Thanks for putting all the links together. I will definitely read through everything, as I am thinking of starting the big switch One question, is there a list of the alternative products that designates which products would be considered restricted? I know the website posts the nutrition information and I could figure it out myself, but having a "cheat sheet" of what to look for would be helpful!
Hi Guys,
What a wealth of information here on alternative products you have all put together! I have been going through most all the alternative threads I have seen here since last week
I am one of those weird people that pretty much stuck to all IP puddings when I lost 60+ lbs. I actually like the puddings and the thing is, they are non-restricted and they aren't so GREAT that I feel I could over-do them...I have avoided all bars and really sweet offerings because they seem to make me crave more so I can't have them around.
So now I am looking for the best pudding suggestions to replace the IP puddings that are non-restricted. And I gotta tell you, I love making my puddings into the little muffins w/ egg whites, H2O, cinnamon so would love to continue doing those with alternative puddings. I have read in these threads about the Weight Loss Systems choco chip w/ marshmallows and the cheesecake puddings but am not sure if they are considered non-restricted.
What puddings (choc, vanilla, strawberry, butterscotch, lemon) would you recommend that are good alternates to IP? I am also curious about the ones I've seen at Lindora, they have one w/ toffee bits and they offer a cheesecake too.
Thank you all in advance for your thoughts and ideas!
Can I ask what may be a silly question? Those of you that are using the 'alternatives' to IP, are you still going to your IP coach or are you doing this on your own? I'm just curious because next week I will discontinue going for the next 3 weeks because of my daughter's wedding. I still have a lot of packets of IP because of days that I wasn't able to get in my 3 because of being away from home and forgetting to take anything with me. I've done really well since I started and know that I would have done better had I done it exactly like I was suppose to. I'm just torn about whether spending the $$ to go back to the dr's office - between the wedding and the diet, I'm going broke. Just wondered if it was easy for you to stay on diet without going to your coaches.
Can I ask what may be a silly question? Those of you that are using the 'alternatives' to IP, are you still going to your IP coach or are you doing this on your own? I'm just curious because next week I will discontinue going for the next 3 weeks because of my daughter's wedding. I still have a lot of packets of IP because of days that I wasn't able to get in my 3 because of being away from home and forgetting to take anything with me. I've done really well since I started and know that I would have done better had I done it exactly like I was suppose to. I'm just torn about whether spending the $$ to go back to the dr's office - between the wedding and the diet, I'm going broke. Just wondered if it was easy for you to stay on diet without going to your coaches.
The answer to that is really going to depend on the person. There may be some coaches that would be OK with continuing to coach you even on alternatives, but most coaches are running or working for a business that makes money by selling you product. Understandably they may not want to keep investing time in you if you aren't purchasing from them.
As far as ease of doing the program without a coach? Also very individual. You have to be able to stay accountable to yourself - for some, the knowledge that they have to "answer" to someone once a week is what helps keep them on track. You also have to be more proactive about addressing your own concerns and questions - nobody will be asking you how you're doing, what else is going on, offering suggestions for challenges.
For me, I want it badly enough that the coach I had wasn't really my motivator. And this forum has offered me more info than my coach ever did. For me, going it alone was the right choice and I know myself well enough to be confident I can stay on plan without coaching.
The answer to that is really going to depend on the person. There may be some coaches that would be OK with continuing to coach you even on alternatives, but most coaches are running or working for a business that makes money by selling you product. Understandably they may not want to keep investing time in you if you aren't purchasing from them.
As far as ease of doing the program without a coach? Also very individual. You have to be able to stay accountable to yourself - for some, the knowledge that they have to "answer" to someone once a week is what helps keep them on track. You also have to be more proactive about addressing your own concerns and questions - nobody will be asking you how you're doing, what else is going on, offering suggestions for challenges.
For me, I want it badly enough that the coach I had wasn't really my motivator. And this forum has offered me more info than my coach ever did. For me, going it alone was the right choice and I know myself well enough to be confident I can stay on plan without coaching.
Great advice from scorbett. I have never been to a clinic, officially. Can't afford it. I did my research and learned about the program on this forum. I am continuing to learn, but have had no problems staying on plan. I have also seen consistent results using alternative products.
I told my coach that I ordered from Nashua and she said that was perfectly fine. I was nervous though, it made me feel like she really cared more about me than the money, which is a welcomed feeling these days
Thank you scorbett1103 and others for your answers. It's very encouraging to know that people have been successful doing the alternatives. This forum IS VERY helpful and I believe I can do it with the help of reading all the information that is offered here. I'm very determined that this is going to be my LAST diet and that this is going to be my way of eating so I will be joining those of you doing it on your own!!
My coach is a very sweet lady but I don't get a whole lot from her so I feel like paying the $$ to weigh in and leave with my products is very expensive for a quick 10 min. visit.
I do appreciate the work that those of you have done to put the lists/comparisons together. Have already printed and ready to order.
One question, is there a list of the alternative products that designates which products would be considered restricted? I know the website posts the nutrition information and I could figure it out myself, but having a "cheat sheet" of what to look for would be helpful! 
