From what I understand is that heavy cardio on this program may be unhealthy since IP depletes all glycogen stores and utilizes fat stores for energy.
This is my understanding...During periods of heavy cardio, the body relies mainly on the quick and easy sugar stores for fuel--fat stores are the body's least favorite, most difficult, and slowest way of achieving energy. So during light exercise, it is no biggie, it can draw energy from the fat. But during high demands, if your body doesn't have a sugar source, it goes for your muscle. It can eat up your own muscle, including your heart muscle.
Eating extra protein can help and prevent your body from buring its own muscle for fuel, but you have to be very careful to get enough. One extra packet of IP will likely NOT be close to enough extra protein to train for an ironman.
You might consider a modified PSMF diet with whole foods and a few added carbs. Here is a good site to reference
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/the...-loss-handbook Click on the articles link at the top for lots of good info.
Good luck on your weight loss and training