Starting Today - Help :)
 

Hi everyone- I have been lurking and reading alot of the posts because I finally came to my breaking point of no self control. Lots of my friends have lost a huge amount of weight on IP so I decided to give it a go.
I started today and my first meal was a peach/mango shake. It tasted okay but I had to hold my nose drinking it. Blech! Are any of the items better smelling or should I buy duct tape for my nose ? :) I know someone mentioned a straw so I am heading to the store later for straws and lots of lettuce.
I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

On my first day I had the peach mango shake too, I hated it:barf:
I returned them the next day and got the ready to drink chocolate and vanilla shakes, they were much better. They need to be really cold though.
Congratulations on joinning:) You'll get a ton of support here! :welcome:

A straw will help, it did for me atb least:-) good luck!!!

Clowngirl
I started Monday
the first day I felt horrible and was starving
I am on day three and scale says six pounds
I had ate the house down before I started
I got the puddings for shakes,and will not do That next week
I do not like either of them. Yogurt Berry shake is OK
Love the broccoli soup. Trying chili today hope it us good
The bars also are good. Next week I am doing the pre made
shakes I think. I need new supper recipes though,it is hard
for me because I don't really know how to cook.
I am not going home for Thanksgiving so I can stay on this diet. I am going
to eat at Christmas and enjoy then get right back on
I know I will gain,but better to loose some now than
be that much bigger.

Everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

I don't like the chocolate pudding as a drink as I find it too fake.

I do enjoy the berry yogurt and make it with 300 ml of cold water and then keep it in the fridge or on my desk for at least 1/2 hour before drinking it, it gives it time to thicken and soften the berries. I actually look forward to this as my breakfast

I also enjoy the powdered vanilla pudding with about 300 ml of cold water and drink that as a drink. Lately though I've been making the raspberry jello with extra water - dividing it between to bowls and letting it set in the fridge, then I divide my vanilla pudding between the two and let it sit - I use these as my evening snack and enjoy them. The combination between the jello and pudding is refreshing

Brocolli & cheese soup as well as chicken are not bad and taste much better if you add steamed broccoli & cauliflower to them.

Cheese Omlettes are tasty and I make them the night before and bring them for my lunch, first I quickly fry up some mushrooms, celery and perhaps peppers then remove and add the omlette mix and then cook - it heats up fine in the microwave the next day and is quite filling

Chili & Spaghetti are both good - however just remember if you have a "restrictive" for lunch you can't have a bar or chips for a snack, you'll have to choose something like a drink, pudding or jello

Best of luck, I know I only learned a few things after being on the diet for 7 weeks instead of learning them at the beginning such as:

1) You NEED 3 packets a day (breakfast, lunch & snack), if they say it is up to you to have a restrictive as a snack, it means if you don't want a restrictive you STILL require a different packet for a snack
2) 1-2 tsp of oil is required and ON TOP of what you use to cook
3) 1/2 tsp of salt/day is required and you will find if you have it on your veggies for a snack and throughout the day you will avoid feeling light headed
4) ONLY lettuce is free, everything else counts towards your 4 cups of veggies. I've started bringing 3 cups of veggies to snack on through the day and leave 1 cup of veggies for my dinner, otherwise it was too hard to eat that and my evening snack when I got home

Hope some of this is beneficial to you - good luck!

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.

I started yesterday with the orange drink, yuck I didnt like it at all it had that weird protein smell and taste I ended up drinking it down with a straw and that helped allot, I was concerned after having that as my first meal I was worried what the rest would taste like. Fortunately I had the cheese broccoli soup which was really good and then I had the southwest cheese curls which were also fabulous!!! I felt like I was starving yesterday afternoon and I cheated and had 100 calories of beef jerky :( a little dissapointed in myself but today I will do better.

I had the Chocolate powder drink (Hot Chocolate) for breakfast mmm it was delicious and I think I am going to try the chicken soup for lunch with broccoli and I am going to pick up a veggie pack to snack on this afternoon so I dont feel so hungry after work.

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...

Well I started Monday so maybe we can help each other
Did u do the chocolate shake and heat it up? I am wanting
some hot chocolate. Can we use Hershey coco. I looked
and it looked fine to me. I thought about getting peppermint
extract and using it in it. I need supper recipes. I have
done the same thing two night s. Can't do big Mac bowl because
I don't have dressing. I need simple easy recipes. Can someone help me out.
Also I have been doing four packets. Having my bar in morning helps
Before lunch. I am starving now and did shake this morning.

my only recomedation would be to get a dropper or something for the extracts, they are pretty strong. I also tried the peppermint extract but ended up adding way too much and now i cant even smell peppermint...

Hi Clowngirl and :wel3fc: Like you, I was on this site for awhile before I actually started my program. The amount of information you will find here is amazing. Be sure to check out the stickys for some great information, recipes, etc.... Be sure to get the Big Mac Bowl recipe, it is great and takes care of that junk food craving! I am on my 8th full day, and as for the food I like the vanilla pudding because you can add so much to it. This morning I added 10 ounces of cold black coffee, a dash of vanilla, and some Sugar Free Kahula syrup and had a wonderful coffee smoothie for breakfast. Everyone here is very supportive and helpful. Good luck to you! (oops forgot to mention I made my smoothie in the blender not the shaker)

I would not recommend anything like the Hershey's coco for now, I would give yourself a few weeks before adding stuff like that. Try to get your body used of eating this way then introduce other things. I am not sure if we are allowed the Coco or not. Again this is IMO...
Here is a recipe for the thousand island dressing if you don't have the WF one....

Here is a low carb Thousand Island Recipe if needed:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sugar free ketchup
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 teaspoons Splenda
2 teaspoons sugar free sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon white onion, finely chopped
1/8 teaspoon salt
dash pepper

**mix all ingredients in a bowl & refrigerate for an hour

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!

Nice way to stay positive... every single one of us has stuck it out... and usually your first weeks weigh in will be worth it!!

Welcome Clowngirl!

I know exactly how you felt about that drink - I got so sick of all the foods that I started getting the drinks instead (even mixed with ice it just wasn't enough of a "meal" for me). The first one I had was the peach mango and I thought I was drinking pee. It really turned me off the drinks, until I tried the wildberry yogurt. That one is delish.

I have tried all of the foods and am just counting down the days to not having to do the packets anymore, as right now the only ones I can stomach are the oatmeal, chocolate pancake, banana pudding and the yogurt drink. Someone recommended adding pumpkin pie spice to the vanilla pudding, but that didn't work for me, a former pumpkin fanatic (I bet I could have eaten a whole pie given the chance). Maybe you'll like it!

I add boiling water to the chocolate pancake mix, stir until thick, and eat it out of the bowl like ice cream. My coach taught me that trick. I used to just love the Ben & Jerry's brownie batter ice cream, and this is close enough to work for me.

As far as detoxing goes, I planned the start date of my diet so detox-day would happen on the weekend. The day after I started I got sick - unbelievable nausea hit me on the bus on the way in to work, and I almost didn't make it. Headache from ****, and the foods I chose for that day were the worst - thank goodness I have an amazing support person because I didn't think I was going to make it. My body was just like 'what the h*ll!' By the third day I felt fabulous and have felt that way ever since. This diet truly changed my life. Good luck to you!

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!

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!

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.

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?

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

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

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!!!

I got a sample of a bunch in a starter pack.
Ones i liked the most

Orange Drink
Chocolate Pudding
Banana Pudding
Chicken Soup
RTD Chocolate Shake
Southwest Cheese Curls
Chocolate Soy Puffs

Others are good if you mix them up some. Add a few things to them. See FINN's site for lots of yummy recipes.

Yes boil the turnips first. I made that mistake my first time and they were too bitter. Now I boil mine first and they are really good.
I also make the Kale chips when i want something salty and crunchy.

It does get better and easier. I am at the end of week 3. Some foods i still do straight but i am starting to make other things when i have time. It really does help to have the variety.

You can do this. Just get through the first week or so and you will feel better and start seeing NSV. Great support here too.

I had the chicken soup for the first time yesterday and I love it! I'm already thinking about thinning it out with more water and adding some shredded chicken and veggies to it for a nice chicken soup. With the added water and veggies the portion will be much larger so I could split it and use it as both a snack and meal. I agree about Finns site, he has so many great ideas. I can't wait to try the green bean casserole.

Too funny. i can't wait to try the green bean casserole either. It sounds do similar to the original that it sounds totally do-able for Thanksgivings day.

I forgot, I also like the oatmeal.

I have not added anything to my soups yet. I typically eat them at lunch with my huge salad. But i hear lots of people do that and love it. I will try it on the weekend.

Thank You All For Your Suggestions!
 

I appreciate you all for sharing your favorite IP items. I just love being in this forum because of people like you!

Technical Question
 

How come every time I write my response to somebody who has addressed my question, a notification pops up saying my response was too short and so I needed to add a line.

The way I respond to you guys is by pressing QUOTE found on the lower right side of the box-is this the correct way of doing it?

Thank you in advance for your valuable responses.

If you click the "+ next to the quote, the one after the quote you can respond to more than one post. Just click that to all the post you want to respond too then click post reply on the left. It will copy all of the quotes and you just go back and type inbetween them.

You need to type your response outside the brackets the enclose the first and last [QUOTE]. Hope this helps.

Thanks WuToBeLoved! You are such a blessing! BTW, I love the photos on your profile- show a better comparison of the THEN and NOW! Amazing!

[QUOTE=Linden;4097099]You need to type your response outside the brackets the enclose the first and last Thanks Linden! You're very helpful! Appreciate it!

Hello everyone..I restarted 2 days ago. Working on this terrible headache I have..wishing it would go away. I don't recall it being this bad the first time. I have several health issues all related to my weight in some way. I am at my highest right now, and cry a lot because of it. Any and all help would be great...thanks so much