I posted this is FAQs but thought I should post it here also to get as many answers as possible...
Hi, my husband and I just started the IP diet last week. We are doing it on our own though because it is too expensive. We got some of the paperwork from a friend who paid for it. I looked through the alternatives thread and the faqs for hours last night, but there is just SOOOO much information on here that it's hard to sort through. I have A LOT of questions that I was hoping somebody could help me with...
1. We were told to get 25-30 carbs per day, no more no less. Is this accurate? I saw some discussions about net carbs vs total carbs... we have been going off of the net carbs on the EAS shakes that we are doing. I am not sure whether or not we are doing net or total for our veggies.. which leads me to my next question..
2. Where does everybody get the carb values for veggies? All the websites I look at are different. So what is a good website that lists carb values for both COOKED AND RAW veggies?
3. As far as alternative supplements, I was told that the ionic fizz was the same as a 5 calorie emergen-c (1x/day), pro omegas are fish oils, and body biotics are pro-biotics..? Is that accurate? We are taking regular vitamins, do we need liquid vitamins? And do we need the potassium citrate in addition to sea salt? And do we need a calcium supplement in addition to the vitamins?
4. Do we need to pay attention to calories at all in phase 1 or just carbs?
5. My husband wants to know if you can have both tea and coffee everyday or just coffee? And if you can substitute egg whites for an EAS shake (at breakfast or lunch)?
6. What exactly is ketosis? We didn't get any paperwork on that... it sounds like you guys are using pH strips..? Do we need that?
7. My husband was also wondering if taking raspberry ketones and/or acai berry with the diet would help with quicker weight loss? I am worried for some reason that it will deplete his nutrition or something... any thoughts?
8. LASTLY, our sheets are apparently old because they said to eat 5 oz of chicken or beef or 7 oz of seafood for dinner. The new sheets on here say 8 oz for everything, so should we increase our portion size starting this week?
I apologize for asking so many questions... but I would greatly appreciate it if someone would take a few minutes to read through them and give us some more information so that we can do this the right way! Thank you so much!!
There is so much heavy thinking that goes into my reading of all this. As a result, I will stick to my experiences re 'extras' on IP.
First, I do agree that what we are about here is following the protocol. There are so many people joining this site that I would like to feel that we have a genuine and true support for the 100% IP program and not lead or tempt other paths here.
Second, FOR ME, I know that I cannot allow myself to think about going off the program, for whatever reason. I did it once and I was off for nearly two months, unable to kick my you-know-what back in gear. I never want to do that again. Nor do I wish to witness others having to go through that, either.
Third, for many of us, this program means a radical change to what and how we eat and drink. Most of us did not get where we started out on IP through being able to logically and regularly change our eating in reasonable ways. We suffer from binges and overeating. One taste and we can go way overboard. We constantly struggle with our emotional eating. We have family and supposed friends who unknowingly or knowingly sabotage our progress, particularly when starting look really skinny.
So, for me, I will choose to be as perfect as possible on IP and certainly not advocate or support going off protocol. Those sort of justifications are how I got where I was at nearly 300 pounds.
I do not harbor grudges or distress from anyone who feels differently BUT and this is a big BUT - I could not have made it to where I am without the strong, buck it up and follow the protocol support I get here. The mental strength that it takes to be 100% and succeed comes from the lovely people who espouse the 100% approach and I cannot fault that.
Off my soapbox and back to doing my taxes....
You embody why this board exists! We are here to support IP..there is a lot of "other" support less specific to this for a lot more people. There are posters who recognize this and keep the gaming to themselves.
Being brutally honest, this needs to be said:
It is not fair to buck the system when it is hard...then when you get depressed...come and ask for support. I think of these folks as gamers. If you are one, you probably already know why there is fluctuation or less progress than you'd like. There are also a legion of folks that deal with unbelievable health compromises on here...and keep on truckin'. Talk about courage and discouragement in the same sentence. It is disrespectful of the committed souls for a gamer to ask for help/support or time to answer questions, when in their heart...the gamer knows they've not done their best. That is dishonest...and a waste of time for someone who is trying to pay the support and advice forward.
Schenectady and 65x65 - Thank you SO much for your honesty and wisdom. I am 100% OP and can't imagine cheating (yes, I've wanted to here and there, but it passes and I don't). I so appreciate your posts today and the way you've said it.
I was thinking in the car today, on my way to the grocery store, that I want to get to a point that I don't want the high calorie carbs and sweets. I want to get to the point where my body only wants the good stuff and I rid my family of all the processed junk. I know the food industry creates (yes, creates...they aren't natural) food that we then crave and want more of. But, I want to rid myself of all of those "wants" and dream of only good foods. In a perfect world...maybe someday.
Do you wait a day or two after being backed up to have it? Just wondering how soon after the big c comes to make one.
I usually take it if I'm uncomfortable or know I need to go and just can't. Fortunately, I'm not having to use it much lately but it has been great when needed!
Schenectady and 65x65 - Thank you SO much for your honesty and wisdom. I am 100% OP and can't imagine cheating (yes, I've wanted to here and there, but it passes and I don't). I so appreciate your posts today and the way you've said it.
I was thinking in the car today, on my way to the grocery store, that I want to get to a point that I don't want the high calorie carbs and sweets. I want to get to the point where my body only wants the good stuff and I rid my family of all the processed junk. I know the food industry creates (yes, creates...they aren't natural) food that we then crave and want more of. But, I want to rid myself of all of those "wants" and dream of only good foods. In a perfect world...maybe someday.
Jen- you are on your way to what you envision as far as being in a different place with what you really want. Once you get to the end...Dak, myself and others have commented how the stuff does not taste nearly as good as we remembered.. !! That is a good thing...you need to discover it for yourself...and you will be entitled to be smug about passing it up if you choose after that! So ... it IS easier to pass up somethings...somethings will still be special...but liking how you look and feel is not a bad ego trip to court during this process.
Celebrate you...!! and... Lady.....
as Shakespeare said..."Vanity be thy name..." That is not such a bad thing in moderation! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!
I feel good when I go to the grocery store now and load up on produce. Today, I picked up rhubarb to try the IP way and turnips to make "fries". I'm getting more ambitious and it's fun to try out new veggies that are good for us...baking things that are actually OP!
I picked up some new teas today, too. Got the chocolate hazelnut decaf...and oh my goodness! That tastes so good when you are wanting something "chocolatey". I'm finding it so hard to stay warm lately. My hands and feet are always cold. Still drinking lots and lots of water, but it's nice to warm up, too. For some reason, the afternoon time just before my kids get home is the worst for me.
Location: Frederick Colorado (about 20 miles north of Denver)
Posts: 417
S/C/G: 265/see ticker/145
Height: 5'5"
Schenectady, 65X65, Jendilly:
I TOTALLY agree with all of your sentiments. Well said.
I have endeavored since I started this journey in July to not cheat and to follow the protocol to the letter. I have a lot of motivations for this including cost and the desire to get this weight off once and for all. Additionally, if I opened myself up to the possibility to cheat, I was setting myself up for possible failure.
Has it been hard? Heck yes! Many times I would have liked a drink, but I new that at a point in the future I would be able to and phase 1 "isn't forever".
Thank you to every one who has provided info and support to me in my journey. I can only hope that I am as much support to you as you are to me.
Schenectady I agree with you totally - I have to follow "IP to a "T" or I'll be right where I was prior to joining the program - just a bit over 2 weeks ago - that's the story of my life - I never finish anything - well it's time for me to make a change - I'm feeling great and I like the feeling - you are an inspiration - thank you
Staying 100% is the way to go, weight comes off faster and able to stay motivated more, at least I do. Have done every diet out there and this is the only one that has truly worked for me. All of you are great to support and encourage and that is greatly appreciated.
All have a great night and stay warm, we are to be 9-10 below zero again to night so tired of cold, don't mind snow, but when is this cold can't stay warm. Since I have lost wt.
Have a great day tomorrow and motivated and on target with IP
about passing it up if you choose after that! So ... it IS easier to pass up somethings...somethings will still be special...but liking how you look and feel is not a bad ego trip to court during this process. 
