This is an interesting thread. When I started IP (from advice from a friend) I didn't even think there was anything I would eat but IP. I'm a little scared of the cost, but know that my health is worth it. And since I won't be spending lots of $$ on Starbucks and eating out/fast food, it should even out. This thread will be good to look at after being strictly on IP for a while, if the cost becomes an issue. So far, my husband hasn't said much about it...I just worry down the road it could become too much.

Did most of you switch to alternatives because of cost or were there other reasons? I think I'll need to be on IP for a while to really understand the nutritional content before I try alternatives. Oh, and do you tell your coach that you eating the alternatives and they're okay with that?

Just purchased a bunch of boxes from Nashua. I will give my reviews after they arrive. Looking forward to some more variety.

Jenndilly- I have always been on the alternative plan, my DH goes to the clinic. It was too pricey for us both. He has told his coaches about my being on the alternative plan; they have been very supportive. They even send me advice through DH. It was important that he attend a clinic to get the program basics and it helps me too.

I have heard tell, not all coaches are as supportive of alternatives. I suppose it makes sense as they are running a business...

Wondering: has anyone used SISU whey protein powder as an alternative?
Have done a search and nothing comes up.

Annik

Thanks! My daughter may start it when she comes home from college in May. (too hard for her to do it on dorm food) So, buying alternatives will be the way to go for us when she does that. I may be about to phase off at that point (hopefully!) but we could share packets and alternatives. Not a bad idea!

Product Reviews
 

Here are my thoughts on the products I have used from Nashua Nutrition. I will offer the caveat that I am not a picky eater and liked most of the IP foods (except some of the soups).

Protidiet Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal - Better than IP oatmeal and unrestricted.

Protidiet - Chipotle crisps - hated them. I could only eat a few at a time. But I'm not one to eat a lot of spicy food. They were too strong for me. Caveat - I haven't yet found a salty soy snack I like. They all have a bad aftertaste to me.

Protidiet - Chocolate Dream Bars - I used them in Phase 4. For Phase 1, they divide nicely into squares, so I would sometimes have a square or 2, but not the whole bar.

Weight Loss Systems - Double Chocolate Cake - Restricted, but so good with a little Walden Farms chocolate or caramel syrup drizzled over it and served warm.

Weight Loss Systems - Cocomint Cream - best served as hot cocoa, but I like the pudding as well. I consider this a staple and never let my pantry run out of it.

Weight Loss Systems - Hazelnut Cocoa Cream - another great hot cocoa option.

Weight Loss Systems - Chocoate Chip pudding with Marshmallows - I seriously can't get enough of this.

Weight Loss Systems - Creamy cheesecake - I bought these so I could make one of Rainbow's recipes. That recipe - in which you crumble up chocolate soy puffs, line a tart pan with them, spray them with ICBINB, and top them with this cheesecake - is definitely a favorite. But the cheesecake is great on its own, as well.

Proti Thin Vanilla Wafers - not quite as good as IP's strawberry flavor, but otherwise very, very similar. At half the price of IP, it's worth the tradeoff.

Proti Thin Chocolate Covered Soy Snacks - as far as I can tell, these are exactly the same as IP. Probably manufactured by the same plant. They are $14.00 a box, so half the price of IP.

HealthSmart Honey Nut Cereal - Better than the IP cereal. I usually ate them as a snack or added vanilla drink to them as milk.

HealthSmart Protein Chips - I've ordered individual packets of BBQ, Ranch and Pizza flavors. I don't love the salty snack aftertaste, so I usually grazed on these over a period of 3 or 4 days. I don't mind the first few bites, but I could never get through a whole bad in one sitting.

The net carbs are less than 9, so this is not restricted.

Nashua Nutrition purchase...
 

Hi everyone! So I am beginning the alternate diet tomorrow with things I found locally (shakes, bars). I have read through ALL of the alternate threads leading up to this one (and learned a LOT!). I am so disappointed right now though. I received a $50 Amazon card for Christmas this year and was so excited to find that Amazon had Protidiet items for sale! I, literally, just spent hours combing through the posts and finalizing my purchase. However, I ran into a big problem. All of the items were for sale through Doctors Best Weightloss - and they do not ship to Alaska.....guess where I live? Yep..... so now I am pretty bummed out.

I know that this is my first post and you all don't know me yet - but is there anyone willing to let me ship my order to their house and then they wouldn't mind shipping it to my house here in Alaska? I would, of course, reimburse the shipping costs. I promise I am not a crazy person. :) If this sounds like something you would be willing to do to help me out, please let me know! Thank you so very much! :)


In other news - I haven't posted on 3fatchicks for years and after I posted my old ticker popped up - wow! I forgot that I had lost all that weight back then. I've recently had a beautiful daughter and am now about 10 pounds heavier than I was when I started back then. Grr. Glad I'm doing something about it though. Will update the ticker soon!

shipping
 

PM sent!

I found Amazon prices were no better than Nashua Nutrition. Also you can get lifetime 10% off by requesting Lifetime membership in the comments of your order. (Must request - not advertised). It costs additional but then they discount that cost and the current order immediately. Also you get the 10% off in addition to any other promo discounts (frequent).

I bet they send to Alaska! FYI - free shipping over $99 and sometime offer it for over $49!

Nashua working for me!
 

I made a couple separate orders to Nashua recently - free shipping at $49. I like proti-diet and healthsmart products and I'll stick with them for the New Year. Back on track - gained a few over the last two years. Not just 8 lbs., but too much for my height and age. Glad to be back!!!

I've looked at Nashua quite a bit too - and will order from them next time - but this time I was hoping to use the Amazon gift card. Money's a little tight right now after Christmas. :)

Thank you, Tony, for the offer! I realized this morning that my grandma lives in Oregon and that she would probably be willing to ship it to me. So, unless she isn't able to - I think I've got it covered. Thank you anyways for your generosity though! :)

I have been on maintenance since August and I am 6 lb over my goal weight. I have some leftover IP packets and started a reboot on 1/1. I placed an order with Nashua yesterday. I like to be 5 lb below goal so that even if I gain the 3- 5 lbs. it is still manageable.

Nashua had a special going. That ends today for free shipping over $49 in the Usa. I just made my first order!