Thanks so much for the advice. Looking through the forum it seemed like the snack before bed was very important, so I did not want to forego that one. With my work schedule ( I am a teacher) it might be difficult for me to eat a snack prior to lunch, so that might be the packet that I eliminate.

I'm back after a long hiatus! Looking forward to getting back on track with you all using alternatives.
Happy new year!

I think 5 packets is too many! Strange that two of you have been told that. I was never told to have a 4th and I started (and still am) over 200lbs.

Anyway, welcome all! Looking forward to chatting with you.

You know part of me was concerned that my coach was trying to make more money. I really hope that isn't the case.

That was my first thought as well, Lilaberry....

Well, maybe chat with them about it at your next meeting and see what she/he says??

I started at over 250 and never had more than 3 packets (except when recovering from surgery), so 5 seems excessive in my opinion.

When you eat your snack is totally up to you and when you are hungry - no requirement that you eat it just before bed. The important thing is to make sure you get all the packets (however many), veggies, protein, water, oil, salt, supplements in every day.

I definitely will. I have a male friend that has the same coach as I do; he is over 6 feet tall and over 250, he is also on 5 packs. Another male friend who goes to a different place is on 3 packs.

Thank you to everyone who commented about the five packs. I am going to talk to my coach. By the way it is day three and the headaches are gone!

I started on 12/6/14 and stayed true to program for about two weeks, then way off program... Kids are back at school, holidays are over, husband is back to work and I have a few months off from work. Pantry is stocked with IP and Alternative foods, Veggie soup in freezer, proteins and veggies for week purchased and prepped. Ready to go. I love this site and all the support here. I have a lofty goal set for this month. I really think that I can do it though.
Happy Monday and Happy 2015 everyone!

Ultimately they will try and "sell" product to you, that's their reason for marketing the IP program. You just have to know what works for you, and be strong with them.

Their vitamins and supplements are expensive and you can buy almost identical alternatives in many other places - GNC, VitaminShoppe, Walmart, Walgreens and online vendors. Just look at the alternatives thread to see what others are substituting with.

The detox they push is a complete waste of time. Your body is designed to detox itself naturally if you eat healthy, nutritious foods. I could understand them pushing it before you begin IP, but once you've been on it a few weeks your body is going to remember what it's supposed to do, and get on with it.

Thanks for the note about the detox, Briael! I meant to ask about it in the daily chat as my coach was advising me about it as well. I kind of thought that IP itself is pretty much a detox so I wasn't sure the benefits of it. I will skip it this time but maybe consider it down the road when I get closer to maintenance.

Going for my initial meeting in an hour. Had to stop due to unrelated dental issues. This time it will not be covered by insurance so I'll be in the no cheat zone because I don't want to have to pay more than I have to.

Briael,

Thanks for the heads up about the detox. My coach hasn't mentioned it yet, but I will be aware when/if he does!

Hello All,

I technically started on 12/29 but am considering myself a 2015 starter, as I feel I am just getting the hang of it! I am excited to go on this journey with all of you! The first few days are so hard but after you get through that, it seems to get much easier. I remember someone saying that in the first 3 days they would have never guessed the could stick to it for 6months-a year, but they did! That was great motivation for me because I too had the thought of "I could never do this for so long." Not that I am finished with week one I am feeling great and ready to keep going!

My coach told me 3-5 the first week. If you don't need it all, just know that three (2 non restricted, 1 restricted) is the norm (don't go lower than that) so you don't have to use all 5, if you don't need them.