Hi all! So, I officially had my WI#3 yesterday and was only down 2 lbs. I know I should be happy, but 2 pounds sucks since I stayed away from going out to a restaurant for Valentine's Day and did not touch anything from a potluck my work had. I was hoping a bigger number and am a little discouraged. I have a busy day tomorrow (2 birthday partys) cake, food, chips, it's all gonna be there. WI#1 was -7, WI#2 was -4, I know I should expect high numbers. Im just hoping next week will be worth me staying strong!! And, in total 13 lbs in 3 weeks IS great!!:p

Maybe I should really look for a local clinic. I am using idealtogo, and I haven't even received a reply to the email question I asked this morning. :( But I will say that their shipping is fast!

Honestly, I think there are a lot of differences between IP and Adkins (and I've done both). This is a much lower calorie diet and the protein you're getting (from the packets) is a much higher quality, and easily accessible to your body. I would have to do some searching to find the correct reference, but something like 70%-90% of the protein in the packets can be easily used by your body whereas if you eat a steak your body is only able to access 20% of the protein (and you have all that added fat!). I was all about whole, natural, organic food (and still am for my family) but I decided that being obese is more of a health hazard than eating from packets for a fixed period of time. I feel different (in a good way!) on IP than I did on Adkins which I am enjoying because with two toddlers I need the extra energy!

I'm glad you're giving it two weeks to see if it's the right diet for you. I have to admit, the very first time I went in (last August) I decided it wasn't good enough and sold all my packets on e-bay (this was before I found you guys!!). Where in FL are you located? I'm doing Ideal to Go at the moment because we're moving, but I went to a clinic where I'm at, and I know Ideal to Go is based in FL. Who is your coach? Mine has always been really great about getting back to me ASAP with any questions. If you need an answer faster though try calling, they were really helpful one time when I messed up my online order and I got it straightened out in no time. Hope this helps! Good Luck to you!!

Just think that's more than 4lbs a week. You ROCK! I know the third week is generally harder because people are used to bigger numbers, but your body has to settle down and catch up with itself. Also, if you want to go out to dinner, go out to dinner! There are things you can order at almost any restaurant that are completely OP. I'm actually going out tomorrow night, and anticipating lots of eating out in the next weeks as we prepare to move and stuff starts getting packed away.

Those were some of my concerns. First of all, I did not understand ketosis. It sounded like an illness or something bad. Then, I was concerned about the packets with splenda and soy and other things. And then after a month my labs results were really good. And this diet has really retrained me on how to eat. So then I realized that later this year I will be eating all whole foods but knowing that my body is used to and likes veggies, it won't be a chore to make them and eat them. And I will be happy to get some fruits, nuts and yogurt back in my life. Maybe bread if I can do that.

I think getting a coach is a good idea. If you have been on these boards long enough you will see that different coaches give different information.

Plus, you will have to experiment. IN the beginning I was tossing my veggies with the required amt of oil and roasting them. For some reason that was not the best for me so I try to get in a serving of raw something like spinach with olive or flaxseed oil (not sure if the latter is allowed but I do it for Omega 3's). That seemed to help me with elimination as it was a problem early on. But, everyone is different. Some eat the same thing every day and do very well.

Also started using a mister. I pour my own olive oil into it and it really helps. That and a good non-stick pan.

But, you are wise to do your research. This diet is a serious commitment.

Help!
I am glad I had a loss, but I've only been on the program barely a month. I started out okay, but now my last two WI were only two pounds each. I'm strictly OP. Last week I really felt I was retaining water and was figuring it would be gone and I would have a nice weight loss. I can't begin to figure out what to change. Maybe some of you have some ideas. I have too much weight to loose to stretch this out forever. I will not give up, but I'd like to figure out the path to better results. Thanks for any advice.

I didn't know we were suppose use the oil on the food and not for cooking...i don't think I really wasn't told either way. Not that it has affected my weight loss..I've been on IP just a little over 4 months now and I'm so happy to say that i've lost 60 pounds and i'm out of the 180's, woohoo...

Welcome to all the newbies and to everyone who had losses and NSV's...Have a great IP weekend everyone!!

I had WI #6 today and was down a half pound. I was hoping for more but it's better than nothing. I finally got to try the lemon soy puffs today and they were soooo good. Almost too good.

Thanks NavyMommy,
I know its great to have lost this much. I can already feel the difference in my clothes. I try not to go out to eat unless its with my husband, who is also OP because its much easier. Going out with friends seems to be a struggle because I end of drooling at their potato choice and bread!
Plus.. I really hate the people who insist "Just one bite, wont hurt!"

I just had WI#6 and was only down a half pound. I have lost 15 lbs in six weeks so in comparison you are doing fabulous.

I agree!! I had the lemon puffs last week for my snack. I took it with me to the movies, and they were SOOO good. I definitely did not miss the popcorn after that little treat. Have you had the Cookies n Cream bar? Its pretty good too. I leave them in the fridge so the 'frosting' doesnt melt.

The oil thing is news to me, I was never told that it had to be used raw. I have been using it both so I guess I have been doing ok with it.....lol

You just have to go with it and let the program do what it has to do. There is not specific things that you can do to get the weight off faster. You just have to let the program work, Your body has a mind of its own. You may have slow weeks but it averages out, In the last 10 months I have had slow weeks...... .06lbs...0lbs ....then I had 6lbs...3lbs....Hang in there, in 10 months I have 131lbs gone WITH slow weeks......TRUST ME......There is nothing you can change ...just follow the sheet!

13 lbs in 3 weeks is fabulous!

No I haven't tried them but will at some point.

It's funny how different coaches/clinics give you different information. I was told olive and grapeseed oils only and can be used raw or for cooking.

I have to chuckle when about getting the weight off quickly. It took awhile to get it on and we all know it takes longer to take it off. This is about changing your lifestyle and retraining your food addiction into something that will not kill you. I guess I have age on my side, and experience. I have lost 50 lbs a couple of times and gained it back and then some. Slow down, enjoy the process and don't let the scale dictate your mood.
This time I am in for the long haul.

You just have to go with it and let the program do what it has to do. There is not specific things that you can do to get the weight off faster. You just have to let the program work, Your body has a mind of its own. You may have slow weeks but it averages out, In the last 10 months I have had slow weeks...... .06lbs...0lbs ....then I had 6lbs...3lbs....Hang in there, in 10 months I have 131lbs gone WITH slow weeks......TRUST ME......There is nothing you can change ...just follow the sheet!

Thanks, Wuv, you always help with good support. My coach told me to stop eating restricted items. I'm not sure that would make any difference. I had been eating restricted items at night during the previous week. I then read where they need to be digested, so I moved them back to mid-day. I guess, just to see, I may take one week off. She is also not pleased with me using the recipes or what she considers "experimenting." I have always enjoyed cooking, so I love to try what I read here. I even find things that can be shared with my "never been overweight in his life" husband. Though he doesn't understand what it's like to have to lose weight, he's very supportive. Thanks again for telling me it's just part of the program.

I love reading the advices/stories on this thread , i Love this page , it motivates me everyday

Well I did bake my veggies in the oven with olive oil on them tonight. If cooking with my oil is my biggest sin I think that's ok. :dizzy:

WI#4=-6lbs yay! It has been a month and 18 pounds lighter AND 20 inches lost! IIIIIIIPPPPPPPP !!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to stop by and say hi :)

All these losses are so motivating....thanks to everyone for sharing!

Well, I made it through Day 1 with only 1 mistake....I had a very stressful work day, and took a nap once the day was over. However, I woke up later than expected and it was really to late to eat more protein before heading back to bed (and then digesting all night). So I skipped it, but will be making a concerted effort to get it ALL in tomorrow.

If you are wondering how I managed to skip a meal, I unfortunately do that a lot and I directly attribute some of my weight gain to not eating regularly (and hypothyroidism). That is why ketosis is a double-edged sword for me. But I WILL eat breakfast and dinner every day going forward...if I am going to invest in the program, I need to do it correctly.

Tomorrow I will be heading to the grocery store to stock up on more veggies and get ready for my first WI next Friday. :)

NavyMommy, I was never a fan of the original Atkins with the high fat (can you say unlimited bacon?), but was still very successful when I dialed the fat back to a more manageable level. Too bad I eventually resorted back to my old carb-loving ways and regained the lost 40lbs, sigh.

Idealtogo is based in Tampa, and I am right outside of Jacksonville. I probably just should have called, because what if she actually took a day off? One can't keep an eye on email 24/7. :)

Purplesky, the high quality protein was one of the reasons I decided to try this plan....I am all for sparing my very limited muscle mass!

I think the one thing I may definitely experiment with is adding chia seed to my drinks. It is high in omega 3's, high in protein, very high in fiber (no Big C!), yet is low in carbs/calories/fat. I think the benefits way outweigh any cons.

And I got new non-stick pans for xmas, so I am in good shape! :D

just ordered some miracle noodles online. the starter package. anyone know how long it takes to get them?

Where did you order from? Them directly, Amazon, etc.? I am thinking about trying them as well.

Thanks for the info- I am looking forward to starting this journey next week! I see there is a lot of support and opportunity for q&a on this site- illl be checking in frequently!! I work part time as an RN and I have 2 young kids so I know the convenience of the meals will be fantastic. My hubby is starting the program as well- I'm nervous but excited to get started!

Well after 6 months on the plan. I finally tried kale chips.... They were pretty yummy Nummy in my tummy... LOL

miraclenoodle.com and chose the country canada

just downloaded their recipe book - it is free for February

love chinese noodles - hopefully these are tasty

have been looking in the grocery stores but can't find them anywhere

at Jelly :"like" had them yesterday, they were yummy

hmmmm...now wanting some more kale chips!!

After two weeks on the IP diet....14lbs down! Hurray!

I have to say it is so great to come and read here. Since the people in my family are not on IP, I sometimes feel a bit alone. It makes me feel not so "special" to hear from others who are doing this too.

It's not a sin but if you only use it in cooking you are might not be getting it all in.

I thought the Spinach noodles looked interesting, but they weren't in the variety pack, darn it.

I think I am going to go ahead and order some anyway!

I just ordered the Spinach Angel Hair Miracle Noodles, and got a 10% off coupon (code 210) by signing up for a newsletter.

But I did not get a link to a recipes guide?