The 1st week I did IP, I did with alternative products b/c my center did not have the product yet and I wanted to get started right away. From reading and rereading the alternative threads, I found (2) items that worked for me that were good substitutes for IP, and I could buy them at Target. I didn't want to order anything on line because I wanted to get started immediately, and I knew I would eventually be starting IP. They were EAS Carb Advantage ready made shakes and Pure Protein peanut butter protein bars. Here is a good outline for following the IP protocol:
B: EAS shake
L: EAS shake, 2 cups of veggies plus salad (mostly lettuce) with 1 t. olive oil (and any other spices and apple cider vinegar)
S: Pure Protein bar
D: 5-8 oz. of any meat or fish of your choice, 2 cups of veggies plus salad (mostly lettuce) with 1 t. olive oil, etc...
Also, you need to get in 1/2 t. of salt daily, I usually just sprinkle some on my meat and salads or veggies. Or you could eat a couple of pickles.
Also, I don't know if you have been reading through the threads, but egg whites are free, so you could have a couple of scrambled or hard boiled egg whites at breakfast in addition to your shake if you want more or actually need the "chewing" motion for satisfaction.
If you are a coffee drinker, you are also allowed 1 oz. of skim milk in your coffee with either splenda or stevia for sweetner. If you do buy the vanilla ready made shakes, I believe you are allowed (for free) to use some of it in your coffee if you like flavored coffee. I don't drink coffee, so this needs to be confirmed by someone who does.
You could also have your snack in the evening if you eat a early dinner. I eat dinner around 8-8:30 so I have my snack between lunch and dinner, but it is your choice. I did this for the 1st week and lost 5.6 pounds. I have since switched to IP for the last 2 weeks and lost a total of 4.4 pounds. All in all, I am happy with my success on and off of IP products. I think the main point to take away is watch your carbs and to put your body in ketosis, and you don't need to necessarily buy IP products to do that.
|