Hello Hello!

New to IP starting 5 days ago. Noticed some muscle fatigue and headaches on Days 2-3 but not having major issues with hunger.

Really loving how easy IP is, and how simple they've made the different phases. Learning how to be creative within a fat/carbs/sugar/calorie budget is fun. I have no desire to cheat.

I lost 60lbs the traditional way (calorie counting and lots of time in the gym) but being (a former) military spouse, the move made me lazy in weighing food and I gradually slipped back into bad habits and regained it all (plus a couple of lbs "friends" on top).

Hoping that IP's stages will help me come to terms with the fact that it's a food plan rather than a diet, and that it won't end, it will simply allow a wider range of allowed foods. I think that's been my biggest failing in dietary change in the past.

I don't know if this is the right place to ask, but I'm a little concerned about the estrogen released in burning fat cells as I'm pre-menopausal (49). Has anyone experienced some major changes and have some advice on coping with getting to, and through, the "change" while on IP?

Wonderful to see such a large community of people following the same path.

You're so welcome and I know exactly what you mean about feeling hopeless! Once you get the routine of IP down you will be amazed at the results! Be sure to check out the daily chat, 100% thread and the what are you eating threads along with any others that pique your interest - so much good information here! I could not have done it without the support of this group.

Welcome and congrats on getting started! Getting through the first few days can be tough so be sure to get all your salt and water in. Licking salt directly off your hand followed by a glass of water can really help with the headaches.

I had some hormonal issues during P1 even though I had a hysterectomy many years before starting IP. I had gone of replacement therapy shortly before starting but once the weight started coming off, oh my was I having hot flashes and mood swings! Dh deserves a medal for putting up with me! My doctor put me back on HRT which helped some and once I hit goal and moved to maintenance it has pretty much subsided. Doctor told me it was just the hormones being released from the fat flooding my system and then once my fat was lower my estrogen stores were depleted.

Totally worth it though - knowing that the hot flashes, etc. were temporary helped. A lot less uncomfortable than staying morbidly obese the rest of my life!

Welcome, love this!

Thank you for sharing this, it really helps knowing that there are others out there with experience to rely on for advice. Unfortunately, I won't be allowed HRT as I've lost 7 female family members to estrogen-receptive female cancers, so I suspect I may just have to "endure".

It's interesting that I have been running very hot since starting IP, when normally I'm a chilly person. I wonder if this is the start of estrogen release and ketosis or just the body keeping warm as a result of the fat burning process.

Hello - I started IP yesterday. I like many on this board have struggled with my weight my entire adult life. I've had 2 big diets in my past where I got to my goal weight and kept it off for a few years and then it would come back. In my 20s I did Weight Watchers, lost 15 pounds got to a life time member. I remember my shock when they told me I had to eat 1/2 a bagel instead of the whole thing. That's when I learned the word "carb". In my 30s it was Atkins where I lost 35 pounds. I looked great at my wedding! Atkins was so far the easiest diet I have been on. I was very strict and was in ketosis the entire time. I was so happy to be able to eat bacon and cheese! I also learned about the sugars in sauces etc. Kept it off for a few years until a few miscarriages and then pregnancies. Then, whooah, I gained weight in places I never had it before and it stuck. Now instead of just a big bottom half I have a gut and big arms. Now in my 40s I have 60 pounds to lose. I've tried to do my own version of South Beach thinking I could make it more of a life style change. But, it isn't working. So, I want to try IP. After just one day I have to say I'm encouraged. I thought I would HATE the packets. But, since I've eliminated carbs and fruit for awhile the IP packets I chose yesterday (my first day) felt like I was cheating. (I selected the crispy cereal, rotini pasta, caramel nut bar, and wild berry yogurt).

Sorry this is so long but it feels good to be starting this diet. I can't wait to lose the weight!

Hi! This is day 3 for me on IP alternatives. I lost 60 lbs on WW 5years ago but put about 30 back in the last 12 months by going off plan. Reading the IP success stories motivated me and I'm here to lose 35 lbs!

H everyone! Today is day 6 on IP for me. So far things are going pretty well & I'm feeling good. I've been strong & even resisted all cheating during 3 trips to our state fair this weekend. I am incredibly excited about this journey & my first weigh-in tomorrow. I am also looking forward to restocking my pantry…..the stater kit I received from my clinic is running low & over the past few days my choices are slim.

Day 2 - IP
 

I am on day 2 of IP protocol, I have been finding a lot of fun recipes on line. I have been struggling with weight loss and looking for success on this program.
I do exercise religiously and I am a bit nervous to take that out of my day. My week consist of typically 2-3 spin classes, 3 circuit strength training days and daily walks of 3 miles (or more). I do try to take a long hike on the weekends, Saturday was 8.5 miles.
Any advise?

IP is extremely low calorie, and rigorous exercise could stall your losses. For at least the first 2-3 weeks you should stay away from exercise, while your body is adjusting to the diet. After that, since you were very active prior to IP, you can try adding *some* exercise back in (just be aware that exercise will not speed up the process) - the general rule is to never get out of breath, try to put yourself at about 30-50% less intensity than before IP. and ALWAYS have an extra packet within an hour of any exercise. Listen to your body - if you add exercise and end up overly fatigued, it's probably more than your body can handle while on P1.

IP: Is Veg Protein Soy or Whey Based
 

Greetings, all:

I'm brand new to the Board. I'm considering my next steps after an epic fail on Releana and am considering Ideal Protein. My doctor offers both programs.

One question I have is whether IP uses soy or whey protein for its drinks and bars. Soy upsets my stomach.

Thanks so much for any advice you can offer!

Hello, all. I am not new, but it has been a while since I have been here, so there are many new faces here, so I wanted to say hello!

Hi all, starting my second month on IP and I'm down about 15 lbs. Great forum

Hello everyone! I am starting back up on IP after more than a year off it. The first time I did it, I was looking for a quick loss to be ready for a vacation and so I wouldn't feel uncomfortable next to my tiny friend that was going on the trip with me. Totally the wrong reason for trying to lose weight!! After the trip, I still had more to lose, but lost motivation without the trip to look forward to and I was happier with how I looked, so I got lazy. Well, here I am with the original 40lbs lost, put back on plus at least 15-20 more. My coach is married to a high school friend, so I reached out to him, embarrassed by the weight I gained and that I needed his help again. He has made me feel so comfortable and ready for this! He reassured me that the set back is just that, a set back and I can still get back on it and do more than I ever thought possible. Now, I'm looking to lose the weight because I cannot go on feeling this way about myself and I cannot continue to be this unhealthy. I also decided that this time around I will be an active participant in this forum so that I can get some extra motivation, especially when things get tough.

Thank you all in advance for your help and motivation and I hope that I can be of some help as well!

Hi everyone! I am on day 5 and looking forward to this getting a little easier. I am anxious to get to 7 days without cheating because that is my first goal! I managed to make a chocolate dessert for a Labor Day function and not even lick my fingers. If only I had that kind of willpower all of the time!

Looking forward to learning more about other people's experiences.

Hello to everyone. As I mentioned in a different thread, while i am not new to IP (I started on 11/20/13 & met my goal weight of 145 on 1/29/14), this is my 1st time posting. In that way, I feel like I know many of you already, so please forgive my familiarity:) I started IP to feel better about myself & to improve my physical health. It was only for me & while my journey was not as long as many of those I've read, it was my journey & I'm proud to say I did it 100% OP. I phased off per protocol & struggled to maintain my goal weight.
I finally faced the scale this morning (I dread the scale) & found I was right back where I had started. I was heartbroken but it strengthened my resolve to start back on Phase 1 until I am back at my goal. Part of the journey I am on this go is to determine what my attainable weight is vs my maintainable weight. I'm a relatively tall, athletic person & can carry (camouflage) a few pounds without anyone really noticing...but I notice.
I look forward to being a part of this community in a more active (non-lurking) way.