I think many of us hated our 1st packet too, mine was the Lemon Pledge er I mean lemon Pudding. But after a week you'll find they are not so bad. Take your time, keep a positive attitude and remember it's not forever.

clowngirl - welcome. Takes a bit of time to get use to things. There are so many people with great ideas on how to make the packets more palatable. I would not of made it without reading the boards here, so I finally joined in this week. I agree that having them very cold is helpful. The peach mango was terrible at first - now I mix it with vanilla. I find combining the different packets makes some great drinks - then you can add flavored stevia, extracts, spices. The WF products I find overly sweet and chemically. Everyone is different in their choices. Have fun with it!

I will be starting IP Diet on Monday!
 

I am extremely grateful to the wonderful women and men doing this diet. You have helped me a lot understand how this weight loss program works. I will be doing this on my own and I have a few questions:

1. I cannot eat anything with soy. What would be your recommendations for me to buy for Phase 1?

2. Is it okay to substitute Jay Robb Whey Protein drink for IP protein drink?

3. Since IP products are pretty costly, can I opt for GNC's Jello in place of IP jello?

4. Can I substitute 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg for IP's omelette?

Thank you!

I hated my first packet too!! The Wildberry Yogurt drink, it made me want to puke the entire day, yuck! I tried it a couple weeks after and still couldn't stomach it. I personally also hate making drinks out of the pudding packets and a lot of people love that so it really is just individual taste! Start out with different recipes early (I LOOOOVE the turnip fries and actually missed them when I went off program) instead of getting burnt out on steamed broccoli or salad. You'll do fine, you'll be amazed with your results and it will all be worth it!

Originally Posted by Allura Beatu:
I am extremely grateful to the wonderful women and men doing this diet. You have helped me a lot understand how this weight loss program works. I will be doing this on my own and I have a few questions:

1. I cannot eat anything with soy. What would be your recommendations for me to buy for Phase 1?

2. Is it okay to substitute Jay Robb Whey Protein drink for IP protein drink?

3. Since IP products are pretty costly, can I opt for GNC's Jello in place of IP jello?

4. Can I substitute 2 egg whites and 1 whole egg for IP's omelette?

Thank you!

I know you're thinking that it's too expensive (sticker shock!), but in my opinion, it's better to spend the money and buy the products rather than going with alternatives. IP works, and it works because of the system they've built. I'm not saying you can't be successful using alternatives, but the results aren't always the same or come as quickly. It really is worth biting the bullet and doing it the right way (it's only a matter of MONTHS!) to get the best result possible!! Again, just my opinion :)

Tips & Ideas
 

For those looking for recipes to help start, try

http://www.facebook.com/idealproteinlohja

This was created specifically for easy recipes (with pix) for Phase 1 Ideal Protein.

If you don't like the shakes or puddings, but have packets left, there are many things you can do to improve the taste.

1. Flavor Extracts: Add 1 tsp of extract such as peppermint, almond, rum, vanilla, or a variety of the Torani/ Da Vinci Sugar-Free syrups. Sometimes a splash of flavor can transform something just ok into something you crave.

2. Sweetener (Splenda/ Truvia/ etc): For the puddings, I often make them into shakes (using up to 2 cups of ice cold water + ice) but find that I need to add the sweetener (allowance from morning coffee) to help perk up the flavor. This was especially important at the beginning of the diet when I was weaning myself off mega-carbs and sugar. The extra water also helps to balance the flavors as well as increasing your portion. I use a blender.

3. Mix & Match: When making the fruit flavored shakes alone in a blender, they foam like crazy. (I like this for evening so I feel fuller). But if you arent crazy about the foam, but still want a smoothie texture, in a sealable container, mix 1 packet of the fruit flavor (Orange/ Pineapple Banana/ Peach Mango) and 1 packet of vanilla pudding. Pour half into the blender and add water, saving the rest for another meal. The vanilla pudding makes it thicker and gives a subtle body to the fruit flavors so the stark orange tranforms into a Creamy Dreamsicle.

4. Spices: Cinnamon is fantastic for your body and also turns a plain drink into something special. Apple Pie or Pumpkin Pie spice gives almost any drink a warm Autumn flavor. Cardamom (crushed) gives a sweet, nutty exotic flavor. Chili...especially good Indian Chili Powder...gives a great kick... especially to cinnamon chili chocolate shake.

5. Replace your water with herbal tea or coffee. I love using Celestial Seasonings' BENGAL SPICE (cinnamon, cardemom) in place of water for amazing Frappaccinos. The other day I used an herbal Lemon & Ginger Tea with Vanilla IP Pudding and 1 TB of poppy seeds + 1 packet of sweetener for a beautifully subtle lemon poppy seed Frappacino (I think the lemon pudding would have been too strong.)

6. Try it Hot: The chocolate drink warms up gorgeously for a rich cocoa. Friends say that adding hot coffee to the cappucino drink is also lovely. (Or making the vanilla pudding with cold water, then adding it to hot coffee for a dreamy, creamy vanilla Latte.)

7. Straws: If you still have a hard time with the tastes, straws help.

8. Or if you just hate something, there are usually many other alternatives. The raspberry Jelly tastes like real Jell-o (and is great for your skin and nails.) You can mix the raspberry jelly with the puddings (for 2 separate servings) if you dont like the puddings by themselves.

The Ideal Protein diet actually has an enormous range of delicious possibilities... it just might take a little time to find your groove. Check out the recipes also in the DAILY THREAD stickies for other ideas how to hack your packets or find what works for others.

This diet really DOES work...and FAST... so it is well worth digging a little for ideas on how to make it work for you.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by TatiN:
I know you're thinking that it's too expensive (sticker shock!), but in my opinion, it's better to spend the money and buy the products rather than going with alternatives. IP works, and it works because of the system they've built. I'm not saying you can't be successful using alternatives, but the results aren't always the same or come as quickly. It really is worth biting the bullet and doing it the right way (it's only a matter of MONTHS!) to get the best result possible!! Again, just my opinion :)

Thanks TatiN! I decided to follow the IP diet strictly by buying IP products. I am so excited to start tomorrow and not on Monday!

Restricted Protein
 

Did you follow not having restricted protein packets during the first 3 weeks of the diet?

My choices for the first week would be:

Cheese Omelet
Chicken Soup
Jello

Are the above enough to start with?

Progress Photos
 

Thank you for posting photos showing amazing progress in your IP Diet journey.

Making IP Packets Taste Better
 

3. Mix & Match: When making the fruit flavored shakes alone in a blender, they foam like crazy. (I like this for evening so I feel fuller). But if you arent crazy about the foam, but still want a smoothie texture, in a sealable container, mix 1 packet of the fruit flavor (Orange/ Pineapple Banana/ Peach Mango) and 1 packet of vanilla pudding. Pour half into the blender and add water, saving the rest for another meal. The vanilla pudding makes it thicker and gives a subtle body to the fruit flavors so the stark orange tranforms into a Creamy Dreamsicle.

THANK YOU, FinnSteven for this lovely concoction. I will definitely try this.

Originally Posted by TatiN:
I hated my first packet too!! The Wildberry Yogurt drink, it made me want to puke the entire day, yuck! I tried it a couple weeks after and still couldn't stomach it. I personally also hate making drinks out of the pudding packets and a lot of people love that so it really is just individual taste! Start out with different recipes early (I LOOOOVE the turnip fries and actually missed them when I went off program) instead of getting burnt out on steamed broccoli or salad. You'll do fine, you'll be amazed with your results and it will all be worth it!

I already know that Turnip Fries will be a staple veggie dish for me! Do you boil it first to remove the slightly bitter taste that Turnip releases once cooked?

Originally Posted by Endless Dieter:
Welcome New IP's,

Been on three weeks. Only problems with starting program were: 1. Terrible headaches on day 3 & 4 ( have not returned)- adding more salt did help. 2. Pee all the time. 3. Sleep less but not really problem I quess because I still have more energy...

Endless Dieter, I see you changing your name to SUCCESSFUL DIETER! I want to be one too and WE WILL ALL BE!

Originally Posted by Mickeymom:
I like the Orange drink and the mango. i make the shake with extra water, then add ice to keep it cool. I also use a straw, then sip on it during my commute and early morning at work.
That being said, I am enjoying most of the food so maybe my taste buds are less sensitive.
I put the chili in my salad some days to change things up. It is good.
I have added WF Caramel Syrup to the chocolate pudding to change up the "after taste."'
It is a easy program once you get past the first week. Stick with it and you will see success. Best of luck.

What packets did you get for your first week with IP Diet?

Originally Posted by clowngirl:
Thank you guys for all the hints and tricks! It was a rough first day (boy I am already detoxing from the sugar and carbs) but I made it! I kept telling myself all day that I can do this. My vegetables never tasted so good as the ones I had with dinner. I'm going to stay away from the peach mango for now. I can't look at the box without cringing. I am looking forward to getting thru the first week. If I can do that I know I can do anything!

I am so sorry to hear about your rough first day but very encouraged to hear that YOU MADE IT! I needed to hear this as I am starting tomorrow, Friday! It really is a ONE DAY AT A TIME thing and then once the day's hurdle is over, it becomes a WEEKLY KIND OF DEAL with any type of diet.

Welcome!!!! :) You are in good hands here! I don't like many of the non-restricted but like most of the restricted...go figure!!! LOL!

Here are some of my faves:

Powdered Chocolate Drink - I make it into hot chocolate...Delish
Blueberry Cran Granata
Dark Chocolate pudding - I add mint extract and then make hot chocolate
Peanut Butter Soy Puffs
Chocolate Soy Puffs
Salt & Vinegar Ridges

As for dinner...I try to do a lot of fish. I don't really like chicken so it is primarily fish and every now and again either steak or hamburger. I struggle to make the veggies interesting too. I roast broccoli a lot and saute mushrooms. Oh, and I love cucumbers. I slice them up put them in a deep dish with a lid and add apple cider vinegar. Grape tomatoes are awesome too and one package is about 2 C.

Good luck!!!