I am in north jersey too. I go to New Perspectives in Sparta. Where do you get your packets?

Thanks so much. I started it to make me more accountable (which it has) but its also fun to share what works and doesn't. Its amazing what becomes your "staple" that others might not even know about and vice versa!

I'm from Vernon. I actually bought my packets from a former IPer and some alternatives for now. A friend of mine goes to New Perspectives too and offered to buy some extra packets for me when I run out, but they are so expensive! I would love to go to New Perspectives, but I can afford it right now because I'm a full time student. Do you remember off hand how much it is to join?

Thanks so much to those of you who responded to my spinach shake question earlier. I made it for lunch and it was supper yummy, easy and filling! I love when I find a new way to get my veggies in.

If anyone is interested, this is what I did:

6 oz cold water
1 1/2 c. fresh spinach
Chocolate drink mix
5 ice cubes

Blended it all up in a blender!

I finally got it. I was reading but not comprehending it finally clicked.

I've had to do that at times and didn't run into any problems. As my coach always says. "A little extra protein never hurts." I generally just have some hard boiled eggs ready for when I exercise or just need some extra protein.

Enjoy a restricted once a day. I have one for breakfast every morning and I have since day one.

You might want to think about having your main protein at dinner rather than lunch. Also we are allowed 8oz now (it's on the current protocol sheet). My coach always recommends having the snack right before bedtime so that way you have protein in you during the long hours of sleep. You want to burn fat, not muscle.

Thanks everyone. It's still unofficial, but it was first thing in the morning in my birthday suit (which is looking a little wrinkled these days) , so I'm celebrating.

I went today for my WI a couple days early. Had to trade out some milk chocolate pudding for the dark chocolate. I much prefer dark chocolate. I figured I'd just weigh even though it was a short week so I didn't have to go back again in just a couple days. I was pleased as I lost 6 lbs. I know it was a different time of the day, but I'll take it. I'd been struggling with 2 lbs and 2 lbs. The tough part was my coach had me totally eliminate restricteds. Hopefully, that jump started me. I will add one or two a week to see. I hate it as they are the "spice" that makes IP workable. Now, if my inches will catch up. 7 1/2 inches is not much for 5 weeks and 23 lbs. But, I can see Wuv's words in my mind now, "let the program work, your body will catch itself up and it will all work out." Wuv, you are a dear with your support.

I have read a few things regarding exercise. My coach tells me that if I exercise not to get my heart rate up to much or I will start burning lean muscle. Now mind you I am not a hard core exerciser I like to get on the treadmill and I love Zumba. I know someone had put on here what to do if you exercise. I was wondering if I could get some feed back on what to do. Thanks

There is an exercise thread. I will bump it.

I am one who exercised throughout ip. Last year in feb I went from 175 to around 145 in about 8 weeks. I did 60 minutes of intense exercise 6 days a week.

I hovered at around 150 until Christmas. I was up to 158, now at 147. I continue to exercise daily.

I am waaay smaller at 147 than I ever was even at 130 in my 20's. My size 6 gap pants are too big, although the 4's are a little tight.

I do not use an extra packet, but I do have a bar every afternoon. I have never lost any muscle, but my bodyfat continues to drop.

I would recommend continuing to exercise if you always did and love it. If not, I would wait until I was well adjusted to phase 1 before starting anything.

Does anyone know if we are allowed to have Jicama? Looks lo carb to me.

Praying for a clean report for you tonight!

I'm not sure if there's a joining fee. You pay for 30 packets (their assortment the first week.) plus 3 bottles of supplements, sea salt, shaker bottle and water bottle for around $300. Then its $81 for 21 packets per week after that. You can purchase more or less if you like. Its $4 per packet but you get a $3 discount for every 21 packets you buy. Weigh Ins are free. Spending all that money is part of my motivation.

help please.....I just had my week 3 weigh in....week 1 - 9lbs week 2 -1 lb and week 3 -.8. I have also since switched B/C and had a 12 day period in those 22 days....I usually gain approx 5-6 lbs of water weight on my period and I didnt gain anything in 12 days so I suppose I should be happy....im just sad cause all my other friends are doing better than me Any advice? Thanks guys!!!!

So true, I love reading what other peoples staples are!