For the first month, I used the vitamins from IP. Then I took the bottles to Walmart and Sam's and found their brands with comparable values. Been using them ever since. Another great place to check out foot alternatives is Netrition.com. You can find a lot of comparable products there.

if you can't request food of your hosts, I'd take celery and baby cukes and nibble on them, most parties will have a veggie tray, try to hang out there. Also, drink water with slices of lime or lemon, I try to have that on hand whenever I'm out socially. I've also mixed up my shakes at folk's house, I just tell them it's a protein drink, I've never had a problem. I find focusing on the event itself, visiting with other people, ignoring the food was a big 'pivot' for me, and I realize that all my socializing has been about the food! no wonder I got heavy! Staying on IP, I've realized that I need to make the event the event, not the eating and drinking at the event.

Good luck, but you'll be fine!

Well Katie's appt went well. The Dr said its most likely a sprain and gave her. A cortisone shot. That should help, otherwise we'll go back for an MRI.

Going to make some of Scrobett's yummy chili for dinner.

Would love to know names of vitamins. I have searched a lot and cannot find any that have the calcium citrate. They all have the carbonate.
Thanks!

Great job!!
Everyone on this site is so supportive and answer questions great. It really helps. Thanks for support. Love reading forum.


Cold here today to, hate going to work and coming home in the dark.

Ha! Jemma you read my mind. I was just talking to my Mom about this yesterday. I am quite envious of those people who are around the same weight as me but are wearing size 8's and 10's. I just started fitting into my 12's! I have a big bum and hips though so the waists of my jeans are a bit baggy but often tight in the thighs Probably won't be fitting into my 8's and 10's for another 10-15 lbs. Can't wait!

Welcome!!

Offer to bring a veggie tray, that way you know for sure there will be something OP you can eat, and bring extra packets with you just in case.

Yay for you!!! GOOD JOB!!

Wow!! AWESOME results! I am not in your position, but I agree with Sarita. I would keep going. Your body will likely tell you when you've reached your 'natural', 'set' weight. You will stop losing. As long as you are comfortable continuing - and still losing - why not keep going for awhile longer?

Would you guys share what brands you usually use for your alternatives, and what your typical 'go to's' are as far as the alternative products - both restricted and unrestricted?

I just had my very first "Quest" bar (peanut butter). Wow! Those could be dangerous! They are so dense and just.....good! Good thing I only bought one bar. I know myself well enough to not tempt fate with having more than one on hand.

So glad your daughter's results didn't show anything bad. What a tremendous opportunity for her! Hard work pays off!

I've looked at the Phase 1 sheet (link) at the beginning of this thread, and can't find the answer to this question. When you use a flavoring for water, such as Mio, or a flavored water with stevia (0 cal/0 carb), can you subtract that water from your daily requirement, or is the plain water in addition to anything you drink with a flavor additive?

slownsteady Up until last week, I have been having two premier protein shakes from Costco per day, plus either a detour bar or pure protein bar that I get at Costco as well as a restricted. Last week I started replacing one premier protein shake with a juice packet that I ordered off of Nashua a while back. I also just found the simply chips yesterday, so I will alternate my restricted between those and bars. I have also had simply bars in the past, but find the bars I get at Costco to be the cheapest and tastiest.

Great job ladies!
I go to my IP coach every 10 days or so. No one has given me any trouble for that. Luckily for me they don't force the products at me all the time. I had a lot of products from friends and family given to me. I know I go for the accountability and support.
So far I haven't gone out to eat or spent a lot of money on groceries. I figure my spending is pretty much even.

Sometimes a good talk with your coach on what you can afford is worth it. If they want your business, I think it would be best to comprimise. It's you goals and your money.

Happy Monday !
From the very cold North!
What's a snow day??? I always giggle when I hear this.......We never have snow days here! Just put on better tires and a warmer jacket .

Can I ask the nutrition info on the premier protein bars you use? The ones at my Costco are too high in calories and carbs for IP. I see lots of people posting about using them, just wondering which ones fit the program.

Good news! I hope the cortisone helps and there is no need for an MRI.

I am right with you two! I was in twelves till i hit the 140's, and right now I fluctuate between a ten and an eight (mostly 10's). After the holidays, I will do a bit of P1 to take off any holiday weight and maybe get into eights comfortably.

Great idea! Also, maybe bring some sparkling water and flavoring to have some "bubbles" and celebrate! Remember, some shrimp cocktail (minus the sauce) is also P1 friendly, and one could bring that to a party if it is not already being offered.

LOL I do not want to trade places with you, especially after being on this program. I get so cold so easily now! And, as a teacher, I live for snow days!

The premier protein bars aren't OP. I just get the premier protein RTD shakes and then detour or pure protein bars.

I started using alternatives a few weeks ago as well to save some money. I ordered a bunch of things from Nashua - mostly Protidiet, Proti Thin, and Healthsmart. I did a lot of research and looked through the alternative threads to really make sure I was choosing things with similar nutritional values. I like the Protidiet oatmeals (unrestricted) and puddings, and HealthSmart cinnamon cereal (unrestricted). Proti Thin makes a really decent fusilli pasta that's unrestricted, vanilla crispy treats (restricted), and chocolate soy puffs that seem to be identical to the IP ones for a restricted option. I also use Quest bars occasionally.

I am supplementing the Nashua stuff with protein powder from GNC. They have lots to choose from and can help you find a low carb one. I am using Sun Warrior Classic Raw Protein powder in chocolate and vanilla.

Hope this helps!

I use the EAS Carbadvantage drinks from SAMs/Costo (two 24 packs lasts me almost a month) and then stuff from Nashua for restricted.