Switching to Alternatives
 

So many of you have been successful with alternatives, I'm gonna give it a shot. BAD experience at my clinic this morning is making me wonder why I pay the money for their "coaching". I can weigh myself at home and get my my coaching here without the attitude, lol. I have about a 3 week IP stash so I'll read thru the alternative threads and place an order. For those of you on alternatives, do you also use alternative supplements in place of the IP vitamin, Cal-Mag, Pot-Cal?

On a positive note, WI this morning, down one more pound, sooooooo close to saying goodbye to the 2's Next week for sure!

Hi! Congrats on your WI!!! :) If you do a search there is a tread dedicated to alternatives, with tons of info on supplements. It can get tedious reading it all though...so maybe search magnesium supplement alternatives...OR maybe someone will just chime in here!!! :) GOOD LUCK!!!

You can actually get the IP vitamins online at plainprotein.com - I save about $20 every time I order by going through the website instead of my clinic. I know folks have used regular multivitamins, and GNC makes a comparable cal-mag. The potassium is a little more challenging - I have yet to find a K-Cal supplement comparable to the IP version. Most potassium supplements are potassium gluconate, which can be hard on the kidney and liver to break down. We already put a little strain on those organs just by doing IP. The "official" IP potassium is potassium bicarbonate, which is the broken-down version of gluconate and easier on our bodies.

I am just about to make the same decision. The only reason I see my coach, is to keep track of body fat% and muscle mass%. After reading about the Omron scale I'm thinking about buying it and switching to alternatives. Good Luck!

Thanks for the info!
scorbett, thanks for the tip on ordering the IP versions cheaper, I'll do that! mammabell, since I made this impulse decision this morning, I'm getting a little excited I must say! So many new products out there I haven't tried.

Hi yay for your WI also ebay is a great place to buy products this seller sells everything IP http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ideal-Protei...item23220ae50e

I've been very slowly phasing off of IP products for a while - there are a few that I will still buy from my clinic, but we have a local nutrition store that carries Proti-Diet, Health Wise, and Balanced Protein (I think it is a re-packaged version of the Nashua Nutrition healthsmart brand) so I've been replacing a LOT of IP stuff with their products.

The one thing I've found is that many of the alternative products have 15g protein, while the IP stuff has 18 or so. I just make sure to add a hard boiled egg on days when I do 2 or more alternatives to make sure the protein intake is up where it should be.

Thanks, my muscle mass kept dropping my first 3 weeks, which is why I'm afraid to go without BCA. I will keep this in mind.

I think someone had posted a while back that we lose 1lb lean muscle mass for every 4 pounds we drop - so keep that in mind too - if you had big losses the first few weeks it might be totally normal :)

I am also looking at alternatives. My 'coach' is over the phone as we live in the middle of no where. I found the Atkins RTD shakes at the walmart 40 miles away, but she said we can only have one a day. I love the weight that the hubby and I have lost, but it is getting cost restrictive. Is there any problems with going full blown Atkins RTD. They have 15 g protein, and 1 or 2 carbs.

Thanks!

Not sure about the Atkins RTD, though I did find a bar from them that is non-restricted and has 18 g protein, I will post the name of it when I am home (it's some combo of chocolate PB cruch, but i want to make sure I get the exact name!).

My favorite alternative product is Premier Protein RTD, which I buy at Costco. 30g protein in an 11 oz carton- you can't beat it. The rumor is that it is made by the same company as the IP RTD, but I cannot confirm that. A case of 18 is about $24.

I just had one for lunch (my soups have not arrived yet) and it was surprisingly delicious!! This one will be a staple for me for sure.

Agreed- I had been a big fan of EAS Carb Control, which are also very good (esp the Rich Dark Chocolate) but I wanted to up my husband's protein since his losses were not too good and he recently experienced a lot of muscle loss due to illness. I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it is, but it really is delicious- I would even drink them off plan. And you can't beat the numbers!

I get this at Costco.... Good Good Price for Serving amounts.

CytoSport 100% Whey Concentrated and isolated protein.

Stats:
1 Scoop
140 Calories
2.5 Fat
70 Cholesterol
170 Sodium
220 Potassium
3 Carb
27 Protein


75 Servings per bag $ 50 per bag
$.66 a serving


Sometimes I eat 2 sometimes 3 a day. When I added up 3 Chocolate shakes from IP I got around 55 grams of Protein. When you have 2 of these shakes you are at 54 grams. Makes good spinach shakes.

I think the Atkins RTD have 9g fat? I'd just doublecheck that (as well as everything else in the nutrition values label). Early on in my diet process with IP I used the Atkins vanilla RTDs as a milk substitute for tea, cereal, etc., but quit when I realized the fat level was much higher than the IP RTDs. Overall, Atkins doesn't restrict fat levels as much as IP.

Good idea! I switched to alternatives at the end of my first week with IP! I felt rather bad about it because I really didn't have any complaints and think my coach would have been good, but it became obvious to me that I could still lose the weight successfully, and save a lot of $ by doing alternatives. I had no idea that was even a possibility until I stumbled across this forum. And I almost immediately got an Omron - it's great being able to track the readings for all the different things it measures. On those weeks when the scale doesn't budge, it really helps to see those other measurements still marching in the right, healthier direction.

BTW - I don't know if you've checked my blog yet... but it focuses on helping those who are switching to alternative products. It might be of use to you... link is below in my signature line. It's still a work-in-progress, and I've been a bit too busy with my job, etc., these past few days to add much to it - but there's still a lot of useful info there.

mammabell,

Last year "itsaboutime" used 100% Atkins and lost at the same rate as those using IP products, even though, as mentioned the fat % was higher. I sometimes think a little more fat helps with skin tone and constipation, just my opinion... I use alternatives and lose at the same rate as when I used all IP. EAS, Pure Protein, Detour, Nashua Nutrition, Diet Direct, & Lindora have all been good alternatives for me. I still go to my clinic for the Potassium supplement.

Thanks, Bellamack and Evepet! I am checking out your blog now. It looks great! I had previously read your post about alcohol sugars. It was very helpful.

Do you know where I can find info on how many calories, fat, carbs, sugars are needed and allowed on the program? I have looked several places but can't seem to find it.

I like IP because I really don't have to think about it. I can REALLY stress out over trying to get everything just right. I think that is what scares me most about switching to alternatives and why WW didn't work for me. I get too overwhelmed when I have too many choices and just give up. Being 100% OP has been easy b/c it is very strict and limited.

Thanks, I just went to plainprotein.com and they are about $25.00 cheaper for the three IP supplements I take. They were cheaper than ebay, too.

Thanks a lot for the tip.

Cyndie

RE: calories/fat/etc - IP is not a "counting" program, so you won't find info on daily intake "limits". If you look at the Phase 1 (weight loss phase) information sheet in the Newbie sticky thread, it tells you what foods are allowed, which are not, and what to eat during the day. The basic rule is 3 packets/protein products, 4 cups of Selected Veggies, and 8oz lean protein every day, plus your water.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/4360561-post9.html

In terms of picking alternative products to buy, just check the carb count. Under 8g net carbs is considered an "unrestricted" product, and can be used for any/all of your packets for the day. Above that is considered a "restricted" product and should be only used once per day.

When I switched to alternatives, I thoroughly compared the nutritional values from the labels of the IP products I was replacing, with those of the alternatives I was considering, and chose those that had a good match re all values as much as possible. Here's a link to the Nutritional Values spreadsheet. http://diettalktoday.com/wp-content/...act-Sheet2.pdf

I'd already been logging my daily eating into fatsecret.com so I had a week of stats re my actual daily intake of calories, fat, carbs, sugars, etc., while on IP products. I plugged the comparisons I was considering into a blank fatsecret.com Diet Calendar and compared to see how close they were. I included the veggies I typically ate, which of course would be the same regardless of whether I was using IP or alternatives. As long as my alternative choices put me into the same general categories re calories, fat, carbs, sugars, etc., I considered I had good matches. The Dr. who is on the www.idealcoaching.tv videos mentioned on one that the carbs should be between 25-40/day. I don't think I've ever seen a reference to what the other nutrients should be, although we obviously keep the fat and sugar as low as possible. I've just gone by my own results in logging in my IP vs. alternative products at fatsecret.com.

This is copied from my page 'Selecting Alternative Products' from my blog:

" The first thing I did was thoroughly review the nutritional details of the Ideal Protein products I wanted to replace with alternatives. This information was available for many products on a spreadsheet which several 3FatChick members had already compiled. Click on Nutritional Fact Sheet and you’ll go to this spreadsheet which shows the nutritional values of many of the of Ideal Protein food items.

I’d been logging my daily food intake into my Diet Calendar at FatSecret.com, and tested by plugging in the nutritional values for several Ideal Protein foods and possible replacement alternative products to see how the alternatives would compare. FatSecret membership is free, and it’s a very good way to keep track of your daily food intake, including things like sodium, potassium, fat, cholesterol, etc.

Their are a couple of good threads where the members using alternative products discuss them and give reviews at 3FatChicks.com. I reviewed all this information, checked out the recommended sources, and ordered alternative products that were good matches. You’ll see other pages on this site where I’m more specific about how I selected suitable alternative protein bars, breakfast items, soups, protein powders, etc.

The essential thing is to thoroughly review the Ideal Protein product’s nutritional details, and choose an alternative product that matches it as closely as possible. It’s also important to review the ingredients. For example, on this protocol it’s recommended to avoid aspartame, and it’s important to check the ingredients list to ensure that it’s not in the alternative product".

I am thinking of the same thing my coach is negative 1 week & positive the other . I've always lost inches & weight . I don't need to be "fluffed up" every 10 min but STOP sending me mixed messages ! Hubby DOES NOT understand (never been fat) . I have to do my research but I just can't continue with the same coach & to be honest the $ 88 a week is getting to my budget. I LOVE IP & most of the products but ....advice please on alternative shakes & such. She will still sell me the supplements so thats a plus BUT if I can save elsewhere I will.... Thanks for listening :hug:

Hi!
I am slowly phasing out my IP products, my coach sent me to 3FCs...even told me I'd find way more than he knew by visiting the site!! He was right!!

Anyways, I'm consistently losing 3.5lbs/week and have been using Atkins RTD or ********** RTD for three weeks with no noticeable change in weight loss. Actually last week I was down 4.5lbs.

So, like everyone else, pay particular attention to carbs. And enjoy the options you'll have:)

I have been using a soy or whey protein powder to make my smoothies, add to soup or add to oatmeal for breakfast since I've been in maintenance. I love most of the IP products but can't afford them anymore. I have meat at dinner, but otherwise, I use the powders to get my protein in.

Also tried the EAS ready-made chocolate drink and it was incredible. They, like the IP ready-mades are great for on-the-go.

Just tried the Nashua Nutrition vanilla-peanut bar and it was identical, including the packaging, to the IP version. Tried their coconut-almond-chocolate bar and it was tasty too.

I'd like to find an alternative to the IP Salt & Vinegar chips, as they can be handy as an afternoon snack when I want something salty. With the cooler weather now, I may start making my kale flatbreads with various seasonings, but sometimes it is nice to just grab a bag.

Seems to me that the Atkins bars I saw in my grocery store had alot of carbs and alot of fat and they used a fair amount of maltitol, so I didn't get them. There are other alternatives that have more protein and less crap in them.

Margaret

I'm with mammabell - I would love to see some daily stats on how many grams of carbs, protein, etc we should be intaking so we can look at alternatives with a more watchfull eye.

Same here! Anyone with the info?

I took time and read completely through the thread on alternative product reviews and made a list of items other people tried and liked that also sounded good to me or similar to what I've been having on IP. I have a couple weeks of IP stuff left and will place and order hopefully later this week so there's no lapse between. It will definitely be a huge $$$$ saver. I think we have all the support and coaching we need right here.

I asked at my WI last night and my coach danced around the subject with out telling me. I did get out of her that given the choice of something with higher fat content and no/low carbs and low fat content and higher carbs (still in the unrestricted range) go with higher fat content and no/low carbs.

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

I only took a look at the shakes, but the IP clinic where I've been going actually carries a variety of Wonderslim products and says they're interchangeable with the IP products. Of course at the clinic they're about the same price as IP.. this is such a great price! Thanks for sharing.

You have seriously made my day!! I've been buying the Bariwise bars from my clinic and was going to miss them the most, but this site has them on sale! They are amazing, taste way better than the IP bars and according to the clinic, interchangeable with IP. I haven't bought an IP bar in 2 months, weight loss has been fine.

THANKS when I get more time I'll check it out I really appreciate it. I dont want to backslide ....I feel FABULOUS at a lower weight not to mention lower blood sugar. :hug:

Thanks sewmam you look really good !

Okay, i have a confession....I started phasing off last week...I know, Im only 3 weeks in, but Its really logical and simple if you are discipline. Read nutrition labels and you will see that a lot of products can compete with IP products for a lower cost. Keeping the same structure, low carbs, good amount of protein, low cal and fats and you will see success. In my opinion, you just need to be really disciplined to not cheat.

I think it's come time to have "the talk" with my coach - I've been incorporating alternatives, but when I started I bought a lot of IP products so I could have variety. This week was the first time she said "oh, you haven't bought anything in a while, are you sure you don't need anything?"....I just have to bite the bullet and tell her next week. There are still a few things I will buy from IP but I will need to know if she's still willing to weigh and measure for me if I'm mostly on alternatives.

Ugh.

I am so encouraged by the info I've found on alternatives and the website suggested in this thread earlier today..the clinic where I go offers these brands so I'm even more confident that they're IP comparable. I've already been having the bars instead of the IP brand. I'm really excited and motivated about making the switch, just placed my first order. The savings has me all tingly! I'll order from Nashua too, but ordered my bars here today at $10.49/box of 7 instead of $3/bar. Wooohoo! and free shipping plus a $10 first order discount. It's the little things, lol. You and I seem to be on the same page a lot on this journey, hoping the switch goes well for you (and me too!)
http://www.centsablediet.com/

Well, I'm happy I have made your day! I have just pressed SEND and I am excited to start this journey! BUT I'm a bit disappointed about the $42 shipping to Canada... Oh well!

Oh my!! that's a lot. I think some Canadian IPeeps are ordering from lowcarbgrocery.com (I think that's it). Maybe check that out too. Good luck and thanks again for making my day!

Yeah, let me know how "the talk" goes. I got a bunch of Nashua stuff when they had the free shipping for Labor Day and haven't noticed any difference and the taste is good. And the price can't be beat! I had to cancel my last appt b/c I went out of town for a funeral...and when my coach texted me yesterday to see if I was back, I told her I wasn't just b/c I want to avoid the talk too. Hopefully she understands and agrees to still provide some support (my appts were never more than 15 min anyway) and there are some IP foods I would continue to buy on occasion, but I can't continue to justify the cost when there are so many comparable alternatives out there. If she doesn't understand, oh well I have my fancy scale!!

I know several fellow Canadians who order stuff from thelowcarbgrocery.com, myself included. I've been tempted several times to order more variety from the USA suppliers, but hate those shipping - and possible tariff fees. I got zapped not only with a significant shipping cost, but also a tariff fee that was close to $30 when I ordered a box of food items from doctorsbestweightloss.com. Hopefully you guys will be luckier. That's why I ended up mainly ordering soups, puddings, etc., from proteinwell.ca - they have free shipping in Canada for orders that are $99, and no worry about an additional cross-border customs fee. Here's the link to proteinwell.ca in my blog - http://diettalktoday.com/soup-option