet is really messing up our hormones so when on this diet, you need to use condom AND birth control, not only birth control..

ive been IP for 3 weeks and i am really sick of salads and i am not hungry (as I have beebn sick with the flu) and find it hard to eat all the salads and veggies........they are so boring and sick of them! HELP!!

Unfortunately, boredom does set in around the 3 week mark. Also, unfortunately, there is no way to avoid eating the salads and veggies ( at a minimum you need the veggies).

What we can do is try to make veggies more interesting and incorporate them into other meals and at different points in the day. My coach allows me veggies with breakfast, as snacks between lunch and dinner. Also, you can make rhubarb as a dessert.

Make veggies in a variety of ways: saute, grill, steam, roast, bake, boil, broil, pickled or raw are a few options.

Make a variety of salads:

spinach: bacon crumbs (about 1 oz) and 2 hardboiled eggs sliced with fresh slices of red onion, fresh mushroom, some chopped red pepper pieces if you like. Use an italian vinegrette or doctor up a Walden Farms Italian (they have a few types) or use the walden farms bacon ranch dressing (doctor it up by warming it in the skillet you prepared the bacon in, adding a touch of salt, some white pepper, and a dash of garlic)

caesar (use a walden foods caesar dressing or the dressing from our recipes2 thread)

farmers style: mix of romaine and green leaf or butter, sliced grilled chicken, some tomato slices, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, cucumber, mushroom, a few pieces of sweet orange pepper, some slices of yellow squash. It will be a variety of taste color and texture.

IP Friendly Nicoise Salad: chopped romaine hearts, a total of NO MORE than 2 cups for the combination (tomato, green beans, boiled turnip or rutabaga), red onion, homemade marinated or natural mushroom pieces, red onion, tuna, bacon pieces (optional), you can sub cauliflower boiled for the turnip or rutabaga if you want more tomato and green beans. THIS IS AN OCCASIONAL SALAD based on the majority of the ingredients coming from your occasional list. The dressing I would use on it is:
Vinaigrette
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (use less oil if you can or use sparingly on on the salad. Maybe on the side and fork dip the salad)
1 medium shallot, minced
1 Tbsp minced fresh thyme leaves
2 Tbsp minced fresh basil leaves
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano leaves
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (annie's organics makes an IP acceptable one)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper


Fiesta Salad: a mix of chopped romaine and iceberg, seasoned taco meat (see recipes thread for a taco seasoning) or use grilled fajita meat, finely chopped cauliflower lightly pan sauted with tomato and onion and some taco seasoning, 1/2 cup (per serving) of black edamame (tastes like black beans), a little finely chopped tomato, some grilled or pan sauted green pepper, onion (DO NOT COOK LONG OR CARMELIZE THE ONION), and mushroom

Asian salad: romaine, cucumber, bean sprouts, red pepper, tomato, snow peas, sea kelp noodles, bok choy or napa cabbage finely shredded, finely chopped green onion, steamed green or red pepper thinly sliced, ****aki mushrooms lightly pan cooked, use a WF asian dressing doctored up or a little sesame oil and soy sauce. You could add terriyaki chicken or shrimp to this to this.

Marinated cucumber and tomatoes


Grilled vegetable salad... any mix of grilled vegtables seasoned with olive oil, salt, peper, italian seasoning and apple cider vinegar or a zero carb red wine vinegar.

Those are just a few ideas to get you started!

For veggies: Have zucchini or kale chips, crispy baked green beans, pickled okra, cucumber or celery slices, raw broccoli/cauliflower/or asparagus ( these last ones can be dipped in a homemade dressing or a doctored up walden farms onion or ranch dip). These are great snack items

For meals: cook turnip greens, southern style mustard or collard or dandelion greens, spinach, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, roasted veggies,baked cauliflower/broccoli. zucchini, roasted fennel

STUFFED: mushroom, bell pepper, tomato, zucchini, eggplant,

Lettuce wraps

cooked cabbage, sauerkraut, pan seared brussel sprouts or roast brussel sprouts

turnip fries, faux mashed potatoes (use turnip or rutabaga. THIS IS AN OCCASIONAL item and should be looked at in the context of your entire week before you make it... you can't have more than a couple cups total PER WEEK of items with occasional veggies), Faux potato salad (using turnip, rutabaga or cauliflower

Cauliflower rice or couscous (this can be used often during the week)


Doctor up the IP PACKETS:

Add veggies to the fine herb and cheese IP egg packet for a nice breakfast scramble or omelette

Boil some veggies or steam them then mix whole into a soup or puree and blend into an IP soup. It gives the soup more flavor and works in the protein too.

Make your own vegetable broth or chicken broth and then make a homemade vegetable soup.


Hopefully this gives you some ideas to work with.

Carla-
What do you suggest adding to the WF ranch to make it taste better?

I have not been able to find the WF italian dressing-
Most of the recipes I read used the following list of ingredients. The authors created the recipe more or less to taste but, based on 1cup of mayo and 1/2 cup of a milk/buttermilk/sour cream.

I suggest experimenting with the list below, some quantities are suggested but that is all they are... suggestions.

1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar (white or apple cider) adds tang
1 tsp or 1 packet of sweetener (if you like it sweeter not necessary for most)
½ to 1 tsp chive, use more if fresh chopped
½ to 2tsp parsley, use more if fresh chopped
½ tsp dill use more to taste if going fresh
1/8tsp onion powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp salt more or less to taste
1/8 tsp pepper adds some bite… you could substitute cayenne or white pepper
1/8 tsp paprika can add sweet, smoky or heat to mixture depending on what you choose
¼ tsp mustard powder adds a sharpness

for 1cup Walden Food ranch dressing as the mixing base
If made from scratch you would add the above ingredients to 1cup may and ½ cup sour cream or low fat milk or low fat buttermilk


You could try ordering the walden food products online via netrition. I think they are a flat 5.00usd shipping fee.

http://www6.netrition.com/cgi/prices.cgi?manu_id=394

You might want to get your thyroid check, it's just a simple blood test. I take thyroid meds and when my levels are off I see hair loss. Just adjusting the med's corrects this.

Good Luck

Carla-
What do you suggest adding to the WF ranch to make it taste better?

I have not been able to find the WF italian dressing-

I make the WF ranch taste better by adding 1 packet of splenda to about 1/2 cup of dressing, adding some dried dill weed and dried parsley (to taste), and just a touch of French's mustard (not too much). I guess it robs it a bit of its ranch flavor to add the mustard, but let's face it. WF Ranch isn't exactly Hidden Valley.

About two weeks ago, I made some homemade ranch using skim milk and WF mayo, and a combination of parsley, dill, onion & garlic powder, and a bit of black pepper and sea salt. It's pretty tasty. There are numerous ranch dressing recipes on the web that will give you an idea of what to use and suit your taste. I don't mind using my 1 oz. of skim milk in the dressing since I'm not much of a coffee drinker. I like it better than the bottled WF Ranch.

I am on phase 1 and am finding that I am extremely thirsty all the time, wake up dried out in the morning, eyes are dry etc. My first thought was to cut back the salt but I still have the same results. My mouth is dry all the time.

I am finding the shakes and puddings bother my stomach a bit, I think I have a bit of a lactose intolerance from the whey. Are lactose supplements ok? I take rolaids or sometimes a diet ginger ale to settle my stomach.

Lastly I am finding on this diet I am extremely tired at the end of the day and sleep early and like a baby all night. I think my energy is low? Have taken an extra potassium pill but its still an issue. I find when I get up to walk around I get quite dizzy. Any recommendations for the issues I am experiencing? I am quite active, gym, sports etc so I'm not sure what to do but I do feel hungry a lot! thanks.

My Doc told me that as you lose fat and body mass it takes a while for your blood volume to catch up (that is, decrease) so when you get up to walk around you get a bit of a head rush. He suggested trying to drink a bit more water and make sure I'm getting enough salt. I was already drinking a lot of water (about 96 oz.), but adding another 16 oz. and being careful to get enough salt have helped.

As far as feeling hungry, I've found that somedays I'm fine between lunch and dinner, and somedays I really get hungry mid-afternoon (depending usually on whether I've been to the gym that day). On those days I add an another packet (usually a drink or the jelly) and more water and the hunger disappears.

I am on phase 1 and am finding that I am extremely thirsty all the time, wake up dried out in the morning, eyes are dry etc. My first thought was to cut back the salt but I still have the same results. My mouth is dry all the time.

I am finding the shakes and puddings bother my stomach a bit, I think I have a bit of a lactose intolerance from the whey. Are lactose supplements ok? I take rolaids or sometimes a diet ginger ale to settle my stomach.

Lastly I am finding on this diet I am extremely tired at the end of the day and sleep early and like a baby all night. I think my energy is low? Have taken an extra potassium pill but its still an issue. I find when I get up to walk around I get quite dizzy. Any recommendations for the issues I am experiencing? I am quite active, gym, sports etc so I'm not sure what to do but I do feel hungry a lot! thanks.

Meetchella, you should look into the enzymes that IP carries, or get your own at a local shop. I got mine at Whole Foods. It really helps with the digestion of the packets. You take 1-2 before your packet and it should help with the upset stomach.

I started 4 days ago ... My biggest problem is the nausea since day 1 ... Any suggestion to stop it ?

I started 4 days ago ... My biggest problem is the nausea since day 1 ... Any suggestion to stop it ?


MORE water! Ketones have that effect on some people, especially when you have a lot of them. Diluting them helps some people feel better.

You can also space your food out a little more during the day which keeps you feeling a bit more full so, less nauseous.

Have you asked your coach what they suggest?

Betsy, I've started to order everything online from here: http://www.aimtobehealthy.com/catalog.htm#nutritional%20supplements as I'm tired of having to rush out of work to drive 40 mins to the doc who has these in my area. You may also order from www.matol.com. People have posted all the information you need here under FAQs and also under Phases for you to refer to. Hopefully that helps you!

Aren't these products much more exppensive than what your coach offers? I heard from coaches each packet is $4 but I clicked on these links and some of the prices are way higher.

My start-up fees were $540 (reg price $640 but they deducted $100 because I signed up on the same day as the intro seminar).

it included the following:

2.5 weeks worth of packs
1 mini-salt shaker
1 wisk bottle shaker
1 multivitamin
1 Pot/Cal
1 Cal-Mag
1 Daily Journal Log
1 bag
and 6 months worth of once/week coaching

seems like this is more expensive!!

I posted this on the IP chat for this week but didn't receive a response. I'll try here now. I'm on week 5 of Ideal Protein and have been stalled @ 119lbs for the last two weeks. I did cheat last week Sunday, but shouldn't my body have rebounded from that by now? Also my coach said I could start working out now. I was thinking about doing 20 minutes on the elliptical/day. Is that too much or not enough? What about if I incorporate free weights in my regimen? Suggestions anyone??

My start-up fees were $540 (reg price $640 but they deducted $100 because I signed up on the same day as the intro seminar).

it included the following:

2.5 weeks worth of packs
1 mini-salt shaker
1 wisk bottle shaker
1 multivitamin
1 Pot/Cal
1 Cal-Mag
1 Daily Journal Log
1 bag
and 6 months worth of once/week coaching

seems like this is more expensive!!

Wow! My start up fee was $250 but only included 1 week of food along with all the other things on your list.

Wow! My start up fee was $250 but only included 1 week of food along with all the other things on your list.
Because my husband and I signed up together, we paid $180 ea.
Included all the same with the one weeks worth of packets ea.

Because my husband and I signed up together, we paid $180 ea.
Included all the same with the one weeks worth of packets ea.

I paid $75 for my "fee" and each week the packets are about $88. But my clinic does a class/meeting once a month and newbies can sign up with no consult fee then. My husband was going to do it, but he doesn't eat veggies at all (no lettuce, and only radishes and pickles off the veggie list).

I've been on IP for a little over a week and I'm leaving to go apartment hunting in DC and will not have another weigh in for two weeks. I am afraid I'm going to run out of the IP sea salt. Can I use store bought sea salt and not jeopardize my weight loss?

Makita! Hi, and Welcome!!!! You look like you have had a GREAT first week. You likely won't run out of sea salt if you are sticking to the 1/2tsp a day, but if you do, you can buy it from any store that sells sea salt. Just make sure that the sea salt you buy is NOT only white. You want it to have color. That way you know that all the minerals you need have not been washed out of it. Most health food stores will carry it, and be able to guide you to the right ones if you need a little help :) I was able to find the actual stuff that IP sells to us, for a fraction of the cost.
Good luck with your apartment hunting!!!

I've been on IP for a little over a week and I'm leaving to go apartment hunting in DC and will not have another weigh in for two weeks. I am afraid I'm going to run out of the IP sea salt. Can I use store bought sea salt and not jeopardize my weight loss?

My local grocery stores carry the same stuff I can get from my coach, but in much larger quantities for a lot less. You'll note that the stuff you get from your center is Redmond Sea Salt, that comes from Redmond, Utah. As I live in Utah, it might be that I have better access to it because it's a local product. In fact, Redmond offers a full line of products here, including garlic and onion salt -- all made with the natural salt.

I bought a big bag, and grabbed a couple of cheap shakers at the dollar store. I keep one at home, one at work, one at my parents' house, and one in the car. Might be worth looking into. Their website is realsalt.com

So, I know we aren't supposed to have cooked onions, because they caramelize.

But there is a difference in a grilled onion and a caramelized onion. So my question is, can we have grilled onions? Or onions that have been heated but haven't reached caramelization? :dunno:

So, I know we aren't supposed to have cooked onions, because they caramelize.

But there is a difference in a grilled onion and a caramelized onion. So my question is, can we have grilled onions? Or onions that have been heated but haven't reached caramelization? :dunno:

these days I cook them until they are soft and take them off the stove, I usually add them back in whatever I am cooking after. If am making burgers, I just add them in from the begining because they end up not caramelizing and just cooking.

these days I cook them until they are soft and take them off the stove, I usually add them back in whatever I am cooking after. If am making burgers, I just add them in from the begining because they end up not caramelizing and just cooking.

Thanks girl! Also, I was seeing your post about some alcohol, and something I've done for a while is make a sugar free mixed drink.

I use Crystal Light Lemonade mix, not the packs, but the mix for 2 quarts. Mix it with 2 quarts soda water, and 1-2 cherry sugar free kool aid packs (3 calories 0 sugar 0 carbs per pack) depending on how much alcohol you want to taste. I usually pour some into a 12 oz. glass, then add 1-2 oz. of Absolut vodka to it (68 cal 0 sugar 0 carbs per oz.).

Depending on how many shots you use you're looking at virtually no sugar, no carbs, and 69-140 calories per glass.

Thanks girl! Also, I was seeing your post about some alcohol, and something I've done for a while is make a sugar free mixed drink.

I use Crystal Light Lemonade mix, not the packs, but the mix for 2 quarts. Mix it with 2 quarts soda water, and 1-2 cherry sugar free kool aid packs (3 calories 0 sugar 0 carbs per pack) depending on how much alcohol you want to taste. I usually pour some into a 12 oz. glass, then add 1-2 oz. of Absolut vodka to it (68 cal 0 sugar 0 carbs per oz.).

Depending on how many shots you use you're looking at virtually no sugar, no carbs, and 69-140 calories per glass.

:) too funny. before you were here, Erin and I had a big talk about this. YES, V & soda water is my favorite. V has to be straight with no flavouring, as in mandrin absolut etc. My problem or lack there of I guess is that I do NOT like my Alchy drinks sweet at all. ONLY problem is red wine. I drink because I love the taste but come to think of it I like pasta too and have been able to give that up.

and here i am again! hahaha, yes taylor, ellie(pita) and i are the lushes of the forum, been yelled at many times for our in depth convos so now we've been asked to talk about them in the "OOOPS, NO-NO" thread.

before this diet i did the vodka(monopalowa potato vodka is my favorite) and crystal light but have since gone to cranberry-raspberry la croix sparkling water($3.99 a 12 pack) with vodka when i cheat. 60 cal per drink(with one shot) and no aspartame-crystal light does have aspartame which has been expained to me at least can trick your body into thinking it's consuming sugar.

i'm the same ellie with the sweet drinks, i used to use a little sprinkle of crystal light just to have the lemon flavor. didn't have a clue how many sparkling waters there were out there. ugh, that slenderwine-was it gross like white zin?

and here i am again! hahaha, yes taylor, ellie(pita) and i are the lushes of the forum, been yelled at many times for our in depth convos so now we've been asked to talk about them in the "OOOPS, NO-NO" thread.

before this diet i did the vodka(monopalowa potato vodka is my favorite) and crystal light but have since gone to cranberry-raspberry la croix sparkling water($3.99 a 12 pack) with vodka when i cheat. 60 cal per drink(with one shot) and no aspartame-crystal light does have aspartame which has been expained to me at least can trick your body into thinking it's consuming sugar.

i'm the same ellie with the sweet drinks, i used to use a little sprinkle of crystal light just to have the lemon flavor. didn't have a clue how many sparkling waters there were out there. ugh, that slenderwine-was it gross like white zin?

you are not the lush Erin, I am one though. yes wine sucked, hate to say it but its like them mike's hard lemonades, you know on that show that they catch pedofiles, the pedofile always brings mike's hard lemonade?? well he could switch to slenderwine to be more sofisticated.

you are not the lush Erin, I am one though. yes wine sucked, hate to say it but its like them mike's hard lemonades, you know on that show that they catch pedofiles, the pedofile always brings mike's hard lemonade?? well he could switch to slenderwine to be more sofisticated.

lies, all lies;) i am a lush, my hubby and our best guy friend call vodka my "medicine". i am an unusually up tight human being on most days and that's what mellows me out in the evenings after workdays and days i'm stuck at home with two wild children normally. used to be a whiskey gal-i'm a self proclaimed redneck, but alas-too many carbohydrates. so i made the switch the the russian drink of choice and have never looked back.

i miss my potoato vodka at night...

Oh, to be young again.
Well actually I AM still young, but they start us sorority girls out real young. I haven't drank in nearly a year (July 4th) because of my esophogitus.
Sad day. Sad sad day. :(

what sorority? i'm an alpha xi delta alum from UT:D and you're young! i'm getting old pushing the big 2-6

may i ask what esophogitus is and how you got it?

Oh, to be young again.
Well actually I AM still young, but they start us sorority girls out real young. I haven't drank in nearly a year (July 4th) because of my esophogitus.
Sad day. Sad sad day. :(

alright youngin...I've had that...ehmmm and I was able to find a remedy and allowed to enjoy my libations ;)

Erin: I remember when I turned 25, my brother called and said "happy birthday, you are quarter of a century year old now". Yeab what was over a decade ago :)

ellie, you look no more than 22-23, honestly. i can't wait to be in my mid 30's, i hear the libido gets better AND my kids will be self sufficient at 12 and 15!!!!! woo-hoo!!!!! you're GORGEOUS.

lies, all lies;) i am a lush, my hubby and our best guy friend call vodka my "medicine". i am an unusually up tight human being on most days and that's what mellows me out in the evenings after workdays and days i'm stuck at home with two wild children normally. used to be a whiskey gal-i'm a self proclaimed redneck, but alas-too many carbohydrates. so i made the switch the the russian drink of choice and have never looked back.

i miss my potoato vodka at night...

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.

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.

all I have to say is *S I G H* :(

one day, one day...one day in the future, hopefully near future.

Can anyone tell me if lettuce can be counted towards the 2 cups of veggies? I know we can have 2 cups veggies plus unlimited lettuce, but can the lettuce be used instead of other vegetables?

Can anyone tell me if lettuce can be counted towards the 2 cups of veggies? I know we can have 2 cups veggies plus unlimited lettuce, but can the lettuce be used instead of other vegetables?

Lettuce is in addition to other veggies. The only lettuce I am aware of as counting instead of veggies is spring mix. You need the veggies for the added nutritional values (vitamins, minerals, aminos, etc.) the lettuce really is not as nutritional and offers "roughage".

Some people have skipped the lettuce but, you really need the veggies.

Thanks Carla!

Thanks Carla!

i believe baby spinach is also counted towards veggies:) at least i count it:lol:

i believe baby spinach is also counted towards veggies:) at least i count it:lol:

I thought about that too! :) I wasn't sure exactly how it counted and think it comes up most often with greens (collards, turnips, mustard, dandelion, arugula, beet greens, spinach) when I searched. I DON'T KNOW for certain though! LOL... it sure end up in a lot of salads these days!

Does any one know if black beans are allowed?

Thanks!
Delia

Does any one know if black beans are allowed?

Thanks!
Delia

Nope, they're not. But I believe you can have black soybeans as a restricted item. Carla?

Does any one know if black beans are allowed?

Thanks!
Delia

Nope, they're not. But I believe you can have black soybeans as a restricted item. Carla?

Hey Delia! :)

Stacey is correct. Black beans are not on plan. YOU CAN use the black soy beans, they come in a can by eden organics. If you can't find them in a store (whole foods, sprouts, health food type places) then check online. here is a link to the specific product I am mentioning.

http://www.edenfoods.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=103050

They have a flavor and texture like black beans. I cooked them up a little bit early and seasoned with spices I would normally use for a black bean dish (spanish flavors in my case). Then let it sit awhile to meld the flavors even more. But they taste good right from the can!

My start up fee was $250 with 1 week of food, salt, supplements, journal and mixing bottle. It has been $90 for each week's food packets since. I made the conscious decision not to supplement with other products after reading one of the other discussions. My question(s).
1 Why no soda if it is 0 everything, low sodium and not caffeine. The coach said it was bout the acid - base balance the diet tries to achieve. I'd like to know more about that if anyone is in the know
2 Why no chewing gum - not that I'm a big chewer, but occasionally it's nice to have.
3 Why is turnip on the daily okay list, when it is a root vegetable (my experience was I l enjoyed turnip chips - but suffered blood sugar rises, so will have to put them on my sparingly used list)
4 Are Basil, cilantro, dill and other herbs counted in the vegetable count or "free" to use in reasonable amounts.

My start up fee was $250 with 1 week of food, salt, supplements, journal and mixing bottle. It has been $90 for each week's food packets since. I made the conscious decision not to supplement with other products after reading one of the other discussions. My question(s).
1 Why no soda if it is 0 everything, low sodium and not caffeine. The coach said it was bout the acid - base balance the diet tries to achieve. I'd like to know more about that if anyone is in the know
2 Why no chewing gum - not that I'm a big chewer, but occasionally it's nice to have.
3 Why is turnip on the daily okay list, when it is a root vegetable (my experience was I l enjoyed turnip chips - but suffered blood sugar rises, so will have to put them on my sparingly used list)
4 Are Basil, cilantro, dill and other herbs counted in the vegetable count or "free" to use in reasonable amounts.

Regarding your points:

1- yes, I have been told the same thing. something about soda messes with the acid balance in our bodies. also, we are avoiding aspartame which many have. that said, several people have had soda on the diet as this is not a consistent comment shared by all coachs.

2- again, this is a coach's discretion point. some say never. some say only if you wash it off first AND it is a gum like spry made only with xylitol.

3- of all the root vegetables, turnips are the lowest carbohydrate and sugar levels which is why it is acceptable, same is true of radish. It is also why rutabaga is a sometimes root vegetable. Potatoes, parsnip, carrots and the like have more sugars/carbs and are not appropriate at this time.

4- I have not heard and am unaware of restrictions on herbs.

Thanks, appreciate the informaiton

Today, I had 1/2 my dinner protein and 1/2 of a lemon bar for lunch with vegies and 1/2 of the dinner protein and the other 1/2 of the lemon bar for dinner with vegies. Is it okay to split? Which is more important - the total intake for the day or the placing of the intake?
I'm gong to do the same thing tomorrow because there is a potluck at work and I'll feel less deprived if I eat some "real food" and the bar will seem like dessert.
Jean

Today, I had 1/2 my dinner protein and 1/2 of a lemon bar for lunch with vegies and 1/2 of the dinner protein and the other 1/2 of the lemon bar for dinner with vegies. Is it okay to split? Which is more important - the total intake for the day or the placing of the intake?
I'm gong to do the same thing tomorrow because there is a potluck at work and I'll feel less deprived if I eat some "real food" and the bar will seem like dessert.
Jean

my coach has always told me that you can work the foods in your day in ANY order, just as long as you get everything in. that means pancakes and eggs for breafast if you want, just have veggies and non-restricted packets for the rest of day. make sure you just get everything in:)

Thanks Erin.

Hey I last posted before I left Mississippi (my home state) to go apartment hunting in DC last week (I found an apartment!) Anyway, I had my second weigh in today (3rd week because I wasn't in town last week) lost 6.5 pounds and 5 1/2 inches. My coach said i can start using the restricted packets now. I'm waiting another week because I want to work my way up to running again. Do you think it would be beneficial to eat a bar an hour or two before I run as opposed to eating the restricteds and not exercising?

Is there anything that can be done to reduce water retention during TOM? Increase salt? Decrease salt? Increase water?

Also, does anyone know why exercising would throw the body out of ketosis? Should exercise be avoided to stay in ketosis?

And how will I know when I am able to use my sig tracker? So far, I haven't seen a place to put it. Will that just pop up? :)

And how will I know when I am able to use my sig tracker? So far, I haven't seen a place to put it. Will that just pop up? :)

You have to have been a member for 20 days and have a minimum of 20 posts to be able to use it. It will be easy to figure out once your 20 days is up, it's in the User CP in the control panel toolbar. :D

Hi everyone!
Newbie to the forum here!
I have been on the IP Program for 4 weeks. I have been very strict on the plan. I only have had one cheat, on the first week I had a family member with a Birthday, we all (our family, small family) get together and go out for dinner, I did pretty well, but it wasn't plan. This week when I weighed in, there was no loss, I couldn't believe it! I even exercise, nothing to rigorous, walking, 5 miles, 5 times a week, takes me about 4.5 min. to walk a lap around the track. My Coach had told me I could use broth in my soups to add to the flavor, as long as it didn't have MSG. I found these packets by Hormel Foods, Herb Ox, No Salt, No MSG, No Gluten; I thought ah ha this is what she is talking about. I live in a small town, we have two stores to choose from, so I thought I had the right thing, since she would have to shop local too. When she told me no loss, we talked about what it could be and she said it was the bouillon packets; they have 2g carbs, 1g sugars. I haven't added any of the restricted items to my diet, because I am trying to take it off as quickly as possible. Is it really possible it's the bouillon packets? Attached are the labels.
Thanks,
6710

I found these packets by Hormel Foods, Herb Ox, No Salt, No MSG, No Gluten; I thought ah ha this is what she is talking about. I live in a small town, we have two stores to choose from, so I thought I had the right thing, since she would have to shop local too. When she told me no loss, we talked about what it could be and she said it was the bouillon packets; they have 2g carbs, 1g sugars. I haven't added any of the restricted items to my diet, because I am trying to take it off as quickly as possible. Is it really possible it's the bouillon packets?

I haven't started the IP regime yet and I know a bit about obvious and hidden sugars. Here's what I saw on the labels. If you look at the ingredients on each package, the first one is ... SUGAR. And the 4th ingredient on each one is ... maltodextrin ... a HIDDEN sugar. If you want a link that provides a list of hidden sugars, PM me.

Is it possible that your coach meant liquid broth? I can buy low-fat, low(er) salt chicken, veg and beef broth in tetrapaks. I've also made my own broths -- it's really easy.

Thank you for the reply and link, lcw32. That is amazing that little sugar could make that much difference. I have eliminated the packets. Forget about trying to experiment, I'm better if I keep it plain and simple.

I don't know if the gram of sugar is what made the difference. I'm interested to hear if leaving the bouillon out for while makes a difference for you. Good Luck!

I don't know if the gram of sugar is what made the difference. I'm interested to hear if leaving the bouillon out for while makes a difference for you. Good Luck!

Hi lcw,
So far leaving the bouillon out has made a difference. When I weighed myself Friday Morning I was at 202, when I weighed myself this morning I was at 198.

Will taking Advil, Aspirin, Mylanta or Maalox affect weight loss?

can someone please help me I have been on Ip for 2days and I was an extreme exerciser before.I was told not exercise now and I am having a really hard time with that. Did anyone exercise/lift weights and still lose weight.Help i am so confused.It goes against everything I know.

can someone please help me I have been on Ip for 2days and I was an extreme exerciser before.I was told not exercise now and I am having a really hard time with that. Did anyone exercise/lift weights and still lose weight.Help i am so confused.It goes against everything I know.

If you exercised a lot before it's okay to continue now. Just keep in mind that your body isn't getting all the carbs it's used to, so you won't have as much energy and it's not great for your body to wear it out. Lots of the ladies...and gents...still exercise on the program. Talk to your coach about doing 4 or 5 packs a day instead of the 3 if ou know you're going to be working out a lot. And just try not to do anything too strenuous :woops:

Have you guys found any vitamins/supplements comparable to the IP ones? I'm getting low on my IP vitamins and supplements and can't see myself spending an exorbitant amount of money on something I can get cheaper at Walmart or gnc. I'm going to start my search today any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Does anybody know the total (approx.) grams of protein that are allowed on IP?..

I was reading an article on Livestrong.com, & they recommended "To keep your metabolism stoked, eat at at least one gram of protein per pound of body weight." WOW!.. that seems like a lot, especially in my case!.. I doubt I even come close...

hugs :hug:

can someone please help me I have been on Ip for 2days and I was an extreme exerciser before.I was told not exercise now and I am having a really hard time with that. Did anyone exercise/lift weights and still lose weight.Help i am so confused.It goes against everything I know.

Several people have been very successful with exercise and this program. The best example in my mind was Chaplains Wifey. She lost 100 pounds in under 6 months. She followed the plan but, added 3-4 miles of walking 5 to 6x per week. The goal in exercise is mostly to stay in a lower heart rate zone. Don't push yourself to a 75 or 80% max heart rate and you should be ok. Just make sure you aren't losing muscle.

Does anybody know the total (approx.) grams of protein that are allowed on IP?..

I was reading an article on Livestrong.com, & they recommended "To keep your metabolism stoked, eat at at least one gram of protein per pound of body weight." WOW!.. that seems like a lot, especially in my case!.. I doubt I even come close...

hugs :hug:

This will vary but your packets (3x per day at 18 -20 grams each) are roughly 58 grams. IF YOU EAT THE IP SOY NUTS OR PUFFS... there may be more protein than in other packets.. I do not have that information available.

Add in your meat portion which can change based on variety and ounces (chicken or beef is roughly 7 grams per ounce so, 35 grams fish varies but as example tuna is 49g in 7ounces) so on a chicken dinner day you might have 93g or a tuna dinner day 107g.

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/protein.html

Then you have to consider that our veggies have protein too. 100g of asaparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower will add 3g each. Mushroom in the same quantity adds 2grams. So, if those were your 4 cups of veggies ( it may actually be a little more than 4 cups) then you added 11g more.


http://www.weightlossforall.com/protein-vegetable.htm

If choose to eat the SOYA (soy bean) vegetable option on our food guideline sheet for phase 1 you would add more protein. If eating cooked canned soy beans 1/2c is 13g of protein, black soy beans (mature beans) are 9g per 1/2c, and green soy beans are 7g per cup.


This example is roughly 104g to 118g without soy beans. If you were to substitute just 1/2 of one vegetable serving with 1/2cup of black soy beans you would have 112g to 126g of protein per day. That is all before adding any of your salad elements.

http://www.soyfoods.com/SampleDay.html

Without eating a cup or more a day of soybeans, I am not sure we could get a great deal more that those levels considering we aren't adding nuts, dairy, beans/legumes, or grains. And, as with the nuts, dairy, beans/legumes and grains when we add soy beans we need to be aware of the extra carbs we are adding.

This will vary but your packets (3x per day at 18 -20 grams each) are roughly 58 grams.

Add in your meat portion which can change based on variety and ounces (chicken or beef is roughly 7 grams per ounce so, 35 grams fish varies but as example tuna is 49g in 7ounces) so on a chicken dinner day you might have 93g or a tuna dinner day 107g.

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/protein.html

Then you have to consider that our veggies have protein too. 100g of asaparagus, broccoli, or cauliflower will add 3g each. Mushroom in the same quantity adds 2grams. So, if those were your 4 cups of veggies ( it may actually be a little more than 4 cups) then you added 11g more.


http://www.weightlossforall.com/protein-vegetable.htm

This example is roughly 104g to 118g before adding any of your salad elements.


I am not sure we could get more that that level considering we aren't adding nuts, dairy, beans/legumes, or grains.

This is a really great post. Is there any way to cross index it to the newcomers thread?

This is a really great post. Is there any way to cross index it to the newcomers thread?

I can try. Did you think it should be with tips for newbies?

I do need to edit it. I realized, we are allowed the soya (soy bean) as a vegetable. It is a large boost to our protein value. The only issue is, unless eating black soy beans, you get a significant amount of carbs and not all are fiber. Black soy beans do add carbs but all but 1g per 1/2 is from fiber.

I can try. Did you think it should be with tips for newbies?

I do need to edit it. I realized, we are allowed the soya (soy bean) as a vegetable. It is a large boost to our protein value. The only issue is, unless eating black soy beans, you get a significant amount of carbs and not all are fiber. Black soy beans do add carbs but all but 1g per 1/2 is from fiber.

That sounds right. And including the black soy beans would be good. Thanks.

I kind of wish advice for newbies were a sticky so it would pop out when someone first finds the site.

This will vary ...

Without eating a cup or more a day of soybeans, I am not sure we could get a great deal more that those levels considering we aren't adding nuts, dairy, beans/legumes, or grains. And, as with the nuts, dairy, beans/legumes and grains when we add soy beans we need to be aware of the extra carbs we are adding.

Wow! Carla, you really know your stuff!.. thanks for such a thorough answer...

hugs :hug:

I kind of wish advice for newbies were a sticky so it would pop out when someone first finds the site.

Your wish is my command :)

Just an FYI to everyone regarding stickies....if there is regular chit chat being posted on a sticky, the thread will be closed after 500 posts...and there are only so many stickies we can have. Posting to much regular chat in a sticky gets frustrating for new people (and us oldies) to have to wade thru that many posts looking for an answer to question.

So my advice is to remind folks not to clutter them up with things that could be posted on the daily / weekly thread. Even so much as a simple thank you counts as a post.

This is a great board, you ladies ROCK!!

Your wish is my command :)



Super.

Has anyone experienced this side effect??:dizzy::listen:

HI,

Myself and several others were on the IP program and here are the health problems that occurred while on it:
1. Kidney Stones
2. Elevated Liver Enzymes (even for people who had completed the diet)
3. Diverticulitis (due to constipation even though guidelines were followed)
4. Hair loss
5. Intestinal issues due to splenda

I am not saying the diet "caused" these things, just commenting on what health problems occured while people were on the diet

I started the IP diet today, for breakfast I had the plain cereal, lunch mushroom soup and salad (no dressing) and afternoon break the cappaccino drink. I've been told to have 4 proteins a day to start. I've always been very sensitive to food additives, artificial sweeteners, colourings and food dyes. One piece of sugar-free gum and I feel like my skin is crawling. 5 minutes after the cereal I felt the same feeling and with it comes an anxious feeling, sometimes a headache or mild chest discomfort. I have NO health problems and these symptoms I only have when eating or drinking diet products ie gum, diet pops, popsicles, candy etc. Although the soup left a bad after taste, I liked the taste. With the cappaccino I had the same feeling that I had after eating the cereal this morning. I'm really hoping this diet will work for me and I know a few ladies that have had great success with it. I'm normally good at sticking to a diet and have no problems getting through the first few days...my problem has always been after I lose 20 pounds I fall back into old eating habits. I'm hoping with the support of the IP ladies I won't follow that trend this time and make this a life changing diet. HOWEVER, I'm concerned that maybe some of the ingredients in their products are not agreeing with me and wonder if my body will adjust. The cereal and cappaccino I've had today, both had only 10 mg/packet of sucralose where most of the sweetened products have upwards of 30 and I saw one that had 88 mg/packet. Has anyone experienced this? I'm going home from work to have fresh veggies and the spaghetti bolognese and tomorrow I'm trying something new. I do hope that my body adjusts to the diet products and I lose these creepy sy mptoms lol. Thanks for listening and great forum 3 Fat Chicks!! I hope I have all good posts from today forward!! x0:dizzy:

I too have a sensitivity to artificial sweeteners and was told that there wasn't enough splenda in the product to be a problem. At first it wasn't, but back to having the same problems as before... stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain and now vomiting blood again.

I am also sensitive to splenda and also need to stay gluten free. On the nutritional chart does anyone know off hand if the x means it is or is not gluten free. Does the x mean it does or does not have sucralose?

Oh, Yodaaaa :D
Or anyone else who can answer this. On Phase 1 we are supposed to stay away from dairy. BUT we can have 1 oz. skim milk with our tea/coffee in the morning.
I have some string cheese...i love cheese...that is made with skim milk, >1 g carbs, NO net carbs. And each cylinder of cheese happens to be...1 oz!! Can I have this instead of the skim milk?

Oh, Yodaaaa :D
Or anyone else who can answer this. On Phase 1 we are supposed to stay away from dairy. BUT we can have 1 oz. skim milk with our tea/coffee in the morning.
I have some string cheese...i love cheese...that is made with skim milk, >1 g carbs, NO net carbs. And each cylinder of cheese happens to be...1 oz!! Can I have this instead of the skim milk?


Some people will say yes to this others will tell you to stick to the plan especially since you are still so new to it.

Compare the nutrition of milk and cheese not just the ounces. Look at the fat content. You gain 4g of fat in cheese and that means about 36 calories to your day. Granted, fat will not pull you out of ketosis but, and this is the key,

THIS DIET IS ABOUT CHANGING YOUR CHEMISTRY AND HEALING YOUR BODY

It is about using food to heal. Some things, like added fat, are removed so that your body can function best and you can get the best results.

When you add fat, you make free fat available to be burned as energy and your body will wait til that is used before it goes back to burning your own fat.

IMHO, If you can live without it do.

On Dr. Tran Tien's website, in "Foods Allowed on the Diet," he lists cooked ham... is this different from smoked ham?.. I love ham, but I'm not much of an expert on preparation methods...

Thanks...........

hugs :hug:

On Dr. Tran Tien's website, in "Foods Allowed on the Diet," he lists cooked ham... is this different from smoked ham?.. I love ham, but I'm not much of an expert on preparation methods...

Thanks...........

hugs :hug:
Smoked ham will probably have a really large amount of sodium. If it's a country smoked ham, soak it in water for about 12 hours; toss the salty water, and boil it instead of roasting. This might help: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Pork/Ham101.htm

I am also sensitive to splenda and also need to stay gluten free. On the nutritional chart does anyone know off hand if the x means it is or is not gluten free. Does the x mean it does or does not have sucralose?

On my nutritional sheet, last column to the right, the x means gluten free.

Hi, I'm new to this posting stuff and new to the Ideal Protein program. I am looking for preparation suggestions for vegetables and something to put on my salad other than lemon juice. Also, I was told not to use Splenda, but to use Stevia or Truvia

I noticed we could have soya sauce... this is loaded with sodium... do you got the low sodium version? or just go with it... alot of salt can't be good right?

Hi, I'm new to this posting stuff and new to the Ideal Protein program. I am looking for preparation suggestions for vegetables and something to put on my salad other than lemon juice. Also, I was told not to use Splenda, but to use Stevia or Truvia

I am new too, however, the clinic I go to has the Walden Farms products. I use their dressings on my salads and to marinate chicken. I also use the pancake syrup. It is listed as "free food." I could not find it at Wal-Mart, but found them in the health food section of the local grocery store.

Can anyone tell me how much olive oil we can actually have/use per day? I have been having my 2 tsp. on my salad every night, but I'd like to be able to use it on my lunch salad, as well as stir fry vegetables in it.

2nd day on Ideal Protein!
Not too bad, a couple of headaches only.

Couple of questions-
1. Dill Pickles - absolutely love'em. I have read on this forum that as long as they don't have any sugar. The brand I love is "Best Maid" and it says "Sugars less than 1 gram" (Ingredients: Cucumbers, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Alum, Calcium Chloride, Natural Flavoring, Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives), Oleoresin Turmeric & Yellow#5 (Colors), Polysorbat80 (Emulsifier).
Still too much sugar?

2. Also love me some mineral water. Any limits? Does it count towards my daily water intake?

I apperciate everyone's help! GOD Bless!

Hi, I'm new to this posting stuff and new to the Ideal Protein program. I am looking for preparation suggestions for vegetables and something to put on my salad other than lemon juice. Also, I was told not to use Splenda, but to use Stevia or Truvia

Oh no! I was told to use only Splenda or Truvia... any experts to help on this question?!! (Splenda is what helps me choke nearly everything down!)

weird question... If I am drinking 2 litres plus of water a day shouldn't my pee be more clear? maybe it is all the ketones? what about IP messing up your PMS?

Oh no! I was told to use only Splenda or Truvia... any experts to help on this question?!! (Splenda is what helps me choke nearly everything down!)

If your coach says it okay, then that's what I would go with. Because the program is newer, lots of coaches have different rules. Some say no restricted, some say one a day. Some say no crystal light, some say 2-4 packs a day. Some say no Splenda, some say no Truvia, and some say no Stevia. The best thing to do is go by what your coach tells you.

weird question... If I am drinking 2 litres plus of water a day shouldn't my pee be more clear? maybe it is all the ketones? what about IP messing up your PMS?

You would think so, but the ketones do affect it. And IP rebalances your hormones, so it does sometimes mess up your TOM. It also can cancel out your birth control, again due to the hormones. So be safe! :D

After drinking my usual 20 or more cups of water I wanted something different. So I bought a SoBe 0 calorie drink. I read the label and realized that a serving was 8 ounces and there were 2 1/2 servings in the bottle. great. I drink about 4 ounces - look at the label again and see the 6 carbohydrates per serving. Now I'm freeking. 6 carbs????? Most of the packaged IP food has less than that. How can they call if 0 calories if there are 6 carbs? I was always taught to figure 4 kcalories per 1 gram of carbohydrate. This is sweetened with PureVia which "is derived from Stevia, a plant native to South America. PureVia's sweetness comes from Reb-A, a high-purity extract of the stevia leaf."
So, we are allowed stevia, is the SoBe okay? Or am I flirting with stalling because of the carbohydrates? :?::?: (Mutter about truth in advertising :mad:) Some days I wish this was easier! :dizzy:

Have you guys found any vitamins/supplements comparable to the IP ones? I'm getting low on my IP vitamins and supplements and can't see myself spending an exorbitant amount of money on something I can get cheaper at Walmart or gnc. I'm going to start my search today any guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Just be aware that not all supplements are the same quality. I do not trust the quality of the cheaper ones bought at a retailer. You might go to a true health food store and take the bottles so they can help you find an equivalent. However, in my experience, the better quality ones are usually more expensive.

The carb to fiber ratio is excellent; high protein for 50 calories; low fat; low sodium; and high potassium. I'd really like to know what's wrong with it. ANd if no one knows, do you know who one can ask?

I don't believe that IP deals with net carbs, or a carb to fiber ratio. Just pure carbs. I'm not 100% positive, but that might be it.

[QUOTE=xanthia;3400232]I don't believe that IP deals with net carbs, or a carb to fiber ratio. Just pure carbs. I'm not 100% positive, but that might be it.

You are correct about the use of net carbs. To me, a ratio is a different thing altogether, i.e., in this case it shows a hefty amount of fiber. Sorry if this sounds ambiguous.

:dizzy:After drinking my usual 20 or more cups of water I wanted something different. So I bought a SoBe 0 calorie drink. I read the label and realized that a serving was 8 ounces and there were 2 1/2 servings in the bottle. great. I drink about 4 ounces - look at the label again and see the 6 carbohydrates per serving. Now I'm freeking. 6 carbs????? Most of the packaged IP food has less than that. How can they call if 0 calories if there are 6 carbs? I was always taught to figure 4 kcalories per 1 gram of carbohydrate. This is sweetened with PureVia which "is derived from Stevia, a plant native to South America. PureVia's sweetness comes from Reb-A, a high-purity extract of the stevia leaf."
So, we are allowed stevia, is the SoBe okay? Or am I flirting with stalling because of the carbohydrates? :?::?: (Mutter about truth in advertising :mad:) Some days I wish this was easier! :dizzy:

I was drinking these too thinking they were on program but realized the carbs but no sugar. I really like them and when I do have them I put it over a lot of crushed ice so it will dilute. Does anyone know if these are ok or not?

:dizzy:

I was drinking these too thinking they were on program but realized the carbs but no sugar. I really like them and when I do have them I put it over a lot of crushed ice so it will dilute. Does anyone know if these are ok or not?

Since I have some in the fridge I'll probably have 1/2 cup drink on a day I eat no restricted foods or vegetables. Then I'll avoid buying them. My coach was the one who suggested to be sure to avoid them on a day I eat restricted items.

I make my own ice tea every day. Decaf any tea (usually from mighty leaf), brew it a bit, put it over a pitcher full of ice with a pinch of splenda! I did it the other day with fresh mint from my yard, simmered the fresh mint leafs, then poured the water over ice with splenda...OMG refreshing all organic mint tea.

I make my own ice tea every day. Decaf any tea (usually from mighty leaf), brew it a bit, put it over a pitcher full of ice with a pinch of splenda! I did it the other day with fresh mint from my yard, simmered the fresh mint leafs, then poured the water over ice with splenda...OMG refreshing all organic mint tea.

That sounds really refreshing! Thanks!

I have read posts from a few people saying if they don't want it to count as their protein, they use an egg white. Does this count as any protein at all? I'm just a little confused as to how it works with the yellows vs. the whites :?:

anyone know why we can't have red wine vinegar? on the label there is 0% everything... balsamic I can see but hmmm... and yet we can have regular vinegar... I have an awesome vinaigrette rice but calls for red wine vinegar!

Thanks ladies... I know some out there is in the know!

anyone know why we can't have red wine vinegar? on the label there is 0% everything... balsamic I can see but hmmm... and yet we can have regular vinegar... I have an awesome vinaigrette rice but calls for red wine vinegar!

Thanks ladies... I know some out there is in the know!


1 T has .04 carbohydrates and no sugar. Maybe you might ask you coach. But are you putting this on rice?

1 T has .04 carbohydrates and no sugar. Maybe you might ask you coach. But are you putting this on rice?


No... spelling oopps.... I want to make a salad dressing with the red wine vinegar LOL... and NO for sure no rice!

thanks

Good Morning :)

Just a friendly reminder to please make sure that these posts are just for the FAQ thread (sticky) .. all introductions, hello's, and/or regular questions should be posted on the weekly thread below (reason is, if this thread gets to big we have to lock it or I have to start deleting posts).

Please don't be offended if I clean up the STICKY threads by deleting some of them :hug:

Thank you all for understanding,
Leenie

I've been on IP for a little over a week and I'm leaving to go apartment hunting in DC and will not have another weigh in for two weeks. I am afraid I'm going to run out of the IP sea salt. Can I use store bought sea salt and not jeopardize my weight loss?

Hi Makita,

Here in Montana, Albertson's carries Redmond RealSalt Ancient All Natural sea Salt in 26 oz. bags. That amount lasts a long time. I'm sorry but I don't remember what I paid for it.

Evening Protein Snack on Phase 4: My coach suggested eating CarbMaster Yogurt (sold at Smith's Grocery or Fred Meyers) as an evening protein snack as the carbs are minimal. But, truthfully I am getting sick of it. Does anyone have any ideas for other protein snacks other than the Ideal Protein packets?

Hi I'm new here. I am just starting with the IP diet. I went to a presentation last night regarding it and meet with my "Coach"? not sure what they are called on Monday. I've been reading your threads and have found lots of good ideas but some of it I don't know what you are talking about. I don't know if this is the thread I want to join or not so any suggestions will be good.

Thanks all.

Hi I'm new here. I am just starting with the IP diet. I went to a presentation last night regarding it and meet with my "Coach"? not sure what they are called on Monday. I've been reading your threads and have found lots of good ideas but some of it I don't know what you are talking about. I don't know if this is the thread I want to join or not so any suggestions will be good.

Thanks all.

Congratulations on your decision to do Ideal Protein. Please check out the different areas under the Ideal Protein forum. They have been a huge help to me. Lots of wonderful recipes too. Tomorrow will be 7 weeks for me and my husband. In one week he was off metformin (4 a day) and blood sugar from 300 to normal within 2 weeks. He is off Inderal, which he has taken for 26 years for tremors - and he no longer has the tremors. He and I have both lost our cravings (immediately). He has gone from 44 pants to 38 pants. I have gone from 16 to 10. It is the best program by far that we have been on. Best of luck to you!

I have a question, I have been on the diet for a couple months, and lost about 30 lbs, but I moved and now have a new "coach" but she's telling me that I have to have salad everyday on top of the veggies. I don't see the need, if I eat my 2 c. of veggies for lunch and dinner, plus I'm usually too full to eat an additional salad. Is she right? Or can I continue what I've been doing?

Lettuce is optional. You don't have to have salad if you don't want it.

I have a question, I have been on the diet for a couple months, and lost about 30 lbs, but I moved and now have a new "coach" but she's telling me that I have to have salad everyday on top of the veggies. I don't see the need, if I eat my 2 c. of veggies for lunch and dinner, plus I'm usually too full to eat an additional salad. Is she right? Or can I continue what I've been doing?

Different coaches will tell you different things. This topic has come up before, some say you should have your lettuce (helps with elimination), other say "not to worry". I have my lettuce as a snack. I get hungry in the morning between 11-1: (I have my breakfast at 9 waiting until 1 is a long wait) and in the afternoon between 3-6. I have half a bag of lettuce in the morning and the other half in the afternoon. You don't have to have it as part of your meal. Hope this helps. Rosie

Evening Protein Snack on Phase 4: My coach suggested eating CarbMaster Yogurt (sold at Smith's Grocery or Fred Meyers) as an evening protein snack as the carbs are minimal. But, truthfully I am getting sick of it. Does anyone have any ideas for other protein snacks other than the Ideal Protein packets?

Not sure why your coach is adding extra protein. Do you need it? Are you in Phase 2 or 3 or on an alternate plan? Are you a vegetarian? All of these things would need to be considered in answering your question.

In general, on phase 1, if you needed an extra protein a coach would choose something OTHER than a dairy which is considered more along the lines of a fat.

A hardboiled egg, tuna, or a lean piece of meat would have been better.

I have read posts from a few people saying if they don't want it to count as their protein, they use an egg white. Does this count as any protein at all? I'm just a little confused as to how it works with the yellows vs. the whites :?:

EGG white is all protein. EGG YOLK is lots of fats (lipids) and proteins. No way around it. If you eat eggs, any part of them, you are getting extra protein and need to count it as such.

anyone know why we can't have red wine vinegar? on the label there is 0% everything... balsamic I can see but hmmm... and yet we can have regular vinegar... I have an awesome vinaigrette rice but calls for red wine vinegar!

Thanks ladies... I know some out there is in the know!

If it is all Zero in every area and the ingredients show no sugars or forms of sugars you may use a little. Just be mindful that it is an acid and we are to keep our added acids low. Most red wine vinegars have wine, sugar, and/or carbs. Also, there is the psychology that wine might be ok and it is NOT approved on this plan.

I have a question, I have been on the diet for a couple months, and lost about 30 lbs, but I moved and now have a new "coach" but she's telling me that I have to have salad everyday on top of the veggies. I don't see the need, if I eat my 2 c. of veggies for lunch and dinner, plus I'm usually too full to eat an additional salad. Is she right? Or can I continue what I've been doing?

Your new coach is correct and in line with what the Ideal Protein training books show. This is a point that is "flexed" by many coaches/clinics because it would be better to have someone on the plan eating few salads, especially if they get results, than to have them refuse to do it if salads can't be avoided.

The truth is salad is very beneficial and part of the chemistry of the plan. It provides a substantial part of the nutrition that we get given we are on a limited choice diet. If you don't like salad but can find other ways to use it, you should try to do that.

This question comes up every few months or so. Just to reiterate, what is in line with what the Ideal Protein training sheets show is we are supposed to eat 2 portions of unlimited lettuce a day along with 4 total cups of veggies. This is not an either/or choice. On the other hand this is a point that is "flexed" by many coaches/clinics because it would be better to have someone on the plan eating few "salad" or lettuce portions, especially if they get results, than to have them refuse to do it if salads can't be avoided.
The truth is salad is very beneficial and part of the chemistry of the plan. It provides a substantial part of the nutrition that we get considering we are on a limited choice diet. If after reading this you think lettuce is not an essential part of our diet then, don’t eat it. I believe that it is a recommended part of our diet because of all the amazing nutritional benefits we get from it!


First, let’s clarify that all lettuce was not created equal. Lettuce can be classified into various categories with the most common being:
• Romaine: Also known as Cos, this variety of head forming lettuce has deep green, long leaves with a crisp texture and deep taste.
• Crisphead: With green leaves on the outside and whitish ones on the inside, this variety of head lettuce has a crisp texture and a watery, mild taste. The best known variety of crisphead lettuce is iceberg.
• Butterhead: These types of lettuce feature tender large leaves that form a loosely arranged head that is easily separated from the stem, a sweet flavor and a soft texture. The best known varieties of Butterhead lettuce include Boston and Bibb.
• Leaf: Featuring broad, curly leaf varieties that are green and/or red, the leaf lettuces offer a delicate taste and a mildly crispy texture. Best known varieties of leaf lettuce include green leaf and red leaf.
While vegetables such as arugula, watercress and mizuna are not technically lettuce, these greens are often used interchangeably with lettuces in salads.

The most beneficial and nutrient rich of all lettuce is romaine. Have you ever wondered what are those "healthy benefits of Romaine lettuce"?

This is the very lettuce we are being asked to eat! Why that one? Romaine lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin A (provided through its carotenoid, beta-carotene), folate, vitamin K, vitamin C, manganese and chromium. In addition, romaine lettuce is a very good source of dietary fiber, calcium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6, iron and the minerals manganese, potassium, molybdenum, iron, and phosphorus. It provides the amino acid tryptophan.And, it provides small levels of omega 3 fatty acids.


Vitamin A – It helps the health of the eyes, age-related macular degeneration, and fights cancers. You get over 50 percent of what you need daily by eating romaine.

Carotenoids are antioxidants which protect your cells from damage. Carotenoids are especially important for the health and protection of your eyes. Romaine lettuce specifically contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are thought to prevent ocular diseases such as Macular Degeneration. Additionally, the carotenoid nutrition found in romaine lettuce can also reduce some of the adverse effects of smoking (if you were formerly a smoker). Carotenoids can repair damaged tissue.

Going back to that little tidbit provided with vitamin A, beta carotenes, Greens actually have high amounts of beta-carotenes. The darker the color of the salad green, the more nutritious it is. Beta-carotene is the chief disease-fighting nutrient found in the darker-colored greens. As an antioxidant, it battles certain cancers, heart disease, and cataracts. A dark-green color also indicates the presence of folic acid, which helps prevent neural-tube birth defects in the beginning stages of pregnancy. Researchers are uncovering other important contributions folic acid has to offer to your well-being, like its role in the prevention of heart disease and inflammation.

“Carotenes are what give orange and yellow vegetables their color. In green vegetables they are masked by the green color of chlorophyll. Animals and humans convert carotenes to vitamin A, but the carotenes themselves have many functions. Beta Carotene, the most active of several carotene compounds has been shown to boost the immune system and to fight against cancer.

We need to get beta carotene from the foods we eat—carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, orange fruits, green leafy vegetables-because synthetic beta carotene has adverse effect when use in human studies. “

“Interestingly, clinical trials have shown that adding salad dressing to a salad not only adds a delicious flavor, but also increases the absorption of certain nutrients being consumed. “It’s not just the leafy greens and vegetables that are doing a body good,” said Arab. “Some fat can also enhance the absorption of nutrients such as lycopene and alpha- and beta-carotene.”

Vitamin C - aids in strengthening the immune system and also helps with collagen production. Beyond that it is essential to your bone health and prevents bruising. It counteracts free radicals and keeps you from disease. In romaine, you get 26.88 mg of vitamin C in one serving. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. In addition to strengthening your immune system, vitamin C is thought to reduce inflammation in the body and increase your pain threshold. This is especially important if you are an athlete and/or suffer from chronic pain.

Folate is a water soluable vitamin in the B family. It helps to process homocysteine which is one of our amino acids. You get over 35% of the recommended folate allowance in one serving of romaine. Folate is important for energy and it also regulates mood. Folate has been implicated in the prevention of neurological disease, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Folate can also decrease depression and anxiety. A deficiency in folate can cause irritability, fatigue, mental confusion and gum disease

You also get B vitamins which aid in lowering cholesterol, improving skin, hair and, nail health. This essential group of vitamins is also key to helping strengthen and protect our nervous system.

Chromium is great for lower blood sugar levels and helps fat digestion. One serving of romaine offers 15mg of chromium.

Phosphorous is abundant in romaine lettuce. It helps our bone development and aids in the processing of calcium. Romaine offers more than 40mg of calcium per serving.

Manganese is a key nutrient and is essential to our body’s ability to process biotin and thiamin. It is vital in the digestion of our fats and plays a role in metabolization of blood glucose levels. One serving of romaine provides .71 mg of this great nutrient!

If you are iron deficient, you will get a small amount, about 1.23 mg, of Iron in one serving.

There is also a special mineral in Romaine, Molybdenum. This gives your cells energy and aids the kidneys in waste elimination. Beyond that it is key to strengthening nerving health.

This vegetable is also an excellent potassium source. Potassium and the fiber content also work to lower blood pressure, thereby easing the workload of the heart. All of that, is complemented by the fiber offered working alone to improve your colon health and, again, reduce cholesterol and regulate blood glucose.

The vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting.

Saponins are phytochemicals found in leafy green vegetables, like romaine lettuce. Saponins have numerous health benefits including lowering cholesterol and increasing your immune system health. Saponins help to lower cholesterol by removing LDL cholesterol from your intestine and making absorption of cholesterol difficult. Saponins have a special antioxidant-like property which decreases your risk of contracting a parasite infection.

The omega 3 fatty acids help with reducing cholesterol.

In synergy, the vitamins obtained from eating the lettuce will prevent night blindness (Vit. A), wrinkling around the mouth’s edge or angular stomatitis (Vit. B12), anemia (Vit. C), and Beriberi (Vit. B1).

For bone health, romaine lettuce provides 114.80 mcg of Vitamin K and 0.71 mg. of manganese making it an excellent source of the vitamin and mineral. In addition, the presence of 0.08 g of omega 3 fatty acids can help reduce cholesterol levels.

MORE Health Benefits Of Eating Romaine Lettuce
• Romaine lettuce contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, which are highly beneficial for the heart. It prevents the oxidation of cholesterol, which builds up in the artery walls in the form of plaque and blocks off the blood flow. This creates a clot, which leads to heart attack or stroke.
• The lettuce has fiber elements, which help in keeping the digestive system healthy. The fiber in Romaine lettuce adds another plus in its column of heart-healthy effects. It helps in lowering the cholesterol level by helping the body make more bile. It does so by binding to the bile salts in the colon and removing them from the body, which in turn gears up the bile production. This forces the body to make more bile, which is helpful because it must break down cholesterol to do so. This is just one way in which fiber is able to lower high cholesterol levels.
• Romaine lettuce contains folic acid, which is as much beneficial for the heart as vitamin C, Beta-carotene and the fiber elements. It helps the body convert homocysteine into other benign substances. Homocysteine is a dangerous chemical, which if not converted, can directly hamper the blood vessels. This can, in turn, enhance the risk of heart attack.
• The lettuce is rich in potassium, which helps in bringing down high blood pressure, another cause of heart disease.
• Romaine lettuce is extremely helpful in fighting the fatal disease cancer. The American institute for Cancer has listed it in its group of foods that fight cancer.
• Lettuce is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia as it contains a sleep inducing substance.
• Lettuce may also help treat the following problems; acid indigestion, anemia, arthritis, catarrh, circulatory problems, colitis, constipation, cough, diabetes, gastritis, gout, insomnia, irritable bowel, obesity, sexual addiction, stress, tuberculosis, ulcers and urinary tract diseases.
•Romaine is a superfood for your skin because one serving (6 leaves, 85g) provides approximately 100% of your Daily Value of vitamin A and is an excellent source of vitamin C, nutrients that help maintain healthy skin. Studies show vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that encourages skin cell turnover and supports the formation of collagen - the connective tissues that give your skin its elasticity and youthful fullness, while vitamin A helps to maintain the epithelial tissues that make up the skin surface. Also, the provitamin A carotenoid beta-carotene in romaine lettuce may protect the skin against damage from the sun. According to a study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine, beta-carotene inhibited collagen breakdown and defended epithelial cells against the kind of ultraviolet radiation that can lead to wrinkles and age spots.

Something to keep in mind, while romaine provides the greater spectrum of nutrients, Iceberg lettuce provides a good source of choline. So, mix up those salads with a little of each variety of lettuce to really get the greatest benefits from your lettuce.

A final note, It is also important to know that the outer leaves may contain fifty times more nutrients than the stem, so eat everything.

Thanks for the pdf's I'm new to IP and these are awesome!
Mama Bird

Hey all,
I just started IP this week. I've been making the egg omelet in the AM. But it keeps sticking to my pan.
What can I use that's permitable under the diet that will help it not stick?
My thoughts were Smart Balance 'butter', but I'm not sure if that goes against the diet?

Any ideas?

Hey all,
I just started IP this week. I've been making the egg omelet in the AM. But it keeps sticking to my pan.
What can I use that's permitable under the diet that will help it not stick?
My thoughts were Smart Balance 'butter', but I'm not sure if that goes against the diet?

Any ideas?

This will vary by coach. My coach was ok with a little pam spray, or using some olive oil in a mist can, or using a little coconut oil or olive oil (about 1tsp) to melt in the pan. He was NOT ok with butter or margarine. If we add anything it should be oil.

Also, remember to keep the temperature low to avoid destroying the protein and to avoid frying. Frying is not allowed on this plan.

This will vary by coach. My coach was ok with a little pam spray, or using some olive oil in a mist can, or using a little coconut oil or olive oil (about 1tsp) to melt in the pan. He was NOT ok with butter or margarine. If we add anything it should be oil.

Also, remember to keep the temperature low to avoid destroying the protein and to avoid frying. Frying is not allowed on this plan.

Out of curiosity, do you know why frying is not allowed?

Sauteing is ok, correct?

Hey all,
I just started IP this week. I've been making the egg omelet in the AM. But it keeps sticking to my pan.
What can I use that's permitable under the diet that will help it not stick?
My thoughts were Smart Balance 'butter', but I'm not sure if that goes against the diet?

Any ideas?

Out of curiosity, do you know why frying is not allowed?

Sauteing is ok, correct?


I honestly don't "know". It is on my initial paperwork I received in my Ideal Protein packet so, I have followed it.

I have heard the following statements from my coach and others.

- to really fry something you use too much oil or would be tempted to use too much oil and it would add too much fat to our diet

- frying destroys the nutritional quality of the food.

-frying breaks down the fiber and releases sugars in onion and sweet peppers

They all make sense to me if you think about it so, I didn't argue. I just followed the instructions!

I hope I am not following blindly!

How many carbs am I actually getting on the IP diet?

Hey all,
I just started IP this week. I've been making the egg omelet in the AM. But it keeps sticking to my pan.
What can I use that's permitable under the diet that will help it not stick?
My thoughts were Smart Balance 'butter', but I'm not sure if that goes against the diet?

Any ideas?

When I cook the IP omelet in a pan on the stove I use a bit of extra virgin olive oil. However, I also sometimes cook it in the microwave...2 minutes in a microwave-saft bowl or mug and it's delish!

Cute name!!

I like to make the vanilla pudding with about 8 oz of cold water and give it a good shake. Then I pour it in to a big coffee mug (like a friends coffeehouse sized mug) and heat it up for about a minute before topping it up with coffee & a splash of french vanilla sugar free divinci syrup.

It's frothy and rich and tastes like a cafe au lait! - I have it every morning!

that sounds amazing! I must try that!! I like to take the Vanilla Pudding and grate some cauliflower and steam it for about 5 minutes (just until it is the same tenderness as rice) then add cinnamon and some stevia and voila "rice" pudding.... sooo good!!

When I cook the IP omelet in a pan on the stove I use a bit of extra virgin olive oil. However, I also sometimes cook it in the microwave...2 minutes in a microwave-saft bowl or mug and it's delish!

Good idea! That might even be faster since I do get up at 4am! Cooking in the skillet requires so much more time. Blah

iI have 2 questions that maybe someone has answers to...

1 - i was told by my coach that the IP rep told her directly that we were allowed to go over on the 2 cup veggie serving, but they do not want us going under that amount. on this site , people have said otherwise. does anyone know? i do tend to go over now and then.

2 - we were specifically told to use coconut oil for frying...reasoning being that olive oil goes rancid when heated to high degrees. they even sell the coconut at our oulet for frying purposes. noone else seems to have heard this information....

if anyone can shed some light , i would be grateful!

Coconut oil is fine if you can find it but an alternative would be grapeseed oil as it has a high heat tolerance,

You can go over on your veggies, it's better than eating something you are not suppose to.

Hey all,
I just started IP this week. I've been making the egg omelet in the AM. But it keeps sticking to my pan.
What can I use that's permitable under the diet that will help it not stick?
My thoughts were Smart Balance 'butter', but I'm not sure if that goes against the diet?

Any ideas?

Hi!! I bought a microwave omlet maker at WalMart (I think), spray it with a tiny amount of Olive Oil Pam and put it in the mic for 44 seconds and again at 40 seconds. I also started to add some Mrs. Dash spices to it when i mix it, is good. Since I found the Presidents Choice Low Carb Ketchup I am in heaven with my Omlet breakfast LOL!!:):D

Gentle people of 3FC IP world

I have updated a spreadsheet with information about the packets. I have pulled the information from actual Ideal Protein boxes if I had them, otherwise from either the Nutritional Fact Sheet posted early in this thread, or from the Ingredients list that Jordanna and OgDog assembled.

I have deactivated the public link. If you'd like a copy of the, please either comment on my blog or send me a PM. Thanks!

I have updated a spreadsheet with information about the packets.


Good stuff!

Gentle people of 3FC IP world

I have updated a spreadsheet with information about the packets. I have pulled the information from actual Ideal Protein boxes if I had them, otherwise from either the Nutritional Fact Sheet posted early in this thread, or from the Ingredients list that Jordanna and OgDog assembled.

I put this together for my own personal use. Use it if you wish. If you have questions, check your own ideal Protein product boxes and/or ask your coach.

Clicking this link will prompt you to open an Excel file.

https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D801752_110284_655713

There is a text box "Warning" on top of the data. To delete it:

Click on the box so that the border is dots not diagonal lines (hashes).
To move it: Drag the box with your mouse to the right out of your sight.
To delete it: press "delete" on your keyboard.


Thank you so much for this. I am between a rock and hard place, this is very useful information. Thank you again for taking the time!

Good stuff!

Thank you so much for this. I am between a rock and hard place, this is very useful information. Thank you again for taking the time!

You're welcome! I strongly believe that this is the kind of stuff that Ideal Protein should be providing and that coaches should have at their finger tips. If they're not going to provide it, I guess we have to DIT -- do it together!

Cynic speaking: I wonder how many coaches who are lurking will steal the spreadsheet and other information on this forum to provide it to their clients as their "value add"?

great ideas

You're welcome! I strongly believe that this is the kind of stuff that Ideal Protein should be providing and that coaches should have at their finger tips. If they're not going to provide it, I guess we have to DIT -- do it together!

Cynic speaking: I wonder how many coaches who are lurking will steal the spreadsheet and other information on this forum to provide it to their clients as their "value add"?

LOL... it is already happening! I have found several of my original recipes on other clinics pages.

Oh well, I put it out here and, if it helps others to make the most of this, I think I should be happy about it! :)

LOL... it is already happening! I have found several of my original recipes on other clinics pages.

Oh well, I put it out here and, if it helps others to make the most of this, I think I should be happy about it! :)

From what some people have said about their "coaches" it would be good idea for them to use this site.... I have seen things that have been posted here and then again on completely different sites not even IP related ..... and I'm like OK who had it first? Oh well, they say copying is the highest form of flattery??? Carla, I did ask if you would let me move in with you based on your cooking and lets not forget your photography skills so I can see why they would snag your recipes ;)

From what some people have said about their "coaches" it would be good idea for them to use this site....

Hear! Hear!

From what some people have said about their "coaches" it would be good idea for them to use this site.... I have seen things that have been posted here and then again on completely different sites not even IP related ..... and I'm like OK who had it first? Oh well, they say copying is the highest form of flattery??? Carla, I did ask if you would let me move in with you based on your cooking and lets not forget your photography skills so I can see why they would snag your recipes ;)

Hear! Hear!

Thanks ladies! I just love variety and need to continue to experiment while on this program.

This day 6 for me and im still not in ketosis. How long does this take?

This day 6 for me and im still not in ketosis. How long does this take?

:welcome2: stoney! We usually don't post questions in this thread. Feel free to ask as many as you want in the Daily Chat thread. I answered your question here in today's chat thread (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/211814-ip-daily-chat-monday-9-06-2010-a-2.html#post3469470).

Read this post for information about ketosis (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/211824-what-ketosis.html#post3469244).

Thanks for the info. Im new to this site and not really sure how things work or how to us it.

:welcome2: stoney! We usually don't post questions in this thread. Feel free to ask as many as you want in the Daily Chat thread. I answered your question here in today's chat thread (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/211814-ip-daily-chat-monday-9-06-2010-a-2.html#post3469470).

Read this post for information about ketosis (http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/211824-what-ketosis.html#post3469244).

Actually, this was the original place where WE DID have people asking questions. We created a place for people to first read and see if they had a question that had frequently occurred and, if not they could be answered here. In addition, Ogdog was putting a lot of information, kind of like you are trying to do, in one place for reference. We have always answered questions that came in on the thread here.

Actually, this was the original place where WE DID have people asking questions. We created a place for people to first read and see if they had a question that had frequently occurred and, if not they could be answered here. In addition, Ogdog was putting a lot of information, kind of like you are trying to do, in one place for reference. We have always answered questions that came in on the thread here.
Cool! I haven't made it that far through the archives yet! I interpreted FAQ as something completely different.

I am in day 5, of my first wk and I am going to be weight on Friday. I am confuse a little about some foods. Like in the morning is it ok to have coffee? because I do have it with i tbs of fat free half&half. while in my paper says is ok for phase 1 i read thes is ok for phase 2. Is it ok or I've been making a big mistake for almost a whole week?

I have another question does anyone have sagging skin do to this weight loss method? because I honestly dont know if its true that u can built much muscle losing weight so rapidly, without much exersise. Thanx.

Can anyone tell me why I can not have alcohol on my birthday?:^:

I usually only have vodka. I know that vodka has zero carbs, zero fat, & zero surgar. I would love to put a couple shots in my peach mango IP drink!

Would that be okay?

I'm not understanding why we can't have vodka on this diet???!!!!!:?::?::?:

Can anyone tell me why I can not have alcohol on my birthday?:^:

I usually only have vodka. I know that vodka has zero carbs, zero fat, & zero surgar. I would love to put a couple shots in my peach mango IP drink!

Would that be okay?

I'm not understanding why we can't have vodka on this diet???!!!!!:?::?::?:

In general, when one is on a low carb diet it is ok to have certain alcohols, like the vodka you mention.

As you note, this is not advised with the Ideal Protein protocol. The logic behind this is as follows.

This is a medically designed protocol with specific "chemistry" taking place to heal the metabolic processes in the body.

The goal of this plan is to burn fat and not store carbs as glucose, glycogen, or fat.

When alcohol is ingested, the body will first burn alcohol products, then carbs, then the fat. This puts quite a delay on accessing the fat.

GENERALLY, not always, many people will start with a drink and incorporate food at some level. This generally includes carbs of some kind, maybe added fats too. The net result is the body is focused on burning the alcohol, the carbs may or may not be burned, they might be stored. If they do get burned the fat is still waiting to be accessed and the end result is you stall the ketosis process.

Yes, the alcohol is carb free. The impact or associated actions might not be. By saying avoid alcohol, it is not permitted. A temptation is theoretically removed.


I hope that helps. :)

Does anyone know where I can find the Ideal Protein diet program in the Houston, Texas area. I met a lady that lost 40 lbs in 3 months (over 50yrs old) who told me about the program but I don't know where to go. Help!!!
DD::?:

Does anyone know where I can find the Ideal Protein diet program in the Houston, Texas area. I met a lady that lost 40 lbs in 3 months (over 50yrs old) who told me about the program but I don't know where to go. Help!!!
DD::?:

please go to www.idealprotein.com and use the search for local clinic tool. It should help.

http://www.idealprotein.com/ipcl_usen.asp?no=331

Hi! I'm new to the site and have no idea where exactly to navigate. Anyways, I started IP Sept. 1st and have lost 13 pounds. So far, i've lost a pound a day, i'm hoping this keeps up but am VERY happy I found this site for motivation. It's rough out there! I'm 22 and decided after finishing college in 3 years at a sacrifice of gaining 75 pounds I need to do something now that i've started my new career.

I've been reading through pages and pages and somewhere saw where someone decided to replace the 1xDay higher carb option like a bar with a drink for lower carb option to accelerate weight loss. I'm wondering if this works?

My IP provider is not very good with motivation and i'm in need of some encouragement and would love to become part of the IP "threads" here. Please let me know which ones to go to.

Thanks so much!

Also, i'd love to know how to get one of those nifty little couters, they're awesome!

Hi! I'm new to the site and have no idea where exactly to navigate. Anyways, I started IP Sept. 1st and have lost 13 pounds. So far, i've lost a pound a day, i'm hoping this keeps up but am VERY happy I found this site for motivation. It's rough out there! I'm 22 and decided after finishing college in 3 years at a sacrifice of gaining 75 pounds I need to do something now that i've started my new career.

I've been reading through pages and pages and somewhere saw where someone decided to replace the 1xDay higher carb option like a bar with a drink for lower carb option to accelerate weight loss. I'm wondering if this works?

My IP provider is not very good with motivation and i'm in need of some encouragement and would love to become part of the IP "threads" here. Please let me know which ones to go to.

Thanks so much!


I am also new, just started Sept 2nd.. first weigh in was at 9 days with 12.2 down!
My coach said you can choose packages to go with a low amount of carbs for example a drink, soup and pudding. She chose this method to lose the weight faster herself.
Alas, we are not allowed the tracker yet, you must be a member with 20 posts and over so many days. ( it is either a month or 20 days, cant recall right now) When we are allowed, it will bcome an eligible option on our profile..

Good luck, and look me up if you want to compare notes since we are from the same beginning point..
Carol

I weigh in today and am looking forward to find out about inches! 14 pounds, 14 days and looking forward to asking my IP provider about cutting the 1 restricted item today and replacing it with a better option.
Is anyone else getting cotton mouth like crazy? I drink way more than 65oz of water per day and am still thirsty. I'm drinking so much water i'm getting up in the middle of the night!
So far no problems with the food. I'm not "spicing it up" at all! I have a rough time with veggies so i eat 2 cucumbers a day for my 4 cups of veggies. Lame, but its working for me so far!

My hair has not started to fall out but I recently noticed that my finger nails have not grown much after 6 weeks on Phase 1.

I weigh in today and am looking forward to find out about inches! 14 pounds, 14 days and looking forward to asking my IP provider about cutting the 1 restricted item today and replacing it with a better option.
Is anyone else getting cotton mouth like crazy? I drink way more than 65oz of water per day and am still thirsty. I'm drinking so much water i'm getting up in the middle of the night!
So far no problems with the food. I'm not "spicing it up" at all! I have a rough time with veggies so i eat 2 cucumbers a day for my 4 cups of veggies. Lame, but its working for me so far!

Cotton mouth, I love it. I'm teaching a course at the local university and all of a sudden my mouth will get so dry that I can barely pry it open to put a water bottle into it. Happens 2-3 times in an hour and a half. Yesterday I was holding forth and ended up totally garbling the sentence I was trying to get out. After I took a drink of water I said "Now, where was I?" and without missing a beat this voice from the back of the room perfectly mimicked my inarticulate mumble.

Geeze Louise it's hard to keep up a facade of dignity when you can't stop laughing.

I know what you mean. Never heard the expression "cotton mouth"? Maybe it's a southern thing haha I'm from Louisiana. I'm glad i'm not the only one. That is my only problem so far.

Total cotton mouth here too - my coach says not to chew gum but I think I'm going to have to get some or my students will all leave!

Total cotton mouth here too - my coach says not to chew gum but I think I'm going to have to get some or my students will all leave!

I don't chew gum (mother would ever let us:)) but I remember reading once not to chew gum when you are dieting because it activates the salivary glands (da). But that can trigger a false sense of hunger. Maybe the mints would be better? I'm considering them. But can I talk and suck a mint at the same time?

I've been looking around a bit at the Ideal Protein diet, but before I got too invested, I was wondering if someone(s) could give me a guess at how much they spend monthly on the program...supplements, meals, clinic visits, etc... Thanks for any insight -

I've been looking around a bit at the Ideal Protein diet, but before I got too invested, I was wondering if someone(s) could give me a guess at how much they spend monthly on the program...supplements, meals, clinic visits, etc... Thanks for any insight -

I googled site:3fatchicks.com "ideal Protein" cost but got so many hits I don't know that that would be useful to you. The thing is, there is a lot of variation among centers/coaches in terms of what they charge. Some have start-up charges; some have start-up charges that include all weekly meetings; some have charges and include start-up and X number of weeks of food. Et cetera. . . .

If you could tell us where you live, someone in your area might be able to answer you specifically. ( I think you'll find that this is a very worthwhile program.)

My initial consultation was $100. My food costs $81 a week for 21 packets. I pay $26 for a month of Potassium/Calcium.

Thanks for the input... I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, a bit north of San Jose -

Amylew - do you pay for followup visits for measurements, etc., or is that included in the cost of the packets?

Thanks for the input... I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, a bit north of San Jose -


I put the zip code for Sunnyvale in the IP clinic locator and this is what I came up with. Probably not too helpful.
Suggested clinic:
Approximately 38.5 mi

Love Chiropractic
1220 41st Ave Ste I
Capitola CA 95010
831-462-2002
Directions

Thank you!

For an additional Clinic, please return to the Clinic Locator page and submit a new request. We will provide a maximum of 2 locations, if you require further information please contact the area Representative indicated below.


Mark Campbell


mcampbell@idealprotein.com

Is anyone else getting cotton mouth like crazy? I drink way more than 65oz of water per day and am still thirsty. I'm drinking so much water i'm getting up in the middle of the night!
So far no problems with the food. I'm not "spicing it up" at all! I have a rough time with veggies so i eat 2 cucumbers a day for my 4 cups of veggies. Lame, but its working for me so far!

That cotton mouth and extra thirstiness is sometimes a good indicator that you are in ketosis. It seems many people get very thirsty while in ketosis.

Check out the recipes links and the thread posts for vegetables! You might find some suggestions to help you add some new choices. :)

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/184251-ideal-protein-diet-recipes.html

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/196008-ideal-protein-diet-recipes-2-a.html

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/ideal-protein-diet/200660-vegetables-ip.html


Cotton mouth, I love it. I'm teaching a course at the local university and all of a sudden my mouth will get so dry that I can barely pry it open to put a water bottle into it. Happens 2-3 times in an hour and a half. Yesterday I was holding forth and ended up totally garbling the sentence I was trying to get out. After I took a drink of water I said "Now, where was I?" and without missing a beat this voice from the back of the room perfectly mimicked my inarticulate mumble.

Geeze Louise it's hard to keep up a facade of dignity when you can't stop laughing.


TOO FUNNY! I had such a laugh imagining that scene! :)

I've been looking around a bit at the Ideal Protein diet, but before I got too invested, I was wondering if someone(s) could give me a guess at how much they spend monthly on the program...supplements, meals, clinic visits, etc... Thanks for any insight -


Amylew - do you pay for followup visits for measurements, etc., or is that included in the cost of the packets?

It does vary by coach, state and city taxes, maybe even by country. Ideal Protein is a product and is offered by independent, non franchised locations. Each clinic has its own name and to some extent policies and approaches.

The costs can be complicated by office and consultation fees.

My start up fees were 395.00 usd on discount. It included all of my "future" consultation fees.

My weekly fees varied by how many extras I wanted to have in my pantry for "choices". I could buy by the packet and not the box so, I tended to have a few too many on hand.

A normal 21 packet week was 84.00 plus tax. I usually spent 96.00 plus tax.

I also had to buy my vitamin supplements. Those ran about 50.00 per month.

Because I wasn't eating out, grabbing fast food, buying the more expensive starbucks or peet's coffees, no convenience foods and my grocery shopping list was VERY changed. It felt like just a shift in my food/entertainment budget and not like a big burden/change financially.

"My" (I still had to by for my BF) grocery list changed from "anything/everything" to something like:

1 pound chicken breast
1 pound fish
1/2 pound shrimp or red meat

6 heads of romaine lettuce or hearts of romaine
1 head of iceberg

3 bunches of broccoli
3 bunches of cauliflower
2 packages of mushrooms
2 pounds of asparagus
3 cucumbers
1 small red onion
1 large package of spinach
1 green pepper
1 tomato

and a pint of skim milk


I added according to my week: okra, bok choy, zucchini, yellow squash, cabbage, turnip, rutabaga, green beans.

I never needed more than the equivalent of 30 cups veggies total and 14 cups of lettuce.

I would replace as I ran out: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and salt free/sugar free seasonings.

I only used a few WF (walden farms) products; I like the to go packet italian and the barbecue sauce - as a base to build on with other seasonings.

I hope that helps! :)

So here I am.. from South Dakota, 26 and weigh in at 248 lbs. I'm starting the Ideal Protein diet as of tomorrow morning. My goal is to reduce my weight to 160 pounds which is right in between my ideal weight for being 5'6. I'm on 3 blood pressure meds and recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. So I'm on a med for that as well. My hair is also turning white and I've been losing hair because of my thyroid.

So... randomly 4 days ago my father who is diabetic and facing insulin injections, decides to invite me along to a IP meeting. We both signed up and both start tomorrow. I'm utterly excited because I can't afford something like gastric bypass and I don't have health insurance. Plus, I've been heavy all my life. It's time to get rid of this teenager strapped on my back..

I'm very excited and would love any pointers from anyone. Looking forward to being a big loser... for the first time in my life.

So here I am.. from South Dakota, 26 and weigh in at 248 lbs. I'm starting the Ideal Protein diet as of tomorrow morning. My goal is to reduce my weight to 160 pounds which is right in between my ideal weight for being 5'6. I'm on 3 blood pressure meds and recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. So I'm on a med for that as well. My hair is also turning white and I've been losing hair because of my thyroid.

So... randomly 4 days ago my father who is diabetic and facing insulin injections, decides to invite me along to a IP meeting. We both signed up and both start tomorrow. I'm utterly excited because I can't afford something like gastric bypass and I don't have health insurance. Plus, I've been heavy all my life. It's time to get rid of this teenager strapped on my back..

I'm very excited and would love any pointers from anyone. Looking forward to being a big loser... for the first time in my life.

Not so far away xmln3x! My advice....don't cheat...stay on track....follow the protocol....AND YOU WILL SEE RESULTS! I am on W3 and have lost 15 lbs...not noticing a difference in my clothes, but my aide mentioned that my face was slimmer.....it's happening! WE CAN DO IT!

So here I am.. from South Dakota, 26 and weigh in at 248 lbs. I'm starting the Ideal Protein diet as of tomorrow morning. My goal is to reduce my weight to 160 pounds which is right in between my ideal weight for being 5'6. I'm on 3 blood pressure meds and recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. So I'm on a med for that as well. My hair is also turning white and I've been losing hair because of my thyroid.

So... randomly 4 days ago my father who is diabetic and facing insulin injections, decides to invite me along to a IP meeting. We both signed up and both start tomorrow. I'm utterly excited because I can't afford something like gastric bypass and I don't have health insurance. Plus, I've been heavy all my life. It's time to get rid of this teenager strapped on my back..

I'm very excited and would love any pointers from anyone. Looking forward to being a big loser... for the first time in my life.

:welcome:

So nice to see you here and delighted to hear you are able to do this program. It will be great and you will love it!

I am just an inch shorter than you but we started at the same weight. I know each person is unique but, I expected to be a slow loser and actually lost 4 pounds a week the first 10 weeks. I didn't do use any of the restricted packets to begin with and I didn't use occasional vegetables much at all. Another person who did well in our height/weight starting range was chaplains wifey. Review the old posts for her name and you will find she lost 100 pounds in just over 5 months. She walked 3-4 miles per day 6 days a week from the start of the program. I will be keeping my fingers crossed you do the same. Follow the program as written without making little excuses, tastes, or cheats and you should see amazing starting results.

Not so far away xmln3x! My advice....don't cheat...stay on track....follow the protocol....AND YOU WILL SEE RESULTS! I am on W3 and have lost 15 lbs...not noticing a difference in my clothes, but my aide mentioned that my face was slimmer.....it's happening! WE CAN DO IT!

:welcome:

So nice to see you here and delighted to hear you are able to do this program. It will be great and you will love it!

I am just an inch shorter than you but we started at the same weight. I know each person is unique but, I expected to be a slow loser and actually lost 4 pounds a week the first 10 weeks. I didn't do use any of the restricted packets to begin with and I didn't use occasional vegetables much at all. Another person who did well in our height/weight starting range was chaplains wifey. Review the old posts for her name and you will find she lost 100 pounds in just over 5 months. She walked 3-4 miles per day 6 days a week from the start of the program. I will be keeping my fingers crossed you do the same. Follow the program as written without making little excuses, tastes, or cheats and you should see amazing starting results.

Thanks so much.. after a few hours of reading I realized I posted my gen info about me in the wrong spot.. but dang it ladies.. all your info made me wanna jump right in.. lol. Anyways nice meeting you and hope today goes well! Also showgirlaz... I seriously might stalk your posts and pick at you for recipes... I hate bland tasting stuff... thats my biggest fear about starting this diet.. not that I can't control myself but that my taste sense will drive me insane! lol

Thanks for the input... I'm in the San Francisco Bay area, a bit north of San Jose -

Amylew - do you pay for followup visits for measurements, etc., or is that included in the cost of the packets?

No, there's no cost for that, but truthfully, I've only been measured the day before I started and two or three weeks after that. I can tell by my clothes what my body's doing, so I don't even see my nurse/coach for measuring. I just stop in to the clinic on Mondays to weigh, purchase packets and turn my food diary in.

P.S. There's no tax on food in Iowa, and IP packets count as food, so it's an even $81 for 21 packets.

Hi this is my third day on IP, I am not a veggi lover although I hope this helps to open me up to new Ideas. I don't find getting the veggies down in the evening is that hard if I can pair it some meat. So my question is can I split up my meat in the eveing and eat it half with lunch and half with dinner?

So here I am.. from South Dakota, 26 and weigh in at 248 lbs. I'm starting the Ideal Protein diet as of tomorrow morning. My goal is to reduce my weight to 160 pounds which is right in between my ideal weight for being 5'6. I'm on 3 blood pressure meds and recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. So I'm on a med for that as well. My hair is also turning white and I've been losing hair because of my thyroid.

So... randomly 4 days ago my father who is diabetic and facing insulin injections, decides to invite me along to a IP meeting. We both signed up and both start tomorrow. I'm utterly excited because I can't afford something like gastric bypass and I don't have health insurance. Plus, I've been heavy all my life. It's time to get rid of this teenager strapped on my back..

I'm very excited and would love any pointers from anyone. Looking forward to being a big loser... for the first time in my life.

Welcome! I am from SD too and only 4 weeks into it. We can do this together! I am down 21 pounds in 4 weeks. Don't cheat and stay strong and you will feel so much better EVERY week!

amylew ~ wow you got a deal on your initial consult!! My dr. charged me a total of $300 for consult + 1 week of food. $81 each week from now on for food.

Carla - just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your time and efforts in responding to questions and offering information.

You are so articulate, concise and precise, I find myself copying and pasting your posts to a booklet I'm compiling on IPD to have as a reference.

By my rough calculations I'll be on Phase 1 for 7 to 8 months and plan to be well-informed and pumped for the duration. You are a huge help and I want to thank you.

And thank you to all those (like Jordana) who contribute - I'm too new to remember other's names but my gratitude goes out over the ethers!

Judy

Carla - just wanted you to know how much I appreciate your time and efforts in responding to questions and offering information.

You are so articulate, concise and precise, I find myself copying and pasting your posts to a booklet I'm compiling on IPD to have as a reference.

By my rough calculations I'll be on Phase 1 for 7 to 8 months and plan to be well-informed and pumped for the duration. You are a huge help and I want to thank you.

And thank you to all those (like Jordana) who contribute - I too new to remember other's names but my gratitude goes out over the ethers!

Judy


:hug:

Thank you! I appreciate your compliment and am very glad I am able to share something of benefit to you.

I really enjoy sharing with everyone on these boards. It really helps me too!

Regarding your goals, 8 months is not a long time. It is a great amount of time to learn and retrain your food and thought process. Stay to the plan, don't waiver or cheat (I know you can but, why?? it really doesn't benefit you.). Also, don't plan to have a "drop dead DONE date". I found that for me, when I got to that date and had not made the goals.. it was discouraging. Set goals that are date related. YOU WILL GET THERE.. It doesn't matter how long it takes or what that date is. Focus on what it takes to get there and not the when. Just my advice based on my experience for me.. so very individual but, if you think like me, it might be a bit deflating if you slow down around month 5 or 6 and that great date you picked slips by and you begin to think "why am I putting in this much effort for so little?".. The answer by the way is because it is working and you don't know that the grass will be greener somewhere else. :)

Best wishes and great focus as you enjoy the IP program! :)

So here I am.. from South Dakota, 26 and weigh in at 248 lbs. I'm starting the Ideal Protein diet as of tomorrow morning. My goal is to reduce my weight to 160 pounds which is right in between my ideal weight for being 5'6. I'm on 3 blood pressure meds and recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. So I'm on a med for that as well. My hair is also turning white and I've been losing hair because of my thyroid.


My daughter started IP 10 days ago. Originally her blood pressure ran quite high and she also had to take meds. After only a week on IP her doctor has taken her off the meds as her blood pressure went down to 110/80! She also had severe stomach problems after eating each meal, but has had no problem at all since she started this diet. AND she's lost 8.5 pounds!! I hope you have the same success. My husband and I started in June. He's lost 80 pounds, I've lost almost 40. Hang in there, it is definitely worth it!

Total cotton mouth here too - my coach says not to chew gum but I think I'm going to have to get some or my students will all leave!

I teach and also have cotton mouth, often. My doctor/coach said I can have up to 3 pieces of Trident with xylitol each day. It really helps!

I have to add something here, I love the program but I also think that it is very costly, most can't afford it and I have known several people because of the economy can not take the money from their families.I enjoy the program but if money gets tight that will be the first to go and it isn't because I don't feel I am worth it, but if it came to me eating or my family, it would be my family. Sorry I have lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks but I have also spent 400.00 just on product.

I have to add something here, I love the program but I also think that it is very costly, most can't afford it and I have known several people because of the economy can not take the money from their families.I enjoy the program but if money gets tight that will be the first to go and it isn't because I don't feel I am worth it, but if it came to me eating or my family, it would be my family. Sorry I have lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks but I have also spent 400.00 just on product.

Yes, you are right. Many people are making those choices. Others are looking at is as an option alternative to and less costly than bariatric/gastric surgeries. Some are thinking it could help them get off of their perscription meds which are quite costly and in come cases not covered by insurance.

Because of the factors you mention and those above... there is an entire group of people, some on this board who follow the IP approach using alternate products. NOW, granted those people are not "truly" doing IP and the results will be subject to the quality of the products they pick but, MANY have done extremely well.

I would still encourage anyone who is interested in this program and not sure if they can manage the related cost to try to follow the protocol as provided on Dr Tran's website at www.trantiendiet.com. He has layed it out pretty simply using "a portion of protein" instead of just packets.

:hug:

Thank you! I appreciate your compliment and am very glad I am able to share something of benefit to you.

I really enjoy sharing with everyone on these boards. It really helps me too!

Regarding your goals, 8 months is not a long time. It is a great amount of time to learn and retrain your food and thought process. Stay to the plan, don't waiver or cheat (I know you can but, why?? it really doesn't benefit you.). Also, don't plan to have a "drop dead DONE date". I found that for me, when I got to that date and had not made the goals.. it was discouraging. Set goals that are date related. YOU WILL GET THERE.. It doesn't matter how long it takes or what that date is. Focus on what it takes to get there and not the when. Just my advice based on my experience for me.. so very individual but, if you think like me, it might be a bit deflating if you slow down around month 5 or 6 and that great date you picked slips by and you begin to think "why am I putting in this much effort for so little?".. The answer by the way is because it is working and you don't know that the grass will be greener somewhere else. :)

Best wishes and great focus as you enjoy the IP program! :)

I wanted to say thank you as well to Carla, i'm svelting, and all the others who are so helpful on this site. My coach is great, but relatively new to the program, having just lost about 40 lbs herself. You ladies seems to know more than she does in a lot of cases. Being able to come here each day to read, learn and be inspired is going to get me through this.
This will be my first weekend on IP, but I'm not too worried. I AM going to research some of the recipes this weekend as I'm getting a wee bit tired of chicken breast, broccoli and cauliflower and salad (5 days in a row!). That was easy for me because it was a busy week, but also a little boring. I am trying to get to the point where I just think about food as fuel, and focus my thoughts and energies on other 'more fun' stuff.
I hope everyone has a wonderful IP weekend and keep losing!
:yes::yes::yes::yes::yes: :cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

No, there's no cost for that, but truthfully, I've only been measured the day before I started and two or three weeks after that. I can tell by my clothes what my body's doing, so I don't even see my nurse/coach for measuring. I just stop in to the clinic on Mondays to weigh, purchase packets and turn my food diary in.

P.S. There's no tax on food in Iowa, and IP packets count as food, so it's an even $81 for 21 packets.

I'm in BC and I was wondering when I started if there was a lot of variance in pricing for this program. It seems to be pretty similar from what I have read here.
When I started a week ago it cost me $363 to start. This was my initial weigh-in and two weeks of food. Going forward, I am scheduled to visit my coach every Tuesday evening (best time for me and her) to be weighed and measured and buy my food. For that initial cost she seems to be committed to really be a coach. She has checked in on me twice this week to see how it's going. She's told me the food will be $85 per week going forward (includng tax).

Question:

In phase one I know tomatoes are an occassional item. But I was wondering about your thoughts on salsa. I thought it might be a nice treat (the 2 tbsp serving) I found "Pace" salsa and here are the Nutritional Facts: Calories - 10; Total Fat - 0; Sodium 230 mg; Total Carbs - 2g; Dietary Fiber - 1g; Sugars - 2g; Protein - 0.
What do you think?

Question:

In phase one I know tomatoes are an occassional item. But I was wondering about your thoughts on salsa. I thought it might be a nice treat (the 2 tbsp serving) I found "Pace" salsa and here are the Nutritional Facts: Calories - 10; Total Fat - 0; Sodium 230 mg; Total Carbs - 2g; Dietary Fiber - 1g; Sugars - 2g; Protein - 0.
What do you think?

Strictly speaking, salsa, like tomatoes, is an occasional item particularly if the brand mimics the nutritional facts you list above. Just kind of watch it and keep checking all the labels, OK?

I'm in BC and I was wondering when I started if there was a lot of variance in pricing for this program. It seems to be pretty similar from what I have read here.
When I started a week ago it cost me $363 to start. This was my initial weigh-in and two weeks of food. Going forward, I am scheduled to visit my coach every Tuesday evening (best time for me and her) to be weighed and measured and buy my food. For that initial cost she seems to be committed to really be a coach. She has checked in on me twice this week to see how it's going. She's told me the food will be $85 per week going forward (includng tax).


This seems very reasonable, particularly because you have such a committed coach (yeah!). A lot of the variation in cost of packets in the states depends on state tax which most people don't take into consideration.