First Time Ideal Protein User
 

Hello, All I just started IP last Tuesday. First couple days were ok, Wednesday night my feet and legs felt numb, I wanted to cut them off!!! I am on day 6!! So far so good. I havn't cheated, I hope this diet is going to work for me, I hear so many great things. I also joined my fitness pal User ID
exsnos to log my food.... Any suggestions or ideas anyone may have out there???? Can I eat my dinner at lunch???

What you eat matters.

When you eat it does not.

Originally Posted by Exsnos:
Hello, All I just started IP last Tuesday. First couple days were ok, Wednesday night my feet and legs felt numb, I wanted to cut them off!!! I am on day 6!! So far so good. I havn't cheated, I hope this diet is going to work for me, I hear so many great things. I also joined my fitness pal User ID
exsnos to log my food.... Any suggestions or ideas anyone may have out there???? Can I eat my dinner at lunch???

yes I usually ate my dinner at lunch.

Welcome! I am new too. My weigh in is tomorrow. I am also on MFP if u want to add me. My un is kes0510
Good luck and keep it up

new as well
 

Originally Posted by Exsnos:
Hello, All I just started IP last Tuesday. First couple days were ok, Wednesday night my feet and legs felt numb, I wanted to cut them off!!! I am on day 6!! So far so good. I havn't cheated, I hope this diet is going to work for me, I hear so many great things. I also joined my fitness pal User ID
exsnos to log my food.... Any suggestions or ideas anyone may have out there???? Can I eat my dinner at lunch???

Hi. I just signed up as well. On day four of IP. Been checking out the different threads and getting lots of info. Wishing I liked the food more. Not a fan of artificial sweetener. But kind of figuring out its in most things. Hoping to get used to it. Excited to see if anything happens at weigh in.

I'm new too. So far finding the diet very easy to follow but still figuring out which of the IP foods I like and which ones I don't. My energy level seems to be coming back finally.

I'm not new to IP but I'm restarting after a while off. I was not thrilled with the taste of some foods for the first 4 days, but like everyone on here will tell you, your tastes will change. Try a variety and pay attention to the boards, usually the most popular foods are good and well liked by all.

I just discovered the chocolate soy puffs and found my new fav snack. Stick with it-it works! About your leg pains...I recall some weird changes the first time doing this-horrible leg cramps, headaches, strange dreams, perhaps some numbness as well. It will go away, however, you should report all of it to your coach! Make sure you are constantly drinking water, getting enough sea salt and getting some potassium in which could help with some of those symptoms.

Read through the boards, we have some truly inspiring people on here that keep me going daily!

Good luck and welcome to all who are new! :)

Good morning to all the new people!!
Yes, IP rocks! As John said, it doesn't matter when you have that protein. You can divide it or have it at lunch or breakfast. The IP official sheet says the dinner time and all at once but I have eaten my protein at various times during the day and it never affected my weight loss.
This site is awesome and will offer so much support as well as answer your questions. It got me through my first -55lbs! Im almost to the halfway point!!! WOOHOO!!!!! Enjoy your journey. Ive learned so much about myself throughout mine!

Glad to hear tastes will change. I am hoping for that. Tried a splash of vanilla rtd in my coffee again (first time I did ruined my coffee) and still doesn't go down well. Such a strong sweetner taste. And tried the walden farms french dressing and thought awful.

I'm on day 3 of IP. Good luck to my fellow newbies! We can do this! Guzzling water like a champ but I felt pretty hungry these past couple days. Looking forward to that passing. Thankfully, no leg cramps or such. Hope that eases up for you.

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Hi. I just signed up as well. On day four of IP. Been checking out the different threads and getting lots of info. Wishing I liked the food more. Not a fan of artificial sweetener. But kind of figuring out its in most things. Hoping to get used to it. Excited to see if anything happens at weigh in.

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Glad to hear tastes will change. I am hoping for that. Tried a splash of vanilla rtd in my coffee again (first time I did ruined my coffee) and still doesn't go down well. Such a strong sweetener taste. And tried the walden farms french dressing and thought awful.

Welcome. May I tell you I can relate (ON MANY LEVELS). Not only am I not a fan of artificial sweeteners but I am also not a fan of soy protein. It almost stopped me from doing IP to begin with. But the consistent weight loss has kept me on board.

I'm using some alternatives (not the usual from Nashua Nutrition) that I've found that use non rBGH whey protein and stevia. I have one that is plain so I can mix it with the vanilla for a less-sweet taste in my coffee. Prior to IP, I used cream in my coffee and no sweet. Skim milk is like adding water IMNSHO. But the plain protein powder cuts the sweet taste enough for me.

I've also recently found some other alternatives to the soy for other reasons (long story on other threads).

Yes, tastes change. There are LOTS of threads with recipes and packet hacks to help with flavor. For links, check the stickies at the top of the forum and also links in the first post of the daily chat thread.

Good luck on your journey!

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Glad to hear tastes will change. I am hoping for that. Tried a splash of vanilla rtd in my coffee again (first time I did ruined my coffee) and still doesn't go down well. Such a strong sweetner taste. And tried the walden farms french dressing and thought awful.

Thanks for the tip of the French dressing! Won't be getting that. So far I like WF balsamic dressing and bacon. DO NOT like the ranch. Those are te only 3 I have tried. Heard chipotle ranch is good though. I got some individual packs of the Italian today so hopefully I will like them. Seems like quite a few ppl get the Italian. Figured it was a safe bet

Originally Posted by lisa32989:
Welcome. May I tell you I can relate (ON MANY LEVELS). Not only am I not a fan of artificial sweeteners but I am also not a fan of soy protein. It almost stopped me from doing IP to begin with. But the consistent weight loss has kept me on board.

I'm using some alternatives (not the usual from Nashua Nutrition) that I've found that use non rBGH whey protein and stevia. I have one that is plain so I can mix it with the vanilla for a less-sweet taste in my coffee. Prior to IP, I used cream in my coffee and no sweet. Skim milk is like adding water IMNSHO. But the plain protein powder cuts the sweet taste enough for me.

I've also recently found some other alternatives to the soy for other reasons (long story on other threads).

Yes, tastes change. There are LOTS of threads with recipes and packet hacks to help with flavor. For links, check the stickies at the top of the forum and also links in the first post of the daily chat thread.

Good luck on your journey!

Very happy to see you post in response and for the ideas. I have been reading many many of your posts already and am learning a lot from you before you even got in touch with me. So its very much appreciated. And your success is inspiration. Yes the skim milk doesn't do much at all. I have not had my first weigh in yet and am reluctant to try alternatives yet, but have definately been reading up on it for future consideration. About to head to my clinic right now to see if they will exchange an unopened box of the crispy cereal which I bought to make pancake. Had the sample ate the pancake and not interested at all. Really gross. Omlete once spiced up with cayene and veggies is much preffered. Thanks again!

Originally Posted by Katkat:
Thanks for the tip of the French dressing! Won't be getting that. So far I like WF balsamic dressing and bacon. DO NOT like the ranch. Those are te only 3 I have tried. Heard chipotle ranch is good though. I got some individual packs of the Italian today so hopefully I will like them. Seems like quite a few ppl get the Italian. Figured it was a safe bet

Hmmm chipotle ranch might be doable. About to get the thousand island as my husband wants to try that one. I'll give it a whirl, but prob stick to homemae dressing if no good. They sure add up in price so don't want to buy a bunch. Thanks for the suggestion

I really like the 1000 island dressing and the Italian. I've place an order for the chipotle one and I think zesty italian so I hope they're good. I personally really like the crispy cereal. I haven't tried using the packets to make anything else though.

I really don't like most of the WF products, chemical after taste and you have to wonder what is in them for them to have zero calories! I have a bacon ranch one and I add some olive oil and vinegar to it along with some spices and it's bearable

That's a good idea to spice up the wf dressing. Thanks.

Or just do a search for salad dressing recipes and use those. There are a bunch in one of the recipe threads. I just mix up a bottle and viola! Much better than WF (altho I still have some to use up).

Originally Posted by Katkat:
Thanks for the tip of the French dressing! Won't be getting that. So far I like WF balsamic dressing and bacon. DO NOT like the ranch. Those are te only 3 I have tried. Heard chipotle ranch is good though. I got some individual packs of the Italian today so hopefully I will like them. Seems like quite a few ppl get the Italian. Figured it was a safe bet

I'm just finishing up week 3 and discovered I really like a little bit of fresh lemon squeezed onto my salad. Tastes have changed that I now like the pure taste of the lettuce and veggies in my salad. I can't do the WF dressing everyday because of the artificial sweetener after taste. Once in a while is ok

Wow! So many newbies! WELCOME & good luck to all of you :D

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Hi. I just signed up as well. On day four of IP. Been checking out the different threads and getting lots of info. Wishing I liked the food more. Not a fan of artificial sweetener. But kind of figuring out its in most things. Hoping to get used to it. Excited to see if anything happens at weigh in.

You are going to be AMAZED at your first WI - really! I didn't like many of the foods in the beginning, and really don't like artificial sweeteners either, but have gotten used to them. When I cook and the recipe calls for 3 Tabs (ex.) of Splenda or Stevia in the Raw, I only use about 1 Tabs. Experiment with all kinds of spices and herbs, but check their labels first to check for sugar or carbs. Same with flavored extracts. You'll do great!

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Hmmm chipotle ranch might be doable. About to get the thousand island as my husband wants to try that one. I'll give it a whirl, but prob stick to homemae dressing if no good. They sure add up in price so don't want to buy a bunch. Thanks for the suggestion

I eat most of my salads plain - no salad dressing at all (Big Mac in a Bowl is the exception - 1000 Isl on that one). It's surprising how good the lettuces and veggies taste on their own! I did make a mix of apple cider vinegar & evoo and put it in a spray bottle. Sometimes I spray my salads with that.

Originally Posted by Katkat:
Thanks for the tip of the French dressing! Won't be getting that. So far I like WF balsamic dressing and bacon. DO NOT like the ranch. Those are te only 3 I have tried. Heard chipotle ranch is good though. I got some individual packs of the Italian today so hopefully I will like them. Seems like quite a few ppl get the Italian. Figured it was a safe bet

I use the Italian as a marinad and in the crockpot on chicken breasts. Its pretty good when it cooks down. In my opinion (and I am an expert in my own opinions :D) the Thousand Island dressing is really good!! I did not like the chipotle or the ranch either :barf:..once again its OK to cook with, but not so great on lettuce.

Sometimes I will make salad dressings based off recipes, but usually I just drizzle my olive oil over my salad, followed by a drizzle of whatever acid I am using (apple cider vinegar, lemon, etc.) and then whatever spices i want (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, etc.). Easy and delicious.

The other tip I have is to invest in good quality, fresh spices. You won't believe how much better your food tastes!

I like the WF thousand island for the Big Mac in a bowl -- gotta have that salad! I use the Italian a lot but found Renees Tuscan Italian vinaigrette (Ontario) in most stores, so I buy that one more in bulk. I also need the WF maple syrup for my pancakes. I think having a ranch one or something creamy is a good idea.
The WF alfredo sauce is actually alright too, and now that there's rotini, I'm makin' me some rotini alfredo with fresh cracked pepper on of these nights....mmmm....

Edit: Renees also has single serving packs, perfect for throwing in a lunch, but it needs to be refrigerated so the WF dressing packs are better to have in your "emergency" snack kit

Originally Posted by Breezy414:
I use the Italian as a marinad and in the crockpot on chicken breasts. Its pretty good when it cooks down. In my opinion (and I am an expert in my own opinions :D) the Thousand Island dressing is really good!! I did not like the chipotle or the ranch either :barf:..once again its OK to cook with, but not so great on lettuce.

Didn't think about cooking with the ranch! At least now that bottle won't go to waste! Thanks for the tip! Was getting ready to chuck that sucker. Lol

New to Ip
 

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Hi. I just signed up as well. On day four of IP. Been checking out the different threads and getting lots of info. Wishing I liked the food more. Not a fan of artificial sweetener. But kind of figuring out its in most things. Hoping to get used to it. Excited to see if anything happens at weigh in.

Lady Lunk.... Try True Lemon.... Go to there website truelemon.com. They have crystallized Lemons, Lime, Grapefruit In packets! They taste just like the real thing!!! I am not a fan of the artificial sweetener it leaves a
Nasty after taste!!! I use them 3 everyday in my water you can also cook with them too!!! No carbs, no calories and no sugar!!! Are you on my fitness pal??

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Glad to hear tastes will change. I am hoping for that. Tried a splash of vanilla rtd in my coffee again (first time I did ruined my coffee) and still doesn't go down well. Such a strong sweetner taste. And tried the walden farms french dressing and thought awful.

I too gagged with vanilla IP drink in my coffee-the protein did not mix in the coffee and made it undrinkable for me as well. Try the caramel sauce (not syrup). It's a new WF product and it tastes much better. I mix a thick drop (once refrigerated, it truly thickens like the pancake syrup) in my coffee in the morning. It is my fav WF product. I order from their website for $4.99/bottle because the stores near me in Denver carry 1-2 WF products only. Unfortunately, it is not free shipping, but hey, it's worth it.

I love the Chipotle Ranch. It tastes NOTHING like Ranch dressing, which I despise, but it has a nice kick. I use it with my Friday Night instead of Pizza salad with Southwestern Cheese Curls.

I would like to try the Zesty Italian but I have only seen it at my clinic where it is 2x the price!

Originally Posted by WorldTraveleronIP:
I too gagged with vanilla IP drink in my coffee-the protein did not mix in the coffee and made it undrinkable for me as well. Try the caramel sauce (not syrup). It's a new WF product and it tastes much better. I mix a thick drop (once refrigerated, it truly thickens like the pancake syrup) in my coffee in the morning. It is my fav WF product. I order from their website for $4.99/bottle because the stores near me in Denver carry 1-2 WF products only. Unfortunately, it is not free shipping, but hey, it's worth it.

Just a head's up...Walden Farms products are $3.79 each on Netriton.com.

The shipping is $4.95, flat rate, so you can order as much as you want.

You'll save $1.20/bottle so if you order a few you'll probably break even or save!!!

Originally Posted by Exsnos:
Lady Lunk.... Try True Lemon.... Go to there website truelemon.com. They have crystallized Lemons, Lime, Grapefruit In packets! They taste just like the real thing!!! I am not a fan of the artificial sweetener it leaves a
Nasty after taste!!! I use them 3 everyday in my water you can also cook with them too!!! No carbs, no calories and no sugar!!! Are you on my fitness pal??

Thanks will check that out. Never heard of it. So far just been using real lemons. Kind of seems weird that we are allowed them, but have been having slices in my jug of water as coach says okay. And some squeezed in dressings. Still can't do the wf dressing. Tried Thousand Island and nope not for me. I'll stick to making my own dressings. I don not know what fitness pal is....

Originally Posted by greeniris:
Wow! So many newbies! WELCOME & good luck to all of you :D


You are going to be AMAZED at your first WI - really! I didn't like many of the foods in the beginning, and really don't like artificial sweeteners either, but have gotten used to them. When I cook and the recipe calls for 3 Tabs (ex.) of Splenda or Stevia in the Raw, I only use about 1 Tabs. Experiment with all kinds of spices and herbs, but check their labels first to check for sugar or carbs. Same with flavored extracts. You'll do great!


I eat most of my salads plain - no salad dressing at all (Big Mac in a Bowl is the exception - 1000 Isl on that one). It's surprising how good the lettuces and veggies taste on their own! I did make a mix of apple cider vinegar & evoo and put it in a spray bottle. Sometimes I spray my salads with that.

Thanks for the welcome. I sure hope to be amazed. Felt like I lost weight on third day, but now on six day and don't really feel like that is the case. We will see on Thursday. I was given the big mac in a bowl recipe from my coach and did kind of a take on it already before I got the thousand island. Just used a little hot mustard and still felt burgerish. I definately have been using lots of fresh herbs and garlic and ginger. Do you know about deydrated onions? And once they are cooked do they end up producing carbs. I am a major onion lover.

Actually looked forward to cappachino drink this morning. Progress. Well then I got interrupted on drinking it and had to make pancakes for my daughter. They are smelling good. haha.

Had to make a bunch of different dinners last night. What a show of veggies in my kitchen. Have to premake all husbands food for work the next day and he doesn't like Thai Beef Salad which I wanted, so stirfry for him and separate dinner for kids plus omlete and salad for him. Phew tonight we will all eat the same. I am hoping.

I just joined this board and just started IP yesterday! I am such a finicky eater ANYWAY that this won't be easy for me. I don't like any vegetables on the list so i will be eating a lot of lettuce I guess. I am wondering if we can just use the shakes for meals...I don't like anything else. (With my eating habits, NO WONDER I am out of shape!) Nice to find this community!

Originally Posted by sdejager:
I just joined this board and just started IP yesterday! I am such a finicky eater ANYWAY that this won't be easy for me. I don't like any vegetables on the list so i will be eating a lot of lettuce I guess. I am wondering if we can just use the shakes for meals...I don't like anything else. (With my eating habits, NO WONDER I am out of shape!) Nice to find this community!

Add two cups of spinach to your shakes. I blend mine in a magic bullet. I don't taste the spinach at all. I never ate a salad throughout my IP P1 days. You're not the only one! :)

Originally Posted by sdejager:
I just joined this board and just started IP yesterday! I am such a finicky eater ANYWAY that this won't be easy for me. I don't like any vegetables on the list so i will be eating a lot of lettuce I guess. I am wondering if we can just use the shakes for meals...I don't like anything else. (With my eating habits, NO WONDER I am out of shape!) Nice to find this community!

Lettuce doesn't count towards the 4 cups of veggies you need to eat per day, sorry! It is great though when you're hungry and definitely helps keep you "regular."

You don't like ANY of the veggies on the select list? Have you tried roasting them in the oven? I roast veggies every night and have to stop myself from eating more than 2 cups. Cabbage, rutabaga, cauliflower, okra, etc are all amazing. I drizzle with oil then salt, pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, etc.

Also, not to preach, but you will do far better in maintenance if you really overhaul your eating habits while you're on Phase 1. I "lurk" in the maintenance threads and 99% of the most successful ones continue eating 4 cups of veggies per day.

This is really a "lifestyle change" rather than a quick-fix diet. :)

I love the program! I am very picky and boring on my choices, so I keep staying with the basics.
I love the CranberryGranata drink it every day as per my coach.
love the Bars Chocolate and Peanut Butter and Vanilla are my favorite.
I stay away from the Chips cuz I would lose control and eat them all.
chocolate,PeachMango ,Orange and Lemonade are my drinks. I eat the Chili did they change the formula like the original better,also Chicken soup.
Not a big fan of Walden Farms would rather eat veggies plain but If had to choose favorite the Bacon dressing is for me got burnt out on Thousand Island.
Do like the Chocolate syrup cuz I use a lot of water in my drinks and add the chocolate to give more flavor in the chocolate drink.

Originally Posted by Roo2:
I love the program! I am very picky and boring on my choices, so I keep staying with the basics.
I love the CranberryGranata drink it every day as per my coach.
love the Bars Chocolate and Peanut Butter and Vanilla are my favorite.
I stay away from the Chips cuz I would lose control and eat them all.
chocolate,PeachMango ,Orange and Lemonade are my drinks. I eat the Chili did they change the formula like the original better,also Chicken soup.
Not a big fan of Walden Farms would rather eat veggies plain but If had to choose favorite the Bacon dressing is for me got burnt out on Thousand Island.
Do like the Chocolate syrup cuz I use a lot of water in my drinks and add the chocolate to give more flavor in the chocolate drink.

Please check out the thread I started, "How Often To Use Collagen Products."

It is not to be used everyday, per IP Headquarters.

Originally Posted by ladylunk:
Actually looked forward to cappachino drink this morning. Progress. Well then I got interrupted on drinking it and had to make pancakes for my daughter. They are smelling good. haha.

Had to make a bunch of different dinners last night. What a show of veggies in my kitchen. Have to premake all husbands food for work the next day and he doesn't like Thai Beef Salad which I wanted, so stirfry for him and separate dinner for kids plus omlete and salad for him. Phew tonight we will all eat the same. I am hoping.

You are a braver woman than I - my hubby and kids know if I cook it, they eat it or they don't eat! :)

Originally Posted by sdejager:
I just joined this board and just started IP yesterday! I am such a finicky eater ANYWAY that this won't be easy for me. I don't like any vegetables on the list so i will be eating a lot of lettuce I guess. I am wondering if we can just use the shakes for meals...I don't like anything else. (With my eating habits, NO WONDER I am out of shape!) Nice to find this community!

One of the things about this diet is that it changes your tastes. Let yourself try something off the select veggies list that you've never had before. After a few weeks, try something you used to dislike. You may find your tastes have changed!! Scan the recipes here for new ways to prepare foods you thought you didn't like.

You cannot just eat lettuce - it doesn't count as a veggie and has basically zero nutritional value. This diet is so low calorie that we need every nutrient and bit of fiber we get from the "real" food we eat. You also really cannot substutite a packet for your one protein meal of the day - for one it's not enough protein (8oz of real meat has about 40-60g protein while a packet only has 15g) but if you don't give your digestive system SOME real food to process your system will get lazy and it will be much harder to transition back to regular eating in maintenance without experiencing issues.

Originally Posted by New Englander:
Add two cups of spinach to your shakes. I blend mine in a magic bullet. I don't taste the spinach at all. I never ate a salad throughout my IP P1 days. You're not the only one! :)

Yes! Yes! I do this too!!! OMG.....you can't even tell it's in there!!!:D

Newbie here too! Just started two weeks ago and my next weigh in is tomorrow. Can't wait!!!