Need Help with Alternatives

  • Ok I need some help with doing the IP with using alternatives.
    So far I am using the EAS carb control shakes instead of the IP food
    and I am using the Pure Protein bars as a snack.
    However, going over the Phase 1 guidelines, Do I use the EAS instead of the ideal protein food 3 times a day? Breakfast, Lunch & Snack?

    I'm confused. Please help!


  • The EAS products are fine to use as an unrestricted product (8g or less NET carbs per serving).

    Many of the pure Protein bars are too high in carbs to be compliant with Ideal Protein, but the Chocolate Deluxe (50g) and the Chocolate Peanut Butter (50g) meet the criteria to be an unrestricted product. You have to check the labels carefully when you choose alternative products - they need to be the right amount of calories (under 200), protein (at least 12-15g) and carbs (under 17g NET carbs, with 8g or less being an unrestricted product, and 9-15g being a restricted. 16-17g would be super restricted/twice per week).

    In terms of Phase 1 protocol, IP products and snacks are the same thing. You have 3 packets per day, either IP or an off-brand.
  • I believe the pure Protein bars (50g) would be considered restricted.

    The Chocolate Peanut Butter is 200 calories and the Chocolate Deluxe is 180 calories plus about 15 net carbs.
  • Quote: I believe the pure Protein bars (50g) would be considered restricted.

    The Chocolate Peanut Butter is 200 calories and the Chocolate Deluxe is 180 calories plus about 15 net carbs.
    The two 50g bars that I mentioned are the only ones that meet restricted criteria. The rest of the 50g bars are either super-restricted, or too high in carbs to be used for IP at all.
  • Quote: The two 50g bars that I mentioned are the only ones that meet restricted criteria. The rest of the 50g bars are either super-restricted, or too high in carbs to be used for IP at all.
    I know, just clarifying because in your above post you said they were unrestricted.
  • I have a quick question. When determining net carbs is it just the carbs - the fibre or is it the carbs - the fiber - the sugar alcohols?
  • Quote: I have a quick question. When determining net carbs is it just the carbs - the fibre or is it the carbs - the fiber - the sugar alcohols?
    Personally, I only subtract fiber. I know others subtract SA's, or half of them, but I don't.
  • Quote: Personally, I only subtract fiber. I know others subtract SA's, or half of them, but I don't.
    That's why I was finding it confusing, I've read of doing it both ways. Which turns my supreme protein rocky road brownie(awesome) from restricted to unrestricted..
  • Quote: That's why I was finding it confusing, I've read of doing it both ways. Which turns my supreme protein rocky road brownie(awesome) from restricted to unrestricted..
    I'd go with it as restricted. The more you try to bend the rules, the more it shows on the scale.
  • Quote: I'd go with it as restricted. The more you try to bend the rules, the more it shows on the scale.
    That's so true. Thanks.
  • I do an EAS Advantage shake for breakfast, then lunch I have another with 2 cups approved veggies. For dinner I have 8 oz. lean meat and 2 cups of veggies then for bedtime snack I have a Quest bar (which are amazing in every way, couldn't live without them). Some may think this is boring but it works for me, I am not hungry although I look forward to my dinner. 4 weeks and I am down 23 lbs!
  • I use those two Pure Protein bars ( chocolate delux and choc peanut butter) as restricted, but limit them to 2-3 times a week. Since they are so high in protein I'll save them for days when I need an extra " shot" of protein. ( trip to the zoo with kids, performance day, etc. )

    The other alt bars I use, also sparingly as a special treat, are the dark double chocolate and dark chocolate almond Zone bars. Those are the best and are the closest to IP double chocolate bars, which I really love. I keep them on hand as well. As you can see, I like my little dose of chocolate each day. It makes me happy and I've still been successful on the program.

    The faux malted milk balls (Proto diet, I think) complete my " chocolate" needs.
  • Quote: I use those two Pure Protein bars ( chocolate delux and choc peanut butter) as restricted, but limit them to 2-3 times a week. Since they are so high in protein I'll save them for days when I need an extra " shot" of protein. ( trip to the zoo with kids, performance day, etc. )

    The other alt bars I use, also sparingly as a special treat, are the dark double chocolate and dark chocolate almond Zone bars. Those are the best and are the closest to IP double chocolate bars, which I really love. I keep them on hand as well. As you can see, I like my little dose of chocolate each day. It makes me happy and I've still been successful on the program.

    The faux malted milk balls (Proto diet, I think) complete my " chocolate" needs.
    You look amazing!!
  • Quote: You look amazing!!
    Thanks, Safetylady! Tee hee!