Originally Posted by dtbutler4 (Post 5007918)

Thanks for this information. I am gaining so much useful knowledge from this forum, I love you guys!!!! I printed it and will be keeping it with me whenever shopping for alternatives. I discussed using some alternatives to supplement my cost with my Coach yesterday and he said he encourages it because he knows IP can get expensive and he doesn't want his clients to stop due to finances. I love Dr. Mike...he is AWESOME SAUCE!!!!

Originally Posted by CO_6 (Post 5008697)

This may be buried somewhere in another thread, but has anyone tasted the Quest Pasta? Any good?

Originally Posted by Gr8by48 (Post 5006047)

Hi all, I just finished reading the entire 500 posts of the thread before this to refresh my memory on how to do IP with alternatives. Another birthday has come and gone, and I STILL am overweight, sigh. My forum title was supposed to mean that I would lose my excess weight by the time I turned 48; well yesterday I turned 49 and I still need to lose it (about 80 lbs).

I have started and stopped way too many times on this weight loss journey and I can't seem to put my finger on why or what keeps me from success other than my own laziness, lack of self control, however you want to phrase it. But each year I start out beating myself up seeing has how another year has gone by and nothing has changed; and I am not getting any younger, so I know it's not going to get any easier.

I will be going food shopping later today and I have my list of stuff that I will be getting. First batch of stuff will come from my grocery store, which actually has some good choices for the protein drinks. I will be stocking up on veggies and lean protein for my other foods.

I wanted to say thanks for all of you who put such effort into helping those who are seeking using alternatives for the IP products. I myself have never used anything but the alternatives due to the information I was able to find here!

TTFN

Originally Posted by Kellyc14 (Post 5008817)

What protein drinks do you get from the grocery store? Bars too? I am trying to stay with ip products but money is tight so if I could buy a cheaper brand that is comparable that would be great!

Originally Posted by JLUS (Post 5008829)

Look for EAS Carb Advantage (about $5 for 4) or Pure Protein shakes (about $8 for 4, but also a little larger and in my opinion a little richer than EAS). Both found at Walmart/Target (always seem to cost double at drug stores).

Use the guidelines posted in the first thread here and I posted some additional info on guidelines a few threads after that. This will tell you if a product fits IP criteria.

Also take a look around Nashua Nutrition site for TONS of alternatives... Not just shakes and bars, but everything! Just use the guidelines in selecting because not all products fit IP.

Originally Posted by Kellyc14 (Post 5008834)

Thank you!! There is so much info- I am still trying to sort it all out. I am just taking a realistic look at this and I am in for the long haul so if there's a way to eat the proper foods and save money, I'm in!! My coach is going on vacation so I had to order two weeks of products this week and I didn't buy the extra ip packet that I am allowed (4th one of needed) and I was thinking it would be great if I could run to walmart and buy a substitute.
I am so afraid of eating the wrong thing.

Originally Posted by JLUS (Post 5008841)

If you use the guidelines I mentioned, you really can't go wrong! Just check each item using the little pink sheet (and the additional info I posted a couple posts below it for more detail).

A couple more great ideas for saving money...
-- 1 whole egg and three egg whites is the replacement for an IP omelet packet; and 4 whole eggs with two whites is the replacement for your meat protein. Eggs are pretty inexpensive. Also get a carton of pure egg whites - not Egg Beaters. I use our store brand to save a few more pennies!

-- look for Maple Grove Farms SUGAR FREE pancake mix (I get it in the special baking items section near whole wheat mixes, Bob,s Red Mill, etc) $3.99 per box. Use 1/4 cup (equals your one packet) and mix with water to batter consistency. No need to add oil or egg as directions say. I do sometimes add one egg white. Makes great waffles too! Top with Walden Farms maple or blueberry syrup.

Ask lots of questions here and you will figure it all out!

Originally Posted by ideally113 (Post 5005316)

Hi fellow IPers....

I was at the Vitamin Shoppe today and was given a sample of "Designer Whey" protein powder. Looking at the numbers on this powder it certainly seems to qualify as a unrestricted with a nice punch of protein. It's sweetened with Stevia which is a plus in my book over Sucralose. Does anyone have any info on this product? I also when on the Designerwhey.com website and found a nice protein/electrolyte powder that seems like a nice compliment to my excercise routine. If anyone has anything to share on these products...do share.

Originally Posted by JLUS (Post 5010204)

Just read about them on another IP page... Poster said she looked at some items and only saw two soups under 8 carbs and most bars were 20+ carbs. She did not look at all items.

Use the guidelines I the first post of this thread... Also a couple after that I posted additional info. Use those guidelines to evaluate a potential product for IP compliance!