Nice to hear from you, Susie! :D

Originally Posted by SusieCJ:
Okay, I'm going to be Debbie Downer for a minute. Truth be told, I am having a hard time eating the packaged food. I heard some people describe it as 'delicious' and one website even said some of the packets were 'gourmet'! SAY WHAT????? I dislike the food so much that I eat it standing, with the tv on, in order to distract me from the horror. Therefore, I am thrilled when others say how they tweak the packets to make them better. Any tricks you mentioned are noted by me! So please share your experiences! Okay, I'll put a sock in my mouth and stop the Debbie Downer comments now...

I use alternatives, so I can't really comment on the official IP packets, but I agree, they're not great. I hate eating out of a packet! I've found a few things that make it more bearable- substituting eggs and/or Quest chips once a day, finding the few packets I actually like and eating primarily those, etc.

But I just remind myself that it's not forever!

And after IP, I'm going to be more mindful of what I eat so I never have to eat this stuff again! :dizzy:

Originally Posted by SusieCJ:
Hello all! Well, it's day 5 of the diet for me and
I am having a hard time eating the packaged food.

So please share your experiences!

--Susie

SusieCJ I had the same experience the first two weeks - I don't think there was one thing that I liked. I had mostly only eaten whole foods for several years prior and I wasn't used to all the artificial tastes and flavoring and the weird sugar substitute thing. My coach was actually a little flustered with me because she kept wanting me to be excited about the bars and things and I didn't like any of it.:)
A couple things that might be encouraging:
1. My palate did change over time, and I started enjoying some things.
2. I learned which products I actually somewhat liked, and I felt fine about just sticking to those. I had a bag of chips every day for lunch, I had about 3 different bars and the wafers that I liked for restricted, and I had a pudding or RTD for the other snack. I usually added cinnamon and/or a little ginger or himalyan sea salt to the drink or pudding, sometimes a dash of extract. I also added cinnamon to my coffee and tea, and sometimes a little salt also.
3. I didn't do much more than that, I liked the simplicity and not cooking. I made my meats on the weekend and put them in individual containers, froze part of them. I put my veggies and leafy greans in baggies for the week and just grabbed some every day to take with me in my cooler for the day. I ate everything raw except sometimes I cooked things with the meat meal. It was just easier for me.
4. For my 8 oz protein I had a hard time getting it down, so I made a lot of "soups" - I would measure the meat separately, then sometimes cook vegetables and measure those, and mix them together with some broth in individual portions. It worked great. On really hard weeks I pureed it all together in the blender so it was easier to get down.
5. Several people on this board mentioned that I might like some things more after a few months - I did try a few things here and there - sometimes I liked them a little better, but I mostly just stuck with what I like.
6. I have tried a few of the Alternative products but the IP was better for me.
7. I just decided to approach the whole thing the same way I would with any medical treatment - those "space packets" (as I called them with my friends - they remind me of NASA astronaut food) were just part of my medicine, and I took them more like that.

Let me know if you have further questions.
Good luck!

Reposting from my post in the daily thread...

I'm just 5 weeks into IP, and I keep seeing other March starters freaking out because they haven't lost weight 3 days into week 2 or 3.

Here's my food for thought:

I'm a daily-weigher because I love data. I started weighing daily after two weeks, and at first I was concerned by my progress. But after watching my weight daily over the past few weeks, I've realized how incredibly inaccurate daily weighing is, and after seeing comments from other daily weighers, I see how detrimental it can be to a person's motivation.

I've now learned to expect my weight to remain +/- .2 pounds all week, drop several pounds a few days before weigh-in, and then go up about .5 pounds for my weigh-in. I've learned that this is completely normal for my body, and as long as I stick to the diet, I am successful every single day.

This week, I watched my weight go up three pounds since last week's pre-weigh-in drop, then down one just this morning. But having watched my erratic losses in the past four weeks, it's totally not a big deal. I'm still 100% OP, I started running this week, my belly is visibly shrinking every single day!

Pounds be damned, I'm doing awesome this week. :)

http://s3.postimg.org/c3uiyb5ar/image.jpg

Originally Posted by ImASharkIPromise:
Nice to hear from you, Susie! :D



I use alternatives, so I can't really comment on the official IP packets, but I agree, they're not great. I hate eating out of a packet! I've found a few things that make it more bearable- substituting eggs and/or Quest chips once a day, finding the few packets I actually like and eating primarily those, etc.

But I just remind myself that it's not forever!

And after IP, I'm going to be more mindful of what I eat so I never have to eat this stuff again! :dizzy:

I've read a lot of positive comments about Quest Chips so I will ask my coach about them. I don't suppose she'll approve me using non-IP food, but I'll run it by her. I had my first package of IP Salt and Vinegar Crisps yesterday and I'm not sure if I will even keep the remaining bags!

And your comment about being more mindful of what you will eat when you are off plan has occured to me, too! I shall visualize some of the IP Packets when I reach for a second helping of pizza or ice cream. What an incentive that'll be!

Originally Posted by SusieCJ:
Hello all! Well, it's day 5 of the diet for me and I'm glad I'm still around! Whenever I get 'blue' I turn to 3FC and everyone is so inspiring that I kick myself in the rear (which is fairly big:o) and push onward!

I am a recently diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic so I am on an Alternative IP Plan for the intial two weeks. This means I won't have the dramatic initial weight loss that others experiece but, hey, the weight was sooo slow to come off when I dieted on my own that I doubt it'll worse. (For example, it took me about 8 weeks to lose 5 lbs. at the start of the year.) So if I lose 2 lbs. I'll be ahead!

Okay, I'm going to be Debbie Downer for a minute. Truth be told, I am having a hard time eating the packaged food. I heard some people describe it as 'delicious' and one website even said some of the packets were 'gourmet'! SAY WHAT????? I dislike the food so much that I eat it standing, with the tv on, in order to distract me from the horror. Therefore, I am thrilled when others say how they tweak the packets to make them better. Any tricks you mentioned are noted by me! So please share your experiences! Okay, I'll put a sock in my mouth and stop the Debbie Downer comments now...

On a positive note, I am happy to be so committed to losing weight! Ideal Protein is so unique and uses a totally different approach to dieting. My old dieting methods were not working and I am thankful my doctor told me about IP! And I am very thankful to have found 3FC--my support group!

--Susie

I agree the packets are not great, I also get bored of the veggies hehe but I repeat to myself that they are good and try to only focus on the stuff I like. What I dont like I swallow it cursing and wont buy again! hehe I think its diet food, not whole foods so it wont have the same taste... I think for diet food it taste good, much better than I was anticipating, it doesnt mean it will taste as good as real chocolate drink or pudim! I know it wont and it shouldnt... as it doesnt have carbs and carbs are the stuff we like! hehehe

Hang in there, try to focus on the stuff you like and motivate yourself so you stick to it. Good luck and repeat to yourself many times you like it until you believe hehehehehe

Dickinsp and Grateful4Health, thanks for the support and advice! I am struggling with the packets but my current mantras are 'one day at a time' and 'this won't last forever'. I think I'll set up some (non-food) rewards, too: manicures, pedicures, a movie, etc. And of course, once I lose some weight I can also clothes shop - that's another incentive! Damn, by the end I'll have a beautiful wardrobe, the nicest nails, AND I'LL BE THINNER!!:carrot:

Originally Posted by rosemary2612:
Hi IdealAnnie! I am returning after 3 years. I lost 120 pounds in 7 months the first go round. Felt and looked great. I didn't finish the phases and the food eventually was in controll of me. I gained 80 pounds and my health is affected. I am going to do this because I am worth it. Thank you for starting this thread, it helps to feel more connected and not alone.

I lost 90 lbs in about 9 months, I also didn't phase off. I let food take control and here I am 2 years later restarting. Taking it one day at a time.

Hi everyone...I am so encouraged by your posts! I am not exactly a March beginner as I started yesterday. My first day was really great. I added the cappuccino ready made to my black coffee and it was good! For lunch I tried the broccoli soup and was only able to eat half. I think next time I will either add more water or add some roasted broccoli to the mix. The one thing I did that I am not sure was good, was I ate the bag of BBQ crisps throughout the day. I counted them as my snack. For dinner I made pork tenderloin on the grill and roasted a bunch of veggies. So day one down and I am still really motivated!

Originally Posted by kaleidomom:
Hi everyone...I am so encouraged by your posts! I am not exactly a March beginner as I started yesterday. My first day was really great. I added the cappuccino ready made to my black coffee and it was good! For lunch I tried the broccoli soup and was only able to eat half. I think next time I will either add more water or add some roasted broccoli to the mix. The one thing I did that I am not sure was good, was I ate the bag of BBQ crisps throughout the day. I counted them as my snack. For dinner I made pork tenderloin on the grill and roasted a bunch of veggies. So day one down and I am still really motivated!

I always eat the crisps as snacks! Sometimes I use them as lunch as well. They are unrestricted and you can use it as u wish. So nothing bad!! Yesterday I went to a friends house for Easter lunch and I ate the crisps for lunch with a tiny bit of fish! hehehe made me feel good as everyone was having a full meal of fish and rice.

Originally Posted by tuscanygirl:
I'm sorry you can't get the mango drink...it's pretty delicious once tweaked!

Kale is good to, instead of spinach!:)

Well week two way in was done 10 lbs, so did a happy dance!!

I too struggle with some of the foods in the pkg, so talked to my coach and I am doing the shakes adding the veggies to them and the Restricted Bar for breakfast, I do find I can tolerate the pkgs if I cook my own veggies and add to them. I use the suppers to make myself feel like it is worth it, but using the reciepes and I also do a lot of the chocolate or cappucino drinks for snacks, I know this costs a bit more but if I give up the money I spent will already be wasted, so it is worth it for me. I add ice to the drinks and blend with hazelnut stevia and it is like an ice drink.

Ladies, I made cauliflower "rice" today and its great! For those that miss their rice like I do its a great substitute!

The way to make is to buy the head of cauliflower, cut up your 2 cups and put it in a food processor. Once its processed you put the content on a warm frying pan with a lite bit of olive oil. I used the sea salt and garlic powder to give it some flavour. I let it brown gently and voila! Great to eat as rice. Of course its not the same thing but it does the trick!!!

You can try it at home there are many recipes online as well!! Oh happy day!!

Originally Posted by dickinsp:
I always eat the crisps as snacks! Sometimes I use them as lunch as well. They are unrestricted and you can use it as u wish. So nothing bad!! Yesterday I went to a friends house for Easter lunch and I ate the crisps for lunch with a tiny bit of fish! hehehe made me feel good as everyone was having a full meal of fish and rice.

Thank you for clearing the crisps guilt for me! Yesterday was hard mentally. I was putting together the kids Easter baskets and really really wanted a Reeses egg! I wish I would have purchased something chocolaty.....

YUMM! I am going to try this today....I have leftover roasted cauliflower! I wasn't sure what to make with my ham...I am making potatoes for the rest of the family.

Welcome!
 

Originally Posted by kaleidomom:
Hi everyone...I am so encouraged by your posts! I am not exactly a March beginner as I started yesterday. My first day was really great. I added the cappuccino ready made to my black coffee and it was good! For lunch I tried the broccoli soup and was only able to eat half. I think next time I will either add more water or add some roasted broccoli to the mix. The one thing I did that I am not sure was good, was I ate the bag of BBQ crisps throughout the day. I counted them as my snack. For dinner I made pork tenderloin on the grill and roasted a bunch of veggies. So day one down and I am still really motivated!

Hi Kaleidomom! I just wanted to say hi and welcome you to IP. I started on March 30 and will have my first weigh-in tomorrow, so I am also very new to the program.

The broccoli soup didn't sit well with me, either. I had added two cups of steamed chopped broccoli and I still had a hard time with it. I found the chicken noodle soup and veggie chili to be better. Maybe you'll want to try them the next time!

I think it was GreatfulForHealth who gave me the best advice - this diet is short-term and your health will improve so focus on that rather than the food!

Another change I made is to divide the 8 oz (raw) of protein between lunch and dinner as it was too much to eat at one sitting. Fellow bloggers suggested that to me!

Unfortunately I am on the Alternative Plan for the first two weeks of IP because I have Type 2 Diabetes so my weight loss will not be great at first but it is what it is.

But good luck to all! I continue to read this forum and stay motivated!! Thank you and hugs to all:hug:!!

Hello, my March beauties! I've been out of town for the last week. Airplanes, hotels, public transit, other people's schedules... None of it is exactly conducive to staying OP. But I took a bunch of packets and did my darndest and I'm happy to report that I didn't gain any weight. I didn't exactly lose any either, but hey! I'm calling it a win! I'm looking forward to reconnecting with you all. I've missed you!

I have a question for you IP peeps. I have split my lunch and dinner last night with an 8 oz steak precooked 8 0z obviously and this has helped enormously with my hunger which was causing massive headaches. I did the same today as it really helps stave off hunger cravings. Is this ok?

Also do you know if a NY striploin is okay or is it too fatty.

And are you having more than one cup of coffee per day. My coach says no.

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts.

Thanks!!!
 

Originally Posted by SusieCJ:
Hi Kaleidomom! I just wanted to say hi and welcome you to IP. I started on March 30 and will have my first weigh-in tomorrow, so I am also very new to the program.

The broccoli soup didn't sit well with me, either. I had added two cups of steamed chopped broccoli and I still had a hard time with it. I found the chicken noodle soup and veggie chili to be better. Maybe you'll want to try them the next time!

I think it was GreatfulForHealth who gave me the best advice - this diet is short-term and your health will improve so focus on that rather than the food!

Another change I made is to divide the 8 oz (raw) of protein between lunch and dinner as it was too much to eat at one sitting. Fellow bloggers suggested that to me!

Unfortunately I am on the Alternative Plan for the first two weeks of IP because I have Type 2 Diabetes so my weight loss will not be great at first but it is what it is.

But good luck to all! I continue to read this forum and stay motivated!! Thank you and hugs to all:hug:!!

Thanks SusieCJ!! I am going to try the chili tomorrow. I just made rutabaga fries in the oven and I love them! I used a splash of olive oil, I know I should measure, and Mrs. Dash tossed in all together and baked them until they were crispy. I had never had a rutabaga before, and now I am in love with them! I am going to split my protein as well, I can't eat that much at a time with the veggies. I am finding I am really full all the time, that is something new! I used to have a large Dunkin Donut latte every morning on my way into work, I find the cappuccino RM mixed with a cup of dark roast black coffee is really good, not the same, but really good and I feel like I haven't given up anything.

I will be anxious to hear how you do with your first weigh in. I am weighing in early this first time as I didn't start until 2 days after i began the program. so I am not holding out for miracles, just baby steps leading to a better way of living and eating. Keep sharing!!!

Originally Posted by IdealAnnie:
Hello, my March beauties! I've been out of town for the last week. Airplanes, hotels, public transit, other people's schedules... None of it is exactly conducive to staying OP. But I took a bunch of packets and did my darndest and I'm happy to report that I didn't gain any weight. I didn't exactly lose any either, but hey! I'm calling it a win! I'm looking forward to reconnecting with you all. I've missed you!

Welcome back Ideal Annie! Traveling for an entire week and not gaining anything?? I definitely call that a win :carrot:

I'm down 6.4 this week! Figured with last week's weigh in it averages out to 4.4# which is more than fine with me. Probably won't keep up that way but that's okay..as long as it continues down, down, down.

Welcome to all the new folks too! I really encourage everyone to keep trying different IP foods and tweaks until you find some that work for you. My coach gave me a bunch of recipes all good for phase 1 so maybe your coach has some as well? And, lots of recipes on Pintrest, here and the IP coaching website. They had a good sounding one for getting 2 shots of expresso on ice then adding the liquid vanilla IP drink to it for a "latte". I'm looking forward to trying it.

Have a great week everyone!!!

Originally Posted by kaleidomom:
Thank you for clearing the crisps guilt for me! Yesterday was hard mentally. I was putting together the kids Easter baskets and really really wanted a Reeses egg! I wish I would have purchased something chocolaty.....

I bought the reeses easter egg for my husband and it was hard to resist but I did it! All I could think about was to take a bit! hehehe Thankfully I bought tons of ip chocolaty products to curb my crave! I had the chocolate pudim flavour for breakfast and cookies and cream bar for snack. Not the same thing but helped. I did not cheat and made me quite happy!

I love to eat the crisps for lunch when I save some of my meat from dinner, it is specially good with fish! Fish and chips all the way and no cheating! hehehe I try to make myself excited about the foods and I hope it helps me stay focused!!!

Try buying different products, they have a good variety, today I tried the potatoes ip thingy and like it. I think it would be also good with meat. Beef and potato... yum!

Originally Posted by vpohani:
I have a question for you IP peeps. I have split my lunch and dinner last night with an 8 oz steak precooked 8 0z obviously and this has helped enormously with my hunger which was causing massive headaches. I did the same today as it really helps stave off hunger cravings. Is this ok?

Also do you know if a NY striploin is okay or is it too fatty.

And are you having more than one cup of coffee per day. My coach says no.

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts.

My coach suggested that I save some of my meat from the evening and eat next day for lunch if I am ok with that and I think its fine. I am not sure about the striploin but I normally look at it if looks too fatty you can see the white stuff all over it and I go for the leaner ones. Also, I think the cups of coffee are ok you just need to be mindful of the milk and splenda. I bought the coffee whitener and I use it or I mix my coffee with my vanilla drink. If you are ok with black coffee with very little splenda or none at all I dont see the problem.

Hi IPeeps: If you are having more than 1 cup of coffee, don't forget to have an extra glass of water per cup, as coffee is a diuretic. If you wish you can trade out a cup of water for a cup of herbal tea with no caffeine. This is especially nice if you are craving sweeter or fruitier flavours. Things like Apple Cinnamon, Peach, Orange Spice, Wild Berry Zinger, Peppermint...
you get the picture.

Liana

Vpohani I drank whatever coffee I wanted, technically on the program they say one cup, and if you drink two you need to compensate with water because coffee is deydrating. I generally drank one to two cups, but sometimes three. I drink my coffee black or with a splash of milk. Coffee helps me edge the hunger and blood sugar stability a little.
I did notice though that I really had to add water if I had more than a cup, because sometimes if I was drinking coffee through the morning I would forget the water. I stared using the mangosteen packets after a few months and those really helped.

Like Liana suggested above, I also started in the afternoons switching to herbal tea (Bengal Spice with lots of cinnamon and a dash of sea salt really does it for me). Good luck!

Well survived Easter, I cooked the meal for 10 people and that helps with not wanting it as much, I did talk to my coach and she said go ahead and enjoy but remember it is one meal, well surprisingly I really mainly stuck to the plan, haad turkey and veggies the rest I seemed fine without! Mind over matter I guess!

High Five To Me!!
 

Okay before I reveal my weight loss number, keep in mind that I am on the Alternative Plan for diabetes so my first week loss will not be huge like others on IP....drumroll, please....4 lbs! Hey, I am very happy with it as when I try to lose weight on my own, I can only lose about .8 pounds per week, if anything! So this is a big deal for me!

Also, I take a blood pressure pill that also has a diuretic in it so I'm not going to have as dramatic of a water/weight loss. All in all it was a good result that's got me feeling less like Debbie Downer and more like Optimistic Olive.

Anyways, dummy me was late to my first weigh in by about 7-8 minutes and my coach wasn't able to measure me. Apparently they only schedule 15 minutes and the office is very busy. She didn't comment on my weight loss, my hubby is away on a business trip, and my dog doesn't speak English so I need some support from you guys!

SusieCJ this is awesome! Really.
I am a slower loser also, and also was generally slower on IP, even though I wasn't Alternative. 4 lbs is amazing. I truly didn't bother much with the numbers - scale and inches - as long as I was on program and headed overall downward, I just trusted the speed my body wanted to go, and knew that I would just stay on it until I reached my goal. Usually in a month I had two weeks of very little, then two other weeks of a bigger jump - so I had to learn not to get into a mental quandry on the "off" weeks.
For me personally and how I know my body, I knew losing a little slower was actually better for me in the long haul and keeping it off.
Keep going - you are succeeding and will continue to if you never give up:)!

Originally Posted by SusieCJ:
Okay before I reveal my weight loss number, keep in mind that I am on the Alternative Plan for diabetes so my first week loss will not be huge like others on IP....drumroll, please....4 lbs! Hey, I am very happy with it as when I try to lose weight on my own, I can only lose about .8 pounds per week, if anything! So this is a big deal for me!

Also, I take a blood pressure pill that also has a diuretic in it so I'm not going to have as dramatic of a water/weight loss. All in all it was a good result that's got me feeling less like Debbie Downer and more like Optimistic Olive.

Anyways, dummy me was late to my first weigh in by about 7-8 minutes and my coach wasn't able to measure me. Apparently they only schedule 15 minutes and the office is very busy. She didn't comment on my weight loss, my hubby is away on a business trip, and my dog doesn't speak English so I need some support from you guys!

Great Job! Congratulations Optimistic Olive love that name :carrot::carrot:

So, after my first month, I am feeling great! Down 21 lb, 14 inches, and off of my 2 blood pressure medications. If I can only stop my husband from unintentionally sabotaging my efforts... Ah well, I would have to stop letting him sabotage me. :)

I was addicted to coffee, IP finally helped me kick the habit, I stick to my teas now :)

Wow!
 

Originally Posted by marshacup:
So, after my first month, I am feeling great! Down 21 lb, 14 inches, and off of my 2 blood pressure medications. If I can only stop my husband from unintentionally sabotaging my efforts... Ah well, I would have to stop letting him sabotage me. :)

Marshacup, 21 pounds?! Kudos to you!!:broc::broc::broc::broc:

i also am restarting the ip diet again today---i lost 30lbs in a couple of months last summer and need to lose another 40.... i hope to stay motivated this time...i have had a few false starts....fingers crossed;)

Hello Ladies,

Welcome back IdealAnnie!! You were missed <3

I'm so excited for and proud of you ladies who resisted and didn't cheat this weekend! Way to go! I, unfortunately, was not so lucky :'( and according to my scale, I'm up 4lbs since Friday!!! I'm really hoping most of it is retained water from eating carbs again. Anyway, I'm pretty down and disappointed in myself :-(

I started back OP this morning and am grilling some marinated chicken tonight. Last week worked really well with eating eggs as my protein in the mornings, but I'm already sick of eggs... Back to cooking at night again. Wish me luck!

Originally Posted by Lattiuss:
Hello Ladies,

Welcome back IdealAnnie!! You were missed <3

I'm so excited for and proud of you ladies who resisted and didn't cheat this weekend! Way to go! I, unfortunately, was not so lucky :'( and according to my scale, I'm up 4lbs since Friday!!! I'm really hoping most of it is retained water from eating carbs again. Anyway, I'm pretty down and disappointed in myself :-(

I started back OP this morning and am grilling some marinated chicken tonight. Last week worked really well with eating eggs as my protein in the mornings, but I'm already sick of eggs... Back to cooking at night again. Wish me luck!

I told the kids (I have four between the ages of 8 and 13) that they could color as many eggs as they wanted this weekend--we went through 2 dozen! My thoughts were that I would eat them all, since I'm so into eggs these days. Yeah... right about now I think I'll die if I see a hard boiled egg ever again!

As for the 4 lb gain, that totally stinks but it'll come off in no time. I'm sure it's mostly water and since you've already rededicated yourself, you've totally got this. Good luck!:carrot:

Originally Posted by vpohani:
I have a question for you IP peeps. I have split my lunch and dinner last night with an 8 oz steak precooked 8 0z obviously and this has helped enormously with my hunger which was causing massive headaches. I did the same today as it really helps stave off hunger cravings. Is this ok?

Also do you know if a NY striploin is okay or is it too fatty.

And are you having more than one cup of coffee per day. My coach says no.

Thanks for letting me know your thoughts.

I always had some of my dinner protein at lunch (I usually ate my packet/bar at 10:30). Also, I always had extra coffee. I only used 1 oz of milk in the first cup and then I splashed a RTD in after that.

Hi everyone! I'm back! The temptation to stray towards eating totally off plan foods has been too much. Ive been doing okay staying somewhat true to the food selections, but with all these darn leftovers in the house, I need to be 100% before I go face first into a peach cobbler.
How was everyone's easter? did the easter bunny take pity and leave steaks and greens instead of chocolate and candy? :-)

Originally Posted by IdealAnnie:
I told the kids (I have four between the ages of 8 and 13) that they could color as many eggs as they wanted this weekend--we went through 2 dozen! My thoughts were that I would eat them all, since I'm so into eggs these days. Yeah... right about now I think I'll die if I see a hard boiled egg ever again!

As for the 4 lb gain, that totally stinks but it'll come off in no time. I'm sure it's mostly water and since you've already rededicated yourself, you've totally got this. Good luck!:carrot:

Hi Annie, I have been eating a whole lotta eggs too...by the time I am done IP, I will not want to look at another egg lol

Hello all!! I started IP on March 30th....looking to lose 50-70lbs. This is my new year!!!

Hey All!

I am 3/4 of my way through my first month of IP and am down 14 lbs so far with my next weigh in Friday.

I did cheat over easter and had some cadbury mini eggs, and I feel terrible about it! Time to get back on track. So glad I came across this blog, so great to be inspired and have a community of people that are on the same journey.

I am almost out of the supplements, has anyone gone to costco or a health food stores to get more suppliments? As far as I can tell, what IP provides is readily available in normal stores. Thoughts??

Originally Posted by weenie01:
Hey All!

I am 3/4 of my way through my first month of IP and am down 14 lbs so far with my next weigh in Friday.

I did cheat over easter and had some cadbury mini eggs, and I feel terrible about it! Time to get back on track. So glad I came across this blog, so great to be inspired and have a community of people that are on the same journey.

I am almost out of the supplements, has anyone gone to costco or a health food stores to get more suppliments? As far as I can tell, what IP provides is readily available in normal stores. Thoughts??

Hi Weenie01, I don't know the answer to your supplement question but was wondering the same thing myself as I'll be out the week after next. I think perhaps the Cal/Mag is the only thing I haven't seen (in that particular combination) in a regular store. And, I don't really know what the dose is on the potassium....maybe it is on the label and I missed it; will have to check.

Don't beat yourself up too much about the "cheat"...those mini eggs are evil btw :devil:...you're back on track and that's what's important AND your weight loss has been great! :bravo:One day at a time!

Also wondering IP peeps if any of you (perhaps those who've been on IP before) have experience with alcohol after being on IP. I'm going on a two week vacation (which I've been planning for four years) in about six weeks. I've already talked to my coach about it and we discussed my plan (after much consideration)to not follow IP while I'm in Italy. I don't plan to go "crazy" but I also plan to try some of the wonderful things that Italy is famous for..including an occasional glass of wine. I plan to bring some IP packets with me for breakfasts and some lunches, and I'll try to limit the pastas, bread and gelato (big sigh.). It's a decision I'm comfortable with even though it will slow down my weight loss. So, anyway, back to alcohol...I've heard some horror stories about people literally passing out cold after one drink?? I'll take it slow until I see how I feel but really, some of these stories freak me out! Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Originally Posted by tuscanygirl:
Hi Weenie01, I don't know the answer to your supplement question but was wondering the same thing myself as I'll be out the week after next. I think perhaps the Cal/Mag is the only thing I haven't seen (in that particular combination) in a regular store. And, I don't really know what the dose is on the potassium....maybe it is on the label and I missed it; will have to check.

Don't beat yourself up too much about the "cheat"...those mini eggs are evil btw :devil:...you're back on track and that's what's important AND your weight loss has been great! :bravo:One day at a time!

Also wondering IP peeps if any of you (perhaps those who've been on IP before) have experience with alcohol after being on IP. I'm going on a two week vacation (which I've been planning for four years) in about six weeks. I've already talked to my coach about it and we discussed my plan (after much consideration)to not follow IP while I'm in Italy. I don't plan to go "crazy" but I also plan to try some of the wonderful things that Italy is famous for..including an occasional glass of wine. I plan to bring some IP packets with me for breakfasts and some lunches, and I'll try to limit the pastas, bread and gelato (big sigh.). It's a decision I'm comfortable with even though it will slow down my weight loss. So, anyway, back to alcohol...I've heard some horror stories about people literally passing out cold after one drink?? I'll take it slow until I see how I feel but really, some of these stories freak me out! Thanks everyone for your feedback!

Not to encourage drinking....but I had a glass of wine over Easter and I was fine, I told my coach that I was cooking the dinner and she said it's ok to go off plam if I commit to go back on the next day, which I did! I gained 5 ounces and I was ok with that as I did not go crazy but enjoyed my meal!