I haven't tried substituting but I do notice that the packets are all +/- 100 calories!! I haven't looked to guage the protein amounts vs the carb amounts, but I know protien high, carbs low. If you watch all that you are doing you will be close to what Phase 2 on the diet is.

sbinkerd1- I think you will see the best results with the packets and vitimin supplements, I dont know if you could re-create the nutritional content on your own with ease, because it is not only the high protein but the "type" of protein it is, was how it was explained to me. I am sure it can be done but I think it will take alot longer, but you gotta do what works for you, I know myself the longer something takes the more likely I am stray!!!

Type of protein? it's not like they are using a designer protein they developed in a lab. Whey protein, soy protein, casien protein, or protein from meat, there are alot of different ones out there, and if I find I can't lose as much as when doing their powder maybe I will come back to it, but I also can't get over the scammy feeling I get from the people that run the local distributorship for this product... it seems that the shiny packaging is more or less what we are paying for.

I am not going to tell anyone not to use this product, heck my wife is still on it. I just can't justify spending the money on it for myself. I am happy people are seeing results on it, but for myself I am going to stick to the framework of the ketogenic plan they have laid out.

Hi All,
The diet works! But....you have to follow the guidelines. I'm a pound from my original goal. I had planned to up it, but I was was down 3 lbs this week. I've been on it since Sept. 21st and have had none of the restricted items, no alcohol (and I love wine and beer) and followed the plan to the T. I know it's hard sometimes, but, bottom line...IT WORKS! Be strong and believe me...it's worth it.

Way to go MontanaMom!!!!! Amazing results

I agree that you should be able to do a low carb diet on your own. I would recommend the whey protein products such as EAS low carb protien powder mixed w/water for a shake. The issue is what Ogdog said, the packets are about 100 calories so you will have to "pretend" you are eating a packet and keep your Protein portion of breakfast and lunch to that 100 cals. Part of the reason this diet has so much success is the calorie in vs calorie out. IP is a LOW CALORIE diet.

Let us know how it goes...can't think of anyone who would'nt like to save money

Just wanted to drop in and wish everyone a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!!

I did make my mini-goal of being under 300 by today. I was 298.5 this morning.

Have a Great Day!

ps: What's up with all these "server to busy at the moment" messages? I couldn't get to the board at all yesterday and had difficulty today.

sbinkerdl- Actually it is a SPECIAL protein developed in a lab. Here is what the Ideal Protein web site tells us,

Ideal Protein products contain a unique formulation of superior-quality ingredients. Enjoy an unparalleled variety of flavors and textures that incorporate five different sources of protein. Since product quality is always our top priority, our products are made in our ISO 9001 certified laboratories in accordance with Health Canada’s pharmaceutical and food standards. Because of the high content of the eight essential amino acids contained in the Ideal Protein products (i.e. high scores on the chemical index) our products provide proteins with an unprecedented high biological value.



Ideal Protein’s unmatched variety of instant, easy-to-prepare and ready-to-serve products are skilfully developed to ensure a perfect dietary and nutritional balance.

I don't think you should knock a product untill you know all of the info on it, why do you think it works so well, also it tastes way better than any other protein I have tasted. This forum is made to be a positive support for all of us and if you feel you are not getting the support you need from your coach you should look for a new coach. I understand the money part of it, but how quickly do you want to look and feel better about yourself. It is alot harder to do it the normal way, and I hope you can find a good support system to see you through to the end of your journey.

I've never seen the server busy messages before today. :-( But if I click on the reload on my browser, it seems OK the second time.

Just had a very motivating experience -- I went shopping for a new dress for a wedding that I'm going to in a few weeks. I tried on lots of dresses and a few tops and skirts too and am fitting in clothes anywhere from 2-4 sizes smaller than what I was wearing before!!! Woo hoo!!!

Just thought I'd share :-)

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American friends!!

Hi Everyone....I hope your Thanksgiving celebrations have gone well today, whether you chose to indulge or not! I've had a good day...I ate a little taste of everything and had a couple of glasses of wine. I feel incredibly stuffed, but actually glad I ate. I think I would have felt very left out if I hadn't tried everyone's delicious offerings. The best thing has been that all of my family that I haven't really seen alot since I started IP really noticed a difference....someone said they could see it in my face, some said I just looked smaller. Everyone was very encouraging. By my calculations, I've lost between 12-15 pounds. There is definitely a difference between my scale and my coach's scale. But whatever.....I'm losing and I'm happy! And it is starting to show.. I've been very thankful for all of you on this forum...what great encouragement and support. So glad I found you all!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We had our first of three dinners today, and I cooked so it was easy. Turkey, mashed cauliflower (splurged on some butter and cream in it), a little gravy at 3 carbs, and I made a low carb pumpkin pie (basically using splenda, evap milk, and whip cream made with spenda. the crust is simply crushed pecans and a little butter/splenda patted down). It was really good! For dinner, I took a slice of the "pie" and blended it with an IP shake in the blender, YUM. I dont expect to drop much doing this but I wont gain either hopefully. We have two more dinners where I am not hosting, but I have made sure there will be low carb options. In between dinners, tomorrow, back on IP. I did run 2 miles today so hoping that helps too. Anyone else have a dinner today?

hi there,

i think alot of people have wondered about the cost of this program from time to time...it is expensive, no matter how one chooses to look at. read back in the forum, and people will find this has been discussed alot. i have a friend who is choosing to go the same route you mentioned. it is not feasable for her to purchase the packets at this time. and for any of us on this diet we know it is not just the cost of the packets, but the vitamins, the WF products we use to dress up our packets or our veggies, the netrition products etc. and then yes, there is the regular groceries most of us still need to purchase for the other members in our home. my friend has taken the info she has learned from the seminars, dr trans website, and spoken to a holistic healthcare worker. she is able to buy vitamins - no name brand types, substituting packets for protien she mixes herself. and no matter what, at the end of the day she is eating better, feeling better than before she started. and she will lose wieght. so although a fan of the IP program, i do believe that there may be other ways to get these results. i have often wondered if i could do this plan using the info i have learned this far. i have just not been proactive enough to research. so good luck for those of you who need to try different methods, whether it be for vacations, holidays, or finances.

Well, I went "carb crazy" for Thanksgiving Day and tomorrow I will avoid the scale and get right back into IP again.

You all are my constant inspiration!

Especially Torchlaker. You are so consistent and real to me! Thank you for posting so regularly and helping to keep the rest of us on track.

And thanks to Ogdog for posting all those recipes.

Here is some more "personal info" about me:

I am a nurse that works part-time in a small hospital emergency room. It can get very busy there but we are well-staffed thanks to California safe-staffing laws (1 nurse to 4 patients.)

I have just moved in with my boyfriend of 3 years. We are both 56 years old so he is not such a "boy." LOL

We hosted Thanksgiving Dinner in our new place today. We had my daughter and her family over. I have one grandchild, an 11 y.o. boy and he helped me so much in the kitchen today.

I have lost 22 pounds on IP. I am 5 ft 7 and 3/4 inches and am wearing a loose size 14 jeans that I bought at the Thrift Store 2 days ago. I weighed 187 this morning.

My goal is 153. I have weighed as low as 145 as an adult. I was 135 in high school.

I too will wear a bikini in the snow if I ever weigh 135 again!

I am convinced that this is the best diet ever! I think the protein packages are engineered with the best quality and high levels of protein possible while maintaining a low fat/low carb balance.

Yes, it is expensive but it is not FOREVER! So if we stick with it and get to Phase II it will cost less! Then Phase III will cost even less.

Then maintenance will be for life. We will be eating healthier and a lot less than we are used to. But it will be worth it.

I can cross my legs all the way over for the first time in years. I am moving so much easier and climbing stairs without getting short of breath.

My 11 y.o. grandson noticed my weight loss today. (The rest of my family knows about my IP program but my grandson doesn't.) He said "Nana, you are looking skinnier." Yes, I gave him a big hug and kiss for that!

Good luck to all of you and keep posting!

Lili

Hi Echobaby,
I tried to respond to you last week but my post did not go through for some reason.

I am post-menopausal and also had a hysterectomy years ago so I have no clue when my hormones are affecting my weight.

But I love to blame Estrogen and/or her sister Progesterone whenever the scale goes up unexpectedly. LOL

I have been losing consistently on IP and find that if I don't drink all of my 64 ounces of water or more per day then I will retain water and not lose as much.

Also, some weeks I lose inches first and then the pounds follow shortly afterwards.

Lili

Lilita - great post!! I too went more carbs than intended and so am out of ketosis this am...but back in the saddle already and now off to work. I find it is easy to be 'good' on workdays. Congrats on the loss, that is awsome!
Happy Friday to all