I do a combo of IP and alternative now. However, this is my second time on IP.
The first time I was on IP, I used 100% IP foods.
Then I moved and in my new location, we have clinic which is largely unmanned and doesn't store any product. This clinic is a doctor's office and the IP person is rarely there. I had some leftover IP food from my first time on the diet (and still using that - I did buy a lot) but much of that was restricted foods as my coach at my old home pushed the restricted goods because they taste better. She wasn't strict at all.
In my new location, I tried to be 100% IP but they lost my order the second week and it took days to get more soup (my staple).
Things did not get better. After losing my order, I looked at alternatives so I would have food. Started with a small order. I meanwhile tried to work with my IP clinic but they would get busy, would forget to return calls, so placed a larger order with nashuanutrition.
My rate of weight loss has been identical both times.
I'm only 19 days in on this weight loss plan. I started with IP intending to stay 'strictly IP' for at least a month or so, but switched to alternative products after I'd completed my first week. So far so good. WI #2 was today... 3 lbs lost, for a total of 10 lbs lost.
I have 1 EAS AdvantEDGE Carb Control shake per day for my snack but everything else is IP. I have a bar for breakfast with unsweetened hot tea and a soup for lunch with salad and water.
I do a combination, but probably 3/4 alternatives and the rest IP. My husband is pretty strictly IP but has tried a few of my alternatives and may start using some of the Proti soups.
I love the white chocolate cinnamon bars from IP, so I'll continue to buy those until I'm done. Otherwise I'm perfectly happy with the EAS drinks and bars most of the time, along with an occasional Proti product for a little variety.
ETA: I have been losing really well, averaging over five pounds per week, so I'd say it's working well.
Last edited by wendyquilts; 04-12-2012 at 12:05 AM.
I was strictly IP until I originally hit my goal. Once on maintenance I bought alternative products. I would say that IP definetly tastes better. Although some of the snacks on Nashua have identical nutritional facts.
At the moment I am strictly alternatives, and have had great success with it... I started off this journey finishing up the remaining IP packets I had, but with the price increase and the hubby joining me this time around we just couldn't afford to go 100% IP..
Both work exactly the same for me....the only difference? The price obviously lol
