My clinic said one cup of free caffenated coffee (SP?) and if you have above that then you must compinsate with water... ounce for ounce. I have pretty much weaned myself off caffeine coffee as I have gradually mixed it with decaf, now when I need caffeine, it actually works!

Congrats on your loss!! That is fantastic!! I can't wait until I can start sharing my weigh in results!! Thank you for the advice also I'm glad to hear the water might help me. I honestly don't drink very much water right now so that could def be why I feel i "need" my afternoon snack everyday. I knew I would love this website I already feel like I am getting so much positive energy. I have a feeling I am going to need it too for days 1-4! But I can do it I know i can! Any advice on exercise?? I currently do kickboxing twice a week but at the Ideal workshop I attended they told me I should hold off on any exercise for the first 3 weeks on IP.

Sounds like are getting ready to start the diet? Me too. I am starting on sunday or monday (I havent decided yet) I go today for my consult and get weighted and measured and get the products. I am very excited and also nervous also!
I agree about this site, it has so much positive that I think it will help us all alot!!
I was told the same thing about exercise, not do it much at all for the first few weeks, can do some walking as long as you can hold a conversation.

I held off on exercise the first week but I had a bronchial infection and was on antibiotics and didn't feel so hot anyway. I would give yourself a break the first few days and then see how you feel by day 6 or 7. Since you are already exercising it isn't the same as starting a program from nothing. I do boot camp 2 x week and then cardio on Sat/Sun. I went to the gym last Sunday and did 30min on the bike w/o any problems. Have been to boot camp both days this week, no probs. Just listen to your body and you will be fine. I have a bar before I go just so I have a little something to work on.

I think that having started IP after I had an exercise routine firmly in place was an advantage. I know what to expect in terms of exertion already so it was just a matter of being temperate. I suspect it will have an effect on what I see on the scale and in inches as well.

Stay in touch as you move along. It's a great group here, everybody's experience is a little different but there is lots of info to learn from.

Yes I am!! Next Thursday I wanted to start this past week but they were booked up for consults until next Wed. boo O well it is what it is! Anywho I'm glad to see someone else is starting around when I am. I have been so up and down with weight the last 3 years I'm ready to get it off and keep it off! I feel like I will learn a lot with this program for the future too. Good luck with your start!!

Andria;

Hey since you are having your consult today, you might want to think about starting on the weekend; esp. if you work out of the home. The first few days can be a little rough. But that is up to you, esp. if you have plans for the weekend. Good luck on your venture and I look forward to hearing about your successes.

Hi all, I am a complete newbie.

I am on day 5 of IP and it seems to be OK except 1 little thing . I am ravenous! I have been trying the snack either in the afternoon or after dinner. Yesterday I had the snack in the afternoon. I was starved by the time I had dinner. I had a good dinner and woke up starved this AM. Am I doing something wrong?

Hello All-Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.
I don't have a coach- my Doctor told me about this so I have a few questions and would love your expertise.
I started Sat. 6-11 and so far so good. I am hardly hungry and am forcing myself to eat all 4 protein goodies.
A few questions:
-This a.m. drank 1/2 of choco shake before going to the gym and saving the rest for afterwards- is this okay??
-I arrive home usually around 8-9 from work and then eat ( I know !!! BAADDD) so I'd like to have my meat/ fowl protein for lunch- is this okay?
Hope to lose 40 # and am excited.
Thanks again for the community support.
Happy Monday!
Elizabeth

-This a.m. drank 1/2 of choco shake before going to the gym and saving the rest for afterwards- is this okay??
When do you go to the gym? When I was considering working out, my Coach advised me to have a full snack before and a meal within 30 minutes after your workout. I have read on here though, that some people will split a protein bar and have half before and half after. I am not sure that 1/2 a shake, which is lower in carbs and calories would be enough though. Maybe the experts on the board can weigh in on this one.

I arrive home usually around 8-9 from work and then eat ( I know !!! BAADDD) so I'd like to have my meat/ fowl protein for lunch- is this okay?
My Coach advised me, right from the beginning that you can switch your lunch and dinner so as to have the protein for lunch and the packet for dinner.


Good luck!

My favorite one is the Peach Ice Tea, then I squeeze fresh lemon in on top of ice....YUMMY!

That is awesome, when I had my first weight in I cried and asked my coach if she was sure....I lost 9.8lbs and 14 inches!....this is a great way to lose weight!

Try finding the WF products at Rouse's, Its not going to be with the regular dressings. Here it is on the bread isle with the soy and organic products. The Honey BBQ sauce is awesome, my kids eat it instead of regular BBQ sauce. I like the ranch dressing.

I was never told to give up caffeine. Is that important? I usually drink one or two cups of black coffee in the mornings.

My first day is tomorrow and thats my biggest fear! I hate being hungry it makes me want to eat everything! Have you had any changes since this post?

Hi, I am new here and starting tomorrow also. Maybe we can share hints and recipes and be diet buddies.