Hi there! Good to see you on IP! I had a lot of grief my first week as well. One of the things I do for the drinks is to use a closed container with a straw, like a water bottle with a straw. This keeps me from smelling the drink ( I hate the smell), also try to add a little more water until you get the consistancy you like. There are some great recipies out there for veggis (my favorite is the roasted cauliflower and steamed broccoli), don't be afraid to add veggis to your eggs, omelet, or try stir fry. Tonight I'm gonna try the turnip fries recommended by chaplinswifey! Hang in there, your tastes will change and your hunger will lessen.

So nice to have you join! The road will not be as long as it seems. Follow the doctor's/coach's advise. They are taking into consideration a lot of info about your health, chemistry, and activity level. I have heard from my coach that they do make individual adjustments for some people.

I can't wait to try the restricted foods! They sound yummy!

Jordana Thank you for the explanation. I didn't understand the difference in being on a low calorie diet and being on a low calorie diet in ketosis....it all makes sense now. For some reason I am able to eat a bar a day and stay in ketosis. Possibly because I am on a medication that lowers my blood sugar and I am actually supposed to be on the alternative plan that has more calories.

I know you have heard this so many times but you should be a coach...you are very inspiring.

Welcome, don't worry you're not alone. I love this blog and the support it gives! We all have a long way to go and it sounds like you have a great start/

Does anyone not like the Chocolate pudding?

Ha I saw this after I asked if anyone else doesn't like it.

Anyone tried the lemon or banana pudding?

I am not sure why some coaches are so restrictive but they are. I read only a 3 week weight for restricted food and was told no at 70% now he says he won't give them til 90% lost. Also, I read that we got to shift at 70% weight loss and my coach said NO. He won't shift people to the next phase until 90-100% lost. Part of it seems to be fear and experience and length of time doing this. He has seen a lot of people misuse the restricted items and stop weight loss or regain. He is so concerned for every succeeding he is doing it strict. He also is doing it the way he did and for him, simple and strict worked. Another factor is our regional is apparently very much to the keep it strict side. I know there are other coaches in my area so, if it were a real problem, I might ask around and find one who was practicing a philosophy that worked for me. As it stands, I am ok with how things are going.

Hello. I am new here and to IP as well. I just completed my first week. Down 3.5 lbs!! My first week, I was given a variety of the packets. Some were good, some were ok, and some were terrible. It was kind of nice to be able to try a variety before making my picks.

Seem to be doing ok. Had headaches the first few days, but that was because I gave up my diet coke.

I have been enjoying reading everything and looking at all of the recipes. I will be trying some soon!! Kids and Hubby have been very supportive.

ibdadozer - What part of St. Louis are you from? I live in the metro east.

The lemon is ok. I add an extra splenda with some lemon extract or a few drops of the "lemon drop stevia" by sweet leaf. Then I add some poppy seeds. It isn't too bad.

The banana... HA... HA... HA.. NEVER EVER EVER AGAIN!! It tastes like banana laffy taffy candy! GROSS to me even as a kid. I have tried it once and never looked back.

Awww thanks Band Mom.

Regarding the restricted items, my philosophy is this - if it works for you stick with it! Your coach will recommend things based on your needs and each coach has specific information about each persons health profile and has a good understanding about what will work for you. That's I think where some of the difference lies.

I sometimes add coconut extract & splenda to my chocolate pudding and it reminds me of a bounty bar...

I don't like any of the puddings. I prefer the drinks, and I am not allowed any restricted items. I also tread veggis as restricted items (2x per week.) This was at my coaches directive in order to perk up my loss. In the last two weeks I have only lost 3 pounds, but I did loose 8 inches. I'll take that! Plus I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I guess food has started to become boring, more like fuel than comfort.

To all the ladies who whooped up on the scale this week, CONGRADULATIONS!!!!! Libby and Carla you look great, I can't wait to be there! Thanks everyone for your inspiration!

MzMoody and Choosie1 and any other newbies I have missed or that may be lurking!


Also, and I hope no one minds, but I need to say something about the whole "IP vs Matol, Lindora, New Lifestyles, Dr "who ever", do it yourself" battle.

First, it comes up every time a new group joins the board. Second, it resurfaces whenever someone who is part of the board reaches a financial fork in the road, an issue with a coach/clinic, or needs to have some variety. Third, it is always followed by a disruption to the board as people debate and argue the merits of the products and, then is followed by people who leave the board.

Personally, I see it as a personal subject and decision. I understand the need to communicate and inform oneself and for that reason Jordanna created a separate thread, outside of our weekly chit chat, just for the purpose of such discussions. I think the discussions and tidbits related to the value of using these other brands that are compatible with the IP protocols are valuable but should be in a separate place.

ALSO my personal opinion, this is a chit chat thread to share support, advice, tips and experience, get to know others, share recipes, etc. It is not a place to be judging or being critical of another persons approach. ( I personally am a hard core IP girl. In the beginning, I felt like if you were not doing IP only maybe you were not really on the plan and shouldn't be here. I was WRONG. The plans/products are closely related and do work together. I personally won't be using them anytime soon but, again, IT IS PERSONAL.)

I would hate to have any lurking persons who read our thread see the posts that seem argumentative, non-supportive, and at times (in the past) rude. They may be deterred from trying any of the products/programs and may not get the benefits of something that could change their life. Also, I would hate to see a newbie to the forum stop participating because they feel un-welcomed, or a current user driven off by someone's overly asserted opinion of what should or shouldn't be done. (I left the forum for quite some time and a BIG part of it was the bickering and arguments over product. THANK YOU again Jordanna, if it weren't for the optional thread created and the settling of the tone on the chat, I would have stayed gone I think.)

I think sharing our knowledge, providing facts, experiences, and tips is all important. I think each person should decide for themselves what works. I don't think this is the right thread for the "alternate products debate" as it may confuse, frustrate, or drive away others who aren't in a place for those decisions.

I hope I haven't offended anyone with my outspokenness. I have just gone through three other rounds of this and wish it wouldn't come up again. (It will I am sure, with the next group of newbies and those at forks in the road!)

May I suggest these discussions continue on this thread link?
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/othe...deas-tips.html

Also, there is an alternative phases and diets program thread for chit chat too. My understanding is they have lots of tips.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/othe...il-2010-a.html


Thanks for hearing my rant/tantrum. I am in no way suggesting anyone on here (this forum or thread) jump ship. I don't want to see anyone leave this forum/thread. I do want each person to get what they need in support and friendship and information. I hope that by knowing about the other threads it will help each person get what they need to continue the programs they are choosing and to stay here!

(begin throwing rotten tomatoes and eggs now! )

HATEUSERSNAMES:

WOW I did not get your "User Name" until I typed it out What do you mean you use veggies only 2x a week...all veggies? That would be my kind of diet...only IP foods. I am SICK of salad!

Why would we?

Everyone has it's own opinion about the subject - and respecting each other ups and downs is what this place is all about!

Being on IP with breaks, cheats, big and small victories for the last 8 months has brought me perspective about this plan. As Jordanna writes it, it is about what works for YOU!

Keep faith in yourself!

By the way, down almost 6lbs this week!