I agree that every carb counts more than ever the closer we get to goal. Was thinking I would use this sparingly and ideally try to make it last for 2 meals. In doing that, I would have to watch my protein intake a tad, maybe add an egg white or two, to get the right daily totals.

Phase 1 breakfast cereal - unrestricted
 

I am enamored with a breakfast cereal which I eat dry. It is Nutritious Living's Hi-Lo Vanilla Almond cereal, bought from Netrition.com and it really helps me feel full and strong from breakfast till lunch, 5 + hours later. I workout at least 4 mornings a week, so this, along with my casein protein powder used as thick vanilla creamer in my coffee, feels indulgent and not at all like I'm on a reduction protocol.

At this time, I see using this on an ongoing basis, after making goal. A box costs $4.69 and has 9 servings, thus $.52/serving. (Netrition has flat $4.95 S&H in the US and I get a boxful of products whenever I order from them - just purchased 5 boxes of this cereal.) There are days when I use this as my snack as well, eaten dry. BTW, I was never a big cereal fan before - it was OK, not something I craved.

On IP, we have fewer items which are unrestricted, sweet, and crunchy - this fills the bill. Watch your protein intake overall though; this has 12 g protein and 6 net carbs, 2 g fat, 90 calories/serving.

You guys rock at listing alternatives! Can someone critique the Atkins Peanut Butter Fudge Crisp Bar, DayBreak? Most of the Atkins bars are too high in fat, but this one seems to be good and tastes just like a butterfinger to me! Here is the info:

Calories 150
Total Fat 7g
Total Carb 14g
Dietary Fiber 8g
Sugars 1g
Sugar Alcohols 5g
Protein 10g

I think my biggest question is about the sugar alcohol.. does that hurt and help the product? Thanks so much for any info!

Too low in protein. There are many products that contain sugar alcohols, that really isn't the issue. Protein should be at least 12g per serving, shooting for 15g or more.

Thanks Scorbett! I knew you would know!! Thanks for helping me learn how to read these things! I'm still getting used to it all.

LOL it's definitely a lot to navigate! You could possibly use it but would have to plan to add extra protein somewhere else in your day - for me, that's more accounting than I want to do in Phase 1...but if you like them that much, you may be able to make adjustments on the days you want them.

I have gone through the alternative threads a bit... But I was just wondering if there is anyone who has made up a "list" of all of the alternative brand products and weather they are restricted items or not? I am considering starting to buy some of my products from Nashua Nutrition.

I believe a few have tried, but it is a massive amount of information. Alternatives can be found at Nashua Nutrition, Costco, Wal Mart, drugstores and supermarkets, and other sources. Your best bet is to start with the products that have been suggested on the threads, keep the nutritional guidelines handy (I have posted them several times, including the guidelines for restricted vs unrestricted), and then take time to browse and explore.

bumping up for new folks

Thanks for the links and tips for some alternatives. I'm new and really excited about the order I just placed at Nashau Nutrition!

If you are on IP and substituting some of the products, you may want to double check. But I think the Weight Loss System puddings have Aspartame. Which is not allowed on IP.

Actually....if you are on Nashua Nutrition and click on any of the WLS pudding mixes, there is a drop down box for "Sweetener" - you can choose the "original" or "aspartame free" versions. So they are completely OK for IP :) I buy mine from a local nutrition store and they only carry the aspartame free versions.

I am super late on this alternative response, but I got my order from Nashua, tried everything including a few samples and I really loved everything (thanks to all you ladies who suggest and recommend - greatly appreciated):

Syntrax nectar Apple Ecstasy – wouldn’t describe it as apple flavor, more like a light fruit juice with a touch of apply. Refreshing alongside breakfast, but not as filling as a standalone drink. (might order single serving again but not a whole jug)

Helathsmart Ceraeal Cinnamon – great, like mock cheerios. Good with a little EAS vanillas as milk, but even better as a standalone treat for snacking. No extra sweetener needed. (will reorder)

Protidiet Liquid Concentrate Grape Drink – was highly recommended on this board – all the hype is true. I love it! Tastes like jello flavored koolaid, really easy to mix because its like syrup in a little packet and I can take it anywhere (will definitely reorder).

Protithin Choco covered soy snacks & Protithin Vanilla Peanut Bar – both are same as IP, thanks all for the recommendations. (will definitely reorder).

WLS Choco chip pudding with Marshmallow – recommended here, and to me way better than IP. Has real pudding consistency, chocolate deliciousness and little choco pieces and marshmellow pieces make it a real treat. (will definitely reorder – going to order the Cocomint next time as well)

WLS Cheesecake pudding – true to flavor, really good. I mixed in a little true lime flavoring and put in the freezer and it tasted like key lime cheesecake, so gooood. (will reorder)

Extra gift samples: Peanut Butter Pretzel bar – which was divine but it like a super restricted I think…it must be because it tasted toooo good.
Mocha chocolate wafer bars – comes with two wafers – loved them, going to reorder most definitely. It tastes like mocha and the chocolate drizzle on top is so good and there’s no weird after taste.

Alternatives rock! I’ve lost 15 lbs over these 2 weeks (since my last post and really glad I found this board because IP was way too expensive for me). Also I just discovered Go Veggie cheddar shreds....I'm going to order the pizza from Nashua next week so I can get that pizza craving out of my system.

Glad to hear you've found some great products. Since you're going to order the pizza, be sure to check out some of the variations Rainbow's done with the pizza (and other alternatives) There are some recipes in both her recipe books (links to the PDFs are below).

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BwW...URKU1JkMkdIMFk

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BwW...TY2TXA5b2VNMGc

Molly

Thanks Molly! I love Rainbowsmiles recipes -- had no clue they'd been compiled into a pdf -Thank thanks!:D