i don't think everyone has some kind of license. I've seen "coaches" who simply did the program

I've actually looked into opening a center - in order to apply to open a center you have to have an "area of expertise" on their list - MD, DO, RN, LPN, EMT, Dentist, Podiatrist, Naturopath, Registered Dietician, Clinical Nutritionist, Pharmacist. That's regardless of the state. Chances are good that centers in non-medical settings have some connection to someone with a certification who was willing to apply for the license to sell IP. You don't have to be certified in anything to be a coach, just to be licensed to sell the program.

If you are not eating official IP brand packets, I think weigh and measure are all that is left that the coach can help with, if they are willing. The coach should not be expected to know the content or how alternative products work together (not that you indicated you wanted her to). Just saying, buying a scale and a tape measure seems a lot simpler than going to appointments for those things only.

I dumped mine around the 10 week mark. I never asked her if she would keep seeing me. They make their money by selling product so it did not seem right to me. Plus, should you run into problems it is not their food anyway. My husband does my weigh ins. I have not regretted it a minute.

Courtney- I see that we are in it to loose the same 35 pounds. I am in the final stretch and I just want to encourage you to keep up the good work. I just kept with the program one day at a time, and I still get surprised to see how far I've come...so glad the ticker reminds me. You can do it!

I have to admit when I read that first line I thought "oh no! I've just been busted by my coach" LOL thanks for the mini heart attack and thanks for originally putting me on to this forum.

Thanks for the encouragement!!

Meeting with my coach Tuesday. This is the 2nd week where I haven't made any purchases from her and probably the last week that I'll be able to get away with it...decisions decisions??

Hi - I have a maybe not so popular view ...so here it goes.
I work in the health profession I was educated and would not give my services away for. Free! Why would we expect a Coach to not be fin ancially compensated for their work.
Would you go to work and want to be paid less and expected to provide the same services.
I am amazed how people want to reciieve something for nothing or try to under pay for something.
If you did not want to pay or use IP products because you could not afford it then why did you not choose alternative method?

I feel like your trying to use IP methods without compensating them for it.
Would any of us like what we created to be high jacked like that?
Would you expect a Contractor to come out to your house start to work on it because you could'nt handle the job and partially thru the job want them to teach you how to do yourself because you did not want them .
I think all of us who have turned to professional dieting help did it because we were doing was not working .
I am very grateful for my wonderful Ideal Protein Coach who has help facilate by 70 lb weight loss since the end of June 2012.
My Coach is extremely knowlegleable and is passionate and she has clients that
are grateful with her help of making the transformations that has eluded them In the past,whether it is that 10lbs that they just can't get rid of or a morbidly obese person whose delay with numerous health issues.
None of us started IP because we were doing things right . Most of us if we our
Honest will admit we chose this route because we were not successful or motivated.


I think IP was not working for you then you would switch to a different program. But I fell that wanting to use their methods they they developed is akin to someone wanting cable and tapping into the line without paying for the service. Apparently some people rationalize what they do be it for financial reasons or whatever reason they feel justifies what they are doing.
In closing I believe in being compensated for my work and I don't think it unreasonable for Businesses to be compensated for theirs.

I wish everyone much success in their journey to transform their life.
Good Luck ,Roo2:carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot:

:o:cool::flow2:

Roo2, I appreciate your opinion but there are several things you should understand:

1. Ideal Protein is a Ketogenic diet. This kind of dieting is used frequently in bodybuilding circles, it is not exclusive to Ideal Protein nor is it proprietary information.

2. Nobody is "hijacking" ideal protein's information in order to do the diet without paying the price. The "Ideal Protein" brand originated from a diet created by Dr. Tran Tien Chenh, the information on how to follow his diet is quite publicly available on his website and in his books. Also many centers openly publish the diet plan on their website for public access.

3. Not everyone has access to the same kind of coaching you are privilege to. Some live too far away from centers to see a coach. Others have dealt with coaches that use scare tactics, or are completely disinterested in actually "coaching" and only interested in selling product. Count yourself lucky you have a good experience, but realize that is not necessarily the case for everyone.

4. Financial reasons are a VERY valid reason to choose not to use Ideal Protein's specific products but still follow the plan. I speak very personally when I say that as a mother of two children under the age of 6, and the sole income for my family as my husband is finishing his college degree, finances are not a "justification" for using alternative products, they are an absolute necessity if I am going to take control of my health (for my and my family's sake) before I start experiencing serious health issues due to obesity.

Good luck on your journey.

Roo2: First, I am so impressed with how well you are doing! You and I are on a similar overall track and I hope to get where you are!

Second, I think Scorbett and Wuv voiced some things many of us were thinking.

Third, I also think it is important to remember that AZ247 didn't imply they wanted anything for free. They still plan to buy their supplements from their coach if they keep seeing them. And they still pay MONEY to be measured. So, I don't think anything is being given away for free.

I think you voiced an integrity we all feel and respect There are many variables for each of us. If we continue to respect each other's path, and have empathy for the work and struggles each as to keep this going, it all balances out. Supporting each other is our strongest asset. And that is everywhere. Including in your wishes for everyone's continued success.

This board, their support of one another, their knowledge and willingness to share, that kind of support and kindness, gets me through every hard moment of this diet. I don't think anyone is trying to get away with anything or take advantage of anyone.

To continued successes!!

That sounds like your answer then. Explain the financial strain and ask if she would continue with the weigh ins and supplements. I dumped my coach in part because of cost but mostly because he was not at all helpful. I now use mostly alternatives and am having equal success to the IP. If money was not an issue I would probably have sought out another coach and stayed on IP just because of the accountability. Good luck to you.

I wouldn't call your view unpopular. Many in this forum feel that way. The view is far from unpopular, it's just not accurate.