FYI. MiO is sweetened with sucralose (Splenda.)

However, yes, the Stur enhancers are fine.

If you're talking about rating it for tastes the issue is that tastes vary so widely. Example: some people love the IP broccoli/cheese soup. To say it doesn't appeal to me would be an understatement. Just because one person likes something doesn't mean another person will.

So, what would you be rating?

It's close to the edge. I consider those restricted (I personally go with 8 carbs and over, rather than 8 and under and I only subtract the sugar alcohol erythritol as it has the least effect on blood sugar). A good rule for me is to limit them. In maintenance we won't be eating a lot of candy-like foods.

Well, I was thinking of a x/5 rating and then space to put a few brief comments (I.e. Cardboardy, too powdery, etc).

I agree that everyone's tastes vary but it's no different than reviews elsewhere (restaurants, clothes etc). It's not a guarantee that you'll like it or not, but it can help identity the stinkers and the potentially really great ones. I.E. I was going to buy a box of Quest lemon bars (love citrus) but after reading so many people with negative thoughts on them, I only ordered a couple to try. Maybe I'll love them, or maybe I just saved some money. I was also thinking since it'd be by user, people might find their tastes are similar to so and so and lean towards trying products that person has rates highly.

Aside from the rating, I think it would just be nice to have it better organized than pages and pages of comments. Is like to do something similar with the recipes (Tumblr maybe?) but that's a much bigger project.

(I wrote this from my phone and 3FC is not mobile friendly so sorry for any typos!)

the recipe project has been undertaken many times. The issue is that people come & go but new recipes are continually added. If more than one person had access as "owner" it might be possible to keep a project like that going.

I love that idea. Big undertaking SarahBee! I agree that it would be great to not only have most products info compressed to one area rather than spread out but also to have it rated. Yes people's taste are different, but cardboard is cardboard!

For the recipes, I was originally thinking we could do something like the south beach board which makes it easier to look for a recipe that you need

(edit: I tried to link to the page but 3FC blocked it. I guess I need to re-read those rules ;p)


But then realizing that the recipes are all together in a few threads probably makes it not doable for our board. (They have some together but often they are grouped together by main ingredient...but they also have some that were just devoted to that one recipe. I know that we don't want to clog up the board with recipe posts).

Someone actually DID compile most of the recipes into a recipe book back in 2012, I might have the file somewhere on my computer.....will have to do some hunting....

Just curious if anyone has experience trying any of the Simply Bars (normal, whey, or the minis)? Their nutrition reads like they would work pretty well, bu they have very mixed reviews. I'm wondering if anyone has tried them before I mess around with ordering - aparently they're only carried in stores on the East Coast.

Also looking into Kays Naturals products as restricteds. They use pea protein instead of soy or whey. Does anyone have any thoughts/experience with either product or the protein?

Found it!!! Now it's from 2012, so I'm sure there have been many new recipes posted here since then, but Kara did such a great job on it, it's worth sharing!

I've tried the Simply whey bars in Coconut and the Simply chips in the spicy flavor. Both are restricted. I like the chips - they are shaped like Fritos but have a good flavor overall and they give you that crunch when you need it. Sometimes I add a couple on top of a taco salad for crunch and they've got a subtle kick to them. The bars are only ok. If I need a light quick snack they will do. Flavour is ok - I love coconut, but it's like a chewy rice crispy treat in texture. Decent sized bar. Pretty good but not great. I love to hear about any more "natural" type IP compliant food as I try to avoid too much soy and long lists of ingredients. I prefer a couple of the Quest bars, but the Simply brand is good to have as a nice change every now and then. I'm dying to try the Quest chips but want to finish up some of my products before I get more. I live in the Midwest and I bought the Simply products on Amazon.

I've tried several ok the Kay's Naturals. The chili nacho chips are a bit like Doritos. The cinnamon almond cookies are very good, but sweetened with honey, so if you are really carb sensitive I would avoid them.

Thank you! That is great!! I just loaded it onto my home page!! :carrot:

Thanks for everyone's input - wonderful to have such educated resources willing to support a fellow IP-er when I have a question.

KDmom I stumbled upon the Kays Naturals previously - they sell them in our local Walgreens & some convenience since their factory is so close. From what I see their items are gluten-free, crunchy snack like items (both sweet & savory options). Below is nutrition info on One of their items for people to evaluate for IP Phase 1 appropriateness Please forgive any typos as my tablet won't let me just cut & paste...

Calories: 120
Calories from fat: 30
Tatal carbs: 15
Dietary fiber: 4
Sugars: 1
Protein: 12

They do have cane sugar listed in the ingredients as well as stevia (no signs of any attificial sweeteners). I would count them a restricted due to carb count - but usually prefer my items to have 15 grams of protein - does anyone see something I'm missing? They're a very nice price point as well:)

KDmom thanks again for the bar review, especially on the texture. I prefer a dense, chewy bar (like the Quest bars which I have to limit) to feel satiated as well as for the all important mouth feel.

Wahoofan I saw that as well - what has been your experience with the honey? I see ingredients like that & the whole product makes me nervous...

JLUS......are these called "HealthSMART protein chips" you're talking about? I think I used to purchase them.....AND LOVED THEM!! :carrot:

I'll be purchasing more! ;). Just a question tho......is there a rule of thumb on grams of sugar? I know this qualifies as a restricted, just curious about the 5 grams sugar.

Thx!!:)

TO ADD TO THIS: Anyone tried both of the above mentioned chips and can make a taste comparison? Also, has anyone tried the QUEST protein chips and if so can you compare to the above chips??? Thx!!!