I agree with Pat about the egg whites. My coach says its ok to have the egg whites. I figure if I am using these extras and I am losing and they are helping me stay on the program, then I will continue using them even if cutting them out will allow me to lose a little bit quicker. Adding little things like the egg whites, occasional veggie cheese & WF products make the program more doable for me. Should I stall or gain then I will look at them.

I just checked my new sheet for phase 1 (got it this past week). For protein, under poultry, its says "4 egg whites and 2 egg yolks". The old sheet just said 2 whole eggs. I think that's what is confusing us.. they DID add egg whites, but its unclear if they are 'free' or considered part of the protein with the 2 whole. Thanks for the info about splenda; i do use it but I think I should switch to stevia. I saw the plant in lowe's last week and considered buying it - has anyone used the leaves?

I don't have truvia in front of me, but I think it has maltodextrin, and maybe even some dextrose in it. For sure, the maltodextrin, which most powdered sweeteners have, as an anti-caking agent, that the body sees as sugar. I use stevia - NuNaturals packets. Stevia itself is not a problem, and it actually helps regulate blood sugar.

IP does have conflicting info, sometimes because they change the program to adjust to new data or client needs, sometimes because I think different coaches have their own opinions on how to run it. Who knows... but, if the changes you try in the next week or so work for you, then great! Staying open and flexible will help you in the long run...

Good luck!

I absolutely agree with you. I was occasionally adding 2 whites as a side to a lunch with salad for DH to help fill him at lunch, ive also used whites in a couple of recipes to offer a greater variety of food.

The amount of carbs/protein etc are so low...that is why im going to continue using them until i have plateaus or stall in the weight loss then i'll re-evaluate if the egg whites are causing me any issues.

I just wish that all the coaches were using the same guidelines, it would save alot of questions and confusion!!!

I wish all the coaches were on the same page with the info they give us, too much confusion and it's frustrating.

I did a bit of checking on the different brands of stevia sweeteners and noticed some of them (including truvia) have carbs. I prefer the SweetLeaf brand as that one is 0 carbs and doesn't have added hidden sugars.

You moved the scale in the right direction. Thanks for sharing with us. It is important to keep focused and to keep learning. I was eating too many restricted and have been using shakes now where I would use a soy puff or soy nut. I hope it has helped. Tomorrow is WI #8 and that's where the proof will be, I HOPE!

I actually make my own seltzer every night as my "treat" for staying OP for the day with my coach's blessing. This topic has been addressed before in a previous thread (c&p below): http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/idea...ter-cheat.html

All diet drinks (i.e. sugar-free, carb-free) are NOT contraindicated on the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Method. The problem that can arise is imbalances in acid/base regulation. Our protocol is very alkaline and this is why we do not see complications common to other “protein type diets”, namely kidney stones, gout, bone spurs, etc. Some diet drinks (Crystal Light for example) are mixed with water and these are acceptable. Many others (flavored Aqua-fina, Dasani, etc.) contain alot of phosphoric acid. This is a very strong acid and will play havoc with the body’s bicarbonate buffering system. The same goes for diet sodas…particularly the “brown ones”…Coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, root beer, etc.).

Flavored seltzers are usually OK, just read the label and make sure it is carb-free and contains no phosphoric acid. Carbonated beverages contain CO2 which, when dissolved in water becomes carbonic acid, a weak acid (unlike phosphoric). To have a glass of these occasionally would not be a problem, but consuming large amounts (like in place ofthe 2 liters of water per day) would not be a good idea. The pH of Perrier is about 5.7, weakly acidic.

And the very detailed stats on 1 egg white - my coach allows 2 egg whites/day as "free", I usually use this as my weekend indulgence (when I have time to "cook" my IP packets):
Calories 16
Calories from Fat 1
Total Fat 0.1g
Saturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 55mg
Total Carbohydrates 0.2g
Sugars 0.2g
Protein 3.6g

Also, don't forget that 1 packet of Splenda has 0.9g carbs and 4 calories - just low enough to be labeled 0 cal/0 carb by the FDA. And Walden Farms are of the same negligible calories. But I am of the same opinion as Cadu - they are making this program doable for me over the long haul and until I see a stall/plateau I will revisit them. I do try to limit my freebies to 6 servings or less/day.

OH - and just want to add - Congrats on the loss! And it's really great that you have a coach who evaluates your food log and is able to give you direction and suggestions, particularly when you have concerns. Keep writing everything down that you eat - the food journal is a great tool for looking at tweaks that can be made and having a good coach (like it sounds you have) can be invaluable for making this a very successful journey.

Everybody is different and they will lose at their own pace and have different reactions to different things.

I am on vacation at the beach this week, saying no to many wonderful things. But Sonic drivein has a drink called a low cal limeade (sprite zero). A large only has 1 carb, so I am having one of those as a treat at half price happy hour a couple of times a week, instead of getting frozen custard as everyone else has.
Think that is ok?

The whole stevia vs splenda preference by the clinics doesn't make any sense to me. If you look at the ingredients in almost all the products they contain sucralose, that is splenda!! Okay maybe stevia is better for you, but personally I don't think it makes a hoot of a difference. I use splenda on the rare times I need sweetner and I have lost 38 lbs.

My coach told me that sweetener is fine but splenda is better.

We were also given a chart and an eating schedule with every food listed on it and what is allowed and not allowed.

We can also contact our coach 24/7 on her cell if we need to.

We were just told yesterday that sugar-free gum is ok (1-2 pieces per day as it has 1 carb).

New pic looks great!! I totally agree with this. These additional items will not affect weight loss. Just like eating a few extra veggies. Vegetables and egg whites did not make us fat in the first place. Everything in moderation.