Tried another new food today, thanks to this board. I did the roasted cabbage (thick slice, brushed with EVOO and seasonings sprinkled on). SOOOO yummy! Made a few chicken strips seasoned with garlic powder and dipped in WF Honey Mustard. I have been wanting to try some new things and the cabbage was amazing. I'm so thankful for this board and the recipes and ideas. I honestly feel like I'm eating not only healthier (obviously) but better tasting foods than I was before IP. I can see me doing this for life, not a problem!

Feeling so satisfied!!

Originally Posted by Slipfree:
Renee, hope that tomorrow is a better day! Great job sticking to program through the parent induced stress.

Thanks! I appreciate the support.

Originally Posted by Steppy1974:
Oh! I wanted to ask what is a good alternative for the NoviCleanse? think that's the only thing I haven't done as far as following the phase one. I take all the suppliments.

I have a p1 sheet dated 4/2013 that does not list the NoviCleanse.
I did it when I originally did IP, but not at the 4 week mark (long story).
Short story -- don't worry about it and don't bother with it.
In prowling the internet, it appears Ideal Protein no longer suggests using fiber supplements such as the Novi-lax which was part of the Novi Cleanse kit. I think they are releasing a new product which is a probiotic.

Bottom line, stay the p1 course and no need for Novi Cleanse.

(It didn't really do that much anyway--first week it slows the weight loss then you get a loss to kind of make up for it and then afterwards you lose at the same rate, well at least that is what I remember for me.)

Originally Posted by Vippysue:
Yes, yes, yes! Down 3 lbs this week. I start week 5 today.

When I went to buy my food yesterday, I learned a few things.
1. I blend ice, water and packets in my Magic Bullet. I was told that that was not a good idea because it destroys the protein. Go figure. I would have never thought of that.
2. I can sign up for a coach forever here for $85, as long as I'm buying IP food. Wow. I originally investigated and learned about IP in VA and they wanted more than 4x that amount. I had thought those fees were the same everywhere.

So now I am waffling....should I go get the coach to help me loose faster, or at the other extreme go on alternative. Heard the Quest bars are "dangerous" so I want to stay away from them.

Anyway, yesterday I just started to feel thinner, like the weight fell off the night before. Such a great feeling....I'm on my way.

I agree with the others, the mixer is not going to destroy your proteins unless you are blending your vitamix for 20 minutes and making it boil. The directions on both the chocolate drink mix and the soups say you can gently heat them.

As for staying with a coach, that depends on you. Then again, the $85 for forever coaching is only an awesome deal if...you expect that the business is solid and will be around "forever" (or at least a few more years) and if the coaching you get is worth more than "don't blend your packets".

I haven't followed your whole story, so are you switching clinics or will you get a year of p4 coaching even if you select not to do it forever?

I've discovered zucchini noodles and WF tomato sauce. I am in HEAVEN! My husband keeps saying some of these recipes feel like we are cheating, they are so good. Last week we had pork fried cauli rice and it was awesome!

Originally Posted by infoplease:
I have a p1 sheet dated 4/2013 that does not list the NoviCleanse.
I did it when I originally did IP, but not at the 4 week mark (long story).
Short story -- don't worry about it and don't bother with it.
In prowling the internet, it appears Ideal Protein no longer suggests using fiber supplements such as the Novi-lax which was part of the Novi Cleanse kit. I think they are releasing a new product which is a probiotic.

Bottom line, stay the p1 course and no need for Novi Cleanse.

(It didn't really do that much anyway--first week it slows the weight loss then you get a loss to kind of make up for it and then afterwards you lose at the same rate, well at least that is what I remember for me.)

I just printed the new sheets, and wala! It's not there so that is good to know. Thanks!

Good morning everyone
This thread is useful for another day

Originally Posted by blondie739:
I've discovered zucchini noodles and WF tomato sauce. I am in HEAVEN! My husband keeps saying some of these recipes feel like we are cheating, they are so good. Last week we had pork fried cauli rice and it was awesome!

Proof that healthy eating can (and should) still taste good!
I refuse to eat bland, boring food just because I'm on a weight loss plan. Some of the things I've tried have been hit-or-miss and need adjustment but that happened prior to IP as well.

It is so much easier to stay OP when we don't feel so deprived

Originally Posted by infoplease:
I agree with the others, the mixer is not going to destroy your proteins unless you are blending your vitamix for 20 minutes and making it boil. The directions on both the chocolate drink mix and the soups say you can gently heat them.

As for staying with a coach, that depends on you. Then again, the $85 for forever coaching is only an awesome deal if...you expect that the business is solid and will be around "forever" (or at least a few more years) and if the coaching you get is worth more than "don't blend your packets".

I haven't followed your whole story, so are you switching clinics or will you get a year of p4 coaching even if you select not to do it forever?

Do I think this business is solid? They have been around for a while. Both coaches/doctors have been personally trained by The Developer of the Protein Protocol - Dr. Tran Tien Chanh. They told me that, posted it on their website, and there is a picture of the 3 of them hanging in the office as well as on the website. They claim to be the largest or most successful clinic on the East Coast. They have multiple thick albums of success stories in the form of pictures. I was sort of impressed by their credentials so I don't know if I want to completely ignore them....

I learned about the diet in VA and went to an informational session. They could not make themselves available for me before I had to return to GA, (and now I'm glad about that, considering the difference in cost.) So no, I have never been on this diet or P4 before. They would take me on as a brand new client and I would get a year of P4 coaching. (I would probably leave GA before that.)

I have done well, but probably not as well as I could have done with someone to answer questions and guide me specifically since all I have had is a few papers to go on. I haven't completely decided but am leaning toward "yes." I, too, think it is an awesome deal.

Thanks for your interest and response. :)

Originally Posted by infoplease:
I have a p1 sheet dated 4/2013 that does not list the NoviCleanse.

The P1 sheet in the stickies/daily link is Feb 2013. Is March any different?

enjoyed the posts on use of blender, I have never been told not to blend the packets. I blends them into smooties with "coffee" ice cubes for an ice cap treat, and I bake with the puddings/vanilla drink packs - make them into yummy loafs.

Also congradulations to JO! Holidays sounded like a nice break, we also went to Mexico for a break for a week of this Manitoba weather.

Good morning everyone. Hope everyone is doing well.

Started phase 3 this week. I feel like I'm cheating with all the food that I am getting at breakfast. But I'm staying within the guidelines. My total weight loss so far is 98lbs. I have prepared myself for the fact that I might gain a few of those back over the next 2 weeks. But I'm hoping it will only be a few and not 10! Anyway I am throughly enjoying a nice hot breakfast every morning. It is very welcome.

Everyone have a good day!

Huge ice storm coming through here today. I'm really hoping we don't lose power. They are saying if you do, it could be out for several days. I'm doing a preemptive roasting of veggies this morning. I think I can eat them cold if they're cooked.

Originally Posted by Allend428:
Good morning everyone. Hope everyone is doing well.

Started phase 3 this week. I feel like I'm cheating with all the food that I am getting at breakfast. But I'm staying within the guidelines. My total weight loss so far is 98lbs. I have prepared myself for the fact that I might gain a few of those back over the next 2 weeks. But I'm hoping it will only be a few and not 10! Anyway I am throughly enjoying a nice hot breakfast every morning. It is very welcome.

Everyone have a good day!

Wow! 98 lbs! That's awesome! Congrats!

Re:blending:heating packets
Even the IP videos show recipes doing both

Originally Posted by JLUS:
The P1 sheet in the stickies/daily link is Feb 2013. Is March any different?

The p 1 sheet in the stickies is from Dec 2013

Is regular cabbage allowed? I see a lot of posts about roasting it, but I just checked the protocol sheet for P1 and I don't see it on there. It has red, pak choi and bok choi listed. But not green. I thought I remember them telling me at orientation (back in July) that green was not allowed.

Any ideas?

Carol

I've been using green cabbage all along - never thought to ask my coach if it was different than red cabbage. I weigh in today and will ask.

Originally Posted by lisa32989:
Re:blending:heating packets
Even the IP videos show recipes doing both



The p 1 sheet in the stickies is from Dec 2013

Ah - I opened the Daily Chat IP Protocol sheets and didn't notice the first one listed is P2!! Oooops - my error! I just did a quick glance at the date, not the sheet itself

Vippy, good luck with the storm. Roasted veggies put on the counter for a few hours taste wonderful at room temp. I love putting them on a lettuce salad for a change.

I am feeling a bit disheartened. I've been following protocol since Friday. This morning I stepped on the scale. Down only 1/2 pound. This is where I would want to give up. I was eating very low carb for weeks prior so expect no whoosh from that. I think I'm getting more sodium from packets because my rings are tight. Also need help in the poop department so took something last night. These last pounds are really a bear to budge. I'm not going to quit because there is so much success here and I believe that I can find success as well if I stick to it.

Have a fun day and good luck to everyone in the storm areas!

Originally Posted by Ruth Ann:
I've been using green cabbage all along - never thought to ask my coach if it was different than red cabbage. I weigh in today and will ask.

Good luck on your weigh in. I have mine this afternoon. I will ask too (if I remember). We can compare the answers they give us.

Originally Posted by calee:
Vippy, good luck with the storm. Roasted veggies put on the counter for a few hours taste wonderful at room temp. I love putting them on a lettuce salad for a change.

I am feeling a bit disheartened. I've been following protocol since Friday. This morning I stepped on the scale. Down only 1/2 pound. This is where I would want to give up. I was eating very low carb for weeks prior so expect no whoosh from that. I think I'm getting more sodium from packets because my rings are tight. Also need help in the poop department so took something last night. These last pounds are really a bear to budge. I'm not going to quit because there is so much success here and I believe that I can find success as well if I stick to it.

Have a fun day and good luck to everyone in the storm areas!

Hang in there. The pounds are just creeping off me, but the the daily scale is going down, just very slowwww. Better than up!

For those of you adding zucchini to foods, how are you shredding it and/or making it into noodles? I want to make either the muffins or waffles with the pudding packs & also have the noodles with some other veggies as a 'pasta'.

I'm not the most creative cook or baker so thanks in advance!!

Originally Posted by calee:
Vippy, good luck with the storm. Roasted veggies put on the counter for a few hours taste wonderful at room temp. I love putting them on a lettuce salad for a change.

I am feeling a bit disheartened. I've been following protocol since Friday. This morning I stepped on the scale. Down only 1/2 pound. This is where I would want to give up. I was eating very low carb for weeks prior so expect no whoosh from that. I think I'm getting more sodium from packets because my rings are tight. Also need help in the poop department so took something last night. These last pounds are really a bear to budge. I'm not going to quit because there is so much success here and I believe that I can find success as well if I stick to it.

Have a fun day and good luck to everyone in the storm areas!

don't be discouraged. you're doing it right. let your body do the rest! Try changing up your food choices and get excited about the program again. Lately, i've had a super loving relationship with mustard. I use it on dinner nightly. It's helped spice up my food! I actually use 'creole mustard' from Zatarain's. Pretty darn delish.

http://www.cajungrocer.com/zatarain-...e-mustard.html

Originally Posted by advocatemom:
For those of you adding zucchini to foods, how are you shredding it and/or making it into noodles? I want to make either the muffins or waffles with the pudding packs & also have the noodles with some other veggies as a 'pasta'.

I'm not the most creative cook or baker so thanks in advance!!

For noodles: if you have a mandolin it might have a "julienne" attachment. I bought a cheap mandolin at Bed Bath and Beyond for $10. Before that I used my apple/potato peeler and just did long strands. Boil it for 3-4 minutes.

For muffins - you could just shred it using a cheese grater (that is what my mom used to do when she would freeze it from our garden for use in the winter) or maybe a food processor. I haven't made them yet, but I understand from other posts you need to get most of the water out and maybe cook it a bit before put it in the muffins, etc.

Originally Posted by Steppy1974:
Oh! I wanted to ask what is a good alternative for the NoviCleanse? think that's the only thing I haven't done as far as following the phase one. I take all the suppliments.

The one I used was suggested by the clinic since they can't sell Novaclense in the US. She said she looked at a lot of different cleanses and felt like it was good. It was not my normal coach, but a chiro in the office that is also a coach.

It is called:
Garden of Life
Wild Rose
Herbal D-Tox

"Easy 12 Day Whole Body Herbal Cleanse"

It is vegan compliant (I'm not vegan), gluten free, dairy free and soy free. It does not contain stimulant laxatives.

Hope this helps. They have recommended a cleanse a couple of times because toxins build up in the body.

Hope this helps.

Week 1 and I am down 3 pounds! It's not as much as I was expecting, but I did (accidentally) have 1/2 a sweet potato last Thursday and some avocado on a salad. Also, I wonder if the loss isn't as big because I'm using alternatives without supplements. Has anyone had a similar experience>

Regardless, I'm thrilled to be 3 pounds lighter!! :carrot:

Four Free Quest Bard from Quest
 

If you take their survey you can have 4 free quest bars shipped to you at no cost. Here is the link.

http://www.questproteinbar.com/freesample?p=highfive

:carrot:

Originally Posted by sarahBell:
If you take their survey you can have 4 free quest bars shipped to you at no cost. Here is the link.

http://www.questproteinbar.com/freesample?p=highfive

:carrot:

Thanks, SarahBell! Just did the survey (super quick) and even got to choose the flavors. Great find!

Originally Posted by ColoradoCarol:
Good luck on your weigh in. I have mine this afternoon. I will ask too (if I remember). We can compare the answers they give us.

My coach said that she looked up both of them and they are nearly identical stat-wise and that she has always used the green since she doesn't like the red. I'm going with that since I've always used the green too and don't care for the red.

Originally Posted by ems70508:
don't be discouraged. you're doing it right. let your body do the rest! Try changing up your food choices and get excited about the program again. Lately, i've had a super loving relationship with mustard. I use it on dinner nightly. It's helped spice up my food! I actually use 'creole mustard' from Zatarain's. Pretty darn delish.

http://www.cajungrocer.com/zatarain-...e-mustard.html

Oh, that looks good! I've been using a jalapeno mustard put out by Silver Spring (I think that's right-I'm at work and don't have the bottle here). It has just the right amount of back of the mouth kick!

Originally Posted by trinny:
Thanks, SarahBell! Just did the survey (super quick) and even got to choose the flavors. Great find!

I did it too, of course I have to wait 4-8 weeks but what a surprise that'll be! haha

Darn it! Quest sample doesn't work for Canadian address. Foiled again.

Originally Posted by ems70508:
I did it too, of course I have to wait 4-8 weeks but what a surprise that'll be! haha

You guys are welcome/ Hyvee has them on sale for 1.99 each. And I figured I can try some that are IP compliant first with out spending a dime. So far the only one I have really tried are the cinnamon roll bars. So I am excited to try some new ones. I like that they put up the nutritional info on it too!

Originally Posted by sunflwr816:
Week 1 and I am down 3 pounds! It's not as much as I was expecting, but I did (accidentally) have 1/2 a sweet potato last Thursday and some avocado on a salad. Also, I wonder if the loss isn't as big because I'm using alternatives without supplements. Has anyone had a similar experience>

Regardless, I'm thrilled to be 3 pounds lighter!! :carrot:

Using alternatives, if you are carefully selecting IP comparable products, shouldn't slow your losses! (Many on here regularly attest to that fact!)

HOWEVER -

It is REALLY IMPORTANT that you use supplements (either IP or comparable)... Not as an answer to your weightloss question, but because you are not eating enough in the calorie/nutrition range to give you everything you need to "run your machine." Someone recently posted a link either to a website or video that emphasizes how critical it is to take the supplements and dangers of not taking them.

I would also imagine if our bodies aren't getting all the correct balance of nutrients, it might also hang on to weight looking for more nutrients.

Good morning everyone!! I struggled last night with some carb cravings but did not give in. For some reason I wanted skittles and pizza, LOL. I just have to keep reminding myself that once in maintenance I can have it on my Fun Day!! Excited for the weekend, its my birthday Sunday and my DH has a surprise outing planned for Saturday and he said he would take me for boiled crawfish on Sunday!!

Originally Posted by sarahBell:
If you take their survey you can have 4 free quest bars shipped to you at no cost. Here is the link.

http://www.questproteinbar.com/freesample?p=highfive

:carrot:

I am on the site and at the place where you put your phone number in and for some reason it doesn't like my phone number :( I have tried different ways like hyphens or periods between the numbers but nothing works and what is annoying it doesn't say what is wrong, the field is just outlined in red.

Originally Posted by MntRose:
I am on the site and at the place where you put your phone number in and for some reason it doesn't like my phone number :( I have tried different ways like hyphens or periods between the numbers but nothing works and what is annoying it doesn't say what is wrong, the field is just outlined in red.

Try it without spaces, dashes or anything (like 1234567890) - that's what worked for me.

Originally Posted by JLUS:
Using alternatives, if you are carefully selecting IP comparable products, shouldn't slow your losses! (Many on here regularly attest to that fact!)

HOWEVER -

It is REALLY IMPORTANT that you use supplements (either IP or comparable)... Not as an answer to your weightloss question, but because you are not eating enough in the calorie/nutrition range to give you everything you need to "run your machine." Someone recently posted a link either to a website or video that emphasizes how critical it is to take the supplements and dangers of not taking them.

I would also imagine if our bodies aren't getting all the correct balance of nutrients, it might also hang on to weight looking for more nutrients.

Thanks Laurie. I am taking my normal multi-vitamin and a B12 and omega-3. Do you know where I can purchase the IP recommended supplements? I'll start searching the threads too..:dizzy:

Hey all posted a thread for this as am getting a lot of views but no replies so I figured I post here too. Thank you.


OK...so I am not one to get caught up in whole ketosis thing b/c I follow the plan and it works...never been real concerned with that aspect.

Have been maintaining and want to kick off 10lbs and stay on phase 1 for 30 days to get some good habits back it routine. Started last Tuesday and I am experiencing some strange things happening since that I never did or at least cannot recall when doing phase 1 before last year.

The first thing is that I am not having any spotting. Usually this happens to me within the first week or so. Without boring everyone part of my 10lb gain was a pregnancy back in November that I learned was not viable. Anyhow, I am no longer pregnant and my hormones are finally getting back to normal at the end of January (period has returned, etc). WHEW...it was an emotional couple of months.

Another thing I noticed today is that when I woke up I was swollen. Had a small amount of srriacha last night which I am thinking could be the culprit but not real sure. Anyways, I only (and I saw ONLY b/c I have done phase 1 before and usually lost more) lost 4ish lbs in the week that I have been on. Typically I can feel it even if the scale doesn't always show it and its like I cant feel it. Yes, clothes are fitting better but I don't feel like I have in the past on day 8. Maybe my body is just holding on to some water before is whooshes it out.

Another thing is that I am usually starving starting phase 1 but I have been just fine this round (maybe because I was ready to get back). I haven't had any real cravings or desires.

Only thing I have done different this round is that I am drinking an EAS shake everyday to save some $$$.

Anyone else reboot/restart and experience this? Why I am not spotting this time? Why not the usual couple of days of hunger? Anyone else had problems with the EAS with not losing as much?

I am just feeling like my body is sooo screwed up from the recent months events.

Originally Posted by tbc85:
Good morning everyone!! I struggled last night with some carb cravings but did not give in. For some reason I wanted skittles and pizza, LOL. I just have to keep reminding myself that once in maintenance I can have it on my Fun Day!! Excited for the weekend, its my birthday Sunday and my DH has a surprise outing planned for Saturday and he said he would take me for boiled crawfish on Sunday!!

Good job on avoiding that temptation! And Yum yum yum to the crawfish! Make sure you hydrate pre and post eating! As much as I love those mudbugs, they always make me plump up! My guess is the boil seasoning most people use....my family owns a small crawfish farm outside Catahoula and I went out in the fields a few weeks ago. Seems like they are still pretty small so I'll treat myself in a few weeks! Let me know if you get some bigger ones!!

Sorry it's so big :(


https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hpho...07859531_n.jpg



I am sorry... I just had to :)


He's my special little man who just said his first word this week. He loves some of my veggie puree's it's pretty awesome to be able to eat the same thing my baby does.

Originally Posted by eandc2006:
Hey all posted a thread for this as am getting a lot of views but no replies so I figured I post here too. Thank you.


OK...so I am not one to get caught up in whole ketosis thing b/c I follow the plan and it works...never been real concerned with that aspect.

Have been maintaining and want to kick off 10lbs and stay on phase 1 for 30 days to get some good habits back it routine. Started last Tuesday and I am experiencing some strange things happening since that I never did or at least cannot recall when doing phase 1 before last year.

The first thing is that I am not having any spotting. Usually this happens to me within the first week or so. Without boring everyone part of my 10lb gain was a pregnancy back in November that I learned was not viable. Anyhow, I am no longer pregnant and my hormones are finally getting back to normal at the end of January (period has returned, etc). WHEW...it was an emotional couple of months.

Another thing I noticed today is that when I woke up I was swollen. Had a small amount of srriacha last night which I am thinking could be the culprit but not real sure. Anyways, I only (and I saw ONLY b/c I have done phase 1 before and usually lost more) lost 4ish lbs in the week that I have been on. Typically I can feel it even if the scale doesn't always show it and its like I cant feel it. Yes, clothes are fitting better but I don't feel like I have in the past on day 8. Maybe my body is just holding on to some water before is whooshes it out.

Another thing is that I am usually starving starting phase 1 but I have been just fine this round (maybe because I was ready to get back). I haven't had any real cravings or desires.

Only thing I have done different this round is that I am drinking an EAS shake everyday to save some $$$.

Anyone else reboot/restart and experience this? Why I am not spotting this time? Why not the usual couple of days of hunger? Anyone else had problems with the EAS with not losing as much?

I am just feeling like my body is sooo screwed up from the recent months events.

From my experience, spotting occurs when you have a rapid loss. Because our bodies store hormones in fat, when we loose it quickly, it causes spotting. Many people have spoken of this on 3FC. If you are not having a rapid loss, there may be no spotting.

Secondly, just because you're satsified with the food in P1 does not mean something is wrong! It's good that p1 satisfies you! Just make sure you are following it correctly. ie: take the supplements drink all the water and get in your oil and salt. Your puffieness could be from different seasonings or not getting enough water in. Sometimes that happens to me.

I think you need to just let your body adjust and give yourself more time! If you're following the protocol, you'll be fine. Do you have a coach?