Indians on IP
 

Here is to getting back the Desi way on IP

@ user hope2781


So..
some intros in order so that we can assess the circumstances / situations...
cause one man's pudding is another man's poison.. ( applies to a woman as well :D)
Who am I ? - Chennai based guy here in NJ, 38, Christian (so meat eater and almost anything that moves), love spicy stuff...to start...
What is my driver? Long term driver : 2 daughters aged 7 & 3 ! Short term driver : surprising my parents who have been on my case to lose weight for the last 10 years ( going to India in Jun for a month... have always been on the heavier side.:mad:. my entire life)..
Other motivations that help sustain after the initial hurdles : Shopping for clothes is fun again :carrot:, going to the park for the kids and playing with them, not being wary of being photographed...
this is just to start about who/why I am doing what I am doing.

On to you now..and my responses in red below.


"I am on Phase 1, started on Apr 02. Week 1 = lost 7 lbs , week 2 = no weight loss :-( : Are you drinking enough & more water? Are you cheating at all? Are you having sugar / fruits? .. need more details on your situation...

I have a weigh in this Thursday and hoping for the scale to go down. Do you have your own scale that you check ?
How are you controlling not to eat rice or roti? I am soooo tempted to eat the food but trying to stay strong. form your motivation factors on why you wanna stay the course... Of course, I gave in a bit around the time it plateaued for me.. Spicy indian snacks from Subzi mandi - murukku / thata / south indian stuff, but then recalled my motivation factors....also keep in mind, each person's body ( each of us are like a snow flake ) reacts a bit differently to this regimen.. but it will work... a bit delayed for some...
I wonder why moong dal sprouts can't be taken? they are protein rich but my coach said stick with the plan and so I am not trying it but I do take few spoons of tomato rasam once in a while." Try bean sprouts.... they are good to.. and u mean spoons of tomato rasam? what kind of diet plan did your coach give you/ I have meat every night... and I still lost weight...more details will help..

Hi Desi Guy: We have crossed paths before on this forum... re: travel and IP - how did your trip to India go or have you been yet?

Just want to add that cooking Indian, Asian, and Mexican seem to be the easiest to stay on Maintenance plan after IP. (That's where I am right now - and last night we had buffalo burger patties with fresh cilantro and garum masala in along with stirfried veggies (cauliflower and zucchini and green onion) topped with a few spoons of Bombay potato and a side of cucumber and mint raita made with 0% Greek Yogourt - very thick and rich. I have a huge spice box and cook Indian food a lot but stay away from anything deepfried just because I don't want all the extra fats from that- bad combo with the carbs lol.

Liana

Could you perhaps post some of your recipe ideas for a little variety?
I don't know much about South Indian cooking... most of my friends here are from the North - mainly Punjab region.
Thanks in advance!

Hey Liana gal,
Great to run into you again... and you are right... I think Indian & chinese recipes are pretty well suited for IP. Stir fried Baby bokchoy Indian style, Sauteed Oyster or Shitake mushrooms with garam masala & shredded ginger... and here are my faves.. I hit the Indian grocer stores.. and they sell a zillion $1 or $1.99 masala packs ( likerubs or marinades) that you can season your proteins with.. Eg ( Lahorgi charga-fish or chicken| Tandoori | Tikka Masala | Chicken 65 | Chilli Chicken | to name a few.. I use this for even eggplant rounds..and its awesome..i marinate it.. for a couple of hours and then grill it on the stove....in fact.. dinner is the fave meal of my whole day....:)

Those spice mixes all sound wonderful, I will have to do some googling to find more info. I live in a small town and don't have an Indian grocery store, I'd have to drive about 50 miles away to get to one, but may make it a day trip along with other errands in the bigger centre. I just have to be careful that they are strictly spices as I must be gluten free - no wheat, barley, rye, or any derivatives of such or I will be VERY ILL for a few weeks.
Bok choy is in my veggie drawer right now - perhaps part of tomorrow's dinner - I'll check out your ideas. I can get some spice pastes at my local grocery like tikka masala, and tandoori (although I can't quit cook it in a proper tandoori oven, lol)

I'll keep track of this thread as long as I can and hope we get more people talking on it...
Thanks,
Liana

Hello. now my introduction follows:
I am from Hyderabad and 32 yrs old and now based in chicago. I have a 3 yr old girl and I gained 40 pounds with my pregnancy. Lost 20 with workouts but the next 20 is where I have been struggling for many yrs and thought I will start this diet.

I haven't cheated at all meaning no fruits no sugars no carbs. Although I did increase salt intake than what is recommended. 1/4th tablespoon is just not enough for me so I increased it a little bit more and I discussed with my coach too and she told salt increase doesn't impact the diet.

The plan says to drink 64 oz meaning 2 litres of water and I usually drink 3 to 4 litres of water on an average.

I am not much of a meat eater but I do take chicken eventually. I grill marinated chicken wings and chicken breast and had them for dinner on this diet. But I mostly take eggs as dinner at night. I find eggs too bland so add few spoons of rasam soup to it.

I don't see a reason why rasam should not be consumed on this diet.
Recipe In case anyone is interested:
Boil 1 or 2 tomatoes in a dish with some water until you can mash them up. Add salt, pepper, cumin powder and coriander powder. Let it boil and add more water to give it soup consistency. In a seperate dish add 1 tbsp olive oil and cumin seeds and garlic , fry it up a little and add it to the soup.
But I take only 2 or 3 spoons with my eggs probably twice a week and not more than that.

BTW, marinating eggplant in masalas is a good diea. I didn't think about that at all.

I'm headed to India on May 3rd for a 9 business trip (with a bit of sight seeing built in). I plan on staying on plan during my trip. Any suggestions on safe IP foods while in India would be great! I'm slightly concerned that veggies & protein will be covered in delicious sauces, that's how I order from my favorite US based Indian restaurants.

I'll be packing premade drinks and IP snacks for my IP meals.

Some comments, based on your note....

IP recomments using Sea Salt as the Sodium levels are different in that. Not sure if you use Sea salt vs Common Salt.
My coach indicated that tomato is restricted ( dont ask me why) like it is to be used only once or twice a week.Not staple. if you need Rasam, try this recipe... its spicy and awesome..
http://solaiachiskitchen.blogspot.co...d-chicken.html
for your bland eggs, can you get Egg masala from your local indian store? they have a blend of Chaat masala/black salt and pepper which is a bit zesty.
you mentioned chicken wings... that has chicken skin right?...
what about dairy? have you cut all milk or do u use fat free...

Christina,
Depending on which part of India you are planning to visit, your options vary. But if you are staying in a swanky hotel, then their menu should have a lot of options... My advice is to try Indo-chinese cuisine there, which is a bit different than the buttery /spicy sauces that are traditionally Indian. But your hotel will have a salad bars...Your best bet is to go for the tandoori Veggie platter or Tandoori Chicken/Shrimp which cuts down on any oils or sauces.. these are dry dishes....will check for some more dishes and let you know.. enjoy your trip..
( too bad that you are not gonna try the roadside eateries... which are the best...but if you are not "indianized" dont risk it)...

the recipe in that link really looks yummy. I am so going to try it.
I use sea salt only but more than they recommend. 1/4th tbsp is not enough for me. I take milk once in a while but when I do it's skim milk and only 1oz.
I take skin out for chicken wings.. I know it's a little work but it's worth it.
I didn't know abt the egg masala I have to try it. I know tomato is restricted and I take the rasam only twice a week that too few spoons only but the egg masala idea sounds good.

Christina, I agree with desi guy that Indo-chinese has better options and also Tandoori chicken is always the safest item. Make sure this is grilled chicken and not a curry. I am sure the waiters will accomodate your request if you needed a salad or eggs made IP way.

here are some other recipes that I saw.. havent tried these yet...though.. you can let me know if this is good..

http://kountrywheyidealprotein.com/g...soy-patty.html

http://nutritionw.com/ideal-protein-recipes/

On another note, home made kimchi ( some wont like it because it is pungent), Shredded chicken on lettuce leaf, shredded veggies in hot oil are good options to try......For Indians, it gives the spiciness they crave, but also is filling..

Not sure if you get these spices there.. but I like these brands.. and you have to select the ones that are dry(not gravy).. Indian stores are dime a dozen here
http://www.shanfoods.com/
http://www.lazizafoods.com/products.html#

Hi all: Tomatoes are an occasional veggie, but you can choose two items per week - from what I understand 2 cups is a veggie serving. I used a bit of tomato every other day and didn't have a problem. I never ate two cups at a time, but would cut up 1/2 a small tomato for my salad, or use some as a salsa. I can't see how 2 or 3 spoons of rasam would cause a problem.

But, your choice. Whatever works to fit with lifestyle & tastes.
Hope your trip goes well Chrztina. I used the Phase 1 IP Alternate program when travelling (it adds 1 fruit, 1 lo-fat dairy, and 1 starch to your meal plan each day), it is mainly for people with diabetes but still works well and is much easier to stay on plan with. You can google or ask your coach for more info. You still lose weight, just a tiny bit slower than regular plan.

Liana :carrot:

Bump (for another member looking for Indian food and IP) :)

Glad I bumped into this thread! I am on IP from end of March and am a vegetarian Indian from chennai. It has been tough finding vegetarian protein especially when eating out (other than chinese..). It would be great to hear some ideas.

Hi nina, I suggested to another Indian IP member to talk to their coach about using the Alternative P1/2 program. This is not IP using alternative products but actual IP protocol that involves adding 1 serving each of lo fat dairy, starch, and fruit per day, mainly for people who must have more food like diabetics. This would enable you to use 0% Greek Yogourt (which has a lot more protein than regular yogourt) as well as pulses, like beans or lentils, daal, etc. I did Alternative for P2 and it made it much easier to eat on plan. Unfortunately, paneer can't be included in the lo fat dairy category as it has about 21g of fat/100g serving.
You do lose slightly slower on Alternative because of the slightly higher carb, calorie & fat count, but it still works very well.

Hope this helps
Liana

Thank you Liana, That is a great suggestion! I will discuss with my coach as well.I wanted to get some initial results and planning to Phase off when I hit 160. Then I can try some of the alternate options to reach my goal. I have been happy with the results so far.

Hi Nina, I am the one Liana was talking about :-)
I am an Indian and on plan since Apr02.
I am 8 pounds to goal and missing the dals,fruits badly. I do eat chicken when forced but not my favorite and I am sick of eggs already.
Liana suggested about Alternative Phase 2 plan and I looked at the protocol sheet and I don't mind staying on Alternative plan for a while :-)
I am meeting my coach for weekly weigh in tomorrow and I am definitely going to discuss that with her.
On P1 I am not losing more than 1 or 2 pounds per week so if I will lose the same amount with more food I will be happy to take it :-)
Unfortunately the veggie proteins like dals,paneer are not allowed on P1.
Let us know what your coach says.

Liana, here is an update from my trip -

I did end up going off plan for the nine days, but I basically stuck to the alternative program, with the exception of being able to avoid fruit. I had IP for breakfast and snack. Lunch and dinner were always ordered for me and I was able to experience wonderful Indian food. Luckily the portion sizes are smaller than in the US and the meals were "family style", so I was able to stop eating without the guilt of leaving lots on my plate.

I even came back half 0.7 lbs lighter. Now I'm back to OP!

I am really very proud of you. You ate Indian food and still lost weight??
You are amazing. Which place did you visit and what are foods that you tried for lunch and dinner?

I visited the Delhi area for work, including a trip to Agra to see the Taj Majal. I can't even remember most of what I ate. Different types of dals, curries, naans, a small amount of rice, tandoori.

I ate these hollow crisp things that you break open and fill with a chickpea-pepper mix. I'm not sure of the name but they were really good. I also had a big mint flavored leaf filled with spices and sauce from a street vendor.

For this trip I think moderation was key to my weight loss. Either that or I lost a pound from sweating!

That is great! you have been brave eating some street food, but that is the best way to experience India!

@Hope2781, My weigh-ins is on Friday and I will talk with her as well. Please let me know what your coach say tomorrow. I might stay OP for 2 weeks before I start the alternate. For me, it is very restricted with no eggs and meat. I pretty much do veggie burgers or Tofu for the protein and not many choices.

yum yum.. christina. My mouth waters thinking about that stuff. But you are right portion control is the key and you did great. Welcome back to the plan :-)

Way to go, Chrztina!!! Sounds like you had a most excellent time!! AND, you even came back lighter from a vacation, wow! :goodscale :yay::yay::yay:

Liana

You should be able to eat daal (lentils) - just don't use as much oil to fry the spices - but we are to have 1-2 tsp oil each lunch & dinner so that is on plan, too. I just looked at my Alternative protocol sheets and you ARE allowed 150g of cooked legumes, beans, chickpeas, lentils as the 1 starch choice. If you keep the spice oil in the allowable amount, you should be smiling. It's just paneer that is too high in fat for the dairy choice.

That will help the vegetarians/vegans out there... :chef:

Liana

Liana, My coach did not know much about it. But she was going to find out about the alternate and let me know.

Puri? Those are so yummy! I love to make Cholay and Rajma!! Oh I how I miss both of those **sigh** My hubby loves them too. I make it for him but I only sniff not taste!!!

ps. my hubby is Desi I am from Iowa :rofl:

Yes puri! Thank you for helping me put a name to them. Once I'm in maintenance I am going to learn how to make some Indian dishes.

I like spiced potato in puri.... but I am too lazy to make anything like that - plus I need to find a GF Puri recipe, lol. I haven't had some in over 4 years. I'm pretty sure they won't puff up properly if they are GF because there isn't enough elasticity in the dough. SAS,SAD,SAD. Also loooove with Pudina Thogayal (tamarind mint chutney). Oooops, drooling on keyboard. :drool::hungry:

Liana

But puri is wheat dough deep fried in oil. We can't have more than 1 or 2 i guess

I am traveling to India this December and want to try and stay OP. I have ordered my quest bars (all 20 of them:)) and their new quest chocolate protein powder. SO, i know i will have 2 out of 4 meals covered. But after reading what Liana wrote bout an alternate protocol dat allows me to eat some dal, carbs n fruit, I am now tempted to go that route. Please advise.
Thank you!!

Mung sprouts are not allowed? I thought they are. The IP Phase 1 sheet says that bean sprouts are ok?? Please correct me if I am wrong coz i have been eating them all week!!

Aria05: Sprouts are OK, they are on the allowed list, but many coaches don't have any idea about what comprises Indian foods so they just say no without investigating. You could just do regular p1, but it will make your travels easier if you can do the alternative protocol - that way you don't have to worry as much about yogourt, dal, and fruit (although you would still have to watch your portions carefully). Your choice though! Sounds like you are well prepared and will have fun!
And by the way, puri could only be on a Maintenance Funday for me, lol. I can't find GF puri anyhow so it's a moot point. :(
Let us all know how things went when you get back. I love travel and eating local foods.

Liana

Gluten-free Indian breads
 

Hello all -- Very new here, but I love that this thread exists and hope to see more Indian recipes, especially any OK for P1! My Indian spices go on just about all the veggies I've been eating.

Liana -- can you eat buckwheat or rice flour? I have seen recipes online for various Indian breads, including puri, naan, etc. made from those non-wheat flours. If you google "gluten free Indian bread recipes" or something similar, several will pop up. I have not tried them myself, but might be worth a shot.

Thanks Liana!! Portions have always been my waterloo:( And iam hoping IP is going to help me correct that!! I might go between P1, P2 and alternate depending whats on the menu that day:) Wish me luck!! I will report back fosho!!
Happy OP day y'all!!
PS: is there an updated alternate protocol out there?

Unfortutately, no grains are allowed on IP - it's not just gluten that you have to worry about, it's the higher carbs from grain-based foods. So no breads.

There are recipes floating about for "bread-like" food using finely grated cauliflower and egg whites, those might help you out if you're really craving bread :)

Oh, wow -- I knew they weren't allowed at all in P1, but not even in later Phases or maintenance?! Probably best for me since I find it so hard to stop at just one….

Mimi, you can make a pseudo bread from several of the IP packets.

The potato puree makes a nice bread roll (we add lots of spices into ours) and you can make a sort-of flatbread from some of the soups.

Check out the IP packet recipes thread. If you go back to the first entry on this thread (Lisa's) you will see a link to the recipes. As it's probably on the 5th incarnation there will also be links back to previous ones. Lots of inspired people contributed to it, so you will find many ways to liven up the most boring packets. :)

Oh no - just in phase 1 and 2....when you hit phase 3 you start re-introducing those complex carbs for breakfast, and then in maintenance you can include breads *in moderation* :)

My mistake if your question was specific to maintenance! :)