Bootros: EmmaD did some terrific reviews of various products available from Nashua and it was maybe 10 days ago - check out the link that Lisa has given you and you'll find those reviews. You might want to copy them and save them for easy future reference.

Lisa - thanks for sharing the today-only discount!!!

Hi frawniemae! I never used a coach so I can't offer any advice there (though as others have noted, you would assuredly do brilliantly on your own, given your success so far). As a strictly alternatives user, the one thing I would recommend before you leave your coach is to stock up on items for which no alternative exists. The potato puree comes to mind - there are so many recipes that use that and I haven't found an acceptable substitute yet.

I wish that website still existed where non-IP people could buy IP products. There are a few I would like to try!

:D:D:D.... " Dieting is the only game where you WIN when you LOSE! " – Karl Lagerfeld ...:D:D:D

This is something that might be useful to combat the HANGRIES!!!
I did post the recipe in the Recipe Thread #4 today, but I don't want anyone who might be battling the hungries (like I have been lately) to miss it!!

This recipe extends one package of chicken soup into three servings which can be heated and eaten easily and at any time of day and counts as only one packet serving. All of the extra ingredients are “freebies” which can be eaten in these quantities without any negative impact, even in Phase one. It is a good idea to have prepared in the fridge for when you need a quick pick me up, or while you are cooking in the late afternoon and might be tempted to nibble. Take a jar to the office and snack on it during the week.
Take a thermos of this on a car trip, or to the beach.
Pre-armed is prepared!

ALL DAY CHICKEN SOUP

One envelope IP Chicken Soup mix
(guessing this is the creamy variety, not the little needle noodle version)

One scallion sliced
3 Tbs chopped celery
3 Tbs chopped onion
2 chopped mushrooms
2 chicken bouillon cubes
3 cups water

In a one quart jar or the IP shaker, shake chicken soup mix with one cup water.
In a small saucepan combine celery, onion, mushrooms, bouillon cubes and two cups water, bring just to boil and remove from stove.
Cool to room temperature, add scallion
Add mixture to quart jar containing chicken soup and shake
Refrigerate and heat in one cup portions - but you can consume all 3 cups in the same day!

I believe I could do a variation of this with Bone broth (that's when I take my roast chicken carcasses out of the freezer and put them in the crockpot on low for about 24 hours... the broth is always excellent, and I see no reason I could not substitute 2 cups of it for the bouillon broth made here, and just add the celery, mushrooms and scallions and then mix with the prepared IP Chicken Soup Mix.... maybe even the prepared IP Leek Soup Mix.... :)

If I am wrong, please tell me -- I don't want to promulgate non compliant advice!!

Frawnie, I was lucky to have a great clinic that was in my doctor's office and wasn't really there to make money (though they do fine in that regard I'm sure).
I think the main thing I'm feeling about your situation is that you continue to advocate for yourself and your health. My own health journey has been long, challenging and arduous and I have had to continue to ask for what I need. I have a gentle way of going about it, but I make sure I am being cared for, and if I'm not getting part or all of what I need in one place, I go to another. My chiropractor is good at things my doctor is not, etc.
3FC also gives me support that I don't get elsewhere.
And I also stay open to getting good information where I'm not expecting, for example a physical therapist I still go to from time to time from an old accident has a lot of experience with people losing weight and gives me a lot of good tips of things he's noticed by working with people.

I think do what YOU need. If it helps you to weigh in at a clinic, do it. I moved part way through P1 and live an hour away from my clinic, and there are others closer to me, but none as good, and I still drive down there once a month to do a 15 minute WI (sometimes a little longer if I have things to discuss). I feel like the two hours drive time is a good time for me to focus on thinking about my health, and there is something about showing up there that is important to me. They measure me, and I also talk through whatever issues I have been having, and knowing I'm going to go in a month sustains me through the month in some way. And I'm on P4.
But if it wasn't helpful to me, I wouldn't do it.

Keep letting us know how it's going.

Losing weight is a major medical procedure, regardless of how it's looked at in our culture. I think that's why a lot of people can't succeed and/or regain - we don't see it as something both important and challenging - it's looked at as vain. And yet look at all the health problems from it. Dr. Tran wrote in his book something like "look at P1 as a constant ongoing minor surgery on the pancreas" and that helped me get a framework for the intensity of what I was going through, the rest and care my body needed, and the assistance it needed from health care professionals.
Anyway that part's my little rant:)

Beck Diet Solution Daily Tip
 

Wednesday Sabotage: It’s been such a hard week with trying to eat healthy. Maybe I can’t do this.


Response: When I get discouraged, count up the hard hours. Remember that every hour of every day isn’t difficult. In fact, there are many more easy or neutral hours than hard ones. I need to keep the hard times in perspective. I CAN DO THIS!

Frawnie - I responded to you also in the Winter thread, but the kicker for me was finding out I was sensitive to soy products and being told I would still need to buy $80 - $90 of products, a week, to go to the clinic for weekly WI's. If that doesn't cry $$ grab, I don't know what does...
I guess at least I was told up-front what the "cost" would be, so can understand your concern.
Fwiw - I think you would do BRILLIANT on alt-products :) You've rocked IP! :broc:

Frawniemae: I feel for you. This journey is very personal and the clinic (even the receptionist) should respect and encourage. I think most clinics realize how important it is for them to have successful clients. Even if you're not spending 100%, the potential for new clients for them should keep them supportive. You have to do what makes you feel comfortable. Keep doing what you're doing! This thread is rooting for you!

Thanks everyone for your input. I have not found another clinic closer than 100 miles one way. I'm already driving 40 round trip. I can't be wasting too much of their time since I am usually in and out within 10 minutes. I pay $29.95 a box for product and sometimes buy individuals that they offer. I am not sure yet who my new coach will be. And I'm not sure if I will tell her/him that I use alternatives. I'll think on it some more and will decide before too much longer.

Thanks again!

I recommend the Proti thin Vanilla Wafers. I could swear they are literally the same product as IP. I also like the Peanut Surprise from Proti Diet.

Joyce

I second this advice. I never found a good complete list of supplements that worked for me so I always bought those from my clinic.

I never told my coach. I bought some things thru them...the supplements, and a few of the snacks that I really liked. I also used their chicken soup as a binding for cauliflower and a base for some of my own soups. But, mostly I converted to alternatives.

I was just wondering if I have an egg for a snack how much do I reduce my meat protein at night?
Thanks.

1 egg = 2 oz
So you would do 6 oz at dinner

Heading to San Antonio to visit the BIL. Not really sure where we'll eat but I have my broccoli, cauliflower and boiled eggs packed! With all the Mexican restaurants, I'm fairly certain we'll hit at least one while there. I'll nibble on my protein chips while they gobble the chips and salsa! And while they chow down on those fresh tortillas, I'll munch on lettuce. BUT I will return home minus at least a pound!
Have a great OP weekend!