That is what I plan to do. I just haven't had the time yet. I see all of the great results using alternatives, but I'm still afraid of taking the plunge. WI tomorrow and I really don't want to have "the talk". I went ahead and ordered for the week items that I would want form IP anyway even if I switch to alternatives.

LOL I noticed that too! Funny how paths intersect :) Guess that makes you my diet buddy!

I was lucky enough to find a nutrition store near my house that sells Proti-diet, Health Wise (same as Health Smart) and Balanced Protein (same as the Weight Loss Systems brand on Nashua). I bought 5 boxes of stuff the other day for less than buying 2 boxes of IP at my clinic. There are a couple of things I just think IP does better (particularly the wildberry yogurt and the omelet mix) but not enough to justify not switching!!

Now I just need to get a good scale....

Is there a decent alternative to the crispy cereal?

I bought a new scale when I started IP, wish I had known about the Omron (Sp?) before I bought, but oh well. Maybe with all my savings from switching, I can work in a fancy scale, lol. My first online order will be tomorrow, will mix it up with IP until all the IP is gone.

I haven't tried it yet, but I read on the Alternative Reviews that the ProtiDiet Honey Nut cereal is good.

Thanks. I want to experiment with some recipes but not with my good expensive crispy cereal. :) I am NOT the best chef!

I am also looking at switching to alternatives. Thanks for the advice everyone!

I use mostly alternatives but order the crispy cereal from plainprotien.

I think the biggest difference between the IP Crispy cereal and other alternative cereals is that the IP cereal has a powdered milk form in it, while the alternative products are JUST the cereal. That would change the end result if you tried to bake with alternatives. You might be able to compensate for that by using your 1oz of milk in place of some of the water - I haven't tried anything yet so just speaking from baking experience :)

Oooh, thanks for pointing that out. I had some items in my Nashua cart for some of Rainbow's delicious looking recipes and I hadn't thought that maybe it wouldn't work. Good point.

Found a new bar that I tried. Made by Pure Protein..... Named Revolution

Flavor: Chocolate Peanut Caramel
Stats:
Calories: 180
Fat: 6 g
Choles: 10MG
Sodim: 150mg
Carbs: 17
Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 1 G
Sugar Alcohol: 11g
Protein: 20g


Flavor: Alright, still prefer the other Pure Protein bars. Although the caramel is pretty good.

Texture: Gummy, like a chewy bar... sticks to your teeth a bit.


Cost: $1.39 individually sold.

Still debating whether to "break up" with my coach. I really get nothing other than measurements from her that I can't get here. But then I wonder if I'll be able to follow Phase 2 and 3 without more direct support, since that's so much more involved. I've toyed with the idea of just telling her I need to phase off for a while (she knows finances are a challenge for us with 2 little ones and me the only one working) so that I can get the Phase 2, 3 and maintenance info, but I don't want to be dishonest.

I was honest with mine she sorta tried to guilt me into staying I didn't budge she still agree's to sell me the supplements (which are un comparable on the market). I may go back one day when finances are better & I'm near my goal. Take a chance & be honest with her , IF she doesnt understand she isn't the coach for you anyway.

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/tulip-...5/125/201/.png

True enough. I feel bad, but alternatives just fit my budget better. I'm more worried about being able to follow life after Phase 1 without a coach than getting to my goal weight on alternatives!

Remember you will always have coaches here..... Dont you worry about this.

TL52 you look GREAT by the way


YES true you can do this ! I had to switch too I love the IP drinks but my budget suffers. There are others here wiser than me that are willing to help I'm sure of it, I'll need help myself.


http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/tulip-...5/125/201/.png

I also switched to alternatives for financial reasons. It has helped me be op for 15 weeks.

Thanks for the nice complement... Its been hard work but worth it. I put the jeans that I wore on my first Wi and i let them go and they fell down.

I live to see the day that happens to me. I love this site so far I cannot see any fellow foodie not wanting to help another :hug:

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/tulip-...5/125/201/.png

That is amazing :) And thanks for the support :)

I think you should talk to your coach too and who knows? Some coaches say "just come, weigh in for now"... others will ask you to leave. I have spent soooo much money there so far, I will hope she'll be supportive if I buy less products and more alternatives. SOmeone posted the link to buy the supplements (and all IP products) elsewhere, so you can always get the vitamins there if you need too. I understand how you feel tho' -- I am better at understanding phase 1 but am nervous about what's coming up -- not that I'm scared but just that it's "unknown" to me right now

That's how I feel too. The fear of the unknown, and knowing that Phase 2 and 3 are not as simple as Phase 1. I'm not usually a "fly without a net" kind of person :) But then I have to remember that if she won't let me keep coming for weigh ins and occasional products, my net is here. I actually ordered my IP supplements from the protein site this last time, it was a lot less expensive than the clinic.

What site can be trusted to order true IP products from. I'm hooked on the chocolate grab & go drink & very leary I don't like to be ripped off (no one does) ....Thanks

http://www.3fatchicks.net/img/tulip-...5/125/201/.png

plainprotein.com

Thanks I was hopeing they could be trusted I LOVE the prices of the supplements. Where do they ship from ? I"m putting you on my buddy list if you don't mind :)

Sure :) I didn't look at the shipping label when my supplements came in but I appreciate that the shipping is free, wherever it's coming from! :)

That stinks you had such a bad experience...it's a shame there seem to be the bad "apples" that can have leave a bad impression on such a great program! There are a bunch of folks that have had great success with Alternatives and using 3FC as their coach...I am sure you will have great success, and definitely great support...you've got us all here for you!

I read that on here regarding the 3lb fat:1lb lean loss, and it matched up close with my own fat:lean loss ratio trend. I was able to track how it turned slightly in my favor when I added in the weightlifting.

I actually did 100% IP products through P1-P3, but for the "lazy" reason...I didnt have to think about it or calculate anything, I could afford the products, and my coach is very knowledgable and being a Maintainer knew all the foods, etc. She let me know flat out that I can continue my meetings in P4 for no cost, and don't need to purchase products. I did keep a stash of EAS Vanilla for the occasional weekend coffee creamer - I ALWAYS had my iced coffee in my spinach smoothie during the week, but weekends was crispy cereal pancakes and hot coffee with my EAS...that 1oz skim just didn't cut it for me!

I am moving to alternatives now for my snack and occasional Phase 1 days. I feel more comfortable making the transition, and knowing such a large group of folks have gathered so much information is a huge plus!

Believe me, Liz - if there's anyone's analysis of the results I trust, it's yours! :)

Atlanta, I think?

I placed my order in the middle of the night on the friday before labor day andgot them that Tuesday... So impressive!

LizRR Thanks for the enouragement..your success is one of my inspirations here.
scorbett I'm starting to understand about the "talk". I went to my clinic yesterday for my regular WI because I'm still using the packets I stocked up with a couple of weeks ago. I didn't buy any more packets, they didn't say anything about it because the knew I stocked up, but... I walked out feeling like I stole something. I was just planning to never go back, but I may try talking to them to see if I can buy a few things and still WI there.

Are the profit margins on the food really that high? I thought most of the money was made on the consultation. Do you guys pay for the weigh in appointment at all?

Don't be afraid to speak up. Im sure as long as you buy something every so often they'd at least be willing to meet with you when you do! No one is shocked that people are budgeting tighter in this economy.

Does any one know of a pancake and oatmeal product that is similar with the high protein/low carbs that does not have any artificial sweeteners? I love the energy and satisfaction from these products, but I have to get off all artificial sweeteners. I'm getting headaches, and I very rarely get headaches.

I honestly don't know what the profit margin is on the products, but I'm sure it's there. My clinic didn't make as much off of me with the initial consultation, they are affiliated with the hospital I work for so I got a 30% discount on the startup fee. I don't pay anything when I go to weigh in, just for products.

I am hoping she'll be understanding - I had used a good chunk of our tax money in the first few weeks and bought a LOT of food, and I don't mind paying for certain IP products that I really feel are better than any other out there. I might be more hesitant to talk to her if I felt like I was getting any kind of superior advice from her. She's very nice, we get along well, but when it comes to information, I find everything I need and more here. I also wonder if she has attended any of the conferences that give out updated information - they are still using the Phase 1 protocol sheet from last year and she had no idea they changed it.

Thanks that makes me feel better. :D

There's your answer! I think sometimes we try so hard to not hurt other peoples feelings that we end up compromising on what's best for us. I'm sure she will be at least somewhat understanding. And if she isn't, maybe you can use the extra money and invest in one of those neat high tech scales? Or maybe you could just check in and weigh in and get stats when you need to buy something?

It sounds like you've considered all options here and think alternatives would work out for you. So I say go for it! Then again, I'm still an IP newbie, but I will say that following this forum has been way more help than I think I could get from one person.

Good luck!

So true! Thank you, LizRR, for all you do. You are an inspiration!

"Hello!

Newbie here! I have been reading for a week now, and I've ordered my alternative from http://www.centsablediet.com.

Anybody been on it? is it a good alternative? I'm getting ready to order the products (first order from the above-mentioned website - should last about 3 week!), but want to see what you guys think!

Thanks,

V "
Please let us know which products you've bought and what you think of them.


"Originally Posted by Hgamroth
Is there a decent alternative to the crispy cereal?

I haven't tried it yet, but I read on the Alternative Reviews that the ProtiDiet Honey Nut cereal is good. "

I've tried the ProtiDiet Honey Nut cereal and thought it was too sweet; but I never liked pre-sweetened cereal anyway, so it might be fine for others.__________________

Anyone know of any stores in South Florida that sell Nashua nutrition or Proti-diet items?

This site also carries the same products - I order from them all the time.

http://www.doctorsbestweightloss.com/

Thanks for posting that! They have a lot more proti-thin items than Nasua Nutrition. I'll have to order from this one next time.

Has anybody experienced a reduction in weekly weight loss when switching from IP to alternatives?

I've only been on IP for 3 weeks and admit the price compared to alternatives is more expensive, but I would be nervous about switching something that is working for me.

Has anyony purchased the Omron scale or something similiar?