I started IP on 2/11/13. Initially I was going to a clinic, but have transitioned to doing it on my own and using mostly alternatives.

Today, I received an email from the clinic asking why I hadn't been there. So I replied, and explained that I'm doing the program on my own and using mostly alternatives.

I received an email back from the head dietician with an attachment that details how the protein quality in IP foods is so much better than alternatives and is more highly absorbed by the body, which means that using alternatives will result in higher muscle loss.

What are your thoughts on this?

I say B.$... especially considering that they didn't ask you which alternatives you were using! How can they say that their products are better than an un-specified product. Sounds to me like they just miss your money!

It is the same quality. Don't worry.

With all of the threads that I have read here on 3FC with people doing alternatives, I'd trust the people here over any clinic. These people are using the products and the weightloss tickers speak for themselves!

I'd just not reply to the email you got and move on with your alternatives. Good luck!

Been on alternatives for a month now while also working out a lot, so if anyone's potentially in danger of losing muscle mass it's me.

And my bicep heartily disagrees with your clinic :P

Joke's on them - there are quite a few off-brand products that are made in the SAME FACTORY as the IP products - same product, same silver space packaging, different box.

Definitely a scare tactic, totally based in fantasy.

Super funny consider my clinic uses some of the VERY alternatives people use here without ever working with a clinic! I say you move on -- gluck!

Totally true. They are all coming from Quebec. Even worse, lots of clinics in Ontario and Quebec are now switching over the the protidiet and protithin products, admitting they are as good as the IP ones and trying to charge the same inflated prices as they did for the IP products.

I started the IP diet last Friday..but have been unable to keep up with the shakes or pudding, they smell and taste bad but other than that I eat from the allowed food (cucumbers, salmon, lettuce,and lots of tomato) you're supposed to eat tomate twice a week but i have a hard time with the shakes..I still have lost weight..just go to the clinic and alk to them to see how they can help you..

Very true. Chocolate Soy Puffs are an example. Nashua Nutritions are the same product at a fraction of the price. Some IP stuff is much better tasting in my experience. But not twice as good. The support at the clinic can be the big difference, in my experience.

Hi everyone...haven't been here in awhile...so busy and was without a computer. I have to tell you...this diet is getting very costly to me. I need a new vehicle because mine is beginning to nickel-dime me. Instead I'm putting close to $400 a month on a diet. I'm thinking about buying the foods every other week. I just can't afford it anymore. Even if it means I don't lose as quickly. Don't know how my coach will feel about it. That being said....where can I look into these 'alternatives'

Does anyone have a good link to nutritional information for IP vs. Protidiet vs. Protithin products? (ex. chocolate drink)

You can find a lot of info here.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...s-vol-1-a.html

I think a lot of the alternatives taste BETTER than IP. Although I hit a loser with Health Wise Dolce de Leche pudding this morning. The Balanced Protein puddings are amazing as is the Protidiet soups and oatmeal. (Which IP only has in a restrict form.) IP is getting rid of food, taking forever with the new....maybe something is brewing in Canada after all.

Does Nashua Nutrition have the Peanut Butter Soy puffs??? And now I need S&V crisps.

I do like a lot of the IP restricts.