You will do great using some Alts... And with such an amazing coach who understands using a mix of IP and Alts, you will do DOUBLY WELL!

Last week I finally tried the proti-diet blueberry pancake mix...I really liked it and so did my daughter. I didn't use any syrup. I recommend it. It did taste like blueberry and had a good chew. I slightly overcooked mine (I just got a new stove/oven) but, it was still good. I will definately order more.

This may be buried somewhere in another thread, but has anyone tasted the Quest Pasta? Any good?

I believe I was reading something on that pasta and the person testing it found it really spiked their blood sugar even with the low carb claims.

What protein drinks do you get from the grocery store? Bars too? I am trying to stay with ip products but money is tight so if I could buy a cheaper brand that is comparable that would be great!

Look for EAS Carb Advantage (about $5 for 4) or Pure Protein shakes (about $8 for 4, but also a little larger and in my opinion a little richer than EAS). Both found at Walmart/Target (always seem to cost double at drug stores).

Use the guidelines posted in the first thread here and I posted some additional info on guidelines a few threads after that. This will tell you if a product fits IP criteria.

Also take a look around Nashua Nutrition site for TONS of alternatives... Not just shakes and bars, but everything! Just use the guidelines in selecting because not all products fit IP.

Thank you!! There is so much info- I am still trying to sort it all out. I am just taking a realistic look at this and I am in for the long haul so if there's a way to eat the proper foods and save money, I'm in!! My coach is going on vacation so I had to order two weeks of products this week and I didn't buy the extra ip packet that I am allowed (4th one of needed) and I was thinking it would be great if I could run to walmart and buy a substitute.
I am so afraid of eating the wrong thing.

If you use the guidelines I mentioned, you really can't go wrong! Just check each item using the little pink sheet (and the additional info I posted a couple posts below it for more detail).

A couple more great ideas for saving money...
-- 1 whole egg and three egg whites is the replacement for an IP omelet packet; and 4 whole eggs with two whites is the replacement for your meat protein. Eggs are pretty inexpensive. Also get a carton of pure egg whites - not Egg Beaters. I use our store brand to save a few more pennies!

-- look for Maple Grove Farms SUGAR FREE pancake mix (I get it in the special baking items section near whole wheat mixes, Bob,s Red Mill, etc) $3.99 per box. Use 1/4 cup (equals your one packet) and mix with water to batter consistency. No need to add oil or egg as directions say. I do sometimes add one egg white. Makes great waffles too! Top with Walden Farms maple or blueberry syrup.

Ask lots of questions here and you will figure it all out!

Thank you so much!!!! That's very helpful!!!! I have my first WI today and I'm out of food til I go- I'm going to cook some eggs!! You're a life saver!

Has anyone used any vegan proteins that they recommend?

I am a total believer in EAS RTDs. They are AMAZING. And yesterday I bought 10+ boxes (my mother is also doing IP) and when I tried the fudge flavor today, it was so much richer but so delicious! On the outside it said it was a new formulation. So I'm not sure if I just got the older shakes before but it was so yummy. I have at least 2 a day. YUM.

I was thrilled to stumble across this product at Vitamin Shoppe as I don't tolerate very much casein-based product. I've used it for 4-5 weeks and it has been great. I have the Vanilla RTD with coffee in the am, and also like the chocolate shake for a snack.

(I used to use Muscle Milk Lite Whey powder, but it's uber-sweet and triggers my sugar cravings, plus need to reduce the amount to be P1-compliant). I hadn't even noticed the Truvia--that makes it an even better choice! Also love love love having a whey RTD choice.

I've been haunting old threads for alternative IP products. I found the site newlifestylediet and there are many items there that are gluten free. Anyone have experience with that site? It's ringing a bell in my mind but I can't remember why. Thanks!

Just read about them on another IP page... Poster said she looked at some items and only saw two soups under 8 carbs and most bars were 20+ carbs. She did not look at all items.

Use the guidelines I the first post of this thread... Also a couple after that I posted additional info. Use those guidelines to evaluate a potential product for IP compliance!

Yeah, that sounds about right with what I've found. And they use some sugars we can't, etc. Worth a try or to remind someone not to use them if they want exactly IP!