I started IP with alternatives on March 24th. Lost 6.6 the first week, 2.3 the second week, 5.7 the third week, and 0 the fourth week. So far, I am only down about .5 for this week (I weigh on Mondays). I have found alternatives for all of the supplements and vitamins except for the Potassium so I have not taken any since starting IP. I have been unable to find Potassium Bicarbonate at any vitamin stores. My question is 2-fold:

1. Could not taking a potassium supplement be slowing my losses? I seem to be losing quite slower than many people on here, especially considering the amount of weight I am trying to lose.

2. Those of you taking alternative supplements, can you tell me where you get your Potassium Bicarbonate? I am having trouble researching online as I am not quite sure what I am looking for. 312 mg. is what is recommended, is that right?

Thanks so much!
I also posted this on the Alternatives thread.

Well, the headache is gone, thanks to a huge mug of black tea. I must be having a bit of caffeine withdrawal since giving up my Diet Coke. Hope it passes soon!

Today was awesome - I passed up DONUTS, knowing that I had a drink packet with me! (If you knew how much I love fresh donuts, you would understand why I'm so proud!) I wasn't even tempted, because I'd had a filling breakfast and I knew I wasn't hungry. I just wanted something sweet, and I didn't need a donut to fill that craving. Yay me!

Thanks for sharing! I have ordered my copy of the book and am eagerly awaiting its delivery.

Just had my fourth weigh in. I lost about 2 lbs, but my coach is concerned because according to the BCA measurements I am consistently losing muscle. She wanted me to add a 5th packet, but I told her I could not afford that. She has suggested me eating 8 oz of cooked protein a night (ie, weighing the protein after it's cooked instead of before). She would also like for me to add 2 oz of chicken to my lunch, in addition to my packet and vegetables. I am concerned because this is not IP protocol. I am looking for advice..I don't want to consistently lose muscle, but I don't want to gain weight from eating too much food.

My potassium is only 99mg. Protidiet doesn't even recommend potassium, I just recently learned. You just had three good loss weeks and you body may just be catching up. I also fin first lose the most over the weekend. I'll often see no change from Tuesday to Friday.

Just checked my bottle and it is potassium citrate not bicarbonate.

Those measuring tools are notoriously not reliable so not sure you really have a problem anyway.

What about just having a couple scrambled egg whites... Not a lot of calories, extra protein and pretty inexpensive. See if that helps... You could tell her you added extra protein!

Thanks for that suggestion. I have thought about adding egg whites, but I wasnt sure how many egg whites I would need to eat to total 2 oz of protein.

As Lisa posted in the 100% thread... That machine is NOT worth a lot, so not sure you really need to add any protein. I wouldn't worry too much, but I thought just a couple whites scrambled... Then you could tell your coach you added more protein. Also if you have 8oz cooked protein at dinner, you are getting more like 10 oz pre cooked weight. Did she want you yo do both?

If you are feeling hood and satisfied with your results, there is probably no reason yo make changes!

Not sure what the difference is between the two? Are you using alternative supplements or are these purchased through an IP clinic?

IP's potassium is 99 mg potassium citrate.
It changed to this last year.

Is there any data sheets about the supplements? I didn't receive any in my IP starter kit. I'd like to have a nice summary of exactly why we need each pill and quantity. It will keep me motivated to ensure I don't miss a dose.

Thanks Lisa! I must have been looking at an old supplements information sheet.

Here I go . . . again - I'm determined to finish

Whoop whoop. Just put my height and weight into the BMI calculator thingie and I'm in the normal range!! It is only just in the normal range but I will take it. Big change from Jan 1 when I was in the obese range. This is where I should add a dancing carrot but it's too late at night to figure that out.

Sleep well everyone.