Hi Lisa32989,

I'll be going through a clinic, so not sure how they'll feel about my using alternatives. Although - I have already compared the Proti-Thin (from Nashua Nutrition) chocolate wafers to the IP Chocolate Wafers and while their ingredients are almost identical - the NN ones are more chocolatey and are not as chemical-sweet. I also prefer the NN Chocolate Soy Puffs and their non-restricted cheddar curls to the IP puffs and "potato" chips. So, not sure what I'm going to do about that yet. This office also wants me to follow the Diabetic (Alternate) protocol - and I'll have to see if I lose weight that way. Much to find out, but at least I'm starting. In 3 days -- I'm starting. :)
Also - to the pear bodies - I am a FULL ON APPLE shape. My waist is the widest part of me by far.

Also - hope you're enjoying Hawaii. I had the best Pina Colada of my life there. Okay, full disclosure -- make that plural. I had way more than one.

Apple Shapes Unite!
 

I too am apple shaped, but I am getting to the point where I am putting weight on everywhere so I am shaped more like umm...Barney?? Yep, like that.:dance::dancer:

Hi everyone, I plan to start 5 Jan. I was on IP and lost 20lbs and then during the holidays...I fell off the wagon. Need all the motivation I can get! I am not pear or apple but hour glass figured. So when I lose, I lose all over...just want to get back to losing and feel great. Once off the wagon, it's difficult to get back on for me. Grrr...but this diet works great for me. Will be looking at alternative products as well.

Hello all I plan to start on Jan 1 as well! I lost 50 lbs last year and just stopped thinking I'd stay the way I was eating "normal and not so normal" foods. I am disappointed in the 30 lbs I have gained back since I had to work so hard to get rid of them. But thank God for IP. Its something I know I can do and I know works. Soo here we go again. Deff have days of excitement, days of doubt and days of fear. Food is very powerful, and hopefully this diet will remind me that it doesn't have to be as powerful. Prayer will be necessary as well. Good Luck ladies! Hopefully someone will create a forum challenge - they really help keep you motivated and on top of things. Good luck to everyone and I look forward to loses recipes and everything else that comes with IP!

Hello
I actually started today. I had lost on IP about a year ago but I had stopped when I was feeling comfortable thinking "I can do this on my own" well.. truth is I couldn't do this on my own, and gained all the weight back.. So I am back and ready to shed those pounds for good!

I was going to start today but my coach isn't available until the 29th, which is also my anniversary. My husband knows we'll be having fish and veggies. Caressme, I hear you about feeling excitement, doubt and fear. Ditto to all of that. The moments where I feel hope about being significantly smaller are intoxicating. But I don't actually believe I'll get there. I don't know if its food that is powerful, for me it's my willfulness in endlessly "treating" myself. I'm nothing but a lizard brain. I will be posting often and relying heavily on this group to help me stay on track.

Returning to the journey
 

Carolyn, you and I have the same stats. I'll be curious to see how you do, I know that I'll lose weight slower than you will, I have to reign in my competitive spirit and not get discouraged but when I did this program a few years ago, I lost 10 lbs. the first two weeks, and then I lost .8 of a pound every week for the next 2 months. I follow the program to the letter, I am just a slow loser -- perimenopause, Type 2 Diabetic, Hypothyroid, no gallbladder. I do however, drop clothing sizes so I'm REALLY looking forward to that!! I don't even want my office to tell me what my weight loss numbers are each week, I just have to keep my head down and keep going. Congratulations on your start. Let us know how you feel and how you are doing this week.

kristiekat -- I hear that!! I also want to kick the diabetes to the curb. My coach has emphasized to me that this is a really effective diabetic protocol and mentioned that they are using this (under a different name) on diabetic children now. Honestly, the weight loss to me is quite secondary to regaining my health.

New to iP
 

Like you, I plan to start next week. I've heard such great things about the program and have sent in my health profile. I still think the cost seems high...does it go down over time or is it always $90/week?

Originally Posted by Sandnsea:
Like you, I plan to start next week. I've heard such great things about the program and have sent in my health profile. I still think the cost seems high...does it go down over time or is it always $90/week?

Boxes of food are about $30 each and you need three boxes a week. And additional vitamin costs. So the price doesn't go down. Be happy your clinic doesn't charge coaching fees or extra to weigh on the fancy scale. In the end, I saved a lot of money buying lunch, treats and going out to eat. It was worth the expense.

Questions about alternative protein items
 

Hi! I started the diet on the 26th of December. I am doing an alternative to the ideal protein (meaning I am not using a coach or their food). I am wondering when I am choosing my protein foods what should I look for with regard to fat? I found some smoked baby clams it is 150 calories, 10g of fat, Carbs are <1g and protein is 16g. Is this a good alternative protein or would it have too high of a fat content?

Originally Posted by kkmc:
Hi! I started the diet on the 26th of December. I am doing an alternative to the ideal protein (meaning I am not using a coach or their food). I am wondering when I am choosing my protein foods what should I look for with regard to fat? I found some smoked baby clams it is 150 calories, 10g of fat, Carbs are <1g and protein is 16g. Is this a good alternative protein or would it have too high of a fat content?

There are lots of people who use alternatives for IP but you won't find really find anyone trying to mimic the protocol of an IP pack with real food other than an egg with two whites. Your question would be best answered on the alternative thread. The first few posts there tell you exactly what to look for and those with experience in using Alts will see your posts faster too.

Hello!

Today is my 1st day of IP Reboot -had to get past the holiday goodies :) Doing alternatives as much as possible. Body shape: pear. A fat pear, but a pear none the less.