Hey! Who got a ticker today? ME, that's who!

It's the little things in life, folks...

I'm eating Quest protein chips (just the sea salt flavor) with IP-friendly salsa. It's... well, weird. But good. And makes me feel like I'm cheating, because it's surprisingly like real food! Haha.

Happy Sunday, friends! Here's to beginning another awesome IP week!

Hey Annie, that's a swanky ticker you got right there. :P

What a great idea! I might make up some pico de gallo later this week for just that purpose! Thanks!

simplchaos,
You are in a good place here. I have learned so much in the last two weeks about IP and am also using the alternative method. Other diets did not work for me as most contained gluten in their products, which I cannot tolerate.

There are many tips on what foods are equivalent to IP products. My favorite is the EAS Carb Control shakes that fill me up and give me the protein I need. They are soy based protein, so they may not work for everyone. Good luck to you.

Hi everyone! It's Marie. First timer on IP and on this website but I've heard really great things about both. Long way to go weight wise but one step, one day at a time. Excited but nervous. Almost through day one and so far, so good (he, he, it's only been a day). Look forward to mutual support and understanding on here!!

Welcome! Congrats on making it through day one. Nothing to be nervous about--we've got your back. You've got this!

Hi! Starting tomorrow so excited! I am using eas carb control shakes. I have 40 lbs to lose and hoping it goes quick!!!!! I am doing this without a coach and was intrested in a Food log if anyone has a recommendation.
Thanks!!

Welcome! I (and many others) really like My Fitness Pal, which you can use on your computer and on your phone/tablet. There is a large database of foods that you can add just by scanning the barcode - I think most of the IP foods are already in there.

You can also adjust your carb/protein/fat goals to reflect IP settings and help you stay in ketosis. I've been using it for over a month now and it's been very helpful to keep me on track.

Good luck!

Starting IP again. It's been almost four years since I lost 37 pounds and now I'm back because I didn't finish the program correctly, and have gained most of it back.

Good luck to you. The first three days I had to keep very busy and out of my house to avoid thinking about food and eating my husband's stash of snacks.

I have a fitbit for daily step counts and use the app on my phone or computer to log food, but mostly I just keep a small spiral notebook for my entries. That works for me, but whatever you use it will help you keep on track.

Too funny I am the exact opposite if I am out I will grab junk that I do not have in my house. I just finished meal planning for the week and modifying my family meals was actually easier than I thought! Off to food shop now.

First month is almost done. Was easier than I thought

Hello everyone. IP re-starter here. I was on IP for 6 months in 2013 and lost 40 pounds... had to stop because the diet was causing MAJOR hair loss (I had huge bald spots on my head ). I freaked out, didn't move to phase 3 or 4, and since then have gained all the weight back.

Had my first weigh-in today and lost 5 pounds. Using a combo of IP and alternative products. I'm so proud of everyone's progress on here and I hope it keeps me going too!

I just started back up today. I did the IP program a few years ago and it was amazing. I'm not excited to get thru the first few days but I know I can do it. I didn't buy IP, I read thru these and bought other prodcuts. Looking for support and ideas!

Day 4 and I should be in ketosis, but I can't tell if I am or not. No one has complained about my breath, including my husband, who would be the first one, if that were the case. I can't tell if my pee stinks, ad I do have a funky whang taste in my mouth. Like a flatness, if that makes sense. Yesterday I did experience "mild euphoria," but more to the point, I had terrible muscle aches in my shoulder and arms. Like I had done strenuous exercise, lifted a bunch of weights type pain. I took 600 mg Advil and a hot bath and both helped. Residual soreness today but nothing like yesterday. Is this normal?

I have not cheated, have taken all supplements and drank all my water but I feel just as heavy as ever. I am worried I won't show a loss Wednesday, which will literally crush me and discourage me. I mean, I'll keep going but....

Any recommendations on IP food that actually tastes really great? I have had the oatmeal, beef stroganoff soup (YUCK), the veggie chili (is it supposed to be crunchy?), the sea salt chips, chocolate pudding, and some smoothie mix powder. The only foods I find tolerable are the chips, pudding and oatmeal. I full intend to trade the uneaten ones in and try other foods. Any suggestions?

I've never heard of body aches due to ketosis... maybe that's something to ask the more experienced members of the board, or better yet, your doctor.