I just signed up with IP last night and plan to start on Monday. My coach flew through the plan and I have a few newbie questions.

1. The IP Shaker - can you microwave it? or is it strictly to mix?

2. Chocolate Shakes - i bought 7 packs of them and plan to drink them for breakfast. What's the best way to prepare them? Blend with ice?

3. Canned Foods - I noticed a few recipes on this site had Rotel tomatoes and I wasn't sure if canned veggies were off limits.

Thanks so much. I'm kind of nervous, but I'm preparing myself for Monday as best I can.

Well, sure, you're a little nervous. But excited, too, I hope. This is a great adventure and you've got a lot of like-minded people backing you up. Best advice, don't do anything silly like binge or over-indulge in a "last supper" mentality, especially on carbs.

1. Most plastics don't do well in the microwave or, secondarily, in you. Please don't melt the shaker.

2. Chocolate shakes. you can prepare them any way you like: double the water; regular water, add ice, and blend; add a drop of vanilla or a coupe of shakes of cinnamon. As you read through the threads as background, and that really is a must if you want to develop some depth in your understanding of the program that your coach whizzed through, you'll find lots of suggestions. And for vegetables, etc., go directly to the 2 recipe stickies. But, and this is my personal preference, next week buy the chocolate puddings instead of the shakes. They have far fewer carbs and they taste better (in my opinion) mixed with 16 oz of cold water to make a shake.

3. Canned vegetables are never preferable over fresh picked or fresh picked and immediately frozen, and you're in a location where you should be able to get stuff that isn't flown in from Peru, or Mexico, or Northern Africa -- which immediately dates it. And you also reveal your location by recognizing Rotel (). I'll admit the brand is good but you aren't allowed tomatoes except on rare occasions and in quantities that don't merit opening a can. That recipe you read was for Phases 3 and 4.

Hope this helps and WELCOME. To get a better readership and more responses, try posting in the Daily thread.

I'm just starting my 3rd week - so I relate to your nervousness.

I agree with not microwaving the shaker. It probably won't melt - but after reading about xenoestrogens and plastics I have moved completely away from plastics. I use glass bowls instead. Except for my new BPH free water bottle.

I have a choc shake every morning for breakfast too. I use to use protein shakes prior to IP but find IP shakes taste MUCH better. This past week I had the RTD ones - put them in my water bottle, with ice; add a little water, added 1 pack of TruVia, 1 capful of DaVinci SF carmel and maybe a drop or two of liquid Splenda (I like it sweet). It is delicious!

I'll have to try the pudding as a shake. I didn't like it as a pudding b/c it wasn't chocolaty enough for me.

First -- Welcome to the program -- I understand the nerves -- I have been on the program 3 weeks. My advice is to be prepared and to be aware - the more prepared the less likely you will revert to bad habits (like mindless eating) also know that the first 4-7 days can be rough --but hang in there it will be worth it I promise (and I am the queen skeptic) to answer your questions

Microwaving plastic is a bad idea not just because it melts but because microwaving plastic causes a leaching of chemicals the mess with hormones (see xenoestrogens and plastics)

I like the chocolate shakes better then the puddings - unfortunately the new Milk Chocolate pudding has 7 carbs and it has a weak chocolate flavor - for 9 carbs you get the chocolate shake and it has a good chocolate flavor. I make my chocolate shake - pour it in a sauce pan and heat it - then I add it to 2-3 shots of espresso it is like a mocha (I sometimes add pepermint extract to the chocolate or a dash or 6 or cinnamon). I have also done this by making the shake - adding ice and adding my esspresso shots for a mochachino drink -- this is typically my morning breakfast. I also like the chocolate and vanilla RTDs (ready to drink) -- they both have less carbs then the Chocolate Shake and the Milk Chocolate pudding

I concur with Linden - canned vegetables are not encouraged and tomatoes are restricted (which sucks because I LOVE tomatoes -- I have only had them 1 since I started and that was in a 1/4 cup of salsa)

In the daily chat for today - Jan 27 -- there is a whole bunch of discussion on grocery lists in preparation for IP --you might want to check it out (some of the more seasoned IP are giving what they buy at the grocery store -- this is a big help)

Good luck -- keep posting and keep asking - this group has been a life line for me and has helped me stay positive and motivated

Too late! I've been binging on carbs like a crazy person. i'll be lucky if i don't gain 5 pounds before i start. i keep telling myself "eat it now cuz you won't have it for the next 6 months". not a good mindset to have, i know.

Thanks for the tips ladies. for my first shake i think i'll blend it with ice and add some splenda.

and yes i do give away my location by mentioning Rotel. us Louisiana gals LOVE our Rotel!

I have been on IP since Jan 10th. so I am still new.

I heat my shaker up in the microwave every heated packet even leaving the blender ball in there. I have had no issues. Just DO NOT HEAT WITH THE LID ON. If you have the lid on and heat, the shaker can explode/pop and burn you and create a huge mess. Even be very cautious when shaking a heated packet, shake and open the top quickly.

I use all fresh and occasional frozen veggies. No canned.

I never really liked any of the chocolate anythings so far except cappuccino. Not one of the puddings was ok to me. I mostly have cappuccino, chicken soup, blueberry drink, orange drink as my staples. I am also staying away from restricteds so I do not treat those as snacks.n Just a personal choice.

I had a weekend of last suppers! I say enjoy what you want before you start, just don't overdo it. You will be fine.

Even as a newbie, I have found wonderful ways to prepare my veggies for myself and family even my children like them for the most part. You have to make the diet interesting to break up the routine. Try things you have not. You may or may not like them. Search the recipe threads, experiment on your own.

You will do great. Good luck.

Welcome to the best diet EVER!! I've been on IP since January 5th. I feel like I've learned a lot about the program, but I learn new things everyday from these posts. This is an awesome place to ask questions and express feelings. We're all trying to accomplish the same goal!! We can do it together! Good luck and enjoy your last 3 days of carbs!!

Welcome! I'm from Ascension Parish and am loving IP! I've had to regulate my Tony's, but that's ok.

Don't microwave the shaker...I tried and had to buy a new one because it smelled funny afterwards. I love the chocolate puddings made into shakes, and especially mixed with half (COLD) coffee and half water, then microwaved in my favorite mug. Yum! I add stevia and sugar-free caramel or hazelnut syrup.

I used a can of Rotel in a shrimp soup I made for the family. I ate the shrimp, some of the broth, and had my roasted veggies and a salad on the side. Tomatoes are acidic, so watch that!

I've used few canned items and mostly stuck with fresh. I plan on going to the Farmer's Market in downtown BR tomorrow, to stock up.

Fish and shrimp are great options here, since we can get them so fresh, but watch the sodium, or you'll bloat a bit. I make up for it by adding more water.

Again, welcome, and good luck!

Oh, and being nervous is fine, but don't talk yourself out of it... this is seriously one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. This board is a huge part of my success so far. At first it's hard and it sucks, but after a few days, you'll be on a roll! As we say, Laissez les bons temps rouler, Geaux Tigers, and Who Dat!

Welcome! I am just starting my 3rd week tomorrow. The best advice I can give is for the first few weeks, stick to the protocol 100%, take the time to read both recipe threads, the FAQ thread, and the tips for newbies thread. It is time consuming, but you will gain a ton in knowledge and what to expect from your body and the diet. Many of your questions will be answered in those threads. Once you are comfortable with the plan, feel free to liven it up a bit by trying some of those recipes. I myself tried the big mac recipe and utilizing portabello mushroom caps sliced in place of a bun for a turkey burger!

From one cajun gal to another, I say WELCOME!

IP is awesome. The first week for me was awful, I'll admit. Going through my carbs and Diet Coke detox wasn't fun. But, after that first week, it was easy peasey! I can cook pasta for my family and I no longer crave it. Weird but true.

I'm not a fan of Rotel, but I cook smothered okra, onion and rotel for my husband. He lost 16 pounds in his first 2 weeks. Tomatoes are an occasional veggie, no more than twice a week.

As for other canned veggies, like the occasional green beans, I suggest that you rinse them to remove any excess salt first.


I have mixed the chocolate drinks with ice in a blender, but mostly I just use the shaker. One mishap with the top on the blender was all it took.

I don't microwave my drinks; I prefer them cold.

thank you all for the warm welcome and all the tips. i have a feeling i'll be reading the threads on this site all weekend.

i am so ready for a change. i've done every diet in the book and have always gained everything back plus more.

The night i signed up for IP, I saw a lady in there that had to be almost 70 years old. If she can do it so can I!

Do you like coffee? I make a large cup of coffee (I'm a Keurig user so there are 3 sizes) the night before and mix that with my chocolate shake in the morning and it's DELICIOUS! I sort of crave them now....

Don't worry about this! I did the exact same thing. I went out to all may favorite resturants and ate all my favorite "naughty" foods before I started!

I did too - I started the day with a fabulous chicken fried steak and the best country gravy known to man. I finished the day with chicken carbonara and amazing chocolate cake. Day 1 SUCKED. But you'll survive!

I started on Sunday and have to say that on day 2 I feel MUCH better! Had terrible headache yesterday and drank the suggested salt water, and it worked! This msg board has been a great resource. Good luck!