I understand completely where they are coming from, but knowing what I know it does make me consider dumping the program entirely and just going with the cheaper products. Let's face it. If I used the AES shakes instead of the IP packets and still took my supplements (which I bought at GNC and not through my clinic), I don't believe I would see any difference at all in the loss. I won't do that out of principle, but it is very tempting -- espeically with the amount of weight I have to lose.

I appreciate the feedback. :)

Aloha all,
Had an interesting tip today. Maybe someone already posted somewhere else..??? Anyway, I heard that a place that sells cake decorating supplies will also sell BUTTER EXTRACT!! Which is just like an extract you would use on the program and totally legal! I really liked that tip. The client my coach got it from, is a cake decorator and gave it a try & reports it is great!Aloha

Originally Posted by salesgod:
I'm just over a third of the way to my goal. I have a lot more to lose. So do I lump it, pay the cost, and just be happy with the new me? Or do I break it to them that I'd rather have AES for breakfast? What would you all do?

Wow! Congrats on your weight loss success!

I'm always interested in IP alternative products (for cost). Following a recent TV news story, now I'm concerned with whey product safety, some of my favorite brands being suspect for too high cadmium - lead, arsenic, mercury - to be safe for daily consumption of 3 servings. You can see some posts in this week's IP chat by searching "whey". Consumer Reports did the research on protein products. Just an FYI.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/tulip-...3/142/150/.png

I am subscribed to this thread and enjoy reading the post. There is a lot of information on here that is helpful. I am doing a 'true' alternative program, meaning that I have never been to a coach and have used a minimum of IP products (my sister has given me three to try). I first saw my sister using the program and the great results she was getting (traditional IP). Since I live a distance from her, I called IP and asked about products since there was no center near me. They gave me a password etc. to sign in to their website. I was able to read all the information and realizing the cost would be prohibitive for me (two kids in college:dizzy:) I found products with similar nutrition and began using them. Since the end of April I have now lost 23 pounds and could not be happier. I use EAS protein powder, EAS pre-mix shakes and Pure Protein bars. I eat a lot of lettuce :D use the olive oil and eat a meat at evening meal. I have ordered a few of the Lindora products, but use them only on special occasions or when the cravings are bad. It is a great way of eating for me and I enjoy seeing the scale work at pretty steady loss.
I know that others have struggled with doing both and being truthful with their coach. This is a very personal decision that needs to be made with what will work best for you.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful 4th of July. For those not in the USA, have a great weekend!
thanks for listening and keep up the good info sharing!
wen

Originally Posted by ratfancy:
Wow! Congrats on your weight loss success!

I'm always interested in IP alternative products (for cost). Following a recent TV news story, now I'm concerned with whey product safety, some of my favorite brands being suspect for too high cadmium - lead, arsenic, mercury - to be safe for daily consumption of 3 servings. You can see some posts in this week's IP chat by searching "whey". Consumer Reports did the research on protein products. Just an FYI.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/tulip-...3/142/150/.png

WOW! just bought a can of the pure protein "frosty chocolate" powder shake mix, let me tell you, SOOOOO GOOD, i will most likely be phasing off of ideal protein foods very soon and going to alternatives like pure protein shakes and supreme protein bars to finish off my last few pounds. i'm happy to have found this!

Originally Posted by mamaerinb:
WOW! just bought a can of the pure protein "frosty chocolate" powder shake mix, let me tell you, SOOOOO GOOD, i will most likely be phasing off of ideal protein foods very soon and going to alternatives like pure protein shakes and supreme protein bars to finish off my last few pounds. i'm happy to have found this!

Pure Protein is awesome. It is very comparable to the IP products. I also use their bars....peanut butter has lowest carbs.
Great job.....you have done AWESOME!:)

Has any one used the Atkins bars that are only 2 or 3 net carbs? I am just starting an IP plan and don't know what the objection to these would be. Thanks!

Originally Posted by CheeseCake4me:
Has any one used the Atkins bars that are only 2 or 3 net carbs? I am just starting an IP plan and don't know what the objection to these would be. Thanks!

I'm thinking IP doesn't subscribe to the net carb language. I think that's because net carbs may have calories, however they don't necessarily impact blood sugar that much. Net carbs is a rather invented concept, and there is no standard definition. I think it mostly is there to sell products and make people think they are getting away with something. IP products are low in calories as well as very low in carbs - so they work dependably.

I just tried the AES shakes and they were good. At less than $5 for four, I will use those in place of IP ready made that are $5 a piece. I don't use them often - one or two times a week. But a savings is savings.

Betty

Originally Posted by LettucePray:
Hi kids, not sure where to say my "hellos" i started the diet this morning...so far i've found it......lumpy. LOL someone should mention "take a whisk to work". :)

I use blender bottles when on the go. They have measuring on the side so you can add you water, then your packet, shake and drink! I take one to yoga class so that I can have a packet right after. :)

http://www.blenderbottle.com/

Has anyone tried the Isofemme products? I just spotted them today at the grocery store. I think they may be comparable.

http://www.isofemme.com/


I've been doing strict IP since May. I will be in phase 4 by the end of this week so that I can go on vacation and not be too restricted. I was planning to get back to strict IP after my vacation but it seems alot of you are just as successful with alternative products. That would be relief on my wallet.

I would love to hear from you experts about your thoughts on Isofemme. Thanks.

Originally Posted by maryannb:
I would like to add...

EAS Advantage Edge Carb control ready to drink Shake (choc, vanilla, strawberry, choc fudge). Same protein source as IP's RTD shakes, 1 or 2 g sugar, less carbs, more protein,(from their site) " AdvantEDGE Carb Control shakes have 17 grams of high-quality protein, and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Drink an AdvantEDGE Carb Control Shake as a snack or beverage option."

Walmart has them 4/$5.

I have made 1/2 cup decaf coffee, warmed up the shake van or choc(low in microwave or low on the stove) and mixed together for a 'cappacino' like very filling drink!
Great for the mornings I am on the run (esp Sunday with church). Also a nice drink to warm up for those cold winter evenings!

Ditto - very helpful!

Does anyone know what the Pure Protein powders are sweetened with (not the 100% natural ones, which I know are sweetened with Stevia)? The 1 lb. canister of vanilla says sucralose, but the 2 lb. one doesn't seem to list anything. I would assume they are both the same, but they have different nutritional info (different calorie and carb amounts, etc.). These are the ingredients on the 2 lb. canister:

Protein Blend (Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate [which contains Beta-lactoglobulin, Alpha-lactalbumin and Glycomacropeptides], Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Cellulose Gum, Soy Lecithin, Xanthan Gum,Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Acesulfame Potassium.

Maybe I'm being dense, but I can't figure it out. :?:

Also, they have more calories, fat, and considerably more cholesterol than similar IP packets. Is that something to be concerned about, or should I only worry about carbs and protein?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Acesulfame Potassium - artificial sweetener
 

Originally Posted by kplus80:
Does anyone know what the Pure Protein powders are sweetened with (not the 100% natural ones, which I know are sweetened with Stevia)? The 1 lb. canister of vanilla says sucralose, but the 2 lb. one doesn't seem to list anything. I would assume they are both the same, but they have different nutritional info (different calorie and carb amounts, etc.). These are the ingredients on the 2 lb. canister:

Protein Blend (Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate [which contains Beta-lactoglobulin, Alpha-lactalbumin and Glycomacropeptides], Microfiltered Whey Protein Isolate), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Cellulose Gum, Soy Lecithin, Xanthan Gum,Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Acesulfame Potassium.

Maybe I'm being dense, but I can't figure it out. :?:

You're not dense kplus80; the manufacturer is being obtuse and covert. Acesulfame Potassium is the sweetener. If you look on any of the IP drinks and several of the puddings, you'll see acesulfame potassium. It's also known as Acesulfame K and Ace K.

Originally Posted by lcw32:
You're not dense kplus80; the manufacturer is being obtuse and covert. Acesulfame Potassium is the sweetener. If you look on any of the IP drinks and several of the puddings, you'll see acesulfame potassium. It's also known as Acesulfame K and Ace K.

Hmm.. that's interesting. Had no idea - thank you!