[lulubean23]

Hi everyone!

I'm only a couple of days into IP and think this forum is fantastic! I just have some questions.....

1) is it ok to drink no sodium chicken broth? It has only 10 calories per 2/3 cup and helps me to feel full. I'm always so hungry on this diet!!!

2) why is dairy so forbidden in phase 1? Why can't I eat a non fat liberte greek yogurt, for example? It's low calorie and high in protein!

3) what is most people's target daily calorie intake? On this diet, it seems like average intake is about 900-1000 calories a day. That's extremely low and would probably slow down my metabolism overall. Is it ok to aim for 1200/day and eat those extra calories from veggies?

Thanks so much in advance
Lulu bean

[Sewmam]

I had started out using chicken broth to make my vegee soups, but was told to stop it. I think it was the sodium or carbs or something...can't remember, but at that point, I just did whatever the program said to do. I did find Knox no-sodium buillion powder that comes in handy, but I'm in Phase 4 now.

The 1 oz skim allowed is pretty pathetic, so I just stopped using dairy altogether, like they told me to do... It could be the carbs and fats.

For me, I had not tried every diet in the book and really had no idea if IP would work. I just knew it was a chance to save my life, so I followed what they told me to the letter and it worked. Alot of folks here have tried many diets and had experience with what worked for them and had the knowledge and/or confidence to vary the plan, but I really didn't know any better so I did what they told me to do. I did not count anything because IP did that for me. I just measured out my vegees and meat.

Good luck to you!

[DanafromAustin]

Dairy is too high in carbs for this diet. It's allowed on phase 3. The calories on this diet are generally around 800-900 calories per day. This is a low calorie. low carb diet, but it will not slow down your metabolism. I've lost over 75 pounds in six months, no slow metabolism here. You are also still hungry because you probably aren't in ketosis yet because you just started. Once into ketosis the hunger will go away. You must follow this diet 100% if you want it to work. I have tried just about every diet out there and this really is your last diet. Trust the process.

[wuv2bloved]

I agree with what everyone has said so far. As far as the extra veggies, you should only be eating 4 cups a day. If you are still hungry fall back on the unlimited lettuce. We don't "count" anything, its all figured out for us, all you have to do is follow the sheet. The combination of any of the food on the sheets will work, just stick to it and think about something else besides eating. Distract yourself with a hobby, book, cleaning or go for a walk or even post on here. Drink a lot of water, make sure you are getting at least 1/2 of your body weight in ounces.