Ideal Protein Diet - Ideal Protein Diet - Monthly Chat - November 2009

Well, hopefully, I figured out how to post a new thread since it is NOW 12:17am.....

Halloween is over....I didn't get ONE kid. I bought Sugar Daddies for candy cuz I don't like them. My son is coming up this weekend, so I will send them home to the granddaughters.

Spent the whole day altering clothes....and have really struggled. Apparently, my mind just isn't "wrapping: around the whole altering thing. I had really hoped to wait until I reached goal, but everything looks so sloppy, I had to do something.

Alwe74 - I wondered where you were......Let us know WHAT maintenance is like and WHAT we are allowed to have when we do maintenance. Like Gink said, we will probably all be doing lowcarb eventually (altho I looked ahead once on the diet...and saw fruit and grains......Probably something like Phase 22 or something....lol!!

Gink - that is good news. That is basically what I did last weekend...ate as low carb as I could. I didn't gain...I didn't lose. But I did struggle with those stupid headaches for the first 2 days.

So - hey - I tried someone's idea WAY back in the threads. I put pumpkin pie spice into my butterscotch pudding. THEN I put a THIN layer of that WF marshmallow sauce over the top (tried to pretend it was whipped cream). It was pretty good.

Ah well....am gonna go to bed, and try to get that extra hour sleep and hit the sewing machine again in the a.m. I HAD to turn off my computer so I wouldn't be tempted all day to see how you were all doing!! It was really nice tonight to sit down and read such uplifting posts.

Torchlaker thanks for starting up the new thread :hug:

Good morning everyone,

The recipes on this forum are awesome. I have tried the salad dressing and it is terrific. I also make up a big batch and use it all week. This way I get in my oil and still enjoy my salad. This group makes staying with the plan easy. Have a great day all.

Hi,

I'm new and would like to introduce myself. I am a 56 y.o. female. I have been on IP for 2.5 weeks and have lost 15 pounds! I look and feel great. I am 5ft 8 and I have lost a jean size from a tight 16 to a very comfortable size 14.

(I will not post my weight just yet because there is a nosy person sitting next to me, pretending to read the Sunday paper but looking over at my screen once in a while,:hug: LOL)

Anyway, I have been reading the old posts whenever I have time and have yet to catch up. I know some of you have been posting here since around August, 2009 and am very grateful to have found some support online. Your results are
part of what has kept me going! Thanks to each of you.

Hi all, I am soo excited to be here and read all of your posts and get the positive feedback!
I started IP 3 days ago and love how the food tastes. I weighed this morning and am down 4 lbs so far. Yippee!
My hubby is on IP too and is finding it alot harder dealing with the hunger than I am. I have just been trying to be positive ad reassuring to him. He does like the food which helps. We are finding the dinners are an easy adjustment cause we have alot of options to cook for ourselves. Plus he loves grilling with no sauce just spices.
I am hoping to reach a first goal of 40 lbs down by xmas, and then push on from there.
My brother is my sales rep and also owns 3 gyms and is a personal trainer and he says I should be able to reach that goal as long as I am dedicated to it. He has a few ladies who are quite a bit older than me who have been able to loose 40lbs in 2 months so he thinks it is attainable.
I look forward to spending some time here on this forum with you ladies and getting to know everyone.
Here's to my first week!:carrot:

Well, hopefully, I figured out how to post a new thread since it is NOW 12:17am.....

Halloween is over....I didn't get ONE kid. I bought Sugar Daddies for candy cuz I don't like them. My son is coming up this weekend, so I will send them home to the granddaughters.

Spent the whole day altering clothes....and have really struggled. Apparently, my mind just isn't "wrapping: around the whole altering thing. I had really hoped to wait until I reached goal, but everything looks so sloppy, I had to do something.

Alwe74 - I wondered where you were......Let us know WHAT maintenance is like and WHAT we are allowed to have when we do maintenance. Like Gink said, we will probably all be doing lowcarb eventually (altho I looked ahead once on the diet...and saw fruit and grains......Probably something like Phase 22 or something....lol!!

Gink - that is good news. That is basically what I did last weekend...ate as low carb as I could. I didn't gain...I didn't lose. But I did struggle with those stupid headaches for the first 2 days.

So - hey - I tried someone's idea WAY back in the threads. I put pumpkin pie spice into my butterscotch pudding. THEN I put a THIN layer of that WF marshmallow sauce over the top (tried to pretend it was whipped cream). It was pretty good.

Ah well....am gonna go to bed, and try to get that extra hour sleep and hit the sewing machine again in the a.m. I HAD to turn off my computer so I wouldn't be tempted all day to see how you were all doing!! It was really nice tonight to sit down and read such uplifting posts.

Thanks for the idea of the pumpkin pie spice with the butterscotch pudding.

Thanks for the idea of the pumpkinpie spice with the butterscotch pudding.

Congrats Lilita - wow - i'm impressed! 15# in 2.5 weeks.

I tried putting a little canned chicken in with the chicken soup - it was GOOD! I'm going to try adding a little steamed veggies next time.

I use broccoli slaw instead of coleslaw and add WF honey mustard dressing.

I go for my 3rd weigh in on Tues. Lost 5# then 2.6#, hoping for the 5# again! Made Monster Cookies and I'm trying to stay out of the kitchen. I need some of that will power dust!

Ladies, Gentlemen,

For the first time in years, I bought myself a pair of jeans at a regular sized ladies boutique!! It must have been almost 18 years since I haven't done that!! :carrot:

Keep the good work - and can't wait for the weigh in tuesday!!

New Postee
Hi my name is Marina. This is my first post. My husband and I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments & suggestions. I joined IP a week ago. At my first weigh in I lost 9.6lbs. I found it quite easy. There were a couple of days of hunger but I just drank more water or had a cup of tea to help me through that. The headaches have been an issue but today I broke up my 1/2 tsp of sea salt between my three meals and it seems to help.
Halloween was a breeze, and even went to a pot luck at work and I stuck to program. The only food on program I haven't liked so far were the cereal, and the drinks with the odour to them.
Looking forward to the support and suggestions from everyone
Marina

Hello to everyone...welcome newbies!! Everyone is doing so well. I really hope to see a loss this week (I did cheat once). Gotta stop that!!! If I go down ONE more pound...it will be the lowest I have been in 18 years.

SylviaG -- I haven't even gone to look for jeans yet. Wonder if I will be in a regular size? Maybe soon, I can quit ordering out of Roamans or Woman Within!!

Today I spent the entire day altering!! Very slow process. Put the clothes on...take them off....baste...put them on, take them off, yadayada. In some pants, I actually took out over 4" -- Tops were running about 3-3-1/2 inches. I haven't lost much in my bust (sure would like to!!)...but have lost in hip and waist. I figure these clothes will get me thru to goal..and then I want to go shopping!!! (or sew...whatever...).

Lilita...congrats!! You must be so excited!! Nicnyd - My goal was 40# by Dec.15th, when I go to Cleveland for the holidays. Weight loss is slow now...2-3# a week. Probably my own fault....eating too many restricted and not drinking enough water (or getting in all my veggies).

Tried an old family favorite (but without the spatzle,bacon and sausage). It was okay. I fried up cabbage, threw in some onions and leftover porkchops. Wasn't quite the same....but it helped!!

Also tried the crepe today! What a mess! Do you guys cook it in a small or large frying pan? I used my regular crepe pan, but I couldn't get the batter to flow off the sides...then I couldn't flip it - it all fell apart. Still edible, tho. Could use some "instruction" on that one.

Well, it is midnight....time for this ol' gal to turn in and then hit the $%$#@ sewing machine again. Wish I didn't have to go to the purse party tomorrow night. I KNOW I will be tempted!! My son comes in this weekend for a "work weekend." We are going to go thru my husband's things in both garages and basement. Have to rent a dumpster. It is going to be emotional, I am sure. (excited to see my kid, tho...haven't seen him since July).

Hi simplymar,
welcome to this great forum! I had to write to agree, the odor of some of the drinks it weird. I like the flavor of the peach-mango but it sort of smells sulfuric? I just hold my breath and down it or try not to think about the smell.

Unfortunately I had a BIG CHEAT day yesterday. :( Afraid to get on the scale today. Tomorrow is weigh day so I hope I can undo a little of the damage. I have been on IP for about 6 wks now and think I need to add exercise. I figure lots of reps and not too heavy weights will help burn calories w/o adding bulk/muscle weight. :carrot:

Good morning everyone! I survived Halloween and hosting two big parties. We had a going away party for best friends where I baked cake for 200 people!!! White cake is my addiction, and I didnt even sneak one bite. I have no idea if it was any good, lol.
My question today is, I have hit a stall. I have followed plan with exception of over the weekend i didnt get in veggies/salad for two meals, just out of sheer business with two parties I hosted. I didnt cheat, but didnt eat. Then yesterday, I had a TON of spinach cooked with egg whites and a little turkey. I am stuck as a I have been for a week at 183. Any ideas? Have a good day.

Coolbreeze...I am SO impressed! I love white cake too ---(and I have never baked a cake bigger than 9x13...so I am double-impressed). Hope I have your willpower tonight at the Miche purse party. My normal day sounds like your weekend. I rarely get in my salad at lunch...sometimes don't even get the veggies in (always have a protein tho). Sometimes have 2 restricted a day...! MY nurse would tell you to drink more water and exercise to get out of a stall, I think (probably cuz I struggle with both). Altho no one really talks about it, I would think stalls/plateaus are all part of any diet. Doesn't one's body need to "adjust" a bit? I would probably lose weight faster if I followed the plan EXACTLY....but I would say "pump up the water." (I have been at the same weight for over 2 weeks now...tomorrow is weigh-in!). What does your coach/doctor say? (I think your weight loss in really good tho....how long have you been on IP?)

Marina - I don't like the smell of the drinks either. I, too, have to hold my breath to drink them. Today (I think), I am going to try to add some Torani syrup to the pink lemonade - maybe that will help. Maybe some coconut syrup (can you tell I love Torani/DiVinci sugarfree syrups?) to the pina colada drink? In all honesty, I would rather have a pudding than a drink!..and welcome! Awesome loss!

Torchlaker: I eat crepes every morning for breakfast. First, make sure your griddle is hot and coated with non-stick spray, even if you're using a non-stick pan. Then, pour into little puddles, not one big one. I make from 6-8 little crepes. I use a rubber spatula to flip them. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract, but usually just eat them plain. Wellllllll, with a light coating of butter, actually. :D

What I was told about Phase II, for those that were asking, is that the only difference is you drop 1 packet and replace it with your lean meat. In other words you do 1 packet for breakfast, have one for snack, but at both of your other meals you have your salad, veggies and lean meat. I sometimes have days where I do that anyway, if I forget to bring enough packets with me, and I'm not going home for dinner.

It's in Phase III that you start adding back unpermitted foods, but keeping your calories below a certain point, I think around 1250, and then Maintenance is using any foods you want, but keeping calories within 1500. You can go back to get packets periodically, when you start to see pounds creep back.

Hope that helps everyone's curiosity.

[QUOTE=torchlaker;2996925]What does your coach/doctor say? (I think your weight loss in really good tho....how long have you been on IP?)

QUOTE]

Thanks Torchlaker! I started doing IP at the end of September but had started low carb on my own about a week earlier. Prior to that I lost about 15 lbs on my own but just yo yo'd back and forth. I've lost about 13lbs in two weeks this time which I am thrilled with. In all honesty, my coach/doctor is worthless. They have a receptionist doing and the doctor is "around." She doesn't really have any ideas beyond what is printed on the materials which is frustrating. I go in at 8am before the rest of the staff is around or I would ask to see someone else. if i dont get a loss this week I do think I am going to ask for a little more guidance.

I started Friday and have had, surprisingly, no problems EXCEPT- no real way to put it delicately- constant diarrhea. I noted in some of the old threads people discussing having the opposite. Anybody have my problem? does it ease off after a while?

Echobaby: I had this problem in the firsts weeks - then it changed to the opposite! A good thing would be to keep writing what you eat and talk about it with you coach.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar083/slider-cheer/lb/229/170/192/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

Thanks, SylvieG

BTW, Sylvie, do you have to take anything for your opposite problem?

I started Friday and have had, surprisingly, no problems EXCEPT- no real way to put it delicately- constant diarrhea. I noted in some of the old threads people discussing having the opposite. Anybody have my problem? does it ease off after a while?

I tend to be plugges a little but have had a couple random loose stools...my boyfriend however who has been eating the same dinner with me, but with rice or potatoes almost looks sick after eating lol...his body is in complete vegetable shock I think. Hes used to eating soemthing liek a huge plate of spaghetti and half a loaf of bread..of course hes skinny though.

I weighed in today, lost 6.6 lbs on my 2nd week. it feels like its been forever. I cheated on halloween, i was up way to late and got hungry. I had about 2 slices of cheese. The doctor said thats one of the best ways to cheat if necessary, so I stopped beating myself up for it

Made salmon for my boyfriends family last night and they LOVED it...salt, pepper, and dijon mustard on top. Stick it under the broiler til its light brown and kinda crusty... just like my mom always made :)

I will have to try that with the crepes, Harmonymom. Trying to flip that crepe in a tiny crepe pan was the pits! Have you ever tried WF pancake syrup? That is what I used instead of butter....I actually like the syrup. I drizzle it on my oatmeal, too! Sometimes on my puddings!!

Good info about the Phases. Seems such a long way off yet.

I just tried something new that I thought made a world of difference...I made the leek soup with zero fat no preservative chicken broth instead of water. Less than 1 gr. carb and 5 cals per cup. . With some garlic and onion powder and black pepper, the soup was actually sorta good. I also steamed my vegetables in it. WAY better. Any of you do this?

another wonderful discovery via my boyfriends mom that has been given the ok by my counselor.
Perrier sparkling water or Pellegrino mixed with crystal light...1 packet for every 16 oz
Not supposed to have it as your primary water source but totally ok...and wonderful :D

I will have to try that with the crepes, Harmonymom. Trying to flip that crepe in a tiny crepe pan was the pits! Have you ever tried WF pancake syrup? That is what I used instead of butter....I actually like the syrup. I drizzle it on my oatmeal, too! Sometimes on my puddings!!

Good info about the Phases. Seems such a long way off yet.

One of the things I love about the crepes is that they are unsweetened. I'm not a Splenda fan, so it's nice to have something without it, that's also filling.

Just got my tracker signature...checking it out......

New Postee
Hi my name is Marina. This is my first post. My husband and I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments & suggestions. I joined IP a week ago. At my first weigh in I lost 9.6lbs. I found it quite easy. There were a couple of days of hunger but I just drank more water or had a cup of tea to help me through that. The headaches have been an issue but today I broke up my 1/2 tsp of sea salt between my three meals and it seems to help.
Halloween was a breeze, and even went to a pot luck at work and I stuck to program. The only food on program I haven't liked so far were the cereal, and the drinks with the odour to them.
Looking forward to the support and suggestions from everyone
Marina

You may find like I did that the drinks are really good if you make sure to mix them with very cold water and drink them through a straw so you won't smell the odor.

I am 61 yrs young. Have been on IP for 11 days and lost 6 lbs. Since I am on IP to Go, I don't have a coach. So I weigh myself, measure myself and keep a diet record. I really appreciate what you all have to say, it is helping me. My daughter-in-law tried IP and couldn"t get past the smell. I can handle the drinks that have an odor,I just drink it quicky. The only thing that I can hardly eat is the banana pudding. uck! I love the chocolate drink and the cappuccino drink. I put the cappuccino in my coffee (I learned that here) I have a question. Has anyone noticed a difference in their sleeping habits since starting IP. I have trouble getting to sleep. I have my 3rd packet after dinner in the evening. Could this be the problem?

A little bummed today, week 4 weigh in only lost .2 pounds...but my measurments say I have lost over 15 inches in a month....so not all bad. Only 13 pounds though and I have been so faithful and am not even on the restricted foods yet.
This might help some of you.....Try 'NOW' brand psyllium capsules for the constipation or diahrea problems. Mix the drinks in icy cold water and drink through a straw and the smell isn't noticable (as much)

Hi all, I am very new to this IP way of life. Today being my first day. I am used to eating an unhealthy snack in the evening so I think this will be my hardest time. Also, I am used to drinking Coke Zero in the afternoon - any suggestions on anything caffene realted that might help besides coffee. I have a book club meeting tomorrow night at a resaturant and kind of nervous about that. Part of me doesn't even want to go but I will eventually have to handle social things. Any suggestions to help get through those situations?

Bigenough, I scout out the menu on line first and go in with an idea of what I can eat at the restaurant rather than be tempted at the time. I have only been on it for a week and a half and already lost about 12 lbs so it is definitely worth doing!
Good luck!

As for the fruit drinks, eh forget about 'em. I'd rather a soup or pudding any day!

I am 61 yrs young. Have been on IP for 11 days and lost 6 lbs. Since I am on IP to Go, I don't have a coach. So I weigh myself, measure myself and keep a diet record. I really appreciate what you all have to say, it is helping me. My daughter-in-law tried IP and couldn"t get past the smell. I can handle the drinks that have an odor,I just drink it quicky. The only thing that I can hardly eat is the banana pudding. uck! I love the chocolate drink and the cappuccino drink. I put the cappuccino in my coffee (I learned that here) I have a question. Has anyone noticed a difference in their sleeping habits since starting IP. I have trouble getting to sleep. I have my 3rd packet after dinner in the evening. Could this be the problem?

I personally have found that I've been more wiped out in the evening so I tend to sleep well. I also eat my third packet in the evening, but maybe that affects you differently?

Congrats on the loss!!

Hey everyone!
I am a boy, Im 18 and i hope its okay that I can post here haha.
I am actually in film school, and im having a film crew do a documentary on my life. I am going on this diet and I currently weigh 349 pounds and my goal weight is 180 lbs.
I officially start tommorrow, I am SUPER excited and pumped for this.
After this I am wanting to walk in a marathon that is 3 miles and its for people to get off the couch.

Starting IP this week. Ive been following this thread for a month now and all of you ladies are truly an inspiration. Im beyond ready to get my girlish figure back :carrot:

Saraj - I tried your "chicken packets" tonight....very good. Chicken was moist and tender. What was I supposed to do with the soysauce/oil stuff? I tried marinating the chicken in it, and then I poured it into the foil packets.

ChubbyTwin - I am 62!! I think we are the oldest ones here.....who said they couldn't teach an "old dog new tricks"?. The first few weeks I was scared to go out to eat or go to social events....but I am getting better.

Bigenough... I DO scout the menus before I go (as mentioned). I just figure on a salad with chicken. I do carry the WF packets with me in my purse, but most restaurants have a lowfat dressing. I am going out more and more now....

Josh...you can be a superstar! Document your loss with us, too.....Is the film crew documenting your weight loss....or your whole life? I am very proud of you to be tackling this...(and we do allow "males").

Weigh in is first thing in the a.m. I did go to my purse party. Took my water (instead of cider). OMG - they had pumpkin rolls! I finally took 1/4 of a slice..took 2 bites, and threw the rest away. It wasn't really THAT good. Hopefully, 2 bites won't throw me out of ketosis!!

I am glad to know that our posts/forum have inspired many of our newbies. When I started IP 9/9/09...I could find very little about IP. I ran across a post here by Alwe74...a few others were on too (Valkyrie...our star!!). I cannot believe how our forum has grown and how many members we have. I learn something new from all of you every single day!!

Hello I am 53 and this is week 3 of IP for me. Lost 6.5 lbs the first week, 1 lb week 2. Did not cheat but have been told that everyone will hit a plateau of sorts and everyone will hit it at a different time so I guess mine occured quite quickly. Anyone else hit a plateau yet?

Saraj - I tried your "chicken packets" tonight....very good. Chicken was moist and tender. What was I supposed to do with the soysauce/oil stuff? I tried marinating the chicken in it, and then I poured it into the foil packets.

ChubbyTwin - I am 62!! I think we are the oldest ones here.....who said they couldn't teach an "old dog new tricks"?. The first few weeks I was scared to go out to eat or go to social events....but I am getting better.

Bigenough... I DO scout the menus before I go (as mentioned). I just figure on a salad with chicken. I do carry the WF packets with me in my purse, but most restaurants have a lowfat dressing. I am going out more and more now....

Josh...you can be a superstar! Document your loss with us, too.....Is the film crew documenting your weight loss....or your whole life? I am very proud of you to be tackling this...(and we do allow "males").

Weigh in is first thing in the a.m. I did go to my purse party. Took my water (instead of cider). OMG - they had pumpkin rolls! I finally took 1/4 of a slice..took 2 bites, and threw the rest away. It wasn't really THAT good. Hopefully, 2 bites won't throw me out of ketosis!!

I am glad to know that our posts/forum have inspired many of our newbies. When I started IP 9/9/09...I could find very little about IP. I ran across a post here by Alwe74...a few others were on too (Valkyrie...our star!!). I cannot believe how our forum has grown and how many members we have. I learn something new from all of you every single day!!

They are doing it on my weightloss, im super excited I start today =D

Hello I am 53 and this is week 3 of IP for me. Lost 6.5 lbs the first week, 1 lb week 2. Did not cheat but have been told that everyone will hit a plateau of sorts and everyone will hit it at a different time so I guess mine occured quite quickly. Anyone else hit a plateau yet?

I am in the same boat. I weigh in tomorrow and am expecting only a 1lb loss. Ive heard that a true plateau is several weeks of losing neither pounds nor inches. I am upping my exercise and water and see if that gets things moving. Let me know what works for you!

I'm traveling this week overseas. I have a little supply of IP shakes, bars, and puddings. So far I haven't mixed any puddings - I guess I shouls have brought a spoon and bowl! But it's been pretty easy so far. I had steak and greenbeans last night (had to tell them to take away the bread, and take the french fries off). Today I had a grilled salmon salad for lunch. I also brought the Walden Farms dressing packets, but some vinegar and oil also works.

If you can't find something exactly right, stick with low-carb.

Josh - You'll do great! Post us on your progress.

Just a reminder to everyone that the survey on the Ideal Protein products is in the FAQ. Do check it out if you're ordering products.

Thanks for the reply! Sorry to say but "misery likes company" and to know that I am not the only one in this situation, but I do not wish this on anyone!! The way the plan is administered for me is that I am only allowed to do 2- 30 minute interval cardio workouts a week and 1-one hour class that involves weights etc. I will try increasing the water and see what happens and let you know.

I finally got to add a signature - I'm so excited! Yay!

Saraj - I tried your "chicken packets" tonight....very good. Chicken was moist and tender. What was I supposed to do with the soysauce/oil stuff? I tried marinating the chicken in it, and then I poured it into the foil packets.

ChubbyTwin - I am 62!! I think we are the oldest ones here.....who said they couldn't teach an "old dog new tricks"?. The first few weeks I was scared to go out to eat or go to social events....but I am getting better.

Bigenough... I DO scout the menus before I go (as mentioned). I just figure on a salad with chicken. I do carry the WF packets with me in my purse, but most restaurants have a lowfat dressing. I am going out more and more now....

Josh...you can be a superstar! Document your loss with us, too.....Is the film crew documenting your weight loss....or your whole life? I am very proud of you to be tackling this...(and we do allow "males").

Weigh in is first thing in the a.m. I did go to my purse party. Took my water (instead of cider). OMG - they had pumpkin rolls! I finally took 1/4 of a slice..took 2 bites, and threw the rest away. It wasn't really THAT good. Hopefully, 2 bites won't throw me out of ketosis!!

I am glad to know that our posts/forum have inspired many of our newbies. When I started IP 9/9/09...I could find very little about IP. I ran across a post here by Alwe74...a few others were on too (Valkyrie...our star!!). I cannot believe how our forum has grown and how many members we have. I learn something new from all of you every single day!!

I guess you can marinate...I didnt, because it kind of sucks it up anyway. I just tossed a little bit of this and that in there and closed it up

I just couldn't wait lol...Had to see it like this
<a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wqBUPae/">
<img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wqBUPae/weight.png"></a>

I dont ever have much time to post, but wanted to give you all an update... It has been 3 months on Ideal Protein and I have lost a total of 54 pounds! I feel so great! Keep up the good work everyone!

Hello Everyone, I ordered Ideal Protein on Friday and it shipped Monday so I will start the day after it arrives - whichever day that is. I don't know if I would have made this decision if it were not for finding your posts last week. I have read everything you all have written. Ü I am very excited about losing the weight I regained after doing the hcg protocol. This will be so easy compared to that. Anyway, belonging to a happy, successful group helps one to stay focused, don't you think? Ü

testing new signature

testing

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar02/slider-ard/lb/173.5/130/168/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

Hey IP 3FC Vets,

do we have to copy and paste the tracker signature everytime we post? That has been the only way I can post my tracker thus far.

I just tried this:
crushed ice, 3 oz water, Pineapple/Banana packet...crush in blender. Just like a frozen tropical drink..well, almost anyway.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar098/slider-scale/lb/156.5/126/139.5/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

Montana Mom,
How long have you been doing IP?

ukandwit please tell me how to post my weight tracker??? I have been trying but cant get it to work. I started the program Aug. 28, 2009 and lost 41lbs so far. I am still in shock how easy it is.

hi everyone,

well i am back after my cheat weekend!! although i did not lose any weight i did not gain any either. i had to weigh the pros and cons about going off the diet for the weekend for my neices social. reality won, as i know i will still have to learn to maintain my wieght once i am in that stage. my lifestyle will always call for the occasional "weekend", trip etc and i will learn to incorporate that into my life. so i am at least happy i did not gain any weight, and i really enjoyed my weekend.

also i am lucky enough to have been invited to another IP info seminar this month and will have an opportunity to ask all the questions i never got to ask the first time round. our local coach is inviting all the existing IP "dieters" and giving opportunity for us to invite guests if we know people who are interested. so that will be great to get more information, it seems the more people i talk to, the more questions i have.

so good luck this week everyone, and although this is the first week i cannot report any progress, i hope to share some next week!

Echobaby and BeachGirl: Copy the url that shows under your new weight loss, and go back to "edit signature." Paste the copied URL into the empty box below and then hit Save Signature. Yeah...I have to change it weekly...don't know another way. You first have to go into "Edit signature" -- highlight the url, and delete it...then start all over again. (If anyone knows an easier way..please share).

I also want to remind you all that going to fitday.com is FREE. You can post your weight there..your loss there.....it even shows you a graph (so nice when it goes down altho I wish it were faster). You can journal there also.

Speaking of weight tracker...I finally got to put up a new number today. I lost 3-1/2# last week....biggest loss since the first week. The only time I plateaued so far (on since 9/9/09) was the weekend I cheated...and like Sandrab...I was just happy I didn't gain.

So NOW I am officially past the lowest weight I have been in 17 years! I started lowcarb a month before I decided to go on IP....and tried eliminating things I KNEW I would have to eliminate on IP to see if I could do it (orange juice, diet soda, grains, etc.). On IP - I have lost 24# since 9/9! BUT...here is the great news....I have been on Cloud 9 since 9:30am when they called to give me the results of my bloodwork last week. I DROPPED 40 points off my cholestrol! I wanted to lose weight to see if I could get off some of my meds...to see if my fibromalygia got better....to see if I was healthier! I guess I am! Altho the BMI has gone down slowly...I am at 26.9...down from 31! At 25, you are considered "normal" and NOT overweight. That is my next big goal (also to get into the 150's!!!).

I felt so guilty at first about spending money on this diet. So many people asked why I "couldn't do it myself." I don't know why.....I certainly haven't felt myself since my hubby died 12/31/07...I felt frozen. I had NO willpower...and no motivation. Lose weight for who? NOW...I am realizing that IP came at the right time, right place for me......I will never be the same as I was...but now there is a "new normal". (BTW, those same people -- like my son -- who wanted to know WHY I was spending so much money are now my biggest cheerleaders!!)

Very few of us will have losses like we did the first week! My nurse says that the average that she sees is 3-3.5# weekly. I am averaging about 3#...don't worry about plateaus...it will average out, I am sure. Be proud of yourself that you are making this big commitment. We all need to be healthier for 2010! (OK - I am done "preaching to the choir" now....lol!!)

Josh...I am so excited for you. You are young....and sound full of life!! Let us know how you do...and how the "filming" goes!!! Girls...I think we have a potential STAR in our group!

Coolbreeze...you will do fine! Do they measure "inches lost" where you go? Sometimes when there is a small weight loss, I would try to take solace in the fact that my BMI went down...or I lost an inch off my hips!! The scale is only a small part of it.....

I agree with Kira....when it doubt, or if you have to go off IP for a reason, try to keep it as lowcarb as you can. That is what i try to do when I eat out...I don't let them bring the bread, fries, etc. Yesterday at the purse party, I took a slice of pumpkin roll...took one bite, and when no one was looking, threw it out. If I am dining out with someone, I will ask for a "bite" of their bread, or a "bite" of their dessert (obviously, I know the people I am dining with....this probably doesn't work well on a business lunch!!). My son is coming to Michigan Thursday...I bought him some small treats but I put them in his room and closed the door! (again...obviously - I have to play mind games with myself -- lol!!)

Montana Mom,
How long have you been doing IP?

I started on Sept. 21...so about 6 weeks now.

You guys are all SO great! I saw a couple of you say you were the oldest...Out of curiousity, let's post our ages.....that is also encouraging because weight loss gets harder with age, and this program doesn't discriminate.!

I am 55.

I am 34. Not the first time I am tring to loose a lot of weight, but definatly the easiest its been so far, as of this morning 4 days 9.2# down.

Josh your first few days of loss will be unreal, a bit of a struggle, but push through. The 2 guys I know who started 5 days ago found day 3 and 4 the hardest for being hungry but have just had extra meat at dinner, and or their snack packet between lunch and dinner I believe. Both have found it alot easier since then. They both have had amazing loses as of this morning one is 16# and the other 19# in 4 days!! Guys loose way faster than women in general. I know you can do this, it is very simple and tasty, you just have to have the willpower to not cheat at all! When you get extra hungry eat you lettuce, or drink water or tea to fill the void. Good Luck Buddy!

I'm 27. torchlaker, you said it all!

You guys are all SO great! I saw a couple of you say you were the oldest...Out of curiousity, let's post our ages.....that is also encouraging because weight loss gets harder with age, and this program doesn't discriminate.!

I am 55.

Hi.....I'm 57 and started IP on Oct. 25. My first weigh in was yesterday. I lost 4 lbs. Thought I had lost more...didn't cheat one single bit and ate or drank everything I was supposed to. I'm only 5', so I guess 4 is pretty good for the first week. I'm so glad I found this forum. My "coach" is really nice, but not too helpful or informative. So I'm looking forward to all the hints I will find on here.

I am 62 and only 5' as well. Ü

Hey everyone!
I JUST did my first day.
The beginning of the day started out pretty easy, we had the crispy cereal, it was decent enough.
Lunch we had the Balognese with broccoli and lettuce which I was pleasently suprised tasted really good.
After lunch was when I actually started feeling a tiny headache in the back of my head, and becoming somewhat tired.
Dinner was 5 oz. baked chicken and cauliflower,broccoli mix. with lettuce.
Then I used my sea salt on all of those things as well.
Then the snack was chocolate pudding.

It is SO hard going to film school AND doing this diet, I told everyone in my group that im on this and that there are certain times that I NEED to eat or im gonna like just explode and be cranky lol.
The first day wasnt THAT bad, I mean I do feel slightly sicky but im gonna try my hardest to push through.


Let me just tell you a tiny bit about this documentary.


Basically all my life ive been overweight, eating fast food alot and things like that. I have ALWAYS inspired to be an actor, but I was always told by my parents that its going to be hard to get roles that can really reach your potential if you are overweight, so I decided if I couldnt be infront of the camera I would be behind the camera! So thats what my goal was.
However, each of us must make a 15 minute documentary which will be submitted to the film festival and possibly sent around the country and even internationally. So my friend, who loves my personality, decided to do hers on me and my weightloss. We were told by the Acting teacher who is on the diet now to go and talk to the ideal weightloss people in town. So we talked to the counselor and she was very enthusiastic and very excited for the project.

I currently live with my parents who are 30 miles away from my school and ive been driving, so in order to effectively do this diet and documentary I am moving to the film makers house, I am NOT allowed to see any of my parents or my friends for 4 months. Im on this diet and im required to blog about it everyday and to do video diaries on a hd camera that she has. Ive given up soo much for this I NEED to lose weight NOW, so thats where I am at now.

Right after day 1, not feeling so well but its unnaceptable to quit now. I am in it for the long run.

I am 34. Not the first time I am tring to loose a lot of weight, but definatly the easiest its been so far, as of this morning 4 days 9.2# down.

Josh your first few days of loss will be unreal, a bit of a struggle, but push through. The 2 guys I know who started 5 days ago found day 3 and 4 the hardest for being hungry but have just had extra meat at dinner, and or their snack packet between lunch and dinner I believe. Both have found it alot easier since then. They both have had amazing loses as of this morning one is 16# and the other 19# in 4 days!! Guys loose way faster than women in general. I know you can do this, it is very simple and tasty, you just have to have the willpower to not cheat at all! When you get extra hungry eat you lettuce, or drink water or tea to fill the void. Good Luck Buddy!


What your saying definately helps me, Im really keeping in my mind that the pain and struggle is gonnna all pay off on atleast day 5, its whats helping me go. I feel like a complainer already complaining on DAY 1 but its a huge change for me emotionally and physically.

Josh....will we be able to follow your blog anywhere? I struggled with days 3-5...had headaches, felt lightheaded, fatigue. I wondered what the &^%$ was I putting myself thru....but I had done Atkins before, and remember the same type of symptoms. Your body will be going into ketosis and it will be a hard adjustment. I think our bodies WANT to be healthy and fit, so it has to throw out the toxins, bad junk, etc. Drink water for the headaches. Sometimes I used a heating pad on my neck, or an ice pack (my headaches are in my neck and shoulders and Ihave had them for years). Once you go to your first weighin....you will be amazed....and the discomfort will be worth it. Some people don't struggle at all....just go with it.

Josh

I was really sick days 2 and 3 ,so sick I had to come home from work, headache, tired, sick to my stomach etc. I was advised to try a little lemon juice in my water and to have a bath in sea salt , which I did. It got better by the end of day 3 and since then I have been fine. Hopefully it will not be that hard for you but if it is keep at it becasue it is worth it in the end.

i am 43.

i think it is going to be both inspiring and interesting to following josh's progress / story. sound like both a very enthusiastic and mature young man. it will be nice to see this program through a "young" persons perspective. LADIES>> i am not implying we are all old chicks...but noone has stated yet they were 18!! not that i have seen anyways. good luck on your journey josh, you will need support when separated from your family during the next 4 months. does this include christmas as well??

i am 43.

i think it is going to be both inspiring and interesting to following josh's progress / story. sound like both a very enthusiastic and mature young man. it will be nice to see this program through a "young" persons perspective. LADIES>> i am not implying we are all old chicks...but noone has stated yet they were 18!! not that i have seen anyways. good luck on your journey josh, you will need support when separated from your family during the next 4 months. does this include christmas as well??




Yes =( it includes both thanksgiving and christmas which is going to be SUPER hard.

Hi,
I'm a newbie and will have my IP appt tomorrow and will start Friday, 11/6/09. I'm so excited and have read all the post. You all are such an inspiration. I've been married for 16 years and have three children 14, 10, and 8. I have about 60 lbs to lose.

Kay

Josh,

Where can we follow your blog?

I am 35 year old. A 3.2 lb loss this morning, so not the plateau I was expecting! In the last two days I slammed water and upped my exercise. The scale shows it was fat loss which was my concern with drinking so much water. Carry on! :-)

I am 41.

Hi I'm new to this posting thing so I'm really sure how it works but I want everyone to know how excited I am about ideal protein! for the first time I am actually losing weight and fell good while doing it. I could really use some new ideas for the veggies though. I have lost almost twenty pounds in four weeks and even made it through Canadian thanks Giving! I am 47 and have struggled with my weight for most of my adult life. I had to have a knee replacement at 46 and realized that my weight was agravating my problems and slowing my healing. Since starting this program all of the swelling has gone out of my knee for the first time in over a year and I finally feel like I can do this!

I have lost almost twenty pounds in four weeks and even made it through Canadian thanks Giving!

Awesome job! That is a really terrific loss!

Gosh, I am just so depressed over putting on almost 10 pounds in the last few weeks. Have no handle on this AGAIN. Am trying to get back on this web site and learn, learn, learn. In the evenings I am so messed up and just eat, eat, eat. Glad to be back here. I was on this website a lot when I lost the weight before.

I probably have said my age a hundred times...but I am 62!! (but starting to feel younger by the day....I was an "old" 62 for the past 2 years). It is VERY encouraging to see women in their 40's, 50's and 60's on here. It certainly does get harder as we get older...but I am so impressed with IP...because age really doesn't seem to matter.

Ottawa -- I never heard that about the lemon juice or sea salt bath...wish I had known. I just suffered! Personal note here -- the 2 days after the weekend I cheated were awful (was yours, Sandrab??). Almost like going thru it all over again. A VERY good reason for me not to cheat!!

Josh...this is going to be exciting for all of us. Was highschool hard for you? Kids can be so cruel. I had the opposite problem in HS...I was TOO skinny! (hard to believe that now!). I was 5'7" -- and 93 lbs. I was called a human zipper (ya know..if I stuck my tongue out I looked like a zipper)...and many other things! I will be alone for Thanksgiving, too. I was alone last year, too....but I "planned" my day out before. I made some cool food...got a movie I wanted to see....made a pair of pajamas...I ended up actually looking forward to the day. I plan to do the same this year.....

So...I have been sitting here staring at my chart from the doctor...and still can't believe it. They gave me a chart of my measurements, BMI, etc. No wonder my clothes don't fit. I lost 5" in my hips, 4" in my waist and my percentage of fat went from 42% to 37.8%. I think I am gonna frame it.

I start my day with this forum...and I end my day with this forum. It helps to keep me on track.

Welcome newbies! Can I ask a question of you all? How did you find out about IP? General search on the internet? Friends that were on it? Cruising the 3 fat chicks website? (I am generally nosey....I only knew about IP because my doctor decided to distribute it...otherwise, I have NO idea how I would have found out about it!

Had my consult and rec'd my IP Products this morning - Starting on Monday the 9th... the goal 100 pounds (29yrs old)

CoolBreeze....all that agonizing over nothing, huh? Look how close you are to goal!!

Vallygirl: There are some recipes in the recipe file for veggies. Pretty much, I either put WaldenFarms honey dijon dressing over mine (adding in some more mustard tho)....or I make a quick dressing to put over them....olive oil, lemon juice, garlic - whatever.

My suggestion for any newbies would be to try to go back thru old posts. A lot of us asked the same questions and you will learn a lot.

Grabec - you are back and didn't throw in the towel. Night time is the hardest for me, too. Some of my "mind tricks" are going thru old posts to re-energize myself....search the net for veggie recipes....I also bead and will try to do something with my hands (sew, bead, manicure). If my brain gets too bad, I get up and try to do something totally different than what I was doing -- clean (yuk) - paint - empty out my mailbox...do bills (again, yuk). Sometimes I just go to bed!!

torchlaker- I found out about IP from my husband's co-worker. How long have you been doing IP?

I probably have said my age a hundred times...but I am 62!! (but starting to feel younger by the day....I was an "old" 62 for the past 2 years). It is VERY encouraging to see women in their 40's, 50's and 60's on here. It certainly does get harder as we get older...but I am so impressed with IP...because age really doesn't seem to matter.

Ottawa -- I never heard that about the lemon juice or sea salt bath...wish I had known. I just suffered! Personal note here -- the 2 days after the weekend I cheated were awful (was yours, Sandrab??). Almost like going thru it all over again. A VERY good reason for me not to cheat!!

Josh...this is going to be exciting for all of us. Was highschool hard for you? Kids can be so cruel. I had the opposite problem in HS...I was TOO skinny! (hard to believe that now!). I was 5'7" -- and 93 lbs. I was called a human zipper (ya know..if I stuck my tongue out I looked like a zipper)...and many other things! I will be alone for Thanksgiving, too. I was alone last year, too....but I "planned" my day out before. I made some cool food...got a movie I wanted to see....made a pair of pajamas...I ended up actually looking forward to the day. I plan to do the same this year.....

So...I have been sitting here staring at my chart from the doctor...and still can't believe it. They gave me a chart of my measurements, BMI, etc. No wonder my clothes don't fit. I lost 5" in my hips, 4" in my waist and my percentage of fat went from 42% to 37.8%. I think I am gonna frame it.

I start my day with this forum...and I end my day with this forum. It helps to keep me on track.

Welcome newbies! Can I ask a question of you all? How did you find out about IP? General search on the internet? Friends that were on it? Cruising the 3 fat chicks website? (I am generally nosey....I only knew about IP because my doctor decided to distribute it...otherwise, I have NO idea how I would have found out about it!

Wow! You are really doing great! I'm one of the newbies...I'm in the middle of my 2nd week. I found out about IP from a customer of mine who had lost 90lbs. It took me over a month to make the decision to start. I'm 5' and my starting weight was 212. I've always struggled slightly with weight, but it wasn't until I started menopause, that it skyrocketed.
I had a few issues the 2nd day and a couple other days, but my body is responding pretty well...I guess, if 4 lbs is a good loss for the first week.
I've read some of the posts about cheating...I have a big weekend coming up and I'm not worried about the food as much as having some drinks. Has anyone cheated with alcohol? I have a mini reunion with some old friends and we always bring wine and share...what do you think?

Everyone needs to put the date that they started IP as their user title so we will know when you started the diet. Just fun to know!

Go to User CP at top and edit profile.

Torchlaker: Thanks for the welcome! I received an e-newsletter from the place online where we buy a lot of our vitamins. One of the company owners had lost weight on IP and had become a coach. I just knew this would be the fastest, healthiest way I could lose my extra pounds. I can hardly wait to get started! Ü

Hello to all - newbies and previous members! I started IP August 3 2009 and I am 36 y. o.

Went to my weigh in last night and lost another 7,25# in 2 weeks to a record low of 185#!!! Last time I weighed that much was in college! This should allow me to wrap-up the program before Christmas with accelerated phases 2 and 3... unless I go for another 20#... As anyone left the program for a few months and started it over again? Have you kept your 1st goal weight in the in between period? Don't know what to do anymore... It has been so long since I weighed that low that sometimes I don't recognise myself!

To keep "things" moving, I had to take a laxative at two occasions in 3 months... Now, the "issue" seems resolved...

This is worth the effort! I am worth it and so are you!! :hug:

What supplement is everyone taking? Are you taking the supplements IP recommends? Multi-vitamin, cal-mag, potassium-calcium, omega III, anti-oxy, enzymes?

Hi Everyone,
I will be heading out after work to an Ideal Protien diet meeting at a local doctors office. I was wondering if its a good idea to start this before the holidays set in. I am motivated after reading all these great posts. I've done Jenny, WW, Nutri system and bead diet. I have lost weight on all 40-50 lbs, then gained them back. I trying to to figure out why I can't keep it off. Am I crazy for starting another 'diet'? I think I need Jillian shouting in my face to figure out why! Or a shrink? :?: Anyway, I know I can follow any plan but is this the golden ticket? How much should I expect to pay tonight if I begin?
I don't want to be labeled 40 and fat. Help!:cry:

Hello to all - newbies and previous members! I started IP August 3 2009 and I am 36 y. o.

Went to my weigh in last night and lost another 7,25# in 2 weeks to a record low of 185#!!! Last time I weighed that much was in college! This should allow me to wrap-up the program before Christmas with accelerated phases 2 and 3... unless I go for another 20#... As anyone left the program for a few months and started it over again? Have you kept your 1st goal weight in the in between period? Don't know what to do anymore... It has been so long since I weighed that low that sometimes I don't recognise myself!

To keep "things" moving, I had to take a laxative at two occasions in 3 months... Now, the "issue" seems resolved...

This is worth the effort! I am worth it and so are you!! :hug:

Amazing result! Do you have any before and after photo's you can share?? :carrot:

I started IP on 10/24/09 and have felt wonderful since day 1, however today I woke up with a major headache and I notice back/kidney pains l:(ast night ......has anyone experienced these side effects? Also,, my acne has been horrible......can anyone relate?
:?:

What supplement is everyone taking? Are you taking the supplements IP recommends? Multi-vitamin, cal-mag, potassium-calcium, omega III, anti-oxy, enzymes?



I do take supplements but not the IP recommended ones:sssh:. . They were $21.00 a bottle which seems pretty ridiculous to me. So I just bought some from GNC . Just an FYI, If I don't take supplements I feel like crap! Do you take any?? :chin:

Hi Everyone,
I will be heading out after work to an Ideal Protien diet meeting at a local doctors office. I was wondering if its a good idea to start this before the holidays set in. I am motivated after reading all these great posts. I've done Jenny, WW, Nutri system and bead diet. I have lost weight on all 40-50 lbs, then gained them back. I trying to to figure out why I can't keep it off. Am I crazy for starting another 'diet'? I think I need Jillian shouting in my face to figure out why! Or a shrink? :?: Anyway, I know I can follow any plan but is this the golden ticket? How much should I expect to pay tonight if I begin?
I don't want to be labeled 40 and fat. Help!:cry:


I think starting as soon as you can. The sooner the better. How would it be to be at your goal weight on New Years and not be making the resolution to loose weight!!!! :p

And about the regain I think maintence is so important. Will you have a coach during your IP process??

I've been paying $27.00 a box (7 packets) which you are to consume 3 packets a day. So it averages out to about $4 something a meal which is right about what a cheese burger would cost you!!

Good Luck with you new plans!!!

Hi Everyone!

I am 33 - just had my birthday on monday :) So great to see everyone on this forum - so helpful!

I am having some trouble getting back on the wagon after my unintentional 2 week hiatus. I have my weigh-in on Thursday. I have maybe only lose a pound or two in the the last two weeks - at least I didn't gain.

For those of you that have been sticking with it - KEEP IT UP!! The momentum is so helpful....although you may not recognize that until you fall off the wagon like I did.

As far as supplements - my doctor right now is strongly advocating for vitamin D. I'm currently taking 4000IUs right now and would recommend that to you guys as well! It's super-cheap - just buy a big bottle from Costco. They have the little gel tab thingys (the gel is better than the hard pill according to my Dr.) and they come in 2000IUs so you just take 2 a day.

Good luck this week everyone!

And Josh: you can do this!!! The first week is really hard - I cried a couple of times from the headache but it does get better and you won't believe how good you feel!

I heard about ideal protien from a friend who heard it from a family member and I really like it. I find it easier to completely deny myself certain things than it is for me to limit them. and I do use the IP supliments. Thanks for the encouragment and suggestions

I do take supplements but not the IP recommended ones:sssh:. . They were $21.00 a bottle which seems pretty ridiculous to me. So I just bought some from GNC . Just an FYI, If I don't take supplements I feel like crap! Do you take any?? :chin:

I don't start until Friday, but I do take some supplements from GNC. I think I'm going take them to my appt. tomorrow and see how they compare to the IP recommended ones.

By the way Josh i had a really hard time the first couple of weeks but I found that if I took my suppliments with really warm water with a bit of sea salt in it that really helped with the headaches

Someone was interested in help with veggies... I just posted a couple of ideas for zucchini in the Sticky Recipes area. Ü

welcome, Josh!

vallygirl, try steaming your veggies in fat free chicken or beef broth with all your seasonings. 100% improvement on steaming in water. And only 5 cals, less than 1 carb per cup. This also improves the taste of the soups.

Found out about IP from this site, but I'm doing it independently, with no coach. I am 46.

Hi everyone..cool to see so many new people on this forum. The news of this diet must really be spreading. I am certainly happy with it. I lost 4 lbs this week so that makes 21 lbs in 6 1/2 weeks. Last week I lost more inches than pounds, and this week I lost more pounds than inches. Not sure how that works out, but as long as it's a loss somewhere I'm happy! Thanks for all the sharing.
http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar098/slider-scale/lb/156/126/135/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

I think starting as soon as you can. The sooner the better. How would it be to be at your goal weight on New Years and not be making the resolution to lose weight!!!! :p

And about the regain I think maintence is so important. Will you have a coach during your IP process??

I've been paying $27.00 a box (7 packets) which you are to consume 3 packets a day. So it averages out to about $4 something a meal which is right about what a cheese burger would cost you!!

Good Luck with you new plans!!!

thanks Princass, you nailed it when you said think about New Years and not losing the weight. You just made the decision for me. :carrot:

I had my first week weigh in yesterday and lost 5.5lbs - I'm so happy. Getting weighed and measured really helped with my motivation and things seem to be easier this week. I even went out for lunch today - had a sald with grilled chicken breast - it was really good - might be because I didn't have to cook it.

So many great stories on this site - I just love hearing from all of you regarding your progress, challenges and solutions. Keep it up!

I had my first week weigh in yesterday and lost 5.5lbs - I'm so happy. Getting weighed and measured really helped with my motivation and things seem to be easier this week. I even went out for lunch today - had a sald with grilled chicken breast - it was really good - might be because I didn't have to cook it.

So many great stories on this site - I just love hearing from all of you regarding your progress, challenges and solutions. Keep it up!

So if you go out for lunch, what do you do for dinner, just have a soup or pudding or something?

I've seen some posts about using coconut oil? I looked at hte label and didn't notice much difference between that and other oils? Does anyone know why coconut oil is recommended?

Hi everyone! I started IP on Friday October 30/09. I'm 49 years old. As far as how I heard about IP, I basically opened the phonebook and saw their ad. IP's main office is in Gatineau, Quebec and that's where I go.
First weigh in tomorrow after work. So far the first week has been pretty good. I love the oatmeal, that's what I have every morning, the omelet is very good also, that's what I've been having for lunch. What do you guys have for lunch. Breakfast & supper no problems, but lunches at work ????

I made cauliflower "mashed potatoes" tonight to go with my 5 oz of turkey breast. I used to make it all the time, but used cream or milk and butter. Well, this time I used butter spray, sea salt, ground pepper and a tiny tad of fat free half and half. It was really good. I could have it every night! Made me feel like I was having something really special! LOL!

hi there ~

coconut oil - our coaches sell it at there office and we were told by IP worker to use coconut oil for frying and Olive oil for salads etc. i asked why and was told that olive oil goes rancid when heated above a certain temperature...i posted this before and many disagreed, but this is def what we were told....

alcohol - i had a "planned" cheat weekend this past weekend and the nature of my cheat was mainly with alcohol. the decision is based on how worth it is to you. i had been on diet 6 weeks already, never cheated once. had a family wedding event planned long time ago. i decided it was worth it and that the occasion would be more fun with a few drinks. i followed advice i was given and went off for the weekend (sat and sun) but immediately resumed on monday. i did not go "overboard" at all on food. so i did not lose any that week, but i did not gain. it is not like WW where you are allowed an occasional drink!! darn...but i need to do what keeps me going on the diet and christmas will be my next day off...and yes i will have a few drinks then too! but i could not justify losing a weeks work unless it was a very important occasion...

torchlaker - no issues getting back on. never really felt like i went off being such a short time. it felt good to just kick back and have an evening of enjoyment and felt it was kind of a reward for good effort. its all in the mindset i guess, i would not have chanced going off if i didnt know 100% sure that i wanted to be on this diet...

I cheated 2 weekends ago, had a few drinks, and **gasp** stopped for Taco John's afterwards in a moment of weakness. (I think that's the greatest risk as far as the diet is concerned) I still lost though...5.6 lbs. Although the week before that I only lost 1 lbs. So...it averaged out ok.

Wondering what everyone has lost at each weigh in? Mine have seemed to vary A LOT:

Week 1 - 10 lbs
Week 2 - 5.8 lbs
Week 3 - 1 lbs
Week 4 - 5.6 lbs (this was after my cheat)
Week 5 - tomorrow morning...I don't anticipate a lot, if any. I've been so good avoiding my daughter's Halloween candy all evening, but I wake up in the middle of the night (to use the restroom) and zombie walk to the kitchen. Any other night-eaters? Any hints for that? (I did good last night - I was tempted - but went straight back to bed!)

hi everyone! I weighed in again today and lost another 4 pounds so that makes almost 21 in four weeks. News like that makes the strugles worth it. I tried weight watchers and never lost more than 2 lbs a week no matter how hard I treid or how much I exercised. This program works for me because I really don't have to THINK about food as much so I don't get the carvings or frustrations as bad. I'm not sure where to go to find these recipe posts so if someone could help me with that it would be great.

SandraB: I had a piece of pumpkin pie last week (oops) and suffered no ill effects either. Just really had a problem with that one weekend. I thought I had taken enough IP products with me, but I ran out!!

I really hate to put when I started IP -- because I actually started cutting back on my own August 1st. I KNEW what IP entailed, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to give up diet pop and OJ....I actually have lost 24# in 9 weeks on IP...so I am averaging a bit less than 3# a week. It would be faster if I didn't have 2 restricted a day...but that is what gets me thru...and my choice, I guess.

I was never told we could have coconut oil. I have just used olive oil for everything...but not going over 2 T. a day (I was told that was my limit). I take the IP supplements. GNC is a 45 minute drive for me....The multi is about what I was spending on a multi anyhow. I was told by doc this week that I am deficient in D-3. I have been taking 1000uts a day, and she wants me to bump it up to 3000uts. I guess nearly everyone up here in upper Michigan is D-3 deficient (we don't get much sun in the winter...and there sure hasn't been any this fall).

I heard about IP from my doctors nurse. She had told me they were researching a diet last year. When she said I had to buy the products from them, I kinda forgot about it. Been thru that with 2 other diets and everything tasted like *&^&. When I went in to see doc about something else, I heard some girls in the waiting room talking about IP. One gal had had bariatric surgery and had gained some back. She said she was losing as fast as she did after the surgery. I spent the next month researching it (everyone was trying to talk me OUT of it because of the expense). I still hate the expense, but it IS working for me. I think the weekly weighins and personal coaching really help me.

PrinCass: Boy, I never thought about that. Wouldn't it be amazing to NOT say on New Years Eve that I had to lose weight? Gosh, with some luck, I should be at goal by then. BUT I suppose it is like smoking (yeah, I still smoke)....There is really no good time to quit, is there?

Right now, I am not entirely certain what I will do for the holidays. I will be staying at 2 different sisterinlaws, and with my son....and will be gone about 3 weeks. I have not yet cheated with alcohol (and that was tough because nearly everyone on our weekend was having wine in the evening), so I don't know how that would affect me. I bought a pina colada drink but haven't tried it yet cuz I KNOW I would want rum in it.

Thanks for your input about the alcohol....sandrab and ukandewit....I hate it that this get together is before I even finish 2 weeks! But I know myself and I will be able to eat okay...they have already planned the menus around me, but I won't be able to sit there and not have some wine. Hopefully, I will practice moderation. :) and won't gain anything. Then I'll have 3 weeks before thanksgiving.

Torchlaker...what do you mean by 2 restricted each day?

hi everyone! I weighed in again today and lost another 4 pounds so that makes almost 21 in four weeks. News like that makes the strugles worth it. I tried weight watchers and never lost more than 2 lbs a week no matter how hard I treid or how much I exercised. This program works for me because I really don't have to THINK about food as much so I don't get the carvings or frustrations as bad. I'm not sure where to go to find these recipe posts so if someone could help me with that it would be great.


The easiest way for me to find any threads on IP is to go to the search option (in purple at the op of the screen) and type Ideal Protein. It brings up anything that has been discussed about IP and also the :hun:Recipe link your asking about! :cbg:

@torchlaker You Make me giggle!:lol: I'm not much of a drinker but now that I know I cannot have it, it seems more tantalizing! :dust:
Its crazy how your mind plays tricks on you. Threw this hole IP process (10 days) I've wanted things that I haven't even ate in forever....like marshmallows.. YUK... but I've gotten past it day by day. I just made my family an oreo pie and don't even care if I have some because I know my goals. It feels really good to have :dust:

Thank you all for the updates and wonderful stories. I hope we all do amazing!!:cheer::carrot:

So NOW I am officially past the lowest weight I have been in 17 years!

Congratulations!!! I'm glad you found this program and are having success. You're an inspiration ;)

I am 33 - just had my birthday on monday...I am having some trouble getting back on the wagon after my unintentional 2 week hiatus.

Happy belated Birthday :). You should be pleased you came back to IP after only a 2 week break. In the past some of my unintentional breaks have lasted for months or years!!! Wishing you all the best at your next weigh in.

Hey guys!!
I finally got my blog up and running! I am on day 2!
Yall can comment on it and stuff too and even see the pic of me thats gonna be our poster for our fundraiser!

http://www.blogger.com/profile/14753110422805111106

Today is my IP appt. I am so excited. I have read everyones posts and can't wait to jump in there with you all. Seems like I have tried everything to lose weight. I feel so hopeful and know this time I will do it!!! We all will.:carrot:

I am curious, how much is everyone exercising, and at what point in the plan did you start? I started to slow down in weight loss after two weeks, so added 2-3 miles of walking a day, and that has really sped things up. What is everyone else doing?

Glad to hear there was no real plateau for you!! We are told not to do very much steady state cardio, 2 30 minutes sessions of interval cardio a week and at least 1 class - 1 hour duration of resistance training. As my weight loss has really slowed down I think I might add the walking that you are doing into my routine. Do you walk at a fast pace?

Well I couldnt wait til Monday to start it..so I started this morning since I have a 3 day weekend and figured that I could get over any of the side effects without making my patients/coworkers miserable - So far so good :-)

CoolBreeze...I wish I was more consistent with exercise. All the old excuses...no time...too tired. I do try to walk a mile 3 times a week and do BodyFlex and/or LifeLift the same day. I know it would help with my fatigue...I struggle with fibromalygia, so it becomes a round-robin thing. "I hurt too much today." "Well, you would feel better if you exercised" -- ya know the drill. I gotta start walking. I am going to St. John USVI the end of March...(by myself...first vacation EVER alone.)...and my cousin tells me my condo is 300 ft STRAIGHT up!

OptiChick....a lot of the foods are restricted. I was told I could have one restricted a day -- others have been told 2-3 times a week. I DO eat oatmeal every day, and have a bar at night. I really struggle at night...cuz that is when I am too tired to clean,sew,cook,paint, etc....so when I finally DO sit down, I notice hunger pains.

Bumpy: I had to laugh....I waited a month before starting IP while I researched it. Boy -- those last 5 days, I was chomping at the bit to get started. I started the day after Labor Day, I think!

Mirazon - awwww...thank you. YOU are an inspiration to me. Look at your weight loss already!

Josh...I read your blog!! In fact - I put it in Favorites to check it every day. PS: I hate the leek soup, too! I water down the soups much more than required...that helps...so does throwing in some veggies. So - do I understand this right ---? Four months will be boiled down into a 15 minute film??

My son is coming tonight!! I am so excited!! I haven't seen him since July. He has been wanting me to send him pictures....but I really don't have any...plus I keep thinking that I don't look THAT much different. He was so excited about the cholestrol drop. After losing his dad, he really wants to keep me around, I think! That was one of the main reasons I did IP....to be healthier! I cleaned all day yesterday....so today I am hoping to alter an outfit or 2 to wear while he is here!

Torch - Ive been researching it since September. I was on ******** before and the first 25 pounds was great until my hair started to break off (not good!). So my boss was at a conference in AZ when he heard about it. We just started selling the products in our office and Ive been like when can I start it already?!?

I had the omelette for breakfast and was actually liking that - had some of the lemon pudding for a snack and Im not thrilled with it. Its like 2 hrs later and I still have the lemon pledge aftertaste

Would everyone prefer for people to post new recipes only on the recipe thread, instead of here? I see some people are having trouble finding it.

Anyway I posted a new one there for a seriously delicious alteration to the chocolate pudding (the plain IP one made me sad.)

It is official, my packets arrived, and I have begun the Ideal Protein way of living to health, beauty, youth and vitality. If it is any different than that PLEASE don't tell me - I want to believe this stuff! Ü

Happy belated Birthday :). You should be pleased you came back to IP after only a 2 week break. In the past some of my unintentional breaks have lasted for months or years!!! Wishing you all the best at your next weigh in.

Hysterical. I think my "break" has lasted, oh, around ten years. :-) I am 3 lbs from wedding weight, then I am shooting for "college weight." To think back then I thought I was fat. SIGH.

I wanted to share that I made the crepe stuffed with cut up raw veggies for lunch and it was awesome. I diced cucumber, spinach, raw onion and a little tomato, did the olive oil and lemon dressing, and it was really, really good! I am still full too.

Glad to hear there was no real plateau for you!! We are told not to do very much steady state cardio, 2 30 minutes sessions of interval cardio a week and at least 1 class - 1 hour duration of resistance training. As my weight loss has really slowed down I think I might add the walking that you are doing into my routine. Do you walk at a fast pace?

You just reminded me I need to be doing resistance training. I don't walk that fast, like 3.5 average, and I try to do an incline of only 1. Its enough to sweat a little but not go crazy. What do you do in your interval cardio? That sounds fun!

So if you go out for lunch, what do you do for dinner, just have a soup or pudding or something?

You switch your supper and lunch. So at supper I had my IP protein, 2 cups veggies and salad. I saved my snack for evening too as I thought I might be extra hungry with such a light supper. Worked out great and lunch was easy - didn't feel like an "outcast" with having to order anything too weird.

I cheated 2 weekends ago, had a few drinks, and **gasp** stopped for Taco John's afterwards in a moment of weakness. (I think that's the greatest risk as far as the diet is concerned) I still lost though...5.6 lbs. Although the week before that I only lost 1 lbs. So...it averaged out ok.

Wondering what everyone has lost at each weigh in? Mine have seemed to vary A LOT:

Week 1 - 10 lbs
Week 2 - 5.8 lbs
Week 3 - 1 lbs
Week 4 - 5.6 lbs (this was after my cheat)
Week 5 - tomorrow morning...I don't anticipate a lot, if any. I've been so good avoiding my daughter's Halloween candy all evening, but I wake up in the middle of the night (to use the restroom) and zombie walk to the kitchen. Any other night-eaters? Any hints for that? (I did good last night - I was tempted - but went straight back to bed!)

I also am hungry in the evenings so I save my snack (butterscotch pudding or wildberry yogurt are my fav) for later on - I know you're not supposed to eat after 8 (or something) but I've also read that a calorie is a calorie - they don't know what time you eat them. Having that snack around 9 seems to keep me from "dreaming of food" LOL

so i was under the impression that omlet was a restricted food for the first 2 weeks...found out it wasnt and BOY IS IT MY SAVING GRACE! hehe. I have a capp for breakfast and an omlet with sauteed mushrooms and peppers at lunch, of course slathered in Cholula...my favorite hot sauce..its so satisfying!!

I made pork tenderloin last night, that was so tender I did pulled pork for my salad and for my boyfriend, a sandwich.

I made this dressing last night that was TOO DIE FOR!!!

2 tbs hot mustard
2 tbs dijon
1/2 tbs red pepper flakes
3 tbs apple cider vinegar
3 tbs olive oil
1 tbs sugar free heinz ketchup ( it only has 1 carb in 1 tbs and you dont even get the whole carb so GO FOR IT!! (
salt and pepper
I put it on my lettuce, mushrooms, cucumbers and pulled pork and it was soooooooooo good. probably my favorite so far

i recommend slow cooking your pork in ff, no carb chicken broth. I know for sure safeway and vons carry it! and whatever spices you like. ( a touch of cinnamon is way good)

SandraB: I had a piece of pumpkin pie last week (oops) and suffered no ill effects either. Just really had a problem with that one weekend. I thought I had taken enough IP products with me, but I ran out!!

I really hate to put when I started IP -- because I actually started cutting back on my own August 1st. I KNEW what IP entailed, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to give up diet pop and OJ....I actually have lost 24# in 9 weeks on IP...so I am averaging a bit less than 3# a week. It would be faster if I didn't have 2 restricted a day...but that is what gets me thru...and my choice, I guess.

I was never told we could have coconut oil. I have just used olive oil for everything...but not going over 2 T. a day (I was told that was my limit). I take the IP supplements. GNC is a 45 minute drive for me....The multi is about what I was spending on a multi anyhow. I was told by doc this week that I am deficient in D-3. I have been taking 1000uts a day, and she wants me to bump it up to 3000uts. I guess nearly everyone up here in upper Michigan is D-3 deficient (we don't get much sun in the winter...and there sure hasn't been any this fall).

I heard about IP from my doctors nurse. She had told me they were researching a diet last year. When she said I had to buy the products from them, I kinda forgot about it. Been thru that with 2 other diets and everything tasted like *&^&. When I went in to see doc about something else, I heard some girls in the waiting room talking about IP. One gal had had bariatric surgery and had gained some back. She said she was losing as fast as she did after the surgery. I spent the next month researching it (everyone was trying to talk me OUT of it because of the expense). I still hate the expense, but it IS working for me. I think the weekly weighins and personal coaching really help me.

PrinCass: Boy, I never thought about that. Wouldn't it be amazing to NOT say on New Years Eve that I had to lose weight? Gosh, with some luck, I should be at goal by then. BUT I suppose it is like smoking (yeah, I still smoke)....There is really no good time to quit, is there?

Right now, I am not entirely certain what I will do for the holidays. I will be staying at 2 different sisterinlaws, and with my son....and will be gone about 3 weeks. I have not yet cheated with alcohol (and that was tough because nearly everyone on our weekend was having wine in the evening), so I don't know how that would affect me. I bought a pina colada drink but haven't tried it yet cuz I KNOW I would want rum in it.

try adding rum extract and ice with your pina colada. And like someone else said, if you drink it through a straw you don't get that "chemical" smell/taste.

I had my second weigh in yesterday, and I'm down another 3.8 lbs! In total, I've lost 12.2 lbs in my first two weeks :) I'm so excited about how well I'm doing so far and definitely motivated to keep going!

Josh, I'm going to check out your blog, thanks so much for sharing your story!

I had my first weigh in today. 8lbs down, I thought it would be more than that for the first week, but it is what it is. Having a hard time with figuring out my lunches at work. Most days I've been having the omelet with broccoli, very good anyone with other ideas.

Oooops. I forgot to puta tsp garlic powder and 2 splenda packets...it should be creamy

Hi everybody,

I had my third weigh in last night and had lost another 5.9 lbs. That makes 17.5 in three weeks. How cool it that! On weight watchers it would have taken me at least 2 months to lose that much. Thanks for all the great recipes.
I am a little worried with the holidays coming up that I will want to have just ONE glass of wine, and all my lose will be stopped. I will have to just say no. Easier said than done. I was thinking of bringing one of my pom/cran/blueberry drinks into a club with me and just getting a glass of water. Then I will look like I am drinking and still be legal.

Josh...I read your blog!! In fact - I put it in Favorites to check it every day. PS: I hate the leek soup, too! I water down the soups much more than required...that helps...so does throwing in some veggies. So - do I understand this right ---? Four months will be boiled down into a 15 minute film??



You do have it right, four months is gonna turn into a 15 minute peice, because that is all that is accepted into the film festivals 15-20 minute peices. I am almost 100% sure she will cut a longer peice in case she wants to make something even huger out of it.
And yes the leek soup is really bad, for me, some people love it, but my taste buds dont enjoy it.

You just reminded me I need to be doing resistance training. I don't walk that fast, like 3.5 average, and I try to do an incline of only 1. Its enough to sweat a little but not go crazy. What do you do in your interval cardio? That sounds fun!

I forgot to add that this was what they say for exercise in phase 1 - phase 2 starts when 80% of desired weight is lost and more exercise is introduced.

I am doing the interval cardio by warming up at a steady pace for 5 mins. then I go for 2-4 mins at a steady pace then 2-4 mins. at either a faster pace or a 5.5 incline (or both depending on how strong I feel that day) and then back to steady pace for 2-4 minutes and continue back and forth like that for 25 mins and then a 5 min cool down; just so the heart rate goes up and down and does not remain at a consistent rate. I am thinking of adding more resistance training and another cardio, because my weight loss is very slow and I am not cheating.

I must say that I appear to be still losing inches even though the pounds are not coming off quickly (need to measure myself again to be sure). I have lost more weight and inches in the time I have been on IP than ever before and I think the fact that I am slowly (2 years into it) going through "mentalpause" opps sorry "menopause" lol, does not help my situation (hormones on a rampage etc).

On day 2 and so far no side effects - not terribly hungry either. I did post a recipe from last nights dinner on the sticky.

For exercise, :carrot: I am taking fast paced walks on my lunchtime at work 3 times a week (2.7 km (or 1.7 miles!) in 25 mins). I have started these prior to IP and it seems that it is now anchored as a good habit!

Haven't had a restricted packet since week 3 and "maybe" it helped increse my weight loss from a 2,5 or 3# weekly to a 3,5#... Not sure of the impact tho but I haven't found it that difficult to put the good stuff aside. My routine goes as this:
Breakfast - crispy cereals, omelette or ready to eat pudding (usually vanilla)
Lunch - soup, soy puffs (sour cream or BBQ) or pudding + veggies + salad
Dinner - the regular dinner (Sometimes swiched with lunch!)
Snack - IP drink or jello or pudding, depending on what I already had!

It has been my little routine for the past 3 months and even if I started cooking for the Holidays, I managed to stick to it :D

Congrats everyone on your weight loss! You are doing Great!! ;)

You do have it right, four months is gonna turn into a 15 minute peice, because that is all that is accepted into the film festivals 15-20 minute peices. I am almost 100% sure she will cut a longer peice in case she wants to make something even huger out of it.
And yes the leek soup is really bad, for me, some people love it, but my taste buds dont enjoy it.

Hey, Josh. I read your blog...keep up the good work. Regarding the soups: after not being able to take them when made per directions, I tried making them with about 10-12 oz. of fat free chicken broth(5 cals/1g carbs per 8 oz.) and adding garlic/onion powder and black pepper. They taste MUCH better and the texture is improved. Someone on this board checked with their coach(I don't have one) about the "legality" of using chicken/beef/vegetable broths and they said to go for it. Hope this helps make them at least palatable. Good luck with your 3rd, and hopefully last difficult day.

I forgot to add that this was what they say for exercise in phase 1 - phase 2 starts when 80% of desired weight is lost and more exercise is introduced.

I am doing the interval cardio by warming up at a steady pace for 5 mins. then I go for 2-4 mins at a steady pace then 2-4 mins. at either a faster pace or a 5.5 incline (or both depending on how strong I feel that day) and then back to steady pace for 2-4 minutes and continue back and forth like that for 25 mins and then a 5 min cool down; just so the heart rate goes up and down and does not remain at a consistent rate. I am thinking of adding more resistance training and another cardio, because my weight loss is very slow and I am not cheating.

I must say that I appear to be still losing inches even though the pounds are not coming off quickly (need to measure myself again to be sure). I have lost more weight and inches in the time I have been on IP than ever before and I think the fact that I am slowly (2 years into it) going through "mentalpause" opps sorry "menopause" lol, does not help my situation (hormones on a rampage etc).

How long have you been doing IP and how much have you lost?

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar070/bee01/lb/233/165/221/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)
I'm a busy little bee...I have so much energy I almost don't know what to do with it!!

:dancer:
Everyday this diet becomes easier and more normal. I don't feel like I'm being denied anything. I feel wonderful!!:D

Good luck to everyone!! :hug:

Hi everybody,

I had my third weigh in last night and had lost another 5.9 lbs. That makes 17.5 in three weeks. How cool it that! On weight watchers it would have taken me at least 2 months to lose that much. Thanks for all the great recipes.
I am a little worried with the holidays coming up that I will want to have just ONE glass of wine, and all my lose will be stopped. I will have to just say no. Easier said than done. I was thinking of bringing one of my pom/cran/blueberry drinks into a club with me and just getting a glass of water. Then I will look like I am drinking and still be legal.

Awesome loss!! My trick during social events is to order a glass of water and put a pomegranite/cherry crystal light packet in it. Everyone thinks I am drinking a cape cod and doesnt question my choices. :-) You and I are pretty similar in build and weight loss goals but you are blowing me away with your big weekly losses! Are you exercising?

Awesome job everyone!

Josh - I would have had to quit the program if I HAD to have the leek soup....it was the worst ever. The chicken is decent and the mushroom is the best in my opinion. I tried the chili (is that spelled right?) yesterday for the first time - it was good but the portion was so small even with extra water. Oh well, at least it's something different for now.

One of my favorites is the omelette. Does anyone have any suggestions for preparing that in the microwave? I bring it to work with me and tried it in the mirco once..... It didn't turn out very well. Just wondering if any of you have any helpful hints for that?

Hey, Josh. I read your blog...keep up the good work. Regarding the soups: after not being able to take them when made per directions, I tried making them with about 10-12 oz. of fat free chicken broth(5 cals/1g carbs per 8 oz.) and adding garlic/onion powder and black pepper. They taste MUCH better and the texture is improved. Someone on this board checked with their coach(I don't have one) about the "legality" of using chicken/beef/vegetable broths and they said to go for it. Hope this helps make them at least palatable. Good luck with your 3rd, and hopefully last difficult day.

I also asked my "coach" about broth and she said try to sekect a low sodium one but that ortherwise it's o.k. to have - opens a whole world of possibilities with making homemade soup.

I tried the chili (is that spelled right?) yesterday for the first time - it was good but the portion was so small even with extra water. Oh well, at least it's something different for now.



If you add veggies to the chili and a little more seasoning (cumin, chili powder), it is way more filling. I add zucchini, green peppers, and broccoli.

Hey guys.. wow there are so many new folks!! Welcome to all!
Just wanted everyone to know I'm still around... still on phase 1 and can't wait to get on my scales in the morning. My official weigh in is next Friday so I'll post where I am. I'm still doing my cardio and am actually jogging some.. quite impressed with myself I must say :)
I'm out of town the next two weeks so I should do really well... not much to do at the hotel other than work and work out... especially in the towns I'm going to be in... lol
Everyone have a great weekend!

Today was my 1st "weigh-in"(I weighed myself)and I've lost 6 Lbs. That's awesome, but even more awesome is my energy level. I literally am bouncing off the walls and probably should not drink coffee anymore. I think I'm scaring my coworkers.

This is the weirdest thing: for the past 3-4 years I have dreaded exercising. I have so much energy the past few nights that I couldn't get to sleep much before 2 am....so I now WANT to exercise so I can get tired out!!! How bizarre. Who knew this would be so life-changing?

Hi guys, hope everyone is having a great week! I had my first official weigh and measure and here are the results, 11.2lbs and 7.25" in the first 7 days! Heres to next week!

Stay away from canned mushrooms! I went to buy some today to keep at work so I don't have to remember the fresh ones everyday...I read the label and the of course pack them with carbs

I had my first weigh in today. 8lbs down, I thought it would be more than that for the first week, but it is what it is. Having a hard time with figuring out my lunches at work. Most days I've been having the omelet with broccoli, very good anyone with other ideas.

I make the chicken soup with 6oz of water, add a tiny amount of canned chicken and some broccoli slaw. Heat and eat. I make it the night before and warm it up at work. I've also made the pudding the night before and bring it to work. I've put a tiny amt of shrimp on a lettuce salad also.

I make the chicken soup with 6oz of water, add a tiny amount of canned chicken and some broccoli slaw. Heat and eat. I make it the night before and warm it up at work. I've also made the pudding the night before and bring it to work. I've put a tiny amt of shrimp on a lettuce salad also.

I also like to doctor up the chicken soup, I steam 2 cups of broccoli, puree it, stir it in, and sprinkle with 1 oz shredded cheddar. Cream of broccoli soup! Very filling and good. I like your idea on some canned chicken.

I'm back!! I finally start IP on wednesday. day 3 for me and going great. I read here about the tasted of thing wasn't great. I haven't found anything that I haven't liked except the cappuccino drink I'm not a coffee person and that just right down taste like coffee to me. As for Walden Farm dressings Ranch, Blue Cheese and the Slaw dressing taste great.. My first WI is Wednesday. I decided when starting this diet I wasn't going to cheat until I have all 30 pounds off of me.

Hey guys.. wow there are so many new folks!! Welcome to all!
Just wanted everyone to know I'm still around... still on phase 1 and can't wait to get on my scales in the morning. My official weigh in is next Friday so I'll post where I am. I'm still doing my cardio and am actually jogging some.. quite impressed with myself I must say :)
I'm out of town the next two weeks so I should do really well... not much to do at the hotel other than work and work out... especially in the towns I'm going to be in... lol
Everyone have a great weekend!

Hi, Valyrie. You're quite an inspiration. Aren't you the one who managed to quit smoking while doing IP? How did it affect the taste of things and your rate of loss?

How long have you been doing IP and how much have you lost?

I started Oct 19 so this is week 3 and I have lost a total of 8.7 pounds, 6.5 first week, and 1 pound a week since then, but hopefully I will lose a bit more between today and Monday morning when I weigh myself again.

Hi, Valyrie. You're quite an inspiration. Aren't you the one who managed to quit smoking while doing IP? How did it affect the taste of things and your rate of loss?

No, that wasn't me... I have never smoked :)

Today was my first day on IP. I had the chocolate pudding which I did not care for at all. I had the pineapple-banana drink mix. It wasn't too bad. I love the raspberry jelly mix! I didn't get hungry between meals. Day 1 was pretty good day.

Is spinach an unlimited food item that we can have or just lettuce?

Hey guys!
My friend started this diet with me, shes the filmmaker that im actually living with lol
She couldnt help but weigh herself and she lost 5 lbs in 3 days!

Awesome job everyone!

One of my favorites is the omelette. Does anyone have any suggestions for preparing that in the microwave? I bring it to work with me and tried it in the mirco once..... It didn't turn out very well. Just wondering if any of you have any helpful hints for that?
I prepare it at home, with 2 cups of broccoli, fry it in a non stick pan, then at work I pop in the microwave for 2 or 3 minutes it's delicious. So far for lunch that's my favorite, I've also been having salad with a pudding, but I'm not much of a salad person, for supper a salad is ok but for lunch not really.

Hello fellow IPers! I have FINALLY finished reading ALL of the IP posts & found great strength & hope in them!

I started the IP program this past Wednesday, so tonight is the end of day 3. The only "discomforts" that I have had that really bothered me is a HUGE headache the first day, probably from caffiene withdrawals. Today I am having back/kidney type pain. I thought maybe I had slept wrong, but had seen someone else mention it in the November IP forum.

The food is pretty good & I am actually having an issue with the lettuce! My Wellness Coach K. said to try something other then iceberg, but the type that I picked made me gag. So I switched to a Romaine for my lettuce & it is going better now. Not a HUGE fan of WF yet, but will try the BBQ sauce next. Also having an issue with the drinks, not puking bad but not my favorite. I will ask WC K. if I can just doing the puddings with more water & none of the drinks!

My WC K. put me on GYMNEMA for my sweet tooth. Prior to starting IP I had numerous pops a day & candy was a downfall. Since starting that, I have not had a craving for any of the Halloween candy or pop. Woooohooooo! And the only craving I have actually had is for a sweetened shredded wheat square that is in the cupboard at work.

Good luck this weekend on IP!
Meghan

this is my third week. i love the program because i'm not "cheating" - the first week i lost 5 pounds and then i went on a weeks vacation and a weeks business trip- thought i was "on program" without the food- came back and lost 1 pound- and now i'm feeling anxious that i'm not loosing enough. this morning i had an egg and a slice of tomato- can't stand the powdered eggs.
are there specific vegetables that i have to stay away from? thanks ladies!

hi there-

meghan - i also dislike the drinks - all of them except the chocolate, it is really good. i do not buy any of them. i start week 7 on monday coming up, and have yet to buy the drinks (initial ones given, i traded back in). i also have not tried any restricted or limited packets. the only packets i use are the dry cereal - ok and quick and easy for workdays, vanilla and butterscotch puddings, omelet, soups (all flavors) jello, and lots of the choc drinks. it does not matter which protiens you have if they are not limited. drinks are not. i could have 3 choc drinks a day if i choose, or 3 van puddings..i can not stomach the fruit drinks. i occasionally buy the yogurt, not so bad. what i did was purchase extra at first to build up a supply so now i usually only buy 2 boxes per week to keep a constant assortment.

someone asked about lunch ideas - i eat alot of soups with spinach or asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower in it. good way to get protein and veggies at lunch where options are limited. sometimes i make a big salad and do not use any of the above veggies to get a break from them. i will use tiny cherry tomatoes as can have twice week, radish, red onion, celery, and chop up dill pickles. i like this for a change. i really try to switch it up because dont want to get to sick of either. also - i bought those new "steamer" bags that came out - 15 per box about 4$. and i will bring fresh asparagus with sea salt, or broccoli, and just pop them in micro for 4 min. and i make a mustard sauce to dip them in. on those days i bring a pudding or jello for dessert. it is a satisfying lunch. as your on the diet longer your imagination gets flowing with ideas, out of shear boredom if nothing else!! i live off stirfrys for supper, lots of zucchini, bokchoy and bean sprouts. still not tired of them. make a real nice honey garlic one with soy, maple syrup WF, and garlic. really like that.

i lost a week due to a planned cheat ( 2 days off and lost nothing for the week) but up until that i averaged 5 lbs per week. 25lbs in 5 weeks, and i almost always go over 2 cups veggies, was told i could, i use broth every time i stirfry, and in my soups, i do chew spry gum and spry mints. these are all sold right at the coaches office. i do measure carefully for my meats, i do use my tomato option twice a week every week, and never eat anything that is not on my sheet ( except the planned cheat) so i think that there is a variety of info out there, but i am happy with how my results are working for me.

have a good weekend.

hi there-

meghan - i also dislike the drinks - all of them except the chocolate, it is really good. i do not buy any of them. i start week 7 on monday coming up, and have yet to buy the drinks (initial ones given, i traded back in). i also have not tried any restricted or limited packets. the only packets i use are the dry cereal - ok and quick and easy for workdays, vanilla and butterscotch puddings, omelet, soups (all flavors) jello, and lots of the choc drinks. it does not matter which protiens you have if they are not limited. drinks are not. i could have 3 choc drinks a day if i choose, or 3 van puddings..i can not stomach the fruit drinks. i occasionally buy the yogurt, not so bad. what i did was purchase extra at first to build up a supply so now i usually only buy 2 boxes per week to keep a constant assortment.

someone asked about lunch ideas - i eat alot of soups with spinach or asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower in it. good way to get protein and veggies at lunch where options are limited. sometimes i make a big salad and do not use any of the above veggies to get a break from them. i will use tiny cherry tomatoes as can have twice week, radish, red onion, celery, and chop up dill pickles. i like this for a change. i really try to switch it up because dont want to get to sick of either. also - i bought those new "steamer" bags that came out - 15 per box about 4$. and i will bring fresh asparagus with sea salt, or broccoli, and just pop them in micro for 4 min. and i make a mustard sauce to dip them in. on those days i bring a pudding or jello for dessert. it is a satisfying lunch. as your on the diet longer your imagination gets flowing with ideas, out of shear boredom if nothing else!! i live off stirfrys for supper, lots of zucchini, bokchoy and bean sprouts. still not tired of them. make a real nice honey garlic one with soy, maple syrup WF, and garlic. really like that.

i lost a week due to a planned cheat ( 2 days off and lost nothing for the week) but up until that i averaged 5 lbs per week. 25lbs in 5 weeks, and i almost always go over 2 cups veggies, was told i could, i use broth every time i stirfry, and in my soups, i do chew spry gum and spry mints. these are all sold right at the coaches office. i do measure carefully for my meats, i do use my tomato option twice a week every week, and never eat anything that is not on my sheet ( except the planned cheat) so i think that there is a variety of info out there, but i am happy with how my results are working for me.

have a good weekend.

You are doing so great, and thanks for the ideas......I find it facinating how
everyone likes something different. I guess it really is personal taste. I don't like any of the puddings or yogurt, the chocolate I tolerate and I thrive on the blueberry pomegranate and the peach mango drinks. I just make sure they are icy cold and drink them through a straw. Isn't it interesting?

Tomorrow is church & will need to decide if I take communion or not? What would you do? Not to many people know about my diet & I don't want to come out of ketois by having a small piece of bread & a teaspoon of wine??? Oh the choices!

Tomorrow is church & will need to decide if I take communion or not? What would you do? Not to many people know about my diet & I don't want to come out of ketois by having a small piece of bread & a teaspoon of wine??? Oh the choices!
You won't come out of ketosis with that little. You have to go over a certain amount of carbs and that won't push you over

I don't know if anyone else is doing this but I've starting "combining" my IP packets. I use a crepe for a wrap with the scrambled eggs (and assorted veggies), cut in half and save the other portion for later. I figure this is only one protein. I'm going to try this with the chili - I'm thinking chili dog (I know it's a stretch). I bet the cappuccino drink and chocolate drink would be good together - and as long as you only drink 1/2 you should be o.k.

Thanks for the food "tricks" so many of you have posted. I also checked out the recipes - there are some there I am absolutely going to try. Having trouble finding the sugar free ketchup - I love ketchup.

i would definitely receive the communion if i were in your situation.. the reality is that you will likely continue with communion after you have reached your goal on IP..

the true intent for me on this diet is to be able to lose weight in a realistic way, that allows me to integrate the food back into my life that makes me happy. we all know, or are learning, it is all about moderation. our IP rep told us that most diets fail because you are not allowed to lead a lifestyle that makes u happy. he told us that most people would not stay in a job they were unhappy in, most leave a unhappy marriage. and the clincher for me was when he said why in the world would you go on a diet, to lose a whole bunch of weight, only never to enjoy what makes you happy again. i would not do this diet if i thought it was all i could eat for the rest of my life. i am doing it because it seems like one of the smarter programs, that will teach me the good eating habits i will need to follow consisitently, but also provides me the tools and knowledge of how to offset the times i will occasionally indulge. eg trips, christmas, etc...

and mom22 - i miss ketchup so much, in honestly, i crave it sometimes. before IP i used to take dill pickles and dip it in ketchup. really miss it. and we dont have the sugar free ketchup either. i heard someone else mention they ordered it off netrition. should maybe take a look at that site.

[QUOTE=Sandrab;3005049]

I also agree with Sandrab -there is food that makes you gain weight and that's what we're getting a handle on with this diet - and then there's life - communion is part of life - some things can and shouldn't be given up.

And Sandrab - you just might win the all time title for "ketchup queen" - dill pickles and ketchup!!!? Although...maybe.

I've been cutting up cucumbers and onion rings and soaking them in vinegar,water and a hit of Splenda. Makes an awesome snack - got the crunch and the tart of the vinegar - it's like a pickle but without the sugar - I can't figure out how we're allowed to eat pickles - aren't they full of sugar?

I don't know if anyone else is doing this but I've starting "combining" my IP packets. I use a crepe for a wrap with the scrambled eggs (and assorted veggies), cut in half and save the other portion for later. I figure this is only one protein. I'm going to try this with the chili - I'm thinking chili dog (I know it's a stretch). I bet the cappuccino drink and chocolate drink would be good together - and as long as you only drink 1/2 you should be o.k.

Thanks for the food "tricks" so many of you have posted. I also checked out the recipes - there are some there I am absolutely going to try. Having trouble finding the sugar free ketchup - I love ketchup.

Hi, Mom22. I see someone already mentioned Netrition.com as a source for sugar free ketchup. That's where I got mine. The sugar free Heinz is excellent. WAY better than WF or any other I tried when I was doing Atkins. I ordered 2 bottles @ I think 3.49 apeice. The shipping was the same as for 1 bottle, so if you really love ketchup, maybe you could order multiples. Shipping takes about 5 days. After I ordered it, I went to a grocery store I never go to and(of course) they had it. It was maybe .10 more. Good luck.

Hi all, I am very new to this IP way of life. Today being my first day. I am used to eating an unhealthy snack in the evening so I think this will be my hardest time. Also, I am used to drinking Coke Zero in the afternoon - any suggestions on anything caffene realted that might help besides coffee. I have a book club meeting tomorrow night at a resaturant and kind of nervous about that. Part of me doesn't even want to go but I will eventually have to handle social things. Any suggestions to help get through those situations?

I just found this out in the store today. Pepsi ONE is made with Splenda.
Pepsi 0 and Diet Pepsi are made with Nutrasweet. Whats up with all the different kinds of diet Coke and Pepsi?

Today was my first day on IP. I had the chocolate pudding which I did not care for at all. I had the pineapple-banana drink mix. It wasn't too bad. I love the raspberry jelly mix! I didn't get hungry between meals. Day 1 was pretty good day.

Is spinach an unlimited food item that we can have or just lettuce?

check the IP recipe section for a great alteration to the choc pudding. I couldn't take the pudding made as directed either. Good luck...after day 3 you'll have to make yourself eat.

i think the only kind of pickles listed on the sheet are dills. and i dont think they have sugar. can any one order off netrition? even outside of the states?

Hi Everyone

I have been on the diet since early September. I have never really been on a particular diet before but I started to watch carbs about a year ago as I was having high blood sugars. I became educated on the glycemic index and started reading labels. That was scary -- is corn syrup in everything?? I really have no complaints about the diet but I have to admit I have stolen some bites of "forbidden" foods at times. It is hardest for me during PMS! Crave chocolate!

I have searched some new recipes and found some while looking for the Zero Point WW soup so I posted them and will do some more as I have used many on this site. I have learned to cook so much better for my family so this is a good thing. It hasn't been easy cooking family favorites and not eating them but most of the time it is ok. My family is very supportive. I try to stir fry lots of veggies at one time then reheat for a few meals. I also put together my spinach, radish, cucumber, onion salad in individual containers so it is handy to just add to some lettuce. I do about two days worth at a time. I like vinegar and oil so the dressing is easy.

I bought some little travel bottles for oil and vinegar to take when I have to eat at a restaurant. Eating out has been somewhat of a challege but with practice I know how to order and which places are more accomodating. I love salads at Subway! And you can add a chicken breast if you haven't had your protein for the day.

This site has been a wonderful resource. Thanks everyone for your information. Keep up the good work! :)

hello everyone!!! I just started on IP yesterday. I bombed the afternoon but got right back on track for the evening and was perfect today. I am finding it very hard because I am only eating IP foods and mostly pudding because i have just had dental surgery and cannot eat anything else. i think it will be much easier when I can have the vegis and the dinner meal is food not mush. Other than being very hungry this afternoon I think the day went pretty good. I was determined not to stray today and happy that I didn't. Tmr will be great and hopefully easier. I am 188lbs and want to be 135. So here it goes :)))

Day 5 here for me.. there is a few IP mix I don't care for. This is my first week at it and I know that I can get this week over and pick up my food wednesday I know I don't have to choose the packets I don't like.

I'm really doing great on staying on the IP plan. I found that when I went shopping for veggies I came home and cut everything up and ready for the week to eat. That's really is helpful for me if I do not do that I would cheat because I would find the easiest thing to grab to eat and it wouldn't be healthy for the diet .
Yesterday I wasn't going to be home for my lunch so I took a easy lunch with me. 2 c of Broccoli and Cauliflower IP was Mango & Peach drink.

The one thing I do need to ask my doctor is do I need lettuce at lunch and dinner. when I'm done eating everything that is on my plate I don't have room for lettuce.

I just found this out in the store today. Pepsi ONE is made with Splenda.
Pepsi 0 and Diet Pepsi are made with Nutrasweet. Whats up with all the different kinds of diet Coke and Pepsi?
Hello, back on track after straying some and not losing and not gaining, now down 3lbs so far this week (w/2 day to go before weigh-in). Re: soda - I would stay away from ALL diet soda even if it has Splenda. Latest news reports say it causes kidney problems long term. Wonder if that is why some have said their kidneys hurt when they started IP? The toxins were being flushed out?? Dill pickles have no sugar (at least the ones in my fridge don't).
And regarding communion - Yes, take it; you SHOULD honor HIM! Who do you think is helping you do this diet? Hope that didn't come accross too strong - I just know when I need strength - I turn to my God.

Several kinds can be found at Amazon.com - even an "organic" one that got 5 stars, but they all look pricey. Also - noticed the heinz does not say sugar-free but "reduced sugar"

are there specific vegetables that i have to stay away from? thanks ladies!

Hi esterbailey,

If you haven't found it already, Kira posted all the IP information flyers in the Ideal Protein FAQ thread (I think they are also in the Oct. thread).
The Phase 1 information sheet lists all the vegetables which are approved, OK to have twice a week, and the forbidden ones. I printed the information to post of the frig.

WOW day three:))) I did perfect yesterday :smug: Super proud of myself it was very hard not to stry I certainly hope the temptation part gets a little easier. I weighed myself this morning and I am down 4lbs already in 2 days. So, that is mega exciting and helping me keep my focus. I just realized I can eat 2 whole eggs as the protien so I will make an egg and spinich with asparagus omelet that should be soft enough to eat hopefully:))) Can hardly wait to see what the scale says at the end of a week.

Can someone please explain to me how I make a ticker:)))

Thanks and have a great day everyone:carrot:

i think the only kind of pickles listed on the sheet are dills. and i dont think they have sugar. can any one order off netrition? even outside of the states?


From netrition.com:

International Shipping Information

For shipments to all other countries, the following rules and restrictions apply:
Do not order items that are illegal to import into your country. Laws are different in every country and we cannot keep up with them all. It is your responsibility to check with your Customs office to see if your country permits the shipment of our products to your country.
If the package is seized by Customs for any reason and we do not receive the package back, we will not issue you a refund. If we do receive the package back after being seized and the products are in perfect condition, we will credit you the product cost, but you are still responsible for the shipping charges.
Prepayment is required. Payment must be by credit card, US or International Money Order, or personal check drawn on a US bank.
You pay shipping charges based on the weight of the package and the destination. The $4.95 standard shipping charge does not apply to international orders. Shipping by air to most other countries can be very expensive. Shipping charges alone are sometimes 50% to 100% of the total cost of the products. Obviously, small bottles are cheaper to ship than heavy nutrition bars and protein powders. As you add items to the shopping cart, you will be presented with the shipping options and charges. Important: If you write to us or order from us, but do not receive a reply back from us, then there is most likely some problem with your email address. We have received many email messages that we reply to, but - for whatever reason - the message can not make it through. We have no other way way to contact you, so please make sure your email delivery is working properly and that you have given us a correct email address before complaining that we are not replying. In any case where you do not hear back from us, please call us at 1-518-464-0765.

Several kinds can be found at Amazon.com - even an "organic" one that got 5 stars, but they all look pricey. Also - noticed the heinz does not say sugar-free but "reduced sugar"

HI, Toomanycats. Yeah, after I recieved the ketchup, I was surprised when the label said "reduced sugar". I obviously didn't look closely enough at the picture on netrition. But then I read the ingredients, and they are:

tomato concentrate
vinegar
salt
onion powder
sucralose(Splenda)

It does have 1 carb per tablespoon. Sucralose is made from sugar, so maybe they can't say sugar free? Anyway, as it was my first week of IP, I used Ketostix every day 3 times a day to see when I was going into ketosis. The ketchup never affected the dark purple of the strip once I was deep into ketosis (after about 3 days). Hope this helps.

so, i am just ending day 3 and am slightly concerned what the scale will say tmr. I did really good staying on plan with one minor addition. Tonight I had scrambled eggs with sauted leek, spinich and garlic. I added 1/2 tsp of shredded asiago. It was amazing:)))) and for the first time in a week i am full and not starving(mostly from lack of eating form dental surgery)
I hope the small addition of cheese is allowed but I am uncertian. It carries no carbs!! Also I noticed that we are allowed saurkraut i am think it muxt be a specific kind because the type I have has 4 sugars per 1/2 cup. I did have some before I got reading the label. Tmr i will look for saurkraut withour sugars. On the label it was vague. It just said white cabbage, vinigar and spices. I think I had a great day all in all and hopefully the scale refelcts that:)))

HI - thanks for the info on the netrition. kind of scared the heck out of me, all for a bottle of ketchup. think i will stick to craving it! no way is customs keeping my ketchup!lol

Do you know you can make your own ketchup from a can of Hunts tomato paste? Add the vinegar, salt, onion powder, and tabasco if you like some zing. Then you can sweeten with whatever you choose. I prefer mine unsweetened and hot. Ü One would simmer this all together in a saucepan to blend the flavors and sterilize to put in in an empty ketchup bottle or a jar. I know WW once had a recipe boiled down from tomato juice with a lot of added spices. This is faster and easier.

Hi there all!

Wondering it any of you had heard or tried the Miracle Noodle?
www.miraclenoodle.com

Hi there all!

Wondering it any of you had heard or tried the Miracle Noodle?
www.miraclenoodle.com

Spatime,
I have tried them and I've got a bunch of packages I'm never ever going to use again. They were extremely slimy, for lack of a better word. I just couldn't deal with the texture. I'd offer to pass them around but just looked and the expiration date is 9/24/09. I'm not sure how hardcore that is though.
I did order some of the tofu shirataki tofu noodles from lowcarbu.com and like those MUCH better. I haven't had them but a couple of times.. I used WF Alfredo sauce, some rotisserie chicken and ate it up! Still a little slimy but not nearly as bad.
A couple of hints.... rinse them VERY well... they smell a little fishy. After you parboil them, dry them very well on some paper towels.

so, i am just ending day 3 and am slightly concerned what the scale will say tmr. I did really good staying on plan with one minor addition. Tonight I had scrambled eggs with sauted leek, spinich and garlic. I added 1/2 tsp of shredded asiago. It was amazing:)))) and for the first time in a week i am full and not starving(mostly from lack of eating form dental surgery)
I hope the small addition of cheese is allowed but I am uncertian. It carries no carbs!! Also I noticed that we are allowed saurkraut i am think it muxt be a specific kind because the type I have has 4 sugars per 1/2 cup. I did have some before I got reading the label. Tmr i will look for saurkraut withour sugars. On the label it was vague. It just said white cabbage, vinigar and spices. I think I had a great day all in all and hopefully the scale refelcts that:)))

Tasha, I was told by my doctor no cheese . as for the saurkraut that question is on my list to the doctor on wednesday I was told by my doctor that it reads less then 1 gram of carbs ,sugar and fat it's ok to eat.
don't go by your scales because of all the water intake it's going to weigh you down besides the doc says don't worry to much about the scales it will show in inches. When my doctor went on it she said for 2 weeks she didn't lose but 3 pounds but her inches showed a loss then she said her 3rd week she lost 9 pounds. Just hang in there and you are doing everything then it will show somewhere.:)
Good Luck

Hi eveyone, I'm new to the IP diet....going on 6 days and pretty much loving it. Weigh in tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed for me! Anyway, I read through the posts and get inspiration...keep up the good work y'all. And thanks to all who post on the recipes page, they are VERY helpful. Hopefully you'll enjoy the one's I've found. :D

Has anyone experience motivational issues? The results are showing (-45 pounds), I have about a month to go on the program but any food seems tempting now! (Even the ones I didn't like before going on this diet are tempsting me!) How do you fight cravings?

I "tasted" mashed potatoes, cake icing and bacon ths weekend... :devil: Though they were very small bites (let's say about 1/2 inch square), I am worried it will show up on the results... :(

Thank you in advance for your tips!

Has anyone experience motivational issues? The results are showing (-45 pounds), I have about a month to go on the program but any food seems tempting now! (Even the ones I didn't like before going on this diet are tempsting me!) How do you fight cravings?

I "tasted" mashed potatoes, cake icing and bacon ths weekend... :devil: Though they were very small bites (let's say about 1/2 inch square), I am worried it will show up on the results... :(

Thank you in advance for your tips!

I don't know, SylvieG, I'm still in the early stages of being happy with the diet. Did you take a picture of yourself before you started? Maybe looking at that can get you through this. You're doing SO well.

Think about all the other diets you did where you quit before the end, never doing transition phases, and ended up back at square one. At least that was my M.O. before. Of course this is easy for me to say now, only being on week 2. I HOPE I get it this time that transition is the key to keeping it off. I hope I remember how I felt about myself before when I erased any progress I made by being impatient. I hope and pray.

You are an inspiration to us. You've done a fantastic job. Keep it up!

TashaW - I'm sure you're going to have a GREAT weigh-in. A 1/2 tsp of cheese is not going to do much damage. My husband also does this when making omelettes. I really believe that you have to find ways for the program to work for you ultimately. Also, I was looking at the Ideal-to-Go recipes, and noticed a few that had cheese included. They had noted that up to one oz of cheese could be used - this was the equivalent of the dairy you're allowed in your morning coffee / tea. My husband also enjoys in Saurkraut - keep looking!

On the topic of ketchup - I think the issue is that tomatoes have naturally occurring sugars. I'm not sure that it's possible to have a completely sugar-free ketchup. I think that's why tomatoes are a restricted vegetable.

I think someone had also posted about canned mushrooms, and finding a lot of carbs in them. Same thing - mushrooms have some naturally occurring carbs. If you compare equal weights of canned vs fresh mushrooms, their nutritional info (at least with respect to sugars, fibers and carbs) seem about the same. I like the fresh, but sometimes substitute the canned if I'm out of fresh.

SylvieG - I think this is going to be the hardest part about the program - how do we live and keep the weight off? I think little bites isn't going to destroy your progress. But maybe balance that with some extra exercise.

I had a few cheats last week (travelled internationally - was good until my last night). I think the worst thing about cheating is that when you do it, you make it easier and easier to continue to cheat. If you hold strong and it's months without cheating, it's hard to make you crack. But if you just had a cheat the day before, the decision to cheat again is so much easier. It's a slippery slope!

Weigh in day yesterday! Down another 6 lbs, makes 16lbs in past 2 weeks on IP! I haven't been under 160 in 10yrs and can't wait! My goal is to fit into a beautiful dress for my renewal of vows in Feb. Married for 20years.

Hubby made me the choc muffins with WF choc sauce. Texture was great but the taste was not! Any idea how to tweak this to get it more palatable?

Hello!
I am new to this forum and the Ideal Protein diet (first day today). I have to say I love this forum already.

Not so sure about the diet yet. It is only the first day and I have a terrible headache and naseau. I am a big sweet lover but I am going to try my hardest to stick with it. I think these boards will help!

Hello!
I am new to this forum and the Ideal Protein diet (first day today). I have to say I love this forum already.

Not so sure about the diet yet. It is only the first day and I have a terrible headache and naseau. I am a big sweet lover but I am going to try my hardest to stick with it. I think these boards will help!

I swear by a 1/2 tsp seat salt in 8 oz of water. My headaches were gone in 15 min and after the first week, never had them again.

I do"cheat" a little with a bite here and there, and a sprinkle of cheese on the omelette in the mornings. When I do cheat with a bite, I make it low carb. Its my way of staying on plan; otherwise I would go crazy. It hasnt slowed me down and seems to help me in the long run. The other thing about a very small cheat is that I personally believe those few extra calories get my body out of the "rut" it is in on a low calorie diet. If you ever did WW, you may have heard of the "Wendie" plan where you alternate days of high and low calories. On the weekends, I have one day where I sneak a few bites of salami, lunchmeat or cheese etc., and then then next day I have no restricted packets and exercise more. Im still playing around with it but I am hoping it helps keep my metabloism going.

Day 4 for me! I feel good and feel we all can do this. My husband is on it too and in 5 days has lost 11 lbs. I haven't felt tired like I thought I would, but did have a major headache on morning of day 2. I did the water and sea salt, but in 15 min the headache was worse, so I took 2 Excedrin Migraine and went to bed for 1 1/2 hours. Afterwards the headache was history!

I swear by a 1/2 tsp seat salt in 8 oz of water. My headaches were gone in 15 min and after the first week, never had them again.

I do"cheat" a little with a bite here and there, and a sprinkle of cheese on the omelette in the mornings. When I do cheat with a bite, I make it low carb. Its my way of staying on plan; otherwise I would go crazy. It hasnt slowed me down and seems to help me in the long run. The other thing about a very small cheat is that I personally believe those few extra calories get my body out of the "rut" it is in on a low calorie diet. If you ever did WW, you may have heard of the "Wendie" plan where you alternate days of high and low calories. On the weekends, I have one day where I sneak a few bites of salami, lunchmeat or cheese etc., and then then next day I have no restricted packets and exercise more. Im still playing around with it but I am hoping it helps keep my metabloism going.

Thanks for the info I will try the water with salt

Hello!
I am new to this forum and the Ideal Protein diet (first day today). I have to say I love this forum already.

Not so sure about the diet yet. It is only the first day and I have a terrible headache and naseau. I am a big sweet lover but I am going to try my hardest to stick with it. I think these boards will help!

Just give it a few days and it will pass.. I didn't get the headache until my 3rd and 4th day today is my 6th day and it has passed.
good luck you can do it:)

4th weigh in tomorrow. I don't know why i am disappointed with only 3# a week - a guess after seeing a lot of you post that you lost 6# or more/week is a little frustrating. I did just try on some slacks that were way too tight before and now they are almost loose. YEAH!! I usually wear jeans so i didn't notice the inches too much. (jeans seem to be very forgiving and able to hide weight)
Congrats everyone on a job well done.
If feeling unmotivated, try on some clothes that were too tight and see if that doesn't keep you on the straight & narrow.

Back in the March timeframe, I picked up some bins to get the clothes that were too tight out of my closet. Last night I checked, and found 6 pairs of pants that fit great! It was such a nice boost to my evening - like a shopping spree without spending any money!

Hello!
I am new to this forum and the Ideal Protein diet (first day today). I have to say I love this forum already.

Not so sure about the diet yet. It is only the first day and I have a terrible headache and naseau. I am a big sweet lover but I am going to try my hardest to stick with it. I think these boards will help!


I also had bad headaches etc days 2 and 3 and I was told to try lemon juice in my water and having a bath with sea salt (epsom salt would probably work too). Do not give up because once the headache is gone it will be worth it!!!!

Weigh in day yesterday! Down another 6 lbs, makes 16lbs in past 2 weeks on IP! I haven't been under 160 in 10yrs and can't wait! My goal is to fit into a beautiful dress for my renewal of vows in Feb. Married for 20years.

Hubby made me the choc muffins with WF choc sauce. Texture was great but the taste was not! Any idea how to tweak this to get it more palatable?

Hi, Feverfixer. I've never tasted the WF chocolate sauce(the dressings were enough for me!), so I can't help you there. BUT, this weekend I tried the same fix for the choc. cake that I use for the choc. pudding.

add:
1 1/2-2 packs Splenda
splash of real vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt(maybe 1/8 teaspoon)

It was really good with my coffee. Keep up the good work.

Spatime,
I have tried them and I've got a bunch of packages I'm never ever going to use again. They were extremely slimy, for lack of a better word. I just couldn't deal with the texture. I'd offer to pass them around but just looked and the expiration date is 9/24/09. I'm not sure how hardcore that is though.
I did order some of the tofu shirataki tofu noodles from lowcarbu.com and like those MUCH better. I haven't had them but a couple of times.. I used WF Alfredo sauce, some rotisserie chicken and ate it up! Still a little slimy but not nearly as bad.
A couple of hints.... rinse them VERY well... they smell a little fishy. After you parboil them, dry them very well on some paper towels.

Darn, I thought maybe I found something special, but 'slimy' is not something that can replace pasta, so I think I will pass....thanks for the info!! Much appreciated!

Woot woot! 4.6 pounds on my 5 week weigh in today! Last week was only.2 pounds so I am excited......hint....do not skip your protein packets.....I skipped 8 total the week I only lost .2 and think that may be why!

Well, I had my 2nd weigh in today and due to my cheating weekend...I didn't lose any, but I didn't gain any either. I did lose 3 pts of fat and gained 2 in muscle. So, I guess that's good. I'm back to business today and don't anticipate anymore big cheats!:) I remember that someone talked about how they made the chili a little better, but I looked thru the recipes and couldn't fine anything. If someone remembers, please post again. I bought some chicken broth to help with the chicken and mushroom soup. Those are the only ones I like besides the chili. I'm happy everyone seems to have had a good week, last week. Good luck to everyone this week!

I don't know why i am disappointed with only 3# a week

ONLY 3 lbs a week???!!! There is no such thing as ONLY 3 lbs IMHO :). There's no denying that some weeks are better than others, however I've lost 3lbs in the past two weeks. As so many have said before. At the times the scales don't go down, the inches are still going away. I graph my weight so that I don't lose sight of the overall downward trend during the low wt loss weeks.

Congrats on the loose pants!

this is very silly...I am doing really great during the day and at night i cannot help but taking bites here and there..maybe 3 or 4 times ,small bites of my 3 year old dinner or lunch that i prepare for the day after ...whats wrong with me ! i can't seem to resist on the moment ..does this happen to any of you ?? ......

Hi there! Love seeing everyone's posts here. I am in the maintenance phase. Loved the diet. It is nearly impossible to gain the weight back...even with my nightly glass of wine. Hehe...For those of you who do not care for Splenda you can try Stevia. It is sold in natural foodstores, Super Supplements, Fred Meyer etc. It comes in many forms. I carry tablets in my purse for hot drinks like coffee. You can also buy it in packets in powdered form. This works well for unsweetened iced tea, etc. I use it in liquid form in my coffee or when making lemonade. It is available in many flavors and if you put it in carbonated water it tastes like pop. It is what my kiddos drink. It's really quite good. It can also be used for making salad dressing, put in marinades, and for baking. It is also very very good for you and for your pancreas! And totally allowed in phases1-3. When you hit phase 4 you can also use agave syrup as a sweetener. It is very low on the glycemic index. Tastes good on cereal etc... Also, you can buy TrueLemon and TrueLime in the baking section of the grocery store. It is powdered lemon or lime juice. Very good on Chicken or fish or in marinades. I love it in water with a bit of stevia. It's just like drinking Lemon/limeade. I have some wonderful, tasty, good enuf for company recipes I would love to post soon. May the force be with you. :)

Weigh in day yesterday! Down another 6 lbs, makes 16lbs in past 2 weeks on IP! I haven't been under 160 in 10yrs and can't wait! My goal is to fit into a beautiful dress for my renewal of vows in Feb. Married for 20years.

Hubby made me the choc muffins with WF choc sauce. Texture was great but the taste was not! Any idea how to tweak this to get it more palatable?

You might try putting chocolate Stevia in the chocolate muffin mix. I did not care for them either, but my sweetie liked the muffins o.k. with the stevia.

:D
Hi everyone -- I have been 'lurking' for a couple of months now and really enjoy all of the posts.
I'm happy that everyone seems to be doing well on this.

My info -- 41 years old, on IP since Sept. 28, 6 week total loss - 25 lbs.

Like many of you, I battle from time to time with the idea of cheating. What I have finally started to understand is that the enjoyment of a momentary cheat is usually outweighed by the fact that it will set me back for 2-3 days (the time it takes to get back into ketosis) -- after 6 weeks, I think I have 'gotten it'! I figure that I have tried many of the diets where I lost 1-2 lbs per week and am doing this because I don't want that kind of weight loss. I am paying for the food and 'working' at IP because I want to do this quickly and then get myself to a place where I can eat sensibly (but normally) and not have to worry about my weight all the time.

Hope that makes sense to someone -- it is just the way that I have figured out how to stop justifying cheating.

Have a good day everyone.

Kim

The compounds that make Stevia sweet are now readily available in commercial sweeteners known as TruVia and PureVia. Coke and Pepsi are also both working on drinks using these. They come in a packet like Splenda. Look for the green packet. No chemical taste that I can notice. But I've been using sweeteners for a while - I'm not sure I can tell anymore!

I didn't know about the flavored Stevia. Good to know.

Serenada - that's so hard. You have the additional challenge of having to cook "regular" food for your child. And with each bite you have, I think it makes it easier to cheat the next time. How long have you been on IP? Not sure from your description if this is initial cravings, or if you should be past that.

When I get weak, I turn to chocolate-covered soy puffs (my absolute favorite IP item). When you get that urge, try popping a few of those, and see if you can make it past the urge. You probably won't need the whole bag - just a few to get past the craving or the urge to eat. It will get easier to resist!

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar-retro/cartoonstar01/lb/210/140/190.5/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

Everyone is so doing so great! I had to go buy new pants this weekend so I would have something to wear to work! darn! I hate when that happens! Ha Ha! I kind of had a bad week for little cheats and I weigh in this afternoon. I am a little worried. I think I need to check in here more often because reading about everyone elses struggles, which I share, makes me want to try harder and stick to the plan. This is the first time ever that I have had this much success with a diet and I can't lose momentum now!

I forgot I was going to write down what I use for salad dressing. I love raspberry vinegrette so I take Three tsp apple cyder vinegar, 2 tsp olive oil, 1 Table spoon of WW raspberry jelly and a little garlic powder. It makes quite a strong but really yummy dressing. It works best if you put it through the blender so I tripple or more the batch and have enough for the whole week. I can also take some with me when we eat out, so I can really enjoy a salad. You only need about 4 tsp on a salad so it goes a long way.

Hi Everyone I am still new to IP 2 weeks in and down 12#. I am doing the diet with my daughter and that makes it a bit easier. My daughter is down 14#. I am 45 and my daughter is 25.

Spatime- I am a researcher - I checked out those "miracle noodles". There is no reason to purchase online,they are available from Asian markets for $1.29 per bag. They are called Yam Noodles(not like our yams). They are in the refridgerated section near the produce ...next to egg roll wrappers. For the price they are cheap enough to try different preperations. I went yesterday and bought a few bags. First we rinsed them (VERY WELL!) then cut them into smaller pieces and added them to broth...Our thought...they would do for a glass noodle imposter. Next, we stir fried them and at first them did seem slimy but we added garlic, chili flakes and soy sauce...cooked for what seemed like it was to long and then that slimy feeling was gone and I did enjoy them. We made ground chicken lettuce wraps and filled the lettuce cups with these noodles. It is best to pre cut the noodles since they are a bit chewy. Conclusion: Not for everyday but definatley a change of pace.

JoshB: I must say your description of the leek soup made me laugh...I hate the leek soup. I have not had a restricted item as of yet but I have tried everything not restricted. The mushroom soup is the only soup I like. But the leek...Wow!! not even words can describe! I love the wildberry yogurt and vanilla pudding with cinnamon. Stay on track...When it seems like it is not worth it...I try and think about the grand scheme of things.... one year out of how many you have left in great health...it is all worth it!!! I keep a journal of what I am craving or missing and tell myself on the few holidays I have predetermined will be a cheat day I will revisit my journal and decide how much I really wanted a certain thing. I do not cheat, nor will I on any days, except for the actual day of a major holiday and that is by choice to keep up with family and traditions....I realize the set back and feel if this IP is a lifetime change then I choose to take it as part of the plan. I did not get heavy overnight and don't find it unreasonable to have a few weeks a year of no weight loss.

To the ladies who post- I applaud your effort...I bet there are many people benefiting from your words but not posting...Kepp it up!


Much luck to everyone!

Tasha, I was told by my doctor no cheese . as for the saurkraut that question is on my list to the doctor on wednesday I was told by my doctor that it reads less then 1 gram of carbs ,sugar and fat it's ok to eat.
don't go by your scales because of all the water intake it's going to weigh you down besides the doc says don't worry to much about the scales it will show in inches. When my doctor went on it she said for 2 weeks she didn't lose but 3 pounds but her inches showed a loss then she said her 3rd week she lost 9 pounds. Just hang in there and you are doing everything then it will show somewhere.:)
Good Luck

You def should stay away from cheese...but, I did have cheese on Halloween because I was dying (it just got way past my bed time) I told my counsleor and although she said no cheating, that besides veggies it is one of the better cheats because there are no carbs and its basically fat, and were obviously eating very restricted fats so it was the wiser cheat lol... I have had pinches of cheese here and there and even last night i made a portobello mushroom burger and put a super thin slice of cheese on it and I have now lost 21 lbs in 3 weeks!!! and the people on here getting discourged by only 2-3 lbs STOP IT!!! lol. On a normal diet 1-2 lbs a week is about all you get!

Ladies and gentlemen, try the burger oh my I felt like a cheater!!! lol
You substitute the bun for portobello mushrooms (you cook them in the over at about 400 for 8-10 minutes coated in olive oil...u put tomatoe, lettuce, mustard and red onion...oh and the slice of cheese which, yes is way naughty...but even with out it, it would have been sooooooooooo goooooood!

testing my signature

If you are not offended over foul language I recommend you read Skinny *****. It does go into veganism, and although that will NEVER happen lol, it has some great tips, knowledge and motivation. Its a short read, I read it in a couple hours and it is definatley a motivator to watch what you eat and to care about what you put in your body.

The portabello burger sounds good! I cheat with cheese occasionally too (like today, just a sprinkle of sharp cheddar in my chili), and figure it's my once indulgence. I cut back a bit on the olive oil to offset the fat...if that makes any sense. That makes it justifiable to me anyway. :-)

Hi there! Love seeing everyone's posts here. I am in the maintenance phase. Loved the diet. It is nearly impossible to gain the weight back...even with my nightly glass of wine. Hehe...For those of you who do not care for Splenda you can try Stevia. It is sold in natural foodstores, Super Supplements, Fred Meyer etc. It comes in many forms. I carry tablets in my purse for hot drinks like coffee. You can also buy it in packets in powdered form. This works well for unsweetened iced tea, etc. I use it in liquid form in my coffee or when making lemonade. It is available in many flavors and if you put it in carbonated water it tastes like pop. It is what my kiddos drink. It's really quite good. It can also be used for making salad dressing, put in marinades, and for baking. It is also very very good for you and for your pancreas! And totally allowed in phases1-3. When you hit phase 4 you can also use agave syrup as a sweetener. It is very low on the glycemic index. Tastes good on cereal etc... Also, you can buy TrueLemon and TrueLime in the baking section of the grocery store. It is powdered lemon or lime juice. Very good on Chicken or fish or in marinades. I love it in water with a bit of stevia. It's just like drinking Lemon/limeade. I have some wonderful, tasty, good enuf for company recipes I would love to post soon. May the force be with you. :)


Hey, Lesstolove. Congratulations to you for getting to maintenance! Did you post in an earlier forum while you were in stages 1, 2 ,&3? If you haven't, you HAVE to tell us your story. I am dying to know where you started; difficulties you faced; how long were your phases;...everything. People like you and awle, who is almost there, really motivate us. Do tell!

I was going to ask if anyone had tried reducing the number of packets they use? I'm kind of struggling with the cost (I'm a single mom, and spending waaaay more on food with the $80ish a week in packets, then other groceries). My mom, who is doing the diet too, and I talked about trying to substitute a lean protein like tuna, for lunch instead of a packet, and maybe 1-2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast. (A foil packet of tuna is $2.00 and eggs are $.12 apiece or so... so that's $2.25 compared to $8.00...saving around $40/week....if my approximate calculations are correct) Any thoughts?

I was going to ask if anyone had tried reducing the number of packets they use? I'm kind of struggling with the cost (I'm a single mom, and spending waaaay more on food with the $80ish a week in packets, then other groceries). My mom, who is doing the diet too, and I talked about trying to substitute a lean protein like tuna, for lunch instead of a packet, and maybe 1-2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast. (A foil packet of tuna is $2.00 and eggs are $.12 apiece or so... so that's $2.25 compared to $8.00...saving around $40/week....if my approximate calculations are correct) Any thoughts?
Im going "home on vacation" for 2 weeks. I leave on the 16th and had to buy my food today. I could not afford to drop 240 in one day so I asked If I could do something similar like you said. We decided breakfast and evening snack would be packets and lunch and dinner would be a protein and veggies. I believe thats basically the next phase. Realize you can do this partially on your own, this is here to get you through the tough part so you don't have to do the "i am effin hungry and can't wait to cook something" the packets are there and easy so you don't cheat. It is totally up to you and think if you have to make that change you will still lose weight! you won't be eating how you were before. Ill let you know if i lost after my first week of vacation! I have also decided to see if I can find my own supplements...they are way over priced there!

I was going to ask if anyone had tried reducing the number of packets they use? I'm kind of struggling with the cost (I'm a single mom, and spending waaaay more on food with the $80ish a week in packets, then other groceries). My mom, who is doing the diet too, and I talked about trying to substitute a lean protein like tuna, for lunch instead of a packet, and maybe 1-2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast. (A foil packet of tuna is $2.00 and eggs are $.12 apiece or so... so that's $2.25 compared to $8.00...saving around $40/week....if my approximate calculations are correct) Any thoughts?

Oh and 2.00 for tuna is outrageous! just go for the can! most places offer an off brand (which is the SAME thing) in a can for 50-75 cents. If you dont want to carry a can opener around put it in a zip lock bag before you leave!

Someone was asking about nutritional info for the packets. I knew I'd seen it somewhere. I just found it on page 18 of the October monthly chat. I'd post the links myself, but I'm a computer dummy.

Everyone, I am used to grazing all day. Gaining isn't easy for me, but losing is hard. I'm on the diet now 7 days, have a weigh in tonight. I'm miserable at 10am and 2PM. I WANT TO GRAZE!! Does anyone have any tips to get me through these times, I don't want to cheat!!

Everyone, I am used to grazing all day. Gaining isn't easy for me, but losing is hard. I'm on the diet now 7 days, have a weigh in tonight. I'm miserable at 10am and 2PM. I WANT TO GRAZE!! Does anyone have any tips to get me through these times, I don't want to cheat!!


Sorry to hear your having a hard time.:sorry:

Just a couple suggestions that help me.

:crossed:I split up my salad, veggies and protien packet for lunch. I don't set down and eat all the food at once. If I begin to feel hungry I'll have my packet then later when I get that craving/hunger I will eat my 2cups of veggies and same with the salad. I don't know if this is a no-no but it helps me make it to dinner without cheating. Also if I feel that I cannot make it to dinner I will eat my snack between lunch and dinner or maybe just nibble on a protien bar while making dinner for the rest of the family.


:chin:Hope this helps. :crossed:

:dust:

Hello everyone:))

Amazing to see all the posting today!! I really needed it:)) I am having a tougher day today. I was up all night with my little girl who is very sick with the flu. i only managed to get abut 2 hours of sleep and woke up with peanut butter cups on my mind. I remember once before my doctor telling me when we don't sleep enough we crave sugar cause when we are sleeping our brains feeds of off glucose and if it doesn't get enough it causes cravings. Still I am having a tougher day and this was perfect to find

I just tried the leek soup and won't be making that mistake again LOL
I will stick to the mushroom one, which I love especially with a cup of pureed cauliflower in it Mmmmm

Saraj..that portebello mushrrom burger sounds amazing i will have to try that:))) Thanks for the recipe!!

lesstolove :) super congrats on the maintenance stage that is awesome.

There was much more I wanted to write but my brain has quite working. I will have to come back later

Hope everyone has a great day:))
Hugs,
Tash

I forgot I was going to write down what I use for salad dressing. I love raspberry vinegrette so I take Three tsp apple cyder vinegar, 2 tsp olive oil, 1 Table spoon of WW raspberry jelly and a little garlic powder. It makes quite a strong but really yummy dressing. It works best if you put it through the blender so I tripple or more the batch and have enough for the whole week. I can also take some with me when we eat out, so I can really enjoy a salad. You only need about 4 tsp on a salad so it goes a long way.

Mmmmm this sounds yummy I will be having to try it:))) Thanks for sharing the recipe

I was going to ask if anyone had tried reducing the number of packets they use? I'm kind of struggling with the cost (I'm a single mom, and spending waaaay more on food with the $80ish a week in packets, then other groceries). My mom, who is doing the diet too, and I talked about trying to substitute a lean protein like tuna, for lunch instead of a packet, and maybe 1-2 hard boiled eggs for breakfast. (A foil packet of tuna is $2.00 and eggs are $.12 apiece or so... so that's $2.25 compared to $8.00...saving around $40/week....if my approximate calculations are correct) Any thoughts?


I have cheated from the program with breakfast usually. I make a 3-egg white omlette with 1/2-1cup of peppers and mushrooms. It is a few calories less than the packet, but pure protein and a lot cheaper than their omlette mix particularly if you get the eggs on sale. It is also easy to order for breakfast at a restaurant.

Thanks for the tip on making the chocolate muffin better. I will let you know how it goes. Is Splenda unrestricted??

I wanted to thank all of you on your advice... Did not cheat today, though it was tempting at lunch! (office lunch at the restaurant):devil: At first I was worried about ordering allowed food but it was not a problem at all! Replaced the included clam chowder with a salad and the french fries with steammed veggies!:carrot: None of my coworkers seemed surprised of my questions to the waiter and some of them changed items in their meals afterwards!

One of you identified what must have been my biggest struggle over the last 3 months: cooking two separate dinners for my family and I... Putting words to it helped me overcome the difficulty and thinking of the pounds I dropped along the way keeps me motivated fot the final month or so... Tommorrow, I will cook some meatpie for the Holidays - won't be easy but I will think of THE dress I WILL wear then to help me through!!:encore:

Someone was asking about nutritional info for the packets. I knew I'd seen it somewhere. I just found it on page 18 of the October monthly chat. I'd post the links myself, but I'm a computer dummy.

It's also posted in the FAQ.

Whoa....I haven't been on the forum for a few days (son was here and we were loading up a 20 cu.yd truck full of stuff -- garbage!). Wonderful to see all the new posts.

I did talk to my nurse today about going off IP for awhile in December when I go back to Cleveland. She said they would put me on the maintenance phase. Already I have been trying to see where I could tweak it, so I wouldn
t have to buy so many packets. I told her that I couldn't afford 3 weeks of packets. Mmmm....so I have been thinking....could we add protein powder to an instant oatmeal? To a SugarFree Jello Pudding? To a low carb shake? Or would I be better off just going low-carb.

I think all the bottles of DiVinci sugarfree syrups helps a lot. I just ordered (I know...again??!!)...and got pumpkin pie, watermelon and praline. Watermelon was really disappointing. Pumpkin pie was great added to the butterscotch pudding. Haven't opened the Praline yet. My counter looks like a "coffee shop".

Really didn't think I would lose this week...since I sure didn't get in my water....supplements, etc. We were busy from early a.m. until wee hours. I would just grab a protein shake or a bar and keep working. Anyhow...I DID lose 2#....and I am officially in the 150's now! So exciting. My doctor had set 150# as my goal weight, but I had wanted to go to 140#. I guess I will see what happens when I actually reach 150. I started Sept.9th on IP...yesterday was 2 months (but somehow, 10 weeks...duh??).

Have to share a story with you. My son and I were working hard loading the truck with stuff from my parents, then my mom, and finally my husband...we went thru an outbuilding, a garage, a basement, loads of cupboards and closets. ANYHOW....My stomach was bothering me on Monday, so I put on a pair of yoga pants to work and tied the cord tight. They fell off when I was walking! Literally! I thought my son would bust a gutt laughing...he says, "Guess that diet is really working for you, Mom."

So glad to see all the success (and struggles) that everyone is having. It is hard to believe that when I joined this forum in September, there were only a few of us on it....look at us now!!

I was thinking of the tuna packets for convenience to take to work mainly...and I like the taste a little better, but I buy both. The packets I get are 6.4 ounces, and cans are 5. I'm going to tough it out with IP for awhile longer and see how I do...just thinking about other options. Thanks for everyone's input!

I see a lot of people cooking 2 seperate meals for their families. My little lady (7) unfortunately just has to deal with what I cook for supper. =) She sometimes gets a different veggie than me, and a bread of some sort, but for the most part she pretty much eats what I do. (Sans the onions and tomatoes). I've always been decent about having her eat healthy, but have been a lot more concious of watching for sugar intake, and ensuring she is eating a variety of fresh fruit and veggies, and feel great about that! I made "garlic mashed cauliflower" for the first time tonight, and she loved it!

hi there!

well i had my 7 week weigh in today, and was pleased with a 4.6lb lost combined with 4.5". that made up from last weeks planned cheat for the wedding...i had accidentally posted a message on the recipes page - i was reading the recipes and forgot to jump back to this forum. i had offered to bring forth any questions to the info session i have been invited to on nov 16 this program has been pretty succesful in my area, and our coaches have invited existing IP users to attend, and invite guests if we like. not sure how to go about "inviting" guests without sounding suggestive, but am definitely going to attend myself to see if there is new info, or possibly info i missed the first time round. have a good week!

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar013/flower02/lb/227/160/197/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

Just posting a hi!!!! I missed everyone and I have since like what mid Oct to catch up. I have internet now, even though the move isn't 100% we are in the new place with a few things (garage etc) back at the old place. I do have lots of boxes though...sigh. I will update the blog soon, I have been losing inches and lbs. I lost the most inches this past Friday though. But I am worried, everytime I go to the dr. office to do the measure I get sick (EVERYTIME), if I skip a week I don't get sick but if I go I get sick. I got sick with the same stuff I keep getting everytime I go.

Anyways I wanted to say hi and happy vet's day!

[QUOTE=Ogdog13;3008722]Everyone, I am used to grazing all day. Gaining isn't easy for me, but losing is hard. I'm on the diet now 7 days, have a weigh in tonight. I'm miserable at 10am and 2PM. I WANT TO GRAZE!! Does anyone have any tips to get me through these times, I don't want to cheat!![/QUOT

I have to get up early and to drive 1 hour to work, so I am up at 5:30 and leave the house by 6:15-6:30, so I have my breakfast before leaving home (usually a pudding as I cannot eat the omlette package due to the peppers) and to ensure that I eat every 4 hours (I have been told never to go beyond 5 hours) I usually eat some celery and/or cucumbers around 10 am and then my lunch (usually mushroom or chicken soup package) and a salad. As my hubby does not get home till 6:30, dinner is late so I usually eat 1/2 to the whole package of my snack in the afternoon or sometimes more celery, cucumbers or some other of the allowed veggies. If I only eat 1/2 of my snack I have the other 1/2 in the evening. As we have been told at lunch and supper we can have unlimited veggies from the list I consider the veggies I eat in between meals as part of the unlimited veggies allowed and a mechanism to keep my metabolism going.
From some of the posts I have seen it appears that others have been told to have 2 cups of allowed veggies? Is this the way the plan is for most of you?

hockyemom, you're an inspiration to me. I've been on the diet since 1 day before you, and have only lost 15#. I'm pleased I've lost that much, but see it could have been so much more if I didn't cheat so much! I justify my cheats by focusing on low carb counts, but I sometimes ignore calories and fat. :(

for others: It is perfectly acceptable to spread your veggies out over the afternoon, or even start late morning. I don't believe in forcing yourself to eat all of your food at once, if you're full, or just not hungry. That's a bad habit to start, because when you get to maintenance, you're going to want to listen to your body and not eat unless you're hungry.

I have cheated from the program with breakfast usually. I make a 3-egg white omlette with 1/2-1cup of peppers and mushrooms. It is a few calories less than the packet, but pure protein and a lot cheaper than their omlette mix particularly if you get the eggs on sale. It is also easy to order for breakfast at a restaurant.

Thanks for the tip on making the chocolate muffin better. I will let you know how it goes. Is Splenda unrestricted??

Yes, Splenda is unrestricted as far as I know.
BTW, I made the choc. cake again this morning and along with the splenda, etc. that I added to the water before mixing, I added Molly McButter...a few shakes...even better!!

[QUOTE=Ogdog13;3008722]Everyone, I am used to grazing all day. Gaining isn't easy for me, but losing is hard. I'm on the diet now 7 days, have a weigh in tonight. I'm miserable at 10am and 2PM. I WANT TO GRAZE!! Does anyone have any tips to get me through these times, I don't want to cheat!![/QUOT

I have to get up early and to drive 1 hour to work, so I am up at 5:30 and leave the house by 6:15-6:30, so I have my breakfast before leaving home (usually a pudding as I cannot eat the omlette package due to the peppers) and to ensure that I eat every 4 hours (I have been told never to go beyond 5 hours) I usually eat some celery and/or cucumbers around 10 am and then my lunch (usually mushroom or chicken soup package) and a salad. As my hubby does not get home till 6:30, dinner is late so I usually eat 1/2 to the whole package of my snack in the afternoon or sometimes more celery, cucumbers or some other of the allowed veggies. If I only eat 1/2 of my snack I have the other 1/2 in the evening. As we have been told at lunch and supper we can have unlimited veggies from the list I consider the veggies I eat in between meals as part of the unlimited veggies allowed and a mechanism to keep my metabolism going.
From some of the posts I have seen it appears that others have been told to have 2 cups of allowed veggies? Is this the way the plan is for most of you?

Do you have a desk at work? Is it possible for you to just have coffee or tea on your drive to work, and eat your breakfast when you get there or on your first break? Maybe if you pushed everything forward a couple of hours it would work better with your schedule.

What chocolate cake? You guys have the cakes? I thought they weren't here in the US yet?

I know I would lose faster if I didn't eat so many restricted...and have tried to think WHAT I could make from scratch (or buy) that would cut down my costs? (like the egg white omelet...good idea!). Any ideas?

I have tried to think of something I could use as "breading" on my chicken or pork? Yesterday I did succumb to "shake and bake" altho I shook most of it off. I threw some of those soycrisps into a blender (had a bag left over -- I didn't like them) and thought of blending those into crumbs. Will let you know if it works (they are still sitting "whole" in my blender). Would adding some grated parmesan (the one in the green can??) work since I don't use my 1oz of milk in coffee? I did buy reduced-fat feta cheese, and often put about a teaspoon on top of my salad to make it look more edible. (Can you tell I am getting bored with the diet? -- Don't know Valkyrie has done it for so many months!!). I have no intention of going off IP until I take a break from it around Dec.15th....I still think it is the best diet out there for quick weight loss. (I try not to focus on how MUCH each pound is costing me...lol!!)

I've had more people complete the survey on the Ideal Protein Products. The updated results are posted in the FAQ (page 1)

ottawa - For quantity of vegetables, the Phase 1 information that I received states the following: "*2 Cups of Select Vegetables & Unlimited Lettuce". The * info is: *Serving size must be respected with no more/no less then indicated.* I've included a copy of this in the FAQ - it's in the page 1 materials.


My coach told me that the snack does not have to be in the evening. A lot of times I'll have half a bar mid-morning, and the other half mid-afternoon. Then I go without for the evening snack. My husband also does this, although he'll still have the evening snack many times. And he still loses more, *jerk* :)

A while ago I did a program called 6 week body makeover. Some similar concepts (and some differences). It was harder because you had to cook so much food. But it's premise was eating lean protein every 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Egg whites and diced chicken breast were typical.

Torchlaker - have you considered dipping the chicken into egg white, and then seasoning the plain crepe mix and using it as breading? I'd go with italian seasoning, salt, pepper and garlic powder as seasoning. I think that would probably work really well. You may want to reduce the amount of chicken since you'll have some additional protein from the crepe mix.

What chocolate cake? You guys have the cakes? I thought they weren't here in the US yet?

I know I would lose faster if I didn't eat so many restricted...and have tried to think WHAT I could make from scratch (or buy) that would cut down my costs? (like the egg white omelet...good idea!). Any ideas?

I have tried to think of something I could use as "breading" on my chicken or pork? Yesterday I did succumb to "shake and bake" altho I shook most of it off. I threw some of those soycrisps into a blender (had a bag left over -- I didn't like them) and thought of blending those into crumbs. Will let you know if it works (they are still sitting "whole" in my blender). Would adding some grated parmesan (the one in the green can??) work since I don't use my 1oz of milk in coffee? I did buy reduced-fat feta cheese, and often put about a teaspoon on top of my salad to make it look more edible. (Can you tell I am getting bored with the diet? -- Don't know Valkyrie has done it for so many months!!). I have no intention of going off IP until I take a break from it around Dec.15th....I still think it is the best diet out there for quick weight loss. (I try not to focus on how MUCH each pound is costing me...lol!!)

Hi, Torchlaker, congrats on blasting thru the 160 barrier(it is one of mine too, from previous diets). You don't have the pancake packets? Everyone here talks about having it, so I guess it is available here all over the US. Maybe you can go on the IPtogo or Matol websites and order them separate. There are plain and chocolate flavors and you can make them as a crepe/pancake, muffin, or cake, depending on how much water you use. The various directions are on the packet.
I've only had the chocolate, which requires some additions to taste good(I posted a recipe in this forum, maybe 2 days ago), but I hear the plain is unsweetened, so maybe you can use a bit of that for breading. Have you ever tried almond flour? Very few carbs. Also Atkins makes a baking mix you could use. They sell it online. Hope this helps.

Whooohooo...first weigh in and dropped 4 pounds in a week! An all time first for me with that much weight....and even cheating a bit on day because of a birthday. Now to stick with it totally until Thanksgiving.

PRINCASS: Thank you for the advice on grazing. I had my lunch shake at 10:30 and it did the trick!!

All: Thank you for for posting on here, reading everything is a wondeful help!:D

[QUOTE=torchlaker;3009869]

I know I would lose faster if I didn't eat so many restricted...and have tried to think WHAT I could make from scratch (or buy) that would cut down my costs? (like the egg white omelet...good idea!). Any ideas?

I have tried to think of something I could use as "breading" on my chicken or pork? QUOTE]

Several of my friends did IP for about 6 weeks, and they swear EAS makes shakes and bars very, very similar to IP for about $1-2 per bar. I think eggs are always a good choice. You can also make the IP chili by using hamburger replacement ( I think its soy protein, cant remember the name). When I priced actual low carb "meals" online, they were just as expensive as IP (mac and cheese, chili etc.).
On the breading, have you ever tried pork rinds? Dip the chicken in egg white, then roll in crushed pork rinds. Low carb and very few calories for what actually coats the chicken. Just a thought.

Today I had something weird happen. I lose 2lbs which I wasnt thrilled with, but then my nurse pointed out that I actually lost 4 lbs of fat, but gained 2 lbs of water. I guess I am heading toward PMS week but didnt know they could break it down like that. Anyone else had that happen?

TORCHLAKER QUOTE:
I did talk to my nurse today about going off IP for awhile in December when I go back to Cleveland. She said they would put me on the maintenance phase..

Are they going to phase you through the 2nd and 3rd phases before you go? Or just straight to maintenance?

[QUOTE=ottawa;3009522]

Do you have a desk at work? Is it possible for you to just have coffee or tea on your drive to work, and eat your breakfast when you get there or on your first break? Maybe if you pushed everything forward a couple of hours it would work better with your schedule.


I was told not to skip any meals and that not eating within 1/2 hour (1 hour max) after waking up was skipping a meal
so I have been trying to stick to that and therefore ended up with the schedule that I have been following.

Has anybody else been told this?

[QUOTE=echobaby;3009827]


I was told not to skip any meals and that not eating within 1/2 hour (1 hour max) after waking up was skipping a meal
so I have been trying to stick to that and therefore ended up with the schedule that I have been following.

Has anybody else been told this?

No, I haven't ever heard that. I never eat until I get to work, which is about 1.5-2 hrs after I wake up. Come to think about it, I'd be starving too if I ate breakfast that early and had to do what you've been doing. I don't know that it's slowed me any, but I'm only on week two. It couldn't hurt to try it just one day and see if it helps. Maybe it'll just have to be a tradeoff you'll need to do in order to keep you from cheating later in the day.:?:

Hey guys!
So I am on day 9!
My first weigh in is today, and I am not hungry AT ALL its kinda weird it seems like a chore to have to eat all the food haha.

Last night I sorta had my snack drink at midnight, which i hate doing, but i was on a movie shoot for school like ALL night, but I did eat my dinner before, but my counselor tells me no matter what get your protein packets in.

Its really hard for me to eat vegetables, i SERIOUSLY HATE them.
I bought a cucumber and am thinking of maybe putting splenda on them or something, they remind me of like unsweet watermelon and I LOVE fruit so making a vegetable seem like a fruit seems nice to me haha.

First Weigh In today! Down 9lbs! Wooohooo ME! I know it was a bunch of water weight, but I feel SOOOOOO much better! Not as swollen, can sleep because I am NOT jacked up on caffiene. WOOOOOHOOOOO! I know that nexts weeks numbers will be lower but that is ok, this was a great start.

I forgot to ask my Wellness Coach if the restricted veggies were limited to a total of 2 cups through out the week, so if my love was tomatoes, I could cut up my 2 cups of restricted veggies & use them everyday of the week till my 2 cups are gone or if they need to be spaced out? OR can I have 2 cups per week of each restricted veggies??? Any one know?

Thanks, Meghan

Hi Everyone-
Well, only 2 lbs down this week, but the inches were way down on all my measurements...like before, one week more off by the scale, next week, more off by the measurements. Still a downward trend, so am satisfied. Seeing a light at the end of the tunnel! Thanks for all the support and recipes!

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/bar098/slider-scale/lb/156/126/133/.png (http://www.3fatchicks.com/)

How much water did you mix with your crepe packet? Mine maybe is too thick but it just seems to sit in a glob and looks like oatmeal, uncooked.
Sherry

Today was my first weight in down 6 pounds. That been the most loss I ever had in any diet for the first week. I very happy with it.

Way TO GO on all y'all weight loss!!!

Everyone, I am used to grazing all day. Gaining isn't easy for me, but losing is hard. I'm on the diet now 7 days, have a weigh in tonight. I'm miserable at 10am and 2PM. I WANT TO GRAZE!! Does anyone have any tips to get me through these times, I don't want to cheat!!

I've heard having some hot tea helps fill you up. I try to drink more when i am hungry. Splitting up the snacks/meals also helps. also, try taking a walk or don't go anywhere near the kitchen. :D

I've heard having some hot tea helps fill you up. I try to drink more when i am hungry. Splitting up the snacks/meals also helps. also, try taking a walk or don't go anywhere near the kitchen. :D

tea is a total life saver!!
I have been soooo exhuasted, all I want to do is sleep the last couple weeks...i dont know whats up with that

I still have not figured out the ticker thing yet but anyway. I started the day after Labor Day and have lost 31 pounds. I am 50. I even did it a week in Las Vegas on vacation and lost then by bringing my own foods. I am 7 pounds away from being able to say I weigh 1xx instead of 2XX. I have had small bites of food along the way but I can tell that is slowing me down. My favorite food are the chocolate soy puffs. Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice have helped me with the puddings. Dill pickles are my new best friend. I do not like the cappucino but was never a coffee drinker anyway. My co-worker started with me but had an intentional cheat weekend with friends and has never been able to get back on. She is jealous but yet supportive of my journey.

I think i am going to become a vegetarian (AHHH) I know. Not sure if thats do-able on this diet, but I figure once I hit my goal, if done properly that would be a great way to maintain weight. Anyone here a vegetarian or was at anytime???

I still have not figured out the ticker thing yet but anyway. I started the day after Labor Day and have lost 31 pounds. I am 50. I even did it a week in Las Vegas on vacation and lost then by bringing my own foods. I am 7 pounds away from being able to say I weigh 1xx instead of 2XX. I have had small bites of food along the way but I can tell that is slowing me down. My favorite food are the chocolate soy puffs. Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice have helped me with the puddings. Dill pickles are my new best friend. I do not like the cappucino but was never a coffee drinker anyway. My co-worker started with me but had an intentional cheat weekend with friends and has never been able to get back on. She is jealous but yet supportive of my journey.:D