I am considering starting Ideal Protein, but have been told you can't exercise. Is this true, and what is the reason? Is light cardio or weights okay?

hanks!

Hi and welcome!
The general basis is that because IP a low-calorie diet, you don't have enough food to fuel heavy exercise. My coach advised only LIGHT exercise (walking, light swimming, yoga/stretching [but not hot yoga]) during P1. I think some might agree or disagree.

I just asked my coach if I could start exercising again.. it's been 5 weeks...

She said I could do an hour of cardio 3 times a week and lift on the days I wasn't doing cardio. If I felt weak I could add a low carb packet or shake after my workout.. she said listen to my body whether or not I needed to add another packet.

just my two cents..

My doc encouraged me to continue working out while On IP. Just add an extra packet on workout days. Hasn't hurt my losses at all. I wouldnt recommend exercise in the first few weeks, I didn't have much energy at first. Good luck!

I'm thinking about starting Couch 2 5k this week. If I add an extra packet to the days I run, I'm hoping it won't effect my losses. Anyone do this running program?

I have NO issues not having to exercise. Lol. Honestly I live on a farm and somedays my day to day work busts my muscles! I feel way less energetic on this diet too.... Really feel the caloric deprivation.

I never got the major energy boost that some seem to get while on IP. I do try my best to do pilates between 4 and 5 times a week. I tried a bootcamp and almost passed out. I've never been super athletic though. I think it partly depends on your exercise level before you start IP, and just seeing for yourself what your body can handle.

My advice from IP site/chiro was about the same!! Limited to 30 min at first...but now have increased to 40-45. I do 6/days week alternating which type daily. You're probably younger than me ... LOL .... most everyone here is...and the 45 min is just about right for me at the moment. It's also not so long I wont stick with it. I think i keep reading 150 min a week is what to strive for...and I am above that.

Although you don't need to exercise on IP I think it helps create lasting change. My coach says limit the cardio so I do a light spin 3 times a week for 30 min followed by weights, one hour of yoga, and 45 minutes with my personal trainer each week. I'm going to add the extra packet before bed on days that I work out. I was going to the gym before IP , I like it and get a lot of support from them as well.

I have been exercising all the way, and some days are better than others. I spin 4x per week, and have just started group power, a lifting class. I have lost 30 pounds in 7 weeks, so it hasn't affected me. I also do take an extra acket when I am in a long spin class (50 minutes or longer). I feel amazing, but when I am tired after work, I am ok skipping a class so I can get some rest... Listen to your body what ever you decide to do...

I've been doing swimming 2 X/week for about 6 months - first an hour of arthritis swim class, followed by an hour of aerobic swim class and did not feel that I couldn't do this after starting IP- mainly I think because swimming is so low impact - I really love it. I must admit that I tend to take a nap afterwards (I'm currently unemployed), but that also happened before IP.

I am on week 6 and started exercising this week. I did 3 very gentle 2 mile jogs. I had a great weigh in this week...so I am taking that as a green light to continue.

I'm just starting week 4 - feeling like I should start up again but I have to admit the break from exercising has been nice

I am thinking about starting a workout program. I want to do a 90 day challenge. Which is essentially committing to a workout for 90 days and see the change.

I scaled back the first month. I now do about 10000 yards in the pool(over 4 swim days), I lift an hour about 4 days a week. I add protein(some say a packet, my coach just said extra regular protein) when I feel I need it. Has not affected my weight loss. It did really slow me down at first in the pool, but I am back up to speed now. Weightwise, I kept it light until mid January and am now back to heavy lifting.