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What is IP...explain it to me.
So I have been doing WW for the last two years(took a year off while I was pregnant) and successfully lost 98 pounds the first 11 months on the program. I got pregnant and now that my baby is 6 months old I have been on WW for 3 months and am down 30 pounds. I am working back to my previous goal and hopefully further.
I constantly see IP posts popping up on the New Posts section and I am getting more and more curious. What is IP exactly? Is it a very restrictive diet like low/no carb or something like that? Is it something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life, rather than just until the weight is lost and then you are left trying to figure out how to maintain? This is what I love about WW, I can commit to it the rest of my life, it's a lifestyle change, not just a diet. So that's what I would need. But I really am interested in what IP is, and if I could even do it. :o |
Ideal Protein is a high protein, low fat, low carb, low calorie diet. It is pretty restrictive, but if you poke around the IP forums you will see that we find lots of ways to have variety within the guidelines!
The diet is broken into 4 phases (when I chose to go on IP, I liked that fact that they Phase you back to more "regular" eating and DON'T just drop you off the diet once you hit your goal weight). The "weight loss" phase is Phase 1 - you eat some prepackaged foods (and not just shakes), and a set amount of veggies and real meat protein every day. Once you hit your goal weight you re-introduce dairy, grains and fruit and ease back into "regular" (but hopefully modified, because eating the "old" way is what got us fat in the first place) meals. It is administered by chiropractic offices, dieticians, and some doctor's offices. You may benefit from attending a local information session if you have access to a clinic that is offering the diet plan. Hope that helps a bit! |
Ideal Protein gives you the IDEAL amount of protein for your body to function
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As for sticking with it for life, this is the longest time I've ever been able to stay consistent with a "diet." Thanks to this forum and Rainbow's recipes, I'm learning ways to enjoy new vegetables and cooking for the first time ever. I personally don't feel deprived or restricted because I've found a recipe for almost everything I used to eat. I can't speak on the post-weight loss phases though
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Where I live the IP is only run by doctors and it is medically supervised diet. I meet with a coach weekly in a small group - similar in a way to WW group meetings.
Having done WW successfully in the past, I first tried to go that route when I set out to lose all this weight. I joined online and saw a nutritionist weekly as there was no local WW group here. I did well by WW standards at first averaging about 2.5 pds a week. Then I went away for the summer and got back into aquafit. I did aquafit 5x per week and stuck to my points and was excited to see how much my hard work had paid off so I went out and bought a scale. Only to find that my five weeks of hard work amounted to 5 pounds total. I was so disheartened I returned the scale to the store. Well as you can imagine I then asked myself what I was working so hard for - counting points (which can become a bit obsessive), exercising my butt off, not eating any junk, etc. So, then I derailed... When I saw my doctor she reminded me that I was still averaging over a pound a week, a 'safe' amount to lose. I was then set to get back to the plan when my dad died unexpectedly and then everything went on the back burner. When I set out to start this journey again, I chose IP because I'd seen so many people be really successful quickly with this plan. Even those who didn't stick with it lost a chunk of weight in a short period of time. When I looked further into the program and met with the doctor etc I was very impressed with the way the whole thing is structured. (This really varies I think in other places.) I chose this route because it was expensive enough that you wouldn't want to do it half-committed, and that there was supervision, support and accountability. I have been pleasantly surprised by how easy it's been. My husband has even commented about how I no longer have to question each food I put in my mouth about how many points something is, etc. I've said it's been a no-brainer so far. I know how many IP products I need to eat, and when and how many veggies to eat per day to help me stay 'regular'. The only decision I have to make is what protein I'm going to have for dinner and how I'm going to cook it - so far mostly stirfry. I don't know how it would be for those who have to cook for kids etc, as for me it's only my husband and I. (My sister is also doing IP with a lot less to lose (25pds) and she's already lost 10pds and is also finding it pretty easy. She has a toddler and hubby and hasn't found that to be too difficult either just a change of mindset - not sticking her sons leftovers in her mouth etc. :) My doctor stressed to us that IP is not a high protein diet but rather a very low calorie diet (around 850 calories per day). The idea being that they take a typical 2200 calorie a day diet and keep the amount of protein the same, while lowering the fat and carbohydrates to a bare minimum that your body needs. The idea being to retrain your body to eat your fat stores instead to top up the missing fat and carbs you're not consuming (ketosis). As a result you don't feel hungry because your body is getting what it needs. The best part for me at the moment, is no exercise is needed to lose this weight. Lol. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike exercise, but I am someone who in the past needed a lot of exercise to shift weight - and I mean a lot. (Daily workouts, plus weight lifting/strength training.) Anyhow, I know I have written a lot, but I have found I'm pretty passionate about this IP program, and only regret it took me so long to find it. I honestly can't imagine choosing any other program. The weight loss results have been so motivating already (and quick). (I should mention as well that I have been impressed with the system in place for maintenance and know a number of people who've kept the weight off for three+ years.) I hope this information helps and you decide to research a little further. |
The IP diet is a PSMF. Google PSMF and you'll understand better the theory behind the IP diet. Any PSMF is highly restrictive and built around the obesity research done in the 70's which essentially amounts to the idea that carbs are not essential and there is an amount of protein needed to retain muscle mass.
The upside of the IP diet is the local support and accountability but that is also the biggest weakness because you might get a poor coach. There are phases which go from most restrictive to least restrictive. There are other PSMF that I personally like better such as Rapid Fat Loss but you don't have any in person coaching or accountability. Regardless - you should consult with a MD before going on any kind of PSMF diet. |
I am in week 4 of IP and I love it. Yes I could live this way and I have learned how to eat differently. Right now our lounge is full of sugary goodies provided by parents of our students. My first thought when I walked in there was what a sugar rush I would get if I ate that and how awful I would feel. I stopped dead in my tracks because I would have never thought this way before this program. There are many sweet foods offered by IP including one choc caramel bar that tastes ALOT like a snickers! I have felt so much better since I have been on this program. I did WW too but the point counting drove me nuts. The bottom line is that you have to find what works best for you. Several doctors recommended this program to me which was one reason I am doing it. My doctor never endorsed another program before and no, she doesn't sell it at her office. DO your research and find out what is best for you is the best advice I could give you
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I also want to add, as others have mentioned, my last resort option was going to be WW before I found IP. The reason I chose not to WW was because I didn't want the obsessive nature of counting. Points, calories, whatever. I love the way IP is just laid out for you
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IP is restrictive (I wouldn't say overly restrictive as that is subjective).
Some Pros: ~You do not count calories during weight loss phase. It's really VERY easy in this phase. ~Your body is given enough protein to make sure you don't lose your lean muscle mass. Many diets where you lose weight quickly do not focus on only losing fat, you also end up losing valuable muscle. IP makes sure this isn't the case with their diet. ~The amount of protein is not too high, therefor not causing issues that you would see in Atkins and SB where stones, etc are possible. ~Because you are mainly losing fat, you body shape truly changes. This is the first "diet" I've done when my weight came off in the proper places! ~The combination of foods (and reduction of carbs) allows the body to rest and the pancreas to reset it's insulin production to normal ranges. This is something you should speak to your coach or doctor about and not go by what you see on the forums. There is a lot of "opinions" here about that but your MD is the best to explain it. ~You are phased out properly and not just "dumped" to go back to your old ways. Your body is reintroduced to foods slowly. ~You stay with your coach even after maintenance starts. You are given tools to help deal with small weight gain and how to keep the weight off. Just my opinion .. this is a great diet and is unique in philosophy and results from other diets I've tried to get off those "middle-age" pounds. Almost forgot the cons: ~No alcohol during the first 3 phases (this might not be a con for you) ~You will most likely go through carb withdrawal the first week - but this is rewarded with A LOT of energy in week 2. ~It can be expensive - alternatives are available. ~ You can get a dip$hit coach - but can rely on us for support. |
Originally Posted by JohnP: I see you post in the IP forum a lot, but I have gathered that you are not on IP? Is this correct? Dont take this the wrong way, but I am just curious. Some of your posts seem positive, and some negative towards the program (which is fine) but I am just curious as to whether or not you have any experience with IP? Thanks |
Originally Posted by JohnP: I have honestly never heard that term before, so took your advice and googled it...Now I sure didnt read every site that came up, but the one that intrigued my the most was the Wiki description. PSMF was designed in the late 1970s as a diet for a rapid weight loss for the morbidly obese.[1][2] PSMF is a type of very low calorie diet with dehydration being a health concern, hence fluids, vitamin and mineral (potassium and sodium) supplementation is necessary and doctor's supervision is recommended. PSMF diets consist in foods that are naturally rich in good-quality protein and particularly low in fats (chicken breast, egg white, ham, cottage cheese). Now some major differences between IP and PSMF are apparent: We do not have any dairy in P1 so no cottage cheese, or other cheese/dairy. This of course was only one example... It also speaks about ANY amount of low glycemic vegtables, and this also is not true with IP IP would be better described as a ketogenic diet which in my opinion differs from a PSMF diet. Or am I missing something here?? |
It seems that people have adequately answered your question for an overview on the program, but I can offer the point-counterpoint to WW.
I have done WW at least 6 times. I did it when I was a teenager (whatever program was before flex points, I can't even remember), then I did it when it was flex points, and then I did PoitnsPlus. The plan got progressively harder for me to follow because it kept adding more and more freedom and choices. As a result it became easier for me to lie to my tracker (and myself) about the quantities I was eating as well as the quality of food. When I did PP, it didn't work for me. Well, I think maybe I lost 8 pounds in the 2 or 3 months that I did it. Which tectonically does "work" but I REALLY had to work at it. And that 'free fruit and veg' really threw me off, too. I understand the concept but if I want to successfully lose weight, I need to cut out the fruit because of the sugar. I'm not trying to knock WW. I think it's actually a great program for some people, but it just wasn't really all that effective for me. I needed something with more structure, something where I didn't have free reign to make too many of my own decisions, and something that forced me to figure out how to NOT emotionally eat. And IP has been good for me for all of those. Plus I think I am a LOT more carb-sensitive than I ever realized, and while I was never diagnosed with insulin resistance, I think that was an issue that made weight loss very difficult for me in the past (which IP is great for). The biggest things that work for me about IP are the fact that it controls cravings, hunger, and its restrictions force me to find non-food outlets when I'm stressed or emotional. The things I don't like about IP are that it can be hard to stay on plan in social situations, vacations, etc, and I really miss exercising hard (although I suppose this is a positive as well). If WW works for you, I see no reason to discontinue- but if you want to give IP a shot, I say go for it! I never thought I'd be able to stay on this diet when I started and it really hasn't been that hard. |
Originally Posted by tschaff04: Learn to live off of the body's own fat reserves. The body employs energy from three reserves: glycogen (carbohydrate), protein and fats. First from it’s simple and complex carbohydrate reserves and when depleted, turns simultaneously to its protein and fat reserves for energy. A person not in need of weight loss typically has approximately 1-2% of their body's reserves from carbs, approximately 19% from their muscle mass and 79% of their body reserves from fat. Simple and complex carbohydrates can prevent weight loss. The body stores approximately three days worth of carbohydrates, therefore, the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method has a beginning and an end. Our protocol restricts sugars (simple and complex) until 100% of your weight loss goal is achieved…why? Because, as long as sugar is being consumed, your body is not burning fat. It really is that simple. Remember, the first source of energy is derived from glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves. Therefore, the core principle of the Ideal Protein Protocol is to deplete the glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves completely, in order to compel the body into consuming its fat reserve to burn calories. How do we get the body to burn its fat reserves and not its muscle mass reserves if both are depleted simultaneously? First, Ideal Protein foods are made with high quality protein. The quality of protein used in diet products has an impact on effective protein absorption…the lower the quality, the lower the absorption. If protein absorption is low, you will not be able to protect your muscle mass and thus you will burn muscle along with fat. If you lose muscle while dieting, you will impair your ability to burn calories post-diet, as your body uses muscle mass to burn calories. Secondly, our dieters use our nutrient-rich supplements such as Natura Multi-Vita, Natura Calcium & Magnesium and Natura Potassium, key ingredients in muscle building and electrolytes. These supplements replace those normally found in foods restricted on the Ideal Protein protocol. We also offer a modified protocol for Type I Diabetics, adolescents and children. |
I think ip would be considered a psmf. It uses protein to maintain lean muscle mass while being low calorie enough for weight loss.
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Originally Posted by Longhorn Energy: Can't answer for John, but as a person who is not following IP, but still participates in the IP forum, I can tell you why I do... initially because I was interested in PSMF's and IP was pretty much the only game in town. There are a few less active threads on other PSMF's, but for the most part IP is the most vocal and active. When I can't find "exactly" what I need on 3FC, I resort to what is "close enough," and IP is "close enough." The PSMF I'm attempting is pretty much "The Simple Diet" as written in the book The Simple Diet by James Anderson (a doctor) and Nancy Gustafson (a registered dietitian). It's much like IP, but there are a few differences. Fruits and vegetables aren't limited (but there are guidelines for adjusting the quantities if a person's weight loss is being slowed by choosing too many or too highly caloric freggies). Also, in place of from-scratch meals (at first) are frozen or prepackaged dinners. The diet as written (the Simple Diet, that is) doesn't spend much time discussing the option of making homemade meals and meal replacements to fit the requirements, it just lists the meal and meal replacement guidelines (for meals, 140 to 300 calories, up to 9g of fat, and 10 - 26 grams of proteins/ for shakes 100 to 200 calories, 0-6g of fat, and 10 - 26g of protein), but I do make my own shakes, and my own meals at least half the time. I do post on "The Simple Diet" thread, but I need more support and information than can be gleaned through one thread, so I have to look for other threads that are similar, and IP is "close enough." I would love to see an all-inclusive PSMF thread on 3FC, but what I've learned from experience is that such threads tend to fizzle out. It seems that most people want to congregate with people doing "exactly the same as" themselves. So if you're doing something even a little different from everyone else, it can be really hard to find anyone to talk to... so you hide (or apologize) for your differences and do the best you can to socialize with the folks who are the most like you (even if not exactly). Unfortunately when you get a variety of PSMFers together, there tends to be clashes over the minutia... people focusing and arguing over the few (usually minor) differences, rather than on the majority of similarities. I would very much support generic PSMF threads, but I haven't had any luck starting them. \ |
Originally Posted by Longhorn Energy: You're not missing something, but you are confusing REQUIRED elements of PSMF's with EXAMPLES of PSMF's. Not all PSMF's incllude dairy, and not all PSMF's allow unlimited fruits and/or vegetables. Some do, but not all. The key element of PSMF's are the calorie restriction (almost always under 1200 calories for the day - which count your IP calories and see if they do not come in under or close to that 1200 calories) and the high-protein element. That's it, the "protein sparing" part (the diet will include higher than average protein levels - in comparison to other weight loss diets) and the " modified fast" part is the calorie restriction (usually under 1200 calories for women, and under 1500 calories for me). Also, it's not the calorie count that makes it a fast. In theory, a person could be on a 3000 calorie diet and still be on a PSMF - if that person weighed 600 lbs and their maintenance calorie level was 6000 calories. What makes it a fast is that it's restrictive enough to create relatively rapid weight loss (more than one half of one percent of total weight loss per week - So more than 1 lb for a 200 lb person or more than 2 lbs for a 400 lb person...) IP is a PSMF, because it spares protein loss because of its high protein content, and it's a modified fast because it restricts calories drastically enough to cause rapid weight loss. IP, does utilize pre-packaged or prepared meals or meal replacements, and while this is common of PSMF's, it isn't a requirement (you can do a PMSF entirely "from scratch," of entirely whole foods). All PSMF's are high in protein and the vast majority are relatively low-carb, but not all are ketogenic. Some are, some aren't. Also, I would argue that IP DOES indeed utilize dairy. I've seen the IP packet ingredient lists, and whey protein and other dairy ingredients are quite common. It doesn't include "additional" dairy (except what a tablespoon?) but it does very much rely on dairy and for that matter soy proteins. This really illustrates the problem I addressed in my last post. PSMFers of all varieties, tend to quibble over the small details, saying things like "You're not really like us at all, because you do these things differently," which is really too bad, because I think a generic PSMF thread would be very beneficial, if folks wouldn't argue over what is and isn't a PSMF, and whether or not the minutia affect the effectiveness of the programs. It's not the minutia that account for the effectiveness. Which proteins are used, and how much cauliflower allowed, are not what's causing the weight loss and craving management - it's the calorie-restriction and the protein. |
Originally Posted by healthyangie: |
To the OP: Lots of great explanations of IP have been posted, so I'll just add my experience. I did WW, too, but was always hungry, and I never got past the sugar craving. Nice that I could have a brownie, if I counted the points, but for me, that led to a craving for more and more sugar, so staying on the plan was a moment-to-moment battle for me. IP has eliminated those cravings, and I'm finding it super easy to stay on the plan. And yes, I hope to be doing the Phase 4 for life, when I get there. I would not trade how good I feel for anything!
Now, having said that, I do think different things work for different people, and there is no one plan that is optimum for everyone. If you're curious, try IP for a month; if it doesn't suit you, go back to WW! |
Originally Posted by kaplods: |
Can I add my WW experience and why I chose IP? I lost 30lbs about 6 years ago when I got married on WW. I had done it about 4 times prior starting in college and lost and gained the same 10lbs.
I rejoined WW about 13 months ago and again lost and gained the same 10lbs through that time. The free fruit and veggies and the freedom really hurt me. I get the whole moderation thing in WW - have one cookie or serving of chips...but the issue becomes craving those things. It is very hard to have just one serving - specifically sugary foods because we are then set into a cycle of craving the sugar, the insulin secretion, the hunger, the (over)eating. I knew 3 co-workers and friends who had done IP and maintained for >1 year (and going)...all 3 of them had done and failed WW. The things that sold me on this diet: 1: quick weight loss, helps keep you motivated. 2: the tools that are given to be successful on maintenance and beyond. 3: The retraining the pancreas to work like in caveman days so that we break the cravings and cycle of overeating. 3: I believe this ultimately is healthier for us than any of the others. |
Thanks to everyone for sharing your insight and experiences. I am currently on WW like I said and I do like the program, but I am finding this time around to go a lot slower than the last time. I feel like I just can't get back on track. I do nurse my newest baby though and I think that's a contributing factor. I have a few concerns when it comes to IP. First is the pre packaged things you have to eat. I am not a fan of anything that makes you have to eat something pre made, something packaged. The other major concern is how restrictive the diet is. I nurse, as I said, and for those who don't know nursing requires a lot of extra calories otherwise it can cause damage to the amount you make. I wouldn't want to be so restrictive calorie wise that I did that. And wow. I just found out the price per week for IP. Oh my that seems like a lot!!
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Originally Posted by tschaff04: |
tschaff - If you are nursing a baby, I would stick with what you're doing and maybe reconsider IP later. I'm not sure IP is even recommended for nursing mothers. (I'm sure someone here will have that answer!). I think really good nutrition is key when you're nursing, so stick with the lean proteins and fresh fruits and veggies, some dairy, and give that baby the very best!
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IP is a fat burning diet!!! I lost 52 pounds of fat and maintained my lean muscle mass:)
It changed my body. I have used WW and other diets in the past and my body did not change as drastically as it did with IP. I also have learned how to eat the way my body likes to be fed. |
You cannot do IP while nursing. Not enough calorie intake. Staying w/WW is the best bet for you now.
The 2 things that deterred me initially from IP was 1. Packaged food (and restricting whole food groups; 2. the cost. I always thought that diets wouldn't be successful long term if you were required to cut out whole food groups. I mean, you have to eventually add them back in, and weight gain would surely happen, right? The same thing w/packaged food - it's easy to lose weight if you eat packaged food...but what happens when you go back to eating regular food? Once I researched more and went to the informational session, I understood better how this works and how they give you tools for maintenance. The packaged food and restricting whole food groups is temporary until you burn your fat stores and lose the desired amount of weight. Then you gradually add back dairy and grains in a healthy way in order not to trigger cravings and binges. The cost part - I figured out how much I spent on YEARS (all added together) on WW, buying their food products, and NOT losing weight. Plus, the time I spent counting points as well as the time I spent on South Beach...and discussed w/my husband who felt like the cost was worth it if it was going to work and eventually be a permanent lifestyle change. And I decided to do it. Now, everyone is different and situations are different, so my reasons are not the same as everyone else's. WW is a great diet for people who can manage cravings. It is a lifestyle change, and the support and meetings are great. Keep doing it if it works for you. You've done a great job so far, and although it may be slow, if that works for you right now in your current situation, then keep doing it! Good luck!! |
I figured I couldn't do IP while nursing being so restrictive calorie wise. Thanks for letting me know for sure. Maybe one day when I am eating for one again I will give it a shot. :) I can't imagine not having all the veggies and fruits I love, but it seems to have worked for so many of you. I will come back in the future if for some reason I am not successful with WW and look more into it. Thanks everyone!!
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I am not sure if this is the correct place to ask this question, but I have been trying to find the answer to my question on other postings and I can't seem to find it. I am on the IP diet, 3 days in now and I am drinking chai tea and the label shows that it has 1 carb, is this okay, or should I not be drinking it?
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Originally Posted by ready4thin: |
When I was much much younger, I had success with WW. I "only" had about 30 pounds to lose. WW was the new program in town and it was much more restrictive than it is today. We even made our own catsup using tomato juice and onion flakes! But I think the strictness of the program is what made it work for me. However I was never able to keep the weight off, and through the years and 3 babies, the pounds went back on and then some! From time to time I have gone back to WW because I am a "lifetime" member, but I never lost weight fast enough, would hit plateaus, experience cravings, etc., and it finally dawned on me that it just wasn't the program for me.
IP has been a godsend. The weight came off fast enough so that I never felt discouraged, my cravings have been minimal, the food has been satisfying, and I just felt like a believer--that if I stuck to it, it would work. I get that IP is a fat-burning program. Now if only I could find an "excess skin-burning" program, I'd really be happy! :carrot: |
I also have done WW more times than I can remember...
I just wanted to add that the new version does "reward" you for low carb foods. You can easily adopt some of the principles of lower carb diets on WW. What I think fails people on the new version is the "free" fruit. A smoothly full of fruit for example is a LOT of calories/sugar. I did WW (the new version) while BFing. I would continue. If you stall though try picking higher protein foods and less fruit. Really watch that fruit. I switched to IP because I stalled on WW. I have continued to lose on IP but at a VERY slow rate. So, I think you just have to find what works for you. The cost IS high, but my net cost on food has not changed a whole lot because I had to give up starbucks and seldom go out for lunch now. All the best to you! |
Ww worked for dh and I when we were in our 20s. I didn't have that much to lose, but it was easy.
This time I tried ww and lost almost nothing. I even went back to the old system we had used. Just wasn't working for either of us. I was wary of ip too. But am so glad now that I gave it a shot! |
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