Doing it on my own???
 

Hi Everyone! I'm in my 7th week of IP and have lost 20lbs!!! It's so exciting to see it fall off. My problem is I'm seriously going broke trying to afford the packets. Last night I was talking my sister who is in a different state. She doesn't have an IP clinic anywhere near her so I was helping her find the food online. I was so shocked! Right now I'm paying $4.05 per packet plus all the price of the fresh produce. I could be buying the EXACT same packets online for only $1.70!!! We really don't have any extra money but were trying to do this for because I know my health is important. Now I find out it could be 1/3 of the cost.
Do you think it's possible to do this diet just as well on your own?:?:

There are a lot of people that use alternative products and have success. I do buy from my clinic but supplement from time to time with alternative products. I am phasing off right now, but when I start phase I somewhere around fall I plan on doing it own my own for about 1/3 of the cost. Good Luck to you.

I am doing this on my own. I haven't even stepped into an IP clinic. I have reasearched enough to understand the process. GL with whatever you decide.

I agree. I use alternative products from my area and I order from Nashua Nutrition and I feel like I'm doing OK. Beyond the products, do you feel like you need to see someone in person for accountability?

I have done it successfully on my own....you have to be motivated and educated. READ. Read. read. Know everything, and if you don't know it, ask. Truly these 3FC folks are the best darn coaches you will find. Just make sure you stay motivated. Many a "dieter" have tried IP...but remember, this is not a diet, it is a way of life! Good luck!

Thanks for the quick resonses! I have been on this site since week 2 and honestly have learned more here then from my "coach". I also am one of those people who are obessed with weighing. I have my own scale that I know is 2 lbs off but I do keep track so I know what the loss will be every week anyway. I also have a friend that's doing it with me. With the money difference, I really can't think of a reason to stay at the clinic.
Thanks guys! You're right Wyoangel. The great people on this site are the best coaches!

I had a relative do the IP program and they lost a lot of weight...they look amazing. I researched and found out quickly that I could not afford the online products (350-400/mo) nor could I afford to take time off work each week to go to a clinic to weigh in. My employer just let 550 people go, and I really need my job. I have lost 7 lbs. in 9 days. I am feeling so much better both physically and emotionally. Good luck. YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.

Which of the product lines that they carry are the closest to IP?

MOvingon: What products do you buy from Nashua? Are there any particularly good or that follow IP program well?

I started IP in the fall, but quickly found the cost very high and other things my family enjoys would have to go if I continued....but I didn't want to quit the IP concept and protocol, so ventured out with my brain, food labels, THIS WEBSITE, and lots of research! I order from Nashua as well. I love the puddings, the shakes, the soy puffs and the bars. I get Premier Nutrition shakes (RTD) from Costco and they're awesome! I buy Pure Protein bars when I can find them. I am constantly on the look out for a new great bar or shake, and read food labels constantly! Print off the spreadsheets found on the alternatives thread and you'll find lots of alternatives to the IP packets, but use the IP concept. Good luck!

There is nothing special about an IP packet dispite the marketing claims. You can definately do it on your own. You could even look into an alternative program that in my opinion is much better. The IP diet is just one form on a PSMF. Another version I think is better is Lyle Mcdonalds Rapid Fat Loss.

I also order from Nashua Nutrition. Even with shipping to Canada (shipping is free in the US on orders over $99), exchange rate AND duty, it works out to $12.50 a box for me. On their site, I order from the ProtiDiet (love their liquid concentrate juices... nice change from powder), Healthsmart (LOVE LOVE LOVE their mint hot chocolate!!), Protein Wealth and ProtiThin (the bars and soy puffs are the exact same as IP, even down to the same packaging!)

Just be careful because some of the items within these categories have a lot of carbs so they would be considered off protocol. I have a friend I order for as well and she loves the maple oatmeal. I believe it's under the Healthsmart section.

I have been ordering from there for a long time as well as using the Premier Nutrition Protein RTD shakes from costco. Really helps keep my costs down. Costs me about $35 a week. Almost like getting three weeks for the price of one!

UPDATE: I no longer have the list. Sorry. The alternatives thread is great!!

Good luck!! I have typed a list of the items on nashua nutrition's site that I have checked and are the most comparable to IP for my friend if you would be interested in it. :)

Also, my Mom and two sisters have been following the IP protocol but only using these alternative products and have done great. My mom has lost over 40 lbs already!!

Yup to everything she said. ;)
I use the Premiere RTDs, I also buy Detour bars at Costco- which are too yummy, I might add. I buy all of the ProtiThin soy snacks from Nashua- exect for regular soy nuts which can be bought nearly anywhere. I order the ProtiDiet chocolate pudding, chicken noodle soup, and mushroom soup, as well as plain pancakes and I should be getting my first box of oatmeal from them today...
I eat 1 whole egg + 2 egg whites 6/7 mornings for breakfast and use the pancakes for a weekend treat. I spend about $100 every 3 weeks on special food, but it's a lot less expensive than the real IP and I'm happy with my loss so far.
There are some great spreadsheets for comparison of different products. I just copied the IP product info sheet and find items as close to those as possible. Nothing has over 18g of carbs (which are restricted to 1 per day) and be careful with the sugar subs in the ingredient lists.
The alternative products thread has an immense amount of info! I know it's an overwhelming read, but it's worth going through if you haven't yet.

Hi ShrinkingSusie! I too use the Premier shakes from Costco. I love 'em! They're also 30 grams of protein, which I think is wonderful.

I am not familiar with the products from Nashua Nutrition and would appreciate a copy. Do you know if it's permissable to upload a copy to this group? I'm not sure how to send you my email address.

I tried to send you a private message but it wouldn't let me... try sending me one with your email address. :)

Here you go, Browneyes47:

www(dot)nashuanutrition(dot)com/store/index(dot)php?dispatch=product_features(dot)view&v ariant_id=15

Just copy and paste the above url and replace the (dot) with an actual dot :)

BTW ...

- Free shipping for orders over $99.

- If your order is over $150, you qualify to receive a FREE Nashua Nutrition Shaker. You just have to add a note requesting it during checkout.

- And they ALWAYS include at least 3 free samples packets of other products for you to taste.

Some of my faves:
- Jug of oatmeal, $24.95 (for less than the price of one 7-packet IP meal, you get 20 servings!!!) Heck, that pretty much applies to all the jugs you buy with them (lemonade, 24 servings, and hot cocoa, 21 servings) / 6grams carbs - not considered a restricted meal at all, unlike the IP oatmeal.
- Chocolate Dream bars, $10.95, only 6grams of carbs (unlike IP chocolate bars that are restricted meals)
- Pancakes, $10.95, 6 grams carbs
- Omelets, $10.95, 2 grams carbs
- and Chicken soup, $10.95, 2 grams carbs

For shakes, I use the EAS Whey Protein chocolate from Sam's and the occasional Pure Protein peanut butter bars 2x/week.

As a matter of fact, I'm ordering the above now. Enjoy!

P.S.

Chocolate Dream bars taste a lot like Nestle Crunch (with crisps).

I agree with angelonadiet the IP food is rather expensive, I have been wondering also if there was something cheaper out there that I could use and achieve the same result's.

Thanks to Shrinkingsusie I will be definately be considering ordering some of the products that you have metnioned in your posts. Prices seem good and the shipping from the states to Canada isn't too bad either. With the Dollar pertty much on par now I think this would be a good investmet. I would like to read you list also susie.

Shrinkingsusie, would you mind sending that to me too please? I'm looking at trying to do this cheaper too. I appreciate your help!

If anyone wants the list, please send me a private message with your e-mail address and I will send it to you. :) I'm not sure if I am allowed to post it on here.

Some of the Protidiet products I order from Nashua Nutrition that I really like are:

chocolate pudding
vanilla pudding
chicken noodle flavor soup
vegetable beef flavor soup
liquid concentrates (grape and orange)

I have also ordered some of these products from diet direct dot com. I like to read the customer reviews for the products before I decide what to buy. I only order things that get "rave reviews".

I would love to hear what you think of other Protidiet products like pancakes, omelets, and oatmeal. I have been afraid to try them......not sure how good they are. :)

That is a very comprehensive e book. I like his maintenance plan...

I'm new here - How do I send a private message? I would like to get the list from shrinkingsusie. Thanks

Hi All,

I too started out with just IP products and was having great weight loss but started ordering things from Nashua Nutrition. The bars and chocolate soy puffs are exactly the same, the maple oatmeal isn't quite as tasty as IP, but it also has only 6 g of carb compared to IP's 18. I get soy nuts there too - also 6 g of carb instead of 18. The Healthsmart Hot Chocolate (with splenda) is just delicious - I have it every night before bed - with a little Green and Black's organic unsweetened cocoa powder added to it. I have yet to try the pancakes, but they've sent me a ton of samples to try. I am no longer going to my coaches, and I lost 5 lbs. this week. It is possible to do this on your own and for less money.

I agree on the cost of the IP products...good to kickstart the program but I was going broke trying various products (and some I am not so crazy about so I have six unused packets...) and was delighted to discover Nashua Nutrition. The only thing I cannot find - my favourite IP product - is the ready made chocolate and vanilla puddings - if anyone knows where you can find an alternate please advise.
Thanks, Stell

I just placed my first order from nashaunutrition.com! 2 weeks of packets for 75.00!!! WOOHOO!

I also had my last weigh in with my IP coach this morning and and bought enough packets to last until my order gets in. I told I couldn't afford her anymore and I wouldn't be buying anymore food. She was actually very nice about it. She said she totally understood. She couldn't afford the food herself if she didn't work there. I won't be able to go there anymore for weigh ins because the the offical policy but she gave me her personal cell number if I ever had a questions or needed a boost. I thought that was extremely nice of her.

I LOVE saving money:D

That was really nice and understanding of your coach!

I see this is an old thread but was wondering if anyone could send me the comparison sheet for IP vs Nashua.

Can you tell me where you buy the packets on line for $1.70 please? I pay $4.00/packet....it's very expensive. I pay almost $100.00/week. I want to stay with the diet...but I'm not a rich person :-(

Nashua Nutrition is a really good site.. they also give you free samples with your order :]

I buy zero carb whey protein from Netrition.com is 22.00 for 32 servings

I "went rogue" almost 7 weeks ago and here is a partial list of the alternatives I buy from Nashua Nutrition:
Chocolate pudding (YUMMY!)
Vanilla pudding (DH loves it)
Chicken Noodle flavor soup (YUMMY!)
Vegetable Beef flavor soup (YUMMY!)
Bacon Cheese Omelet (YUMMY!)
Spaghettini (DH really loves this stuff)
Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal (YUMMY!!)
Chocolate Shake (YUMMY!)
Pink Lemonade liquid concentrate (really good with lots of ice)
Fruit Punch liquid concentrate (very good)
Wild Berry liquid concentrate (very good)
Peach Mango liquid concentrate (very good)
Health Smart Carmel Crunch bars (OMG..to die for!!)

My weight loss has not slowed down one bit since switching from IP products (that was my main concern). There is no way both my husband and I could afford to do this on IP products, but buying our stuff from Nashua Nutrition, we are doing. He has lost 25 lbs in 5 weeks.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do

Yes you can do the diet on your own! from day one I have done this diet on my own (with the help of the wonderful ladies on this site)

it all comes down to being motivated enough by yourself to stick with it. I myself have been in a slump for the past 3 weeks -- gained & lost the same two pounds - stuck with it and this morning I am down 2.8 lbs from my lowest weight.

I too use the Premier Protein shakes from Costco - the chocolate is amazing!

I have done this myself, too. Never stepped foot into an IP clinic. I read and read and read to make sure I am understanding everything correctly. I'm 8 weeks in and will probably be looking for more variation as I continue on longer, but right now I get by with buying nothing from Nashua, etc.

I use the EAS Carb Advantage RTD for breakfast and nighttime snack. I use a Pure Protein PB bar for my restricted at lunch and the rest is real food. I have been losing just fine this way.

I do, however, invest in all the supplements from PlainProtein. I know those are important and very specific and I figure if I am saving all this on food, I can spring for the supplements. It brings me security to know that I am getting the exact right supplements as they are so important.

Oh, and I did treat myself to a few Walden Farms items: BBQ sauce, mayo, and individual salad dressing packets for when I am out to eat. I also buy the WF salad dressing at the grocery store.

You can do it! Good luck.

Protidiet vs IP cost !!!!
 

I will be switching to do it on my own in the next couple weeks. My coach is a nice gal, but way too expensive.. This site is amazing with all the help and information! thanks and will be chatting with you to give you progress. :hug:

I'm also doing all alternatives on my own. 3FC is fabulous for info. I'm 8 weeks in and come to this site many times a day. It is a lifesaver for me regarding info and motivation. This is the first time in 15 years that I have stuck to a diet this long. I also feel that I'm in the right "Brain" place to get it done. That has always been the battle for me.

I order from Diet Direct since they have free shipping on orders over $49.

Also, The Premier Protein Chocolate shakes are incredible. I have one every morning. :)

Wow. Good for you! That's an incredible amount of discipline and I hope you are enjoying your success. :flow2::flow2:

I like teraswhey. You can buy it on amazon. It is sweetened with stevia and a very smooth protein shake. :)