Jordanna, I really appreciate all of your comments regarding the goal we are all trying to reach. Obviously everyone is entitled to their opinion and there is no disrespect there, it is just nice to keep this a friendly and welcoming place. I enjoy the posts from everyone and if it really doesn't have anything to do with the route I am taking on IP, I just skip it. It is great to have senior members who can direct us to recipes, etc. and it's nice to have new members who are on the journey with you.

A while back there were questions about ketosis and the sticks etc. -I have consistently been in ketosis until lately it is barely there....so I dug out old MR. Atkins's book and it recommends testing with the sticks in the evening....might try that. Anyone know off hand the website of the gymneva? sp I liked the prices of all their vitamins, but didn't mark it. Thanks!

Ok, I obviously quoted the wrong post, but I think you all get the picture. Hello newbie right? I hope I'm doing better on the diet than I am on the posts. Ha!

Thanks Newsiemom that's exactly how I feel too - it's nice to have both sides of the coin when you're embarking on a new life, those who know it well and those who are excited and enthusiastic with the same questions and concerns as you It seems that some people are trying to divide the group when we're all trying to get healthy and follow a diet with the same principles

It's Gymnema and the website is Puritan's Pride.com.

HOLY CROW what has happened on the other site. My goodness. I mean really who cares. We get on this site for support and to see what others have to say and what is working for them. I feel like I am dealing with this issue constantly. As most of you know I am a consultant for Scentsy and I have a pretty successfull business. I have a downline that I try to train and share info with. I got an email from one of my downline a while back chastising me for talking about the first 90 days as a consultant in the newsletter i put out and how some of the older downline should not have to read that over and over again as it does not pertain to them. I was really offended at first but then I got to thinking, if my experience can help even one person on my team succeed then I am doing my job. I feel the same way about this site, while I choose to continue using IP products (I am a creature of habit) i don't begrudge those of you who are trying other things and in fact I am pretty excited about it because it has stirred my brain to think about being able to maintain my weight even after the program. I like having a shake for breakfast and would probably continue that and if I can do it cheaper than Yippie. I think if people don't want to read about it then that is exactly what they should do. Sometimes I just skim the info but at least I know it is there and I can go back to it if I need.
Sorry to be so drawn out here and maybe it is becuase I have had a bad day. I just really feel that I will give my experience and you can take it or leave it or modify it to fit what you need but at least I have given it.
I hope everyone has a SCENTsational weekend.

I found this in the recipes. Echobaby posted it and sounds so good, I thought of you and thought I'd put it here for you. Thanks Echobaby, this sounds great!

"Hi, All. I was somewhat underwhelmed by the chocolate pudding, when that was the thing I was most looking forward to trying. Last night I fiddled around with it and came up with a great recipe:

Instead of very cold water, I mixed it at room temp.

Added to the water beforehand:

splash of real french vanilla extract
dash of sea salt
1 1/2 packs of splenda

shake until salt and splenda are dissolved. Add pudding packet and shake the **** out of it in a sealed tupperware. Put in freezer for 30 to 45 mins. I had the idea of making it into some kind of "ice cream", but I think the alcohol in the vanilla extract keeps it from freezing. I think the alcohol also changed the texture from doughy to a smooth real pudding texture. Man was it good. "
__________________

Thank you!!!!!!

Whew...it took me over an hour (it is now 2am) to get thru the other posts in the other forum. I kinda went thru a bunch of emotions...first anger...then hositility...etc. Still kinda upset...so decided not to post anything there in case it would cause more uproar. It was nice to see the newbies stick up for "alternative" ideas. Personally, I would have been thrilled to know there were different alternatives when I started...cuz the programs cost really put me in a bind. I am even more financially strapped after the car, etc., now....

I, too...probably would have just stayed on IP for the first few months because I made the commitment. But - of course - I started cheating a bit here and there....which prolonged the diet. Nobody but myself to blame here. Sure - if you do the diet right - get it all over with - and get on maintenance....that is the PERFECT way to do it. BUt -- where are all the girls that did that??? Is Ottawa our only one that has made it to Maintenance??. I just wonder how many of these gals will be around 5 months from now??? We KNOW how many people we lost......

For me, it is informative and interesting to see what others are using. I mentioned earlier this month that my dr. gave me some alternatives TO the packets (i.e., tuna fish, nofat cottage cheese). She didn't tell me that if I used these that I wouldn't be on the IP plan....she just wanted me to succeed.

Geez...I shouldn't write when I am upset. So do we ask the gals looking for alternatives to come to this forum to discuss it, or do we start yet a different thread?? I dunno. It is late....and I have been emotional all day. Best to just keep my mouth (fingers??) shut and go to bed!

I created a forum this morning which compiles all the data that has been collected about the alternative products. I'm hoping that alleviates some of the nonsense and divisions going on in the forums?

I'm not trying to step on any toes, I think everyone is entitled to their opinions regarding using IP products or finding cheaper alternatives I just think it's causing problems for some reason so why not remove it from the regular chat forum in hopes to alleviate some of the drama?

IP - Food Alternative Ideas & Tips Forum

My worry as a new member is that a few members are going to drive all of the veteran members away and the rest of us will be left hanging in the breeze. I look forward to reading the threads and will be printing out the info that jordanna compiled to bring to my coach on Monday to see if I can cut down my costs.
I think your frustration is understandable torchlaker. You guys have created a great support network and it basically, well, sucks when someone comes in and stomps all over that. Please hang in there for the new members that appreciate your posts. I was talking to my husband about what a great place this is to be, and how I look forward to checking on the updates throughout the day.

You are right that this is truly a GREAT place to come to everyday to get new insight....and just to hang out (I am certainly addicted). I wonder if the first people to reach goal will continue to come here for support? I hope so.

BUT....as great as the Internet is, with as much promise as it offers....it also has the capacity to do worlds of bad. We're opening our lives to EVERYTHING...positive...negative...ridiculous...in equal measures, regardless of the merits of any argument, or the percentage of populations who support them. How dufus do we look to you Canadians? Please nobody answer. Thanks.

As much reassurance as we get from this site, it is possible to get equal disdain for our efforts. We haven't, thus far. But it could happen. This forum is open to all people. And I think that girl was truly needing ONE set of priciples to reassure her. I can be all loosey-goosey with IP now, but could I have been then, at the beginning? Maybe not. And how much progress have I made recently? Who knows the best path?

So my point is, maybe there's no need for another alternative post. If we want to hang out here, we can. If we want to go to the OG post, we can. We can do both!! We all know what we know, and we can go wherever we want to go, and say whatever we want to say. Just we maybe shouldn't exclude anyone. Let's exercise as much forebearance as possible... I have taken the stance (on almost everything, recently) of ...OK. whatever. I'm hoping it adds years to my life....

Well, the reason I came up with that was because after the last two adopted strays my two oldies started spraying and peeing innappropriately, etc. So for that reason I feel it is too many.....but I wouldn't give up a one! They all have their own personalities and the latest who is still too wild to pick up, reminds me of a Puma with how his face looks. The other stray gets the biggest bug eyes sometimes he reminds me of those greeting cards with animal faces and bulging eyes! We also have two dogs - yellow labs who like to climb the wire fence and escape!!!

Anyway, got nothing to say about food or IP at the moment....hee, hee

Well I'm back once again!!! There's a saying about how life is what happens despite your best laid plans. That has been true for me the last 3 weeks!! Unexpected trips leading to mega delays in airports because of bad weather throughout the country. Encounters with very stressed and very unsympathetic airline employees! While I'm not bald headed yet, I've certainly picked up some more gray hairs

I am so glad to be safe at home right now and back on the boards! There is a lot of reading to catch up on. I packed packets and shakes, but ventured off the plan while separated from my luggage. I could have eaten only bars, but gave in to STRESS eating (Its amazing how I fall back on old coping methods). I did try to make low carb choices, but the calories were out of sight. I'll weigh in Monday AM to determine how much damage was done .

As far as NSVs go. I am much more comfortable in airplane seats, and will no longer need to travel with my seatbelt extender!! I also had a colleague walk past me without saying anything; after introductions were done they came up to apologize and say they hadn't even recognized me!! I still have a long way to go, but the NSVs convince me the effort is paying off.

I'm going to start reading now so I can catch up on what's been happening.

MIRAZON!!! Welcome back! that is the NSV of all time. The airplane seats.... Congrats.!

Torchlaker, HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN ADVANCEOF MONDAY!!!!!
You are the epitome of strength. Thanks for your example. We are not worthy....!!!

Have the best day of all time..!!!!! We all love you, through only your words.....what a BEAUTIFUL LADY YOU ARE!!!!