That is one of my favorites too! I also like the HealthSmart proticcino. It's also aspartame free. :)

I just take one a day.

What is everyones 'favorite' Alternative Restricted BAR that tastes good??

That is rather strange isn't it.....maybe there are more than one manufacturing facility now? Because several websites associated with IP state that the products are manufactured at PharmaLab in Quebec, Canada ... see link below.
http://www.idealprotein.com/ca/manufacturing-facilities

Pure Protein, hands down. Love the Peanut butter one

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Yum! I bought the one with marshmallows in it too. It tasted the same as the regular aspartame free version but I think I used too hot of water. The marshmallows disappeared, lol. Today I'll try to use cooler water so I can enjoy them :P

So today is my first day with alternatives. I have a ton of RTD chocolate shakes and some bars/puffs. But here is my question. Novilax. Does anyone have a great alternative to it?

Good question, glad I found you, tell me what you find out. I also would like to find a good potassium replacement. Anyone know?

The potasium supplement is impossible to replace. You have to take so many pills to get the same amount.
There is a site up right now that is selling IP products. I don't know how long they will be able to do this so I am going to order some bottles of the potassium. It is free shipping i the US. The site is buyproteinfood.com

As for favorite bars, I don't really care for the cereal type ones. I really like the OH Yeah chocolate and caramel. I have to look for the 45 gram size because if I buy the big ones and cut them in half the second half is calling my name all day.
Another bar I really like is Health Smart Carmel Crunch.

Pat

The proti-thin. Peanut butter bar. yum. I only eat one every so often though. they have 170 cals and a lil more carbs then most of the ip bars.

Pat, have you checked into the Cal-K Potassium & Calcium supplement that's available through the Dr. Bernstein clinics? (and online at their website) I can't help but think it would be a suitable replacement. I was on their program about 10 years ago (obviously didn't maintain :() and their program is also based on staying on ketosis, and has a pretty low daily cal count. My bottle of Natura Potassium Calcium will last for another two months, but when it's gone I think I'll go the Dr. B route.

I ordered some last night, thanks for the information!!

I looked at it online and can't tell on there how much potassium is in each tablet.

Do you know?

I did go by a Br B clinic here in the city and bought some things. I didn't get any supplements. I checked online and they want an incredible amount of $$$ even to ship within Canada. I will likely go by a clinic again and check how much potassium is in each tablet.

You know, I heard many people say they had done the Dr. B diet but never heard of anyone who was able to successfully maintain their new weight on the program.

No, I don't know for sure... I'm just (perhaps erroneously) assuming that the dosage must be somewhat similiar, given the limited cal intake on both Dr. B. and IP programs. From my experience now with both programs, the food intake seems fairly equal, although I might have been getting a few more cals on Dr. B. - 800/day at the max though from what I recall.

I guess I'm lucky in getting a lower shipping rate because they're shipping from the Toronto area, and I live in Ontario too. I ordered several boxes of soup from them, and for me the shipping cost wasn't too bad.

As to the problem of not maintaining after being on Dr. B... I agree. I know others in the same situation as me. Apart from the weight loss, one of the things I appreciate about the IP philosophy is the phase out system. It gives me hope that I can manage to learn how to maintain a healthy weight through following their guidelines.

New here :wave:

I am very interested in this IP alternative! Don't have much time to search around and read sticky but I will tonight.

I am a cyster so I want to go for a Brown Rice protein or egg white protein. I can't wait to learn so I can start ASAP :D

A couple of 'twigs' that made alternative food items much better...
 

I've got Dr. Bernstein's tomato soup. I used to eat this when I was on the Dr. B plan and thought I remembered it as being ok... maybe my taste buds have changed, because I found it rather bland. And it's an anemic pinky colour, which somehow doesn't add to it's appeal. At lunchtime today, I followed the suggestions of others on the board, and added 1 cup of lightly cooked zucchini + 2 tbsp of WF catsup and some freshly ground pepper on top. Blended it all together in my Ninja. It was really tasty.

Also... for those of you who might have purchased alternative lemon puddings and didn't like them? My shipment from DBWL earlier this week included some Lemon Chiffon Puddings. I was upset with myself when I unpacked and got looking again at the nutrition label, because imo they had too many carbs and sugar. Then I thought about mixing a packet with a packet of Knox gelatin so I'd have more portions and less carbs/sugar in each ... so I made a pudding and whipped it into a packet of prepared gelatin, also adding 1 tbsp of my unflavored protein powder, which adds 12 g protein. I also added a few packets of True Crystallized Lemon to enhance the lemon flavor. The mixture made 3 8z servings, and each serving has 33 calories, 0 fat, 2.3 carbs, 0 fibre, 1.7 sugars, and 9.3 protein. It's light and tasty. I know it's not high enough in protein, so I did some calculations and figured I'd be in the right general intake area if I combined it with just half of a lemon coconut 'The Simply Bar' (75 cals, 3 carbs, 1.5 sugars, 8 protein, 1.7 fat) for my before-bed snack. I love lemony things, and this was a way to make it possible for me to enjoy this pudding - in fact I think I like it better in it's lighter airy 'mousse' consistency.

Lindora Discount
 

Just received an email from Lindora with a discount. It's spend $100 save $25, Spend $50 save $10. It says Click ADD+ at the Final Checkout Screen and Enter APRIL12SAVE.

I love discounts and bargains and wanted to pass it along. It's good until Monday.

Molly

I just checked my box of K-Lyte potassium supplements - they have 975 mg per effervescent table (comparable to IP at 800 mg). You can buy this in Shopper's Drug Mart for about $30 and in Costco for $20.19. Hope this helps...

Good to know. Thanks.

That is good news. Shoppers and Costco are supereasy to get to.

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ProtiDiet Pizza
 

Has anyone else tried the ProtiDiet Pizza? I had one for lunch today. It was wonderful. I added a slice of veggie cheese and a few of these tiny pepperoni (the size of a dime). I was too much in a hurry to add a few mushroom slices. I will do that next time. I love pizza and have missed it. This was such a treat.

Just thought I'd pass it along.
Molly

Thanks Molly, I've been meaning to ask about the pizza. I was hoping it would be good.

What a difference between your two pictures. WTG!!!

Eve,
Where do you get The Simply Bar? That sounds like a good addition for me too. I do 80% alternatives. Thanks!

There are several flavors of 'The Simply Bar' to choose from, each with a slightly different nutritional breakdown. I buy them online from:http://well.ca/brand/the-simply-bar.html Click on the bar and it will bring up the nutritional information and ingredients list for each. At 15 for $40.99 they're not inexpensive, but I thought it was a decent alternative. They're soy-based, and have a crisp yet slightly chewy texture. I think the next one I might try is the Raspberry flavored one.

Another favorite bar is Quest, which I buy online from http://www.thelowcarbgrocery.com/cat...ath=132_23_490
Again, a few different varieties to choose from, and each has a slightly different nutritional breakdown. 12 for $29.88 - I like these because they also are chok-a-block with natural fibre. The sweeteners used in the ones I've bought are stevia and erythritol, which I believe is a 0 on the Glycemic index, so one of the best sugar alcohols to find on the ingredients. I've noticed that some of the other Quest varieties contain sucralose. Again, just click on the link for each type of bar, and you'll find the ingredients and nutritional values label. These are very chewy, which I find quite enjoyable and satisfying. And the high fibre content keeps any constipation problems away, in a gentle fashion.

I think these are both reasonable substitutes but if you see anything that makes you feel differently, please let me know.

For comparisons sake, here's the ingredient list for the IP Peanut Butter Bar:

Ingredients:
Protein blend (soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate), sugar, maltitol syrup, glycerin, peanuts, fructooligosaccharides, water, fractionated palm and palm kernel oil, organic cane sugar, modified milk ingredient, partially defatted peanut flour, tapioca starch, cocoa, peanut oil, natural and artificial flavours, unsweetened chocolate, maltitol, butter, cream, soy lecithin, salt, mono- and diglycerides, pectin, sucralose (11mg per serving), sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, carrageenan, tocopherol.

And, the IP Cookies & Cream Bar:
Soy nuggets (isolated soy protein, rice starch), organic brown rice syrup, white chocolate (maltitol, fractionated palm kernel oil, milk protein isolate, milk fat, soy lecithin, and artificial flavour), isolated soy protein, cookies (enriched flour, sugar, vegetable oil shortening (vegetable oil, coconut oil), cocoa, corn starch, glucose, salt, modified milk ingredient, soya lecithin, natural flavour), organic agave syrup, glycerin, cocoa powder, high oleic sunflower oil, artificial flavour, natural flavours, soy lecithin (as emulsifier).

Hi Chloe,

I Googled The Simply Bar and found them on Amazon. I see where evepet suggested Canadian sources. I'm not sure where you're located, but I'm sure for me being in the US, Canadian shipping would be as bad as US shipping is for our Canadian IPers.

Molly

Tonight I bought The Simply Bar sampler pack from http://www.store.thesimplybar.com/. 10 bars for $22.95 + $10.95 (I think) S&H. S&H is a little high but that's OK - really want to try these. (I live in the US so that reflects US S&H)

The net carbs are so low and there are few ingredients - look more pure and lower calories than even IP. So they should work well in Phase 1. If I'm wrong, please let me know - I'll save them for a later phase then.

Good find. Cheaper yet than Amazon. Looks like they have some intereting flavors. I am trying to really limit my restricteds and I have lots of other bars. I'm afraid if I have too many bars, they will get tempting and I'll want more than one a day. I have yet to start reading the book you recommended, "50 ways to soothe yourself without food" Food has always been my comfort and I've got to "fix" that in my mind.

Molly

Hi Molly,
I'm actually limiting my restricteds except on half the days when I work out, then I allow myself one. The other workout days I just have an extra shake.

Plus I will be taking bars on my European food and wine tour next month. Today I started phasing out of phase 1 and now will be in phase 2 for 2 weeks, then phase 3 for 2 weeks and then while I'm away, will try to maintain in phase 3. The day after I return its back to phase 1!! I'll have all my IP food and motivational notes waiting for me in my kitchen so I won't "forget" what to do or put off returning to phase 1 to finish up.

That's the plan.

Anyway, I also try to eat veggies which are a little lower on carb scale daily.

Your shake recipes earlier today were awesome! Thanks for posting those!

Hi all! I've been reading your threads and looking for good bars while in maintenance. I did the program using IP foods (and am practically poor...lol) and now I want to buy less expensive bars and drinks.

So far I've been happy with Pure Protein's S'mores and some of Atkins bars oh and I use Muscle Milk chocolate shakes. I wasn't a fan of EAS shakes because I had a reaction to some of the ingredients...

Are the Atkins acceptable? They do seem higher in fat and they taste like real candy bars, which is why I'm questioning them... :)

Thank you!!!

I'll be able to answer you in a few weeks. I have about 11 different kinds of bars coming; combo of The Simply Bar, Proti-Diet, HealthSmart, maybe a Proti-Thin bar too...

I have had so few bars, so few restricteds. However, bought a lot to keep me on the straight and narrow during the upcoming period of time I'll be traveling. I know its going to be tough but I'd rather eat more IP (extra bar if it comes to that) than go off the deep end and overeat French desserts. I am hoping to have a mouthful of many of the desserts but only 1 mouthful. My husband will have the rest. I stopped drinking all alcohol on this diet, I have no intention of ever going back - I'd rather eat those calories. I'm also bringing soups - I can mix them w/ hot water in my room and take the edge of my appetite.

You have done an excellent job planning for something that will be extremely hard. That should be an inspiration to us all.

Will be excited to hear about the trip and also your protein bar evaluation. Keep good notes. I think we all valuable others information to save calories and money on things not up to par.

Thanks, Molly

Good for you and thank you! I also think having extra bars is much better than going off the deep end...I could easily eat up bags of cadbury chocolates!!! :) Can't wait to hear your reviews! Safe travels and make sure your DH doesn't get to chubby... ;)

I should be getting my protidiet pizza today. I am very excited to try it for lunch.. boy, how I missed pizza.

So I ordered my first alternative products today. I got a combination of Protithin and Protidiet products. In deciding what should be restricted I compared the total calories and total carbs to the IP products. The oatmeal looks to be half the carbs so I'm thinking this could be an every day item instead of a restricted and the same thing with the pancakes too. I hope I like the flavors of these because the price is so much better. I do still have some IP products left so I'll be mixing in the new alternatives a little at a time.

Just received an email that Nashua has their Weight Loss Systems bars all for $10 for 7. They have an interesting sampler pack.
Molly

Thanks Molly, I'll keep good notes and report back.

I don't leave till May 19 - just started 2 weeks of phase 2 yesterday, then 2 weeks of phase 3 while here, then off I go for 2.5 weeks hoping to maintain as close to possible a fairly reasonable phase 3 diet. But if not, I'll just repair the damage over the summer. I return 6/4.

That proti-Diet pizza has good reviews - let us know how you like it!

Mustang,
For the past 4-5 weeks I've been having the Proti-Diet pancakes and maple brown sugar oatmeal for breakfast. I really like the pancakes.

Their nutritional stats equate to non-restricted in the IP world, given their lower carb count (as well as fat & calories). Read the recipes where you steam or roast zucchini chunks to make them taste like apples and use them in your oatmeal or on the pancakes. The WF pancake syrup is pretty good.

Here's the zucchini recipe. Courtesy of Cassie, who found it on one of the recipes threads (org from FinnSteven, so thank you FinnSteven!!)

1 large zucchini
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 pinch salt
2 packets sweetener (like Truvia or Splenda)
1 tsp or more Apple Pie Spice (You can also make your own with recipe below)
1 tsp vanilla or 1 TB DaVinci/Torani Sugar-Free Vanilla Syrup

for Tart:
Make IP Oatmeal according to directions (Can use a bit less water)

Directions:

1. Cut zucchini into circular disks, then cut in half to make apple slices
2. Toss togetherzucchini, lemon juice and salt. Place mixture into frying pan and cook until tender-crisp.

Note: If you are concerned about using so much lemon juice, you can cut it to 2TB. It will still taste great, but won't have a "syrupy" texture. Just make sure not to dry out when baking.
3. Midway through cooking the zucchini, add in the spices, sweetener, and vanilla. I use more than 1 tsp of the spice because I like it strong.
4. If making just the apples, lightly spray a glass pie pan with cooking spray or "I Cant Believe Its Not Butter" spray. Lay down the zucchini pies like a pie. Drizzle over the top any extra lemon juice.
5. Bake in oven at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 15-30 minutes until done. (taste at 15 min. Less time is crisp apple. More time is soft apple)

Note that the lemon juice can be quite strong. You can add a bit more sweetener to cut the sour. I use the Sugar-Free Vanilla syrup to raise the sweetness without the risk of too much of the sweetener packets. Also good with Sugar-Free Toasted Marshmallow.

If you are making the tart, make the IP Oatmeal according to directions (maybe use a bit less water) and spoon into the glass pie pan with non-stick spray. Layer "apples" on top. Bake according to directions.

The taste of the tart is quite good, but not quite what I expected and I dont like using a restricted product (oatmeal) for this when the regular baked apples by themselves are so good.

You can also enjoy this with IP Vanilla "Ice Cream". See directions here:
http://www.facebook.com/IdealProteinLohja?ref=tn_tnmn#!/photo.php?fbid=253665808036803&set=a.1811825386184 64.45488.181118358624882&type=1&theater


Apple Pie Spice:
Ingredients:
•1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
•1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
•1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but I use this all the time. Make sure the cardamom is ground finely)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients. If you make extra, store in an airtight container.

Such good suggestions here! I am new to 3FC, and am blown away by all the helpful advice! Have been on the IP protocol since the beginning of the year, and have lost 44 pounds - 56 to go! But the price has really started to hurt. When I asked my coach about alternatives, the response was that she didn't know much about them, only that IP products taste so much better. That didn't seem like a very good argument for paying 3x as much! I compared that to going to eat at a nice casual dining restaurant or a 4-star fine dining place. Can't do that every single day! I'm looking into supplementing the IP products with some of the alternatives suggested here. Can't wait to try the pizza. Yesterday, I almost jumped across a conference table and tackled a guy who was eating pizza in front of me during a meeting.