you are all an inspiration to me. I am NOT going to cheat or quit!
Went to a meeting this weekend and have a few recipes to share:
MINI MUFFINS
35ml cold water, mix with 1 pack of Ideal Protein choc. crepe (or orange)
Put in small muffin tins
bake 350 degrees for 10min or put in microwave safe cup for 45 seconds.Can be topped with IP pudding of choice.

Jazzed up ranch
WF ranch dressing
add cilantro, coriander, pepper/sea salt/or tobasco


TUNA WRAP
Canned tuna, mix with WF honey dijon dressing, finely chopped dill pickles, onion. Place mixture in a large Romaine lettuce leaf or two and eat like a wrap.

QUICK STIR FRY
Saute minced garlic and ginger with coconut oil until fragrant. Add vegetables and soy sauce and cook until crisp tender. Top with cooked chicken or beef for a hearty dinner.

Hope those help. I'm going to try the asparagus that i read on an early post.

Good luck everyone.

Hi, I'm new to the IP diet. I'm on day 4 today. I just have a few questions though. I ran out of greens yesterday and haven't been able to go shopping. Is it bad if my lettuce is the only thing I'm not getting?

Another question for down the road... I only have about 20 lbs to lose. I'm worried about loose skin. Has anyone here dealt with loose skin issues, and if so, what did you do?

I'm going through feelings of "is this really going to work?" Can someone help get me out of that mind set? It's too early to be feeling that way! I haven't cheated, so i'm doing good in that department!

TIA!

OnceAndFor All--same thing happened to me last week. I had a huge lettuce salad with my olive and salt for lunch plus a protein drink. weighed in today adn lost 5 lbs my first week so I guess it did not hurt me. I now realize how fast I can go thru 4 cups of veggies a day and shop accordingly. I have 30-35 lbs to lose and hopefully when I can start walking I will tighten up.Read all the old posts. Not only are the gals on this diet so encouraging, you will pick up so many ideas of what to do and not do. Hang in there!

Is it odd that it is all girls on this forum? or is there some men doing this diet as well? i wonder if this diet is to stict or regimented for most men?

In response to 'Once and for all"


Hello fellow Montanan! I think you are feeling the same way I did on day 4, it gets better. The raspberry jello and cranberry drink are supposed to help with cellulite and loose skin. I am on day 7, weighed today, lost 6.6#! Hang in there!

Hello,
I started this program on Sept 20th. I just finished up my 3rd week, and am down 12 pounds. My brother and SIL told me about the program and had great results - he lost 30 pounds in 8 weeks and is at goal; she lost 40 and 8 weeks with more yet to go. My husband is also doing the program. He's lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks.

There isn't anyone local offering the program, so I joined the Ideal to Go program (www.idealtogo.com). I wish there was someone in my area so I didn't have to plan everything so carefully. We try to buy 2-3 weeks of product at a time. They ship all the product, and have a coach assigned to answer questions either by phone or email.

There's some great info on this thread! Thanks for sharing all the insights.

I had sent over some questions to my coach today, and will share some of his info in case it helps. I think it's curious that different places offering the program seem to sometimes have conflicting "rules".

1. Sorbitol... this is ok. Many of our dieters who like to chew gum find lots of gum has sorbitol.

2. No issue with tea. When drinking tea/coffee with caffeine, drink one extra cup of water for each cup of tea/coffee.

3. Splenda and Stevia/Truvia are both the sweetners of choice with IP.

4. Chicken Broth can be used. Try to find fat free. Also you might try vegetable broth.

5. On restricting cooked onions -- cooking onions carmelizes them. Use them sparingly, or better yet, use green onions/scallions when possible.

6. Cooked veggies should be uncooked volume. When eating cooked leafy greens like spinach or turnip greens, use your judgement. I'm not sure that even a dump truck of cooked spinach has any calories... :)


My favorite IP protein recipe is best made with a partner.


Stuffed Dessert Crepes
1. Make one IP Crepe (chocolate, orange or plain). For all the crepes, add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. For the Plain crepe also add 1 packet sweetener.
2. Make a compatible IP pudding (chocolate crepe with vanilla pudding for example). When making the pudding cut back on the water so it's a little thicker. 120 mL instead of 150 ML is a good amount. Also add 1 packet sweetener.
3. Spread the pudding on the crepe. Then roll, like a blintz. Cut in half.
Makes 2 servings.


My favorite products are the Shakes (both Chocolate and Vanilla); Chocolate Covered Soy Puffs; Crepes, Puddings, all the bars.

Things we don't love include the Lemon Pudding -- it's a little artificial to me - reminds me of lemon flavored pez. I'm not crazy about the soups, and unfortunately we bought a lot of that (my brother said it was their favorite). It's funny reading folks comments on the products - just shows that everyone's tastes are different. What one person loves, another will hate.

Thanks everyone for the tips!

Wow...what wonderful posts!! Can't wait to try the recipes! I am braindead when it comes to cooking veggies (I want them with BUTTER!!)

Kira....one way I got thru the lemon puddings that I bought was to add a bit more Splenda and add some coconut syrup (or extract) to it. Tried to tell myself it was a pinacolada pudding. I also water down the soups more than it says....and try to add something to it (cooked veggies??)....I am not crazy about them either. When I last looked at Ideal To Go...I noticed they had "forums" on there, but unless you actually order from the guy, I guess one cannot access the forums....have you been on the forums??

20bydec - boy, you have hit the ball and got it rolling, huh? Did you come up with those recipes yourself? I remember you were supposed to go last Saturday for your first time, right??

OnceandForAll - I too, am concerned about loose skin. Maybe someone that has lost more than us could help us with that one. I didn't think I would lose weight either since I had been dieting before I went on IP. I have been on it a month and lost 15#. There isn't much loose skin yet (except my WRINKLES seem deeper).

SandraB -- I thought I saw a guy post once back in August or September....I have seen 2 guys at my dr's office holding bags filled with IP. It looks like Kira has had a brother on it, AND a husband on it.

Valkyrie - that mayo is the worst stuff I ever tried. Don't even know what to do with it. My 2nd Netrition order came today. I ordered the chocolate syrup so I can try the protein drinks frozen...got some salad dressings in packets...and 3 bottles of sugarfree Divinci syrups (still don't know if they are legal or not!!). One was a peanut butter syrup...and I do miss peanut butter.(boy, I LOVE the way Netrition packs their products...It almost seems like Christmas as you open each thing individually! Thanx for putting me onto them!!) In the vanilla puddings, I put a little bit of the sugarfree syrups...certainly tastes better than the plain pudding.

I weigh in tomorrow. My nurse did not take measurements last week, so I am anxious to see if I lost any inches. My personal scale is not moving....I don't know why I get on it anyhow...it weighs 4#-6# heavier than my doctors!!

Thanks for the tips everyone. I think a good place for me to start is by reading the last 23 pages in this thread!!! I'm sure some questions will be answered! I weigh in on Thursday... I'll check back in then. In the mean time, I have lots of reading to do....

Originally Posted by kira:
Hello,
I started this program on Sept 20th. I just finished up my 3rd week, and am down 12 pounds. My brother and SIL told me about the program and had great results - he lost 30 pounds in 8 weeks and is at goal; she lost 40 and 8 weeks with more yet to go. My husband is also doing the program. He's lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks.

There isn't anyone local offering the program, so I joined the Ideal to Go program (www.idealtogo.com). I wish there was someone in my area so I didn't have to plan everything so carefully. We try to buy 2-3 weeks of product at a time. They ship all the product, and have a coach assigned to answer questions either by phone or email.

There's some great info on this thread! Thanks for sharing all the insights.

I had sent over some questions to my coach today, and will share some of his info in case it helps. I think it's curious that different places offering the program seem to sometimes have conflicting "rules".

1. Sorbitol... this is ok. Many of our dieters who like to chew gum find lots of gum has sorbitol.

2. No issue with tea. When drinking tea/coffee with caffeine, drink one extra cup of water for each cup of tea/coffee.

3. Splenda and Stevia/Truvia are both the sweetners of choice with IP.

4. Chicken Broth can be used. Try to find fat free. Also you might try vegetable broth.

5. On restricting cooked onions -- cooking onions carmelizes them. Use them sparingly, or better yet, use green onions/scallions when possible.

6. Cooked veggies should be uncooked volume. When eating cooked leafy greens like spinach or turnip greens, use your judgement. I'm not sure that even a dump truck of cooked spinach has any calories... :)


My favorite IP protein recipe is best made with a partner.


Stuffed Dessert Crepes
1. Make one IP Crepe (chocolate, orange or plain). For all the crepes, add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. For the Plain crepe also add 1 packet sweetener.
2. Make a compatible IP pudding (chocolate crepe with vanilla pudding for example). When making the pudding cut back on the water so it's a little thicker. 120 mL instead of 150 ML is a good amount. Also add 1 packet sweetener.
3. Spread the pudding on the crepe. Then roll, like a blintz. Cut in half.
Makes 2 servings.


My favorite products are the Shakes (both Chocolate and Vanilla); Chocolate Covered Soy Puffs; Crepes, Puddings, all the bars.

Things we don't love include the Lemon Pudding -- it's a little artificial to me - reminds me of lemon flavored pez. I'm not crazy about the soups, and unfortunately we bought a lot of that (my brother said it was their favorite). It's funny reading folks comments on the products - just shows that everyone's tastes are different. What one person loves, another will hate.

Thanks everyone for the tips!

Just a few questions - if you split 2 of the IP protein packets (like in your stuffed crepes, do they only count as 1 packet? I'm still learning.

How about sugar free jello - can we have that?

Originally Posted by maggie LA:
Goddess TT-- I just read your blog! wow! And you did not break your diet! I am so proud of you! I think losing weight is a HUGE chore and the added stress in our lives is helped so much by a coolkie or chips!

Eona, thanks so much with the info about the packets. I have really learned more from reading all the old posts then I did in my first visit. I certainly think that the doc's assistants need more training.

I weigh in at 1. I weighed once at home on the 3rd day, but restrained from weighing again. I am going to wear the same clothes as first time!

Please keep us in your prayers. Hubby gets a CAT scan tomorrow and I am hoping that the new drug is working. He had a bad night because of a bad cold that he came down with Friday. Have no idea where he caught it--probably from the doc's office!! Can't win for losing!

I don't mind the eggs-but cooking them just about ruins my expensive non-stick pan. I tried real low heat today-but they still stuck. Anyone have a better technique!!!

Thanks Maggie! I hope all goes well for your hubby tomorrow.

Originally Posted by 20bydec:
Just a few questions - if you split 2 of the IP protein packets (like in your stuffed crepes, do they only count as 1 packet? I'm still learning.

How about sugar free jello - can we have that?

I think it's a "no" on the SF jello. Stick to the IP Raspberry Jelly (actually pretty good).

I think if you could accurately measure the powder in a packet, and use half of it, it would count as a half packet. And two half packets would count as 1 packet.

I really like the combo of the 1/2 crepe with 1/2 pudding - very satisfying with different textures. And it's only a half of a restricted item! It's good enough you feel like you're cheating! :devil:

Thanks torchlaker - I've tried some raspberry sugar free davinci syrup in the lemon helped a bit. It took a while to figure out what the flavor reminded me of. My husband was sure it was "pledge', but it really is lemon pez.

Those Walden Farms products are so hit or miss. I think the problem for me is that the first couple that I tried were good - pancake syrup, chocolate syrup, and honey bbq sauce. Then I went and bought everything I could find. I was so excited to get those dips thinking I could dip raw broccoli and cauliflower for my lunch veggies rather than have more steamed broccoli. Then I tried them. They are unlike any found product I have had - in fact the closest comparison for the Blue Cheese Dip is paint.

I think I saw someone say the dressing "mists" were OK to use. I may check those out.

Originally Posted by OnceAndForAll:
Hi, I'm new to the IP diet. I'm on day 4 today. I just have a few questions though. I ran out of greens yesterday and haven't been able to go shopping. Is it bad if my lettuce is the only thing I'm not getting?

Another question for down the road... I only have about 20 lbs to lose. I'm worried about loose skin. Has anyone here dealt with loose skin issues, and if so, what did you do?

I'm going through feelings of "is this really going to work?" Can someone help get me out of that mind set? It's too early to be feeling that way! I haven't cheated, so i'm doing good in that department!

TIA!

Drink the cranberry, pomegrante, blueberry drink and/or eat the raspberry jelly. Both have beef collagen which will help with the worry of loose skin.

its funny reading peoples opinions on the WF products and their comparisons to the real thing! i have had more misses, than hits with the products, but we do not have the selections that other people are speaking of. as i mentioned earlier, i threw the ranch out, i knew i would never eat it again. the jelly is ok, the peanut butter may end up where the ranch went. the honey dijon i can handle mixed with real mustard, but the bbq sauce i actually enjoy. so 1 in 5 i am happy with. so i am done with those products, except will buy the bbq sauce. i am not wanting to bash thier products, but seriously they have a taste that i cannot endure. it actually hurts my process on the diet, so i am sticking to homemade dressings. lots of lemon juice ....i have not tried their chocolate or maple syrups, because the odd time i have a sweet craving i can usually appease it with the choc drinks, or the butterscotch pudding. i really like the butterscotch, much better than the other puddings!

My coach recommended the daVinci syrups. They're carb-free and are sweetened with Splenda. I also find the WF sweet stuff good, i.e. chocolate syrup - have been using it in my coffee, since I'm a "Mocha-latte" drinker.

As far as likes & dislikes go: LOVE the crepes-the closest thing to "real" food they have; Like the puddings and chicken soup. I like my soup creamy, so that works for me. I HATE all of the fruity drinks-think the flavors are just not compatible with the protein they use. Love the chocolate-covered soy crisps, but since I eat crepes every day, I can't have another "restricted" packet. Only tried 1 bar, but again, as they are restricted, not giving up my crepes!

I have had NO problems with "things not moving". I am eating more vegetables than I ever have before in my life, and if anything my colon is wondering what the h*ll has hit it. LOL

I wouldn't think that someone with only 20# to lose would have a skin issue. I've lost 20-25 pounds in the past and had no problems. (I have always been an avid body-lotioner, so that has probably helped) As I have about 100# to lose, I'm afraid it will be an issue. Might have to get over my "jello is for when you're sick" mentality. I know that when I lose weight, I will look older. It's inevitable. People always tell me I look much younger than my 45 years, and I always say, fat fills in the wrinkles quite nicely!

I go to my second check-in tonight. According to the scale at home, I've lost another 4# this week, making 8 total in 2 weeks. ( and I've cheated with meat and cheese. SSSHHHHHH!!!!)