Is there an alternative plan that is cheaper than IP?
Coming back OP after a 2 week hiatus, up 12lbs and ready to get back OP and stay on until goal. I am really looking into alternatives as I am now on a tighter budget. Can one stay on IP and reduce packages (minimum of 3) to cut costs? Is there an alternative to IP that will give me the same results?
I order from nashuanutrition.com and buy two boxes of plain protein shakes at Costco per month. I crunched the numbers before I started and it just wasn't plausible for me to do IP, nor was it plausible to travel to the nearest clinic (pretty far away and closed at six while I work until at least five).
I end up spending about 120-150 per month on alternatives. Id have loved to at least start out at a clonic, and Maybe I'd have lost a few more lbs with the added motivation and accountability, but not enough for me to justify the cost and travel. I'm happy with my results so far.
Check out the alternatives threads, they are a huge help.
I found all the info I needed to start an IP plan under the alternatives thread listed above. It is a great resource. I have used only alternatives and have seen great results. The main thing about going alternative is that you are only accountable to yourself. There is no coach. Some people need the coach and accountability, some people don't. Hope that helps.
Coming back OP after a 2 week hiatus, up 12lbs and ready to get back OP and stay on until goal. I am really looking into alternatives as I am now on a tighter budget. Can one stay on IP and reduce packages (minimum of 3) to cut costs? Is there an alternative to IP that will give me the same results?
Another Canadian here. I've mostly ordered from http://www.proteinwell.ca/ to avoid possible customs fees. The negative is that they don't have nearly as wide a product selection as Nashuanutrition.com.
You can also find EAS shakes, protein powders and bars, etc. at http://www.thelowcarbgrocery.com. Just remember to compare their nutritional values to those of similiar IP items.
Check out my website link below - it focuses on helping those (like myself) who've used alternative products for most of the journey.
Also, be sure to look at the nutritional information of the IP products listed in the sticky threads. You want to use alternatives that have similar values.
You need to be sure to compare what you buy the IP products as far as amount of protein, carbs, calories etc. I found it a little overwhelming at first so I just used a couple of things and branched out as I went. Not all alternative products will be in the IP nutrition range. But, as others have said the alternative thread has some specifics on brands to use.
Hey Campbell River Chick...Im from Port Hardy, BC.. i often go down to your town...Its cool to see someone nearby... Wishing you the best.
proteinwell.ca and nashuanutrition.com
Protein well is cheaper for alternatives compared to nashua..Nashua has more options for food though... I dont use any from either site anymore. I live off of atkins ready made shakes or costco shakes from courteney... and then regular dinner at home with my four cups of veg
I did my first 8 weeks on strict IP only. Two weeks with a mix of IP and alternative products, and after week 10 I was totally on alternatives (except when I find an IP packet that I forgot about!). My losses have been consistent throughout.
I posted it elsewhere, but here's a few basics that you want to look for:
- at LEAST 12g protein
- 8g or less net carbs for unrestricted items, 9g-15g net carbs (roughly) for restricted items, 16-18g net carbs for super restricted (twice a week) items.
- under 200 calories
- low in fat (less than 30% total calories from fat)
- avoid products containing aspartame as much as possible
- be aware that anything with collagen in the ingredients is not a complete protein and should be treated as an "extra" packet for the day outside of your usual 3.
There are a few exceptions to these guidelines (particularly with some of the "treat" items like the wafers) but if you use those products as treats instead of as daily routine it won't make a huge impact. You can compromise a bit on the fat content and calorie content - but really try not to go below 12g protein, or plan to add some extra protein to your day (like an egg) to compensate for the lower protein.
You all have such great information, thank you so much for sharing! I started IP a week ago and am strongly considering going to alternative products due to cost. I recently quit smoking and am looking to lose weight rather than gain which usually goes hand in hand with smoking cessation, so I decided to try this out. Thank you all for such great advice! Look forward to learning more from you
Is there an alternative plan that is cheaper than IP?
