Good idea! I switched to alternatives at the end of my first week with IP! I felt rather bad about it because I really didn't have any complaints and think my coach would have been good, but it became obvious to me that I could still lose the weight successfully, and save a lot of $ by doing alternatives. I had no idea that was even a possibility until I stumbled across this forum. And I almost immediately got an Omron - it's great being able to track the readings for all the different things it measures. On those weeks when the scale doesn't budge, it really helps to see those other measurements still marching in the right, healthier direction.

BTW - I don't know if you've checked my blog yet... but it focuses on helping those who are switching to alternative products. It might be of use to you... link is below in my signature line. It's still a work-in-progress, and I've been a bit too busy with my job, etc., these past few days to add much to it - but there's still a lot of useful info there.

mammabell,

Last year "itsaboutime" used 100% Atkins and lost at the same rate as those using IP products, even though, as mentioned the fat % was higher. I sometimes think a little more fat helps with skin tone and constipation, just my opinion... I use alternatives and lose at the same rate as when I used all IP. EAS, Pure Protein, Detour, Nashua Nutrition, Diet Direct, & Lindora have all been good alternatives for me. I still go to my clinic for the Potassium supplement.

Thanks, Bellamack and Evepet! I am checking out your blog now. It looks great! I had previously read your post about alcohol sugars. It was very helpful.

Do you know where I can find info on how many calories, fat, carbs, sugars are needed and allowed on the program? I have looked several places but can't seem to find it.

I like IP because I really don't have to think about it. I can REALLY stress out over trying to get everything just right. I think that is what scares me most about switching to alternatives and why WW didn't work for me. I get too overwhelmed when I have too many choices and just give up. Being 100% OP has been easy b/c it is very strict and limited.

Thanks, I just went to plainprotein.com and they are about $25.00 cheaper for the three IP supplements I take. They were cheaper than ebay, too.

Thanks a lot for the tip.

Cyndie

RE: calories/fat/etc - IP is not a "counting" program, so you won't find info on daily intake "limits". If you look at the Phase 1 (weight loss phase) information sheet in the Newbie sticky thread, it tells you what foods are allowed, which are not, and what to eat during the day. The basic rule is 3 packets/protein products, 4 cups of Selected Veggies, and 8oz lean protein every day, plus your water.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/4360561-post9.html

In terms of picking alternative products to buy, just check the carb count. Under 8g net carbs is considered an "unrestricted" product, and can be used for any/all of your packets for the day. Above that is considered a "restricted" product and should be only used once per day.

When I switched to alternatives, I thoroughly compared the nutritional values from the labels of the IP products I was replacing, with those of the alternatives I was considering, and chose those that had a good match re all values as much as possible. Here's a link to the Nutritional Values spreadsheet. http://diettalktoday.com/wp-content/...act-Sheet2.pdf

I'd already been logging my daily eating into fatsecret.com so I had a week of stats re my actual daily intake of calories, fat, carbs, sugars, etc., while on IP products. I plugged the comparisons I was considering into a blank fatsecret.com Diet Calendar and compared to see how close they were. I included the veggies I typically ate, which of course would be the same regardless of whether I was using IP or alternatives. As long as my alternative choices put me into the same general categories re calories, fat, carbs, sugars, etc., I considered I had good matches. The Dr. who is on the www.idealcoaching.tv videos mentioned on one that the carbs should be between 25-40/day. I don't think I've ever seen a reference to what the other nutrients should be, although we obviously keep the fat and sugar as low as possible. I've just gone by my own results in logging in my IP vs. alternative products at fatsecret.com.

This is copied from my page 'Selecting Alternative Products' from my blog:

" The first thing I did was thoroughly review the nutritional details of the Ideal Protein products I wanted to replace with alternatives. This information was available for many products on a spreadsheet which several 3FatChick members had already compiled. Click on Nutritional Fact Sheet and you’ll go to this spreadsheet which shows the nutritional values of many of the of Ideal Protein food items.

I’d been logging my daily food intake into my Diet Calendar at FatSecret.com, and tested by plugging in the nutritional values for several Ideal Protein foods and possible replacement alternative products to see how the alternatives would compare. FatSecret membership is free, and it’s a very good way to keep track of your daily food intake, including things like sodium, potassium, fat, cholesterol, etc.

Their are a couple of good threads where the members using alternative products discuss them and give reviews at 3FatChicks.com. I reviewed all this information, checked out the recommended sources, and ordered alternative products that were good matches. You’ll see other pages on this site where I’m more specific about how I selected suitable alternative protein bars, breakfast items, soups, protein powders, etc.

The essential thing is to thoroughly review the Ideal Protein product’s nutritional details, and choose an alternative product that matches it as closely as possible. It’s also important to review the ingredients. For example, on this protocol it’s recommended to avoid aspartame, and it’s important to check the ingredients list to ensure that it’s not in the alternative product".

I am thinking of the same thing my coach is negative 1 week & positive the other . I've always lost inches & weight . I don't need to be "fluffed up" every 10 min but STOP sending me mixed messages ! Hubby DOES NOT understand (never been fat) . I have to do my research but I just can't continue with the same coach & to be honest the $ 88 a week is getting to my budget. I LOVE IP & most of the products but ....advice please on alternative shakes & such. She will still sell me the supplements so thats a plus BUT if I can save elsewhere I will.... Thanks for listening

Hi!
I am slowly phasing out my IP products, my coach sent me to 3FCs...even told me I'd find way more than he knew by visiting the site!! He was right!!

Anyways, I'm consistently losing 3.5lbs/week and have been using Atkins RTD or ********** RTD for three weeks with no noticeable change in weight loss. Actually last week I was down 4.5lbs.

So, like everyone else, pay particular attention to carbs. And enjoy the options you'll have

I have been using a soy or whey protein powder to make my smoothies, add to soup or add to oatmeal for breakfast since I've been in maintenance. I love most of the IP products but can't afford them anymore. I have meat at dinner, but otherwise, I use the powders to get my protein in.

Also tried the EAS ready-made chocolate drink and it was incredible. They, like the IP ready-mades are great for on-the-go.

Just tried the Nashua Nutrition vanilla-peanut bar and it was identical, including the packaging, to the IP version. Tried their coconut-almond-chocolate bar and it was tasty too.

I'd like to find an alternative to the IP Salt & Vinegar chips, as they can be handy as an afternoon snack when I want something salty. With the cooler weather now, I may start making my kale flatbreads with various seasonings, but sometimes it is nice to just grab a bag.

Seems to me that the Atkins bars I saw in my grocery store had alot of carbs and alot of fat and they used a fair amount of maltitol, so I didn't get them. There are other alternatives that have more protein and less crap in them.

Margaret

I'm with mammabell - I would love to see some daily stats on how many grams of carbs, protein, etc we should be intaking so we can look at alternatives with a more watchfull eye.

Same here! Anyone with the info?

I took time and read completely through the thread on alternative product reviews and made a list of items other people tried and liked that also sounded good to me or similar to what I've been having on IP. I have a couple weeks of IP stuff left and will place and order hopefully later this week so there's no lapse between. It will definitely be a huge $$$$ saver. I think we have all the support and coaching we need right here.

I asked at my WI last night and my coach danced around the subject with out telling me. I did get out of her that given the choice of something with higher fat content and no/low carbs and low fat content and higher carbs (still in the unrestricted range) go with higher fat content and no/low carbs.

Hello!

Newbie here! I have been reading for a week now, and I've ordered my alternative from http://www.centsablediet.com.

Anybody been on it? is it a good alternative? I'm getting ready to order the products (first order from the above-mentioned website - should last about 3 week!), but want to see what you guys think!

Thanks,

V

I only took a look at the shakes, but the IP clinic where I've been going actually carries a variety of Wonderslim products and says they're interchangeable with the IP products. Of course at the clinic they're about the same price as IP.. this is such a great price! Thanks for sharing.