For those that started on IP and then switched to Alternatives - have you noticed any change in your rate of weight loss? I would pay the extra to keep my weight loss moving.

I switched to mostly alternatives and no, I have not had a change in my rate of weight loss at all! :)

So excited, today I have lost 35 pounds in exactly 3 months using only alternatives! A HUGE part of my success has been from the support and information here on 3FC.
One thing I have been noticing and wondering about: most people (myself included) seem to be at such a small dress size for their weight. I am. Wearing an 8-10 right now, but typically at this weight I would be a size 12. Not complaining though, just noticing!

No, no change in rate of weight loss at all. If you use the sheets with the nutrictional info for IP and the alternative products and select products with the same ratios there really is no difference except for cost.

Pat

Yes, this is a big question for me.

I'm not sure where I read this, maybe Dr Oz, but in a regular healthy diet excellent sources of fiber are apples and beans.

I would like to add these back to my diet daily when I get to maintenance but right now I am having a tough time trying to transition to phase 3. The apple as my fruit choice with breakfast seems to be too high carb for me.

I am unusual in that before IP it was fruit that I really used to overdo. Most people miss the processed carb especially when old favorites show up around holiday time. But I miss unlimited fruit which got me in the state I was in in the first place.
I know in maintenance I will have to limit fruit to 2 servings a day. Prop ably I need to start with berries instead of an apple.

Pat

I did two packets of the knox (it comes with 4) and 2 scoops of protein powder and then mio to flavor.

Received an email from Nashua Nutrition this morning - they have a 3 day shipping special: w/ promo code EASTER49, S&H will be free with $49 order vs usual $99 order (48 states).

I have been on the Doctor's Best Weight Loss site - I see lots of choices for the restricted items - what do you use for regular (8g or less Carbs) options. On IP I like the mushroom soup, puddings, cereal (for pancakes). Also I really like the south west cheesies has anyone discovered an alternative for them?

I get mine at Trader Joe's. I know some here have talked about Walmart.

Hi all,:wave:

Some of you know me from the daily chat. I've been on IP for 12 weeks, but now I am venturing out into the realm of alternatives. Like for most, the cost is just getting to me. But also, I have a coach who is not real flexible and really not into the diet. She started on it, but after a couple months, she says she cheats all the time. It's a small chiropractic office and she's his wife. Pretty much all there is around. I am disciplined enough, I do not need the coach accountability thing. I've purchased a body fat/water, etc. scale to be checking myself and make sure I'm not losing muscle (which she wouldn't think of having). I've completely read through this forum and another on alternatives. Lots of great info.

Thanks to Chloe for additional information that she had put together. It helps on what to order and what to look for. I've got a couple orders out for different things. I have a few weeks worth of IP products, so I should be able to get by.

I plan to read this thread daily and of course, the daily chat, as I'm already doing. Will try not to ask too many stupid questions. My first one, I love the IP potatoes. Does any company have a comparable alternative? I think I've found equals for all my other favorites.

Thanks, Molly

I am with you Wingnutandme, my coach is a 3 hour drive, each way. I have been on program for 6 weeks now with only 1 weight in and doing great without that support. I get my support from this site. I am going to start purchasing Alternatives and mix in with what I have left of my IP products (have about a 2 week supply of IP on hand). The people on this site are my support.

Collagen: Sources and Dosage
 

I'm posting this here and on a Collagen thread that was started; does anyone know how to get collagen when you're using alternatives and how much we need?

Hi MaMaZu,

A few weeks ago, someone (sorry, can't remember who) talked about collagen on one of the Daily Chats. Said she researched a lot and really like Great Lakes. I ordered a couple cans and have started adding it to my shakes. Amazon was out, so I just Googled Great Lakes collagen and ordered from their site.

Molly

Wingnut, is there a RDA? I am completely unfamiliar with it, but am definitely interested if it's something that can help with skin tone.

That is fantastic MamaZu!!! I am slowly making the switch over to alternatives, which are your favorite products that you use daily? I have been adding in the EAS Low Carb drinks.

Great job so far!! congrats on the 35lbs gone forever!!! :carrot:

I use either EAS or Pure Protein powder and I have a Pure Protein bar every day. I also occasionally have the miracle noodles, or a slice of the veggie cheese on a turkey patty. Pretty boring, but I'm not too into the artificial taste and long list of ingredients on lots of WF products etc., so just focus on my veggies and protein. I've settled into a routine and enjoy my meals. I buy my vitamins at Trader Joe's.

I agree, I can't get into the artifical chemical taste of the WF either!! I have to get a bit better about my veggies but I am doing well so far with the EAS drinks!

My weight loss has been the same :) But I am also not on strictly alternatives. I switch back and forth between IP packets and alternatives and also try to buy the alternatives that are the EXACT same. Nashua's caramel nut bar and chocolate soy nuts are exactly the same.... even have the same packaging! and are much cheaper!!!

The only thing I have noticed when using other alternatives (aka the protidiet oatmeal) is that I feel hungry.... Does anyone else experience that?

Sorry to butt in, I read your threads even though I'm not doing IP, for recipe ideas. I haven't ordered from them, but I found this site when trying to find something similar to IP Peanut Puffs. buyproteinfood.com

If anyone does recall that discussion and could bump it that would be great. I just did a tiny search and came up with this:

Do Collagen Supplements Work?
As has been mentioned already, the benefits of collagen supplements is a controversial subject. Many studies have claimed that they fail to produce the desired results, especially when used for counteracting the effects of aging on skin. This is probably because collagen molecules are so large with complex molecular structure, that they cannot be absorbed by our skin. Even if they are absorbed, problems arise in their assimilation with the natural collagen produced by our body.

Therefore, many people are of the opinion that skin care products that contain collagen or collagen supplements are not very effective to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Instead, certain substances like functional keratin and nano-lipobelle can help to stimulate collagen production. Hence such substances have shown more efficacy in reducing wrinkles and fine lines as compared to collagen supplements.

However, people with arthritis and degenerative arthritis have reported to have benefited from collagen supplements. A significant reduction in joint pain and increase in mobility have been experienced by many individuals after taking collagen supplements. These supplements are found to be effective in reducing joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Another important benefit of collagen supplements is that they can strengthen the blood vessels and thereby improve circulation. Some studies carried out in animals have pointed out that collagen supplements can be useful in the treatment of osteoporosis as well.

For retaining youthful look and vigor, one should maintain a healthy eating habit. Regular exercises can play a significant role in providing relief in age-related diseases like arthritis. Equally important is to drink plenty of water and consume a balanced diet that includes lots of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. Vitamin C has the ability to boost the natural production of collagen. Similarly, lysine, an essential amino acid can also help in this regard.

So, basically there is unanimous opinion regarding the utility of collagen supplements. Do they work only for geriatric illnesses or are they equally effective in skin care? Most of the experts are of the opinion that collagen supplements for skin are not effective. Rather the anti-aging skin care products that contain certain natural substances like keratin can prove more beneficial, as they stimulate the body's natural production of collagen.

However, for some age-related diseases like arthritis, osteoarthritis, they can be helpful in alleviating the symptoms. But as they are manufactured from the tissues of cows, pigs and chicken, and can also contain yeast, shellfish, wheat, gluten, soy etc., adequate care should be taken by people having allergies to these food products. So, before taking any kind of supplements, always consult an expert health care practitioner to know the various aspects like benefits, side effects, as well as how to improve their functions.
By Chandramita Bora
Last Updated: 2/17/2012

Thanks for the info! Would you mind sharing which ones you buy at trader joes- brand/names etc.

Did you have to drive to another province to go to a clinic?

Pat

yes, I go to Nova Scotia (I live on PEI). There is a place on PEI now but you have to make an appointment and pay $30. just to buy the food. If I am really stuck I can go to New Brunswick (about 1.5 hours away), but I normally travel to NS monthly for work. Do you order alternatives in Canada?

Yes I order from proteinwell.

I'm coming to the end of phase 1 and won't need to order much anymore.

I am from Nova Scotia. My daughter graduated from UPEI. When you said you were driving an hour and a half I knew you would have to be going off the island!

Pat

Small world isn't it...you are lucky to be close to the end. How long did it take you to get to goal?

I have a question ? I need to get a multi-vitamin to replace my IP ones.. does anyone have a recommendation on a brand that works and is close to the IP ones ~thanks

I just take the Women's One a Day. I haven't ever taken the IP supplements. I've always used ones I can get at Walmart, Target or Walgreens.

I just take ones from Walmart too or CVS if I can get them on sale ;)

PS: I did read something interesting about the supplements though. They said that the IP ones come from Canada where the ingredients are regulated, which is why they suggest & push the IP ones. Whereas in America, they're not regulated like up there.

2nd WI today...
 

Down 3 lbs. And I know I'm past the lost water weight stage now, so that's Bye-bye 3 lbs of fat. :carrot:

It's interesting to use these Omron full body composition scales... it is rewarding even at this early stage, seeing those numbers progress into a more desirable zone. Some of the changes were miniscule... but everything's moving in the right direction, and that is motivating.

Oh... I also received my new order from lowcarbgrocery.com this morning, including the cappuccino protein drink. Had it for breakfast, and it is GOOD. Maybe not quite as good as the IP one... but it is tasty and definitely a workable substitute for a cappuccino craving. It's a product from ChocoRite. I actually used the scoop from my other protein powder, which is smaller - so I only had 58% of what would normally be a full serving. That resulted in the following nutritional breakdown: Calories: 90 Fat 1.74g Carbs 4.6 g Fibre 2.9g Sugars 0 and Protein 14g. I was thinking I could throw in some egg white next time, and raise the protein level slightly.

HealthSmart Hot Chocolate (Aspartame Free)
 

I have to applaud another alternative product i've been addicted to this past week. The HealthSmart Classic Hot Chocolate - Aspartame Free Version. It's very rich and creamy! And filling! Only 80 calories, 1g fat, 3 carbs, 1g fiber and 2g sugar. Yum! :coffee:

I take the womens one a day as well. Do you take one or two of them though. I used to take two multivitamins when it was the IP Brand, not I just take the one. Just curious as to what you do.

Does anyone use the GNC - Lean Muscle Meal Drinks? I got some today and they taste great, 170 Calories, Total fat 6g, total carbs 6g, sugar 2g, protein 25g. I would appreciate any feed back, I really want to start coming off IP products.

It took me 6 months to lose 30 pounds. That would seem very slow to most people but is a miracle to me. It took me years to lose the first 40 pounds before IP so i am down 70 pounds altogether.

I was slower because I'm older but also because I didn't realize for quite a while that I am one who doesn't lose if I stick the all very low fat options which I had been doing. I lost better after I realized I needed to add the olive oil to my salads rather than using it in cooking and also I needed to switch up my regular meal protein choices as I was usually making things with chicken breasts.

Pat

That is interesting Miranda. When I was going to the IP clinic one time they were out of the cal/mag supplements. The coach said just to go to Walmart to get the womens's one a day. She said they were fine which really surprised me. Maybe she said that because we are in Canada?

I also noticed on ebay where people were selling IP products they were able to sell them to many countries but were not allowed to send them to Canadian addresses. That made me think the ingredients in the actual packets could be different in the US and Canada.

I have been on the road and this is the first chance I have had to go and find the original post. It was in the Daily Chat for 3/22, which is closed, so I could not bump it up.

It was from DanafromAustin and this is what she says,

"Sure. it's called Great Lakes Gelatin. It's a collagen protein that I found highly recommended on several health blogs as one of the best sources of collagen. The company has it's own website, but I ordered in on Amazon. One of the nice side effects, besides helping my skin is my nails are now rock hard and it stopped any hair loss I was having which is common about three to four months into these types of diets."

Hope this helps.
Molly