Sucralose shouldn't be much of a problem, you need to watch out for things like sugar alcohols, aspartame, etc. Now that stevia has been FDA approved (or somesuch), there are a lot more products coming out. I know there's a soda called Zevia that's sweetened with stevia if you want to try that. If they're not available now, there will probably be stevia sweetened candies coming out real soon, because this sweetener is getting a TON of press.

Alternatively, there's nothing wrong with a little bit of honey if you're on maintenance, honey is actually really good for you in moderation.

And yes, teflon is evil stuff. Aluminum is only slightly less evil, it's actually been linked to heartburn and all sorts of digestive problems (even the anodized versions). Stainless steel is ideal, but stuff sticks to it, and depending on the grade it can have nickel in it, which many people are allergic to. Surgical-grade stainless steel is really the way to go, but it's damned expensive.

No shxt, soda with stevia. I've been using Stevia for years now. Whoohoo, soda with it in. We aren't supposed to drink soda though partially because of the acidity in it. Think that might have something to do with it being artifically sweetened (diet sodas)? And, I just looked it up, I can order it on Amazon. Way cool, thanks!! I miss soda sometimes (although not as much as I once did).

Soooo good to find all of you back here!

Every since I went back to IP after the Holidays, I also have been on an "Altenate" IP, switching up to 2 protein packs a day for other products such as Liberté Organic yogourt, 1% fat cottage cheese and Egg creations egg whites omelets. In reasonable portions, these products are around 90 Cal and 15g of proteins... almost like IP products!

Had 2 major cheats since I started again and scale responded to them Now back for the run and no more cheats before Disney on 1st week of March. (sure will try!) "Happy" to find I am not the only one with motivational issues!

Missed all of you...

Torchlaker - along with all the other suggestions regarding cost, I just thought of something that my friend has done since she began this diet. It addresses the cost and the wanting to eat other foods/"cheating" factor. Sounds crazy but she takes the weekend off. She eats somewhat carefully but she'll have a glass of wine, piece of cake, etc. if she wants to and doesn't use the IP packets at all. She has been still losing steady and it saves her 6 packets a week - that's a few bucks a month. She got heck from the counsellor but she didn't care - she said that's the only way she can stay on the diet - and she says it makes her feel better.

I also have thought that if you want to (I hate the word cheat) eat differently or snack on some non approved foods, you should do it all in one day rather than bits throughout the week. Maybe you just start to kick out of ketosis and then...boom, back into ketosis. that's not scientific at all I know but...

Apparently pepsi is making a diet drink sweetened with splenda - haven't seen it yet but I haven't really been looking either.

I checked out the sites, one doesn't ship to Canada (Lindora) Newlifestyle ships to Canada but some of their carb counts are higher. I know someone has probably done the check already - I don't want to go back to the other thread and look for the info in all those pages - so, to save me searching, does someone know offhand what the low carb ones are?

I think this thread is great. We have all "been there...done that." Now the expense is hitting us because we have been on it so long. I am scared, too...that I grab bars when I need protein (not IP bars).....or that I want my puddings! How is this all gonna work out for us in the end? I plan to have a good talk with both the nurse and doctor next week...explaining the expense, boredom, etc. Will let you know what their suggestions are.....

SylviaG - did you start out at 229# on IP? If so...I THINK you should change your ticker. You are just not giving yourself enough credit....According to my calculations....you have lost 63#!! Not 9#!!

Ogdog - when you did the calorie/carb calculations...did you think the carb count was high at 200? Or even the calorie count? I cannot believe I could eat that and not gain weight (sounds wonderful, tho)....probably the IP packets mentality.

Part of me DOES think it is a money-making scheme! Altho my nurse knew I bought bars/cereals from Netrition, and she encouraged me to use them up...so I don't know if I think MY doctor is in it for the money. She has adjusted my medical bills when insurance didn't pick them up....she also has given me botox and juvederm (ok -- my secret is out!!). When we initially did the consultation, she thought I would only be on IP for 3 months (haha...fooled her, huh?). It is my OWN fault that I ate so many restricted, didn't exercise, didn't drink enough water, etc. Still - I think the expense is outrageous. It is good to know there are other options out there. I am going into town tomorrow and will hit a RiteAid.

JoshB - OMG -- you are the bomb! 70#!!! Are you still hanging tough? Are you still away from home?? Are you still doing the documentary???

OK - so help me here (Ogdog?) - I want to figure out how to make puddings that would be healthy. I am lactose intolerant....so I buy Lactaid..or something similar. According to the "facts" -- it is 90 calories, 12g of carbs (11g coming from SUGAR)...and 8g of protein. So - do you think I should go with the Atkins way of thinking...and water down whipping cream. I also thought of adding my greek yogurt (which has a LOT of protein) in place of some of the milk? Just trying to make my addiction healthier. My new addiction (which comes from when I was a child) is Tapioca (Kozy Shak). To be honest, I won't look at the nutrition facts because I NEED that comfort food right now. I know I could make my own using Splenda and Lactaid..maybe stirring in some greek yogurt....any ideas? (hey, I have totally forgotten how to cook...since I only cook for one now. I really struggled in Ohio cuz I really haven't cooked much in 6 years).

Yeah, the peanut butter is real. Here are the counts: 2T. = 100 calories (20 calories coming from fat). 2g fat, 13g carbs, (sugars are 2g, other carbs are 9g). Protein 4g. Their website is: betternpeanutbutter.com. I went to their website and it directed me to a store. What about these nutrition facts? How do they compare to other butters? I just liked the fact that it was lower in fat.

OK - my goal today is to finish up my capris...and cut out 1 or 2 tshirts. Tomorrow I will actually go to a real mall(maybe throw in a consignment store or 2 - altho it is supposed to be 4 degrees tomorrow. Right now, the winds are gusting at 35-40mph. Had to take my dog to be groomed and was REALLY glad I had my OLD Suv. That Envoy really holds the road in 4-wheel drive...I am gonna really hate to give it up.)

A big thing in Michigan (as a gauge to winds) is when they close the "bridge." Us silly Michiganders just assume that everyone knows what bridge we talk about....but I have found out differently. Mackinac Bridge connects the upper and lower pennisulas of Michigan. It is a 5-mile suspension bridge (awesome)...so I gotta go see if they"closed the bridge."

Whew! Am I glad I found all of you! I know I don't contribute alot, but I have really been missing your posts and I found myself completely overwhelmed by the number of posts on the other thread!
I am right with you all regarding trying to get back on track after the holidays. I did pretty well and although I had a few minor "cheats" like having wine, I pretty much stayed on program. So, I still lost a pound or two until my weigh in a couple of weeks ago. The scale hasn't moved in 2 weeks! Last time my coach took me off of all restricted items (although it was my idea, not hers...) and I weigh in again tomorrow. My scale at home shows a loss of 2 pounds...still isn't very much. And I have stayed completely on program. So here I am....I started on Oct. 23 and I've only lost about 22 pounds. But I have to say, I've done it to myself. I'm not giving up, though.

Mom22 (do you have 22 kids??) - we must have been writing at the same time! That is actually a GOOD idea about the weekends...never thought of that. I plan to buy ketostix tomorrow (nurse said I didn't need them if I stayed on plan...so I had never bought them) and hopefully a decent scale...so I can perhaps try the EAT it all in one day thing....nawwww...that wouldn't work. I have been stressed every day!! You are really getting close to goal, Mom 22!! Are you keeping that goal weight?

When I first started IP, I only experienced very minor withdrawal symptoms, but 2 weeks ago, after a horribly carb filled weekend (and that's another story) I had really bad symptoms all week long. Terrible headaches, exhaustions, and I thought my back was hurting, but apparently, it was my kidneys! I'm still experiencing that, somewhat. I used all the tricks we are supposed to, but it was a reallly bad week. Now it's been 2 weeks and still the scale is just moving a tiny bit.

I think it's great that some of you are finding some less expensive products. But for me, one of the reasons I chose IP was because I didn't have to think much about what I can eat. I don't do well with choices at this point. So, even though it is putting a dent in our budget....I'm going to stick with it.

None are all that bad. Some have higher than 13 carbs, though. What do youi like? What are you looking forin carbs? Better yet what do you not like? I don't mind doing a little homework....as it would be good for myself too.

I don't know if any of you watch Oprah. But there was something on yesterday that I really wanted to share with you all.

I thought of our veggie-head-ODdog the whole time!

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/The-T...ichael-Pollan-

Here is a link to a video about The Kind Diet: Alicia Silverstone-book
http://fora.tv/2009/10/19/The_Kind_D...ia_Silverstone

She has some wonderful recipe ideas for some of us that need suggestions.

HAHAHA re:the box of wine!!!! I won't buy them anymore, even when I go back to normal eating. They are sitting there when you come home from work, looking at you, saying,"You know, I'm not empty, yet......".

Doing Good Also Tastes Good!

Instead of thinking about how what you're NOT having, it's important to realize how much MORE you're adding to your diet. These healthy, healing foods are not only good for you but they taste delicious. I want to shatter the notion that eating healthy is somehow a sacrifice.

Rethink the Word "Diet"

Unlike other diet books, The Kind won't ask you to freak out about calories, carbs or the glycemic index. It will change your relationship with food and your body, transforming the whole idea of dieting for you.

alicia silverstone kind diet book
Even Small Changes Can Be Huge

Change is hard and I recognize that diff people are at varying stages of their journey, which is why I designed three approaches. People can choose their path according to where they’re at and what feels right to them.

The first approach is called Flirting, and it’s simply sticking your toe in the pool of The Kind Diet. The second plan is Vegan; it’s for experienced flirts and those who, after reading this book, will want to commit to a plant-based diet. The third plan, Superhero, emphasizes whole grains, organic vegetables and sea vegetables. It will make you practically levitate! And then there's everything in between. Really, the book has something for everyone. Throughout are plenty of little choices you can make that will have huge impacts on how you look and feel, and the health of our planet.

Be Kind to Yourself

Nobody is perfect so don't beat yourself up for straying from the new path you've chosen. Brush yourself off, remind yourself how great it feels when you do eat "kind," and get back on!
Don't Forget Dessert!

I truly believe that there is no life without dessert. Luckily, there are so many delicious "kind" deserts out there (and in the book), that you're guaranteed to never feel deprived! (Try some of those delicious desserts, and other vegan recipes now!

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/environ...#ixzz0dvUajyWn

Yeah im still workin it out, lol, I have bars like 3 times a week, and the rest are vanilla premades, lol. I actually came home =D and got my dad to join with me, the person who was doing the documentary had TONS of stuff in her life happen, like her son was in a fire (but him and his son got out okay) and like a bunch of family stuff came up, and she also went to a conference in Las Vegas and got to meet Jillian from Biggest Loser and Donald Trump =o but now im helping my dad with the diet and he has lost 38 lbs. in 5 weeks!
This week im like not losing anything =( i checked the scale, but hopefully its because I lost fat %, its really weird because I have been sticking to plan. I'll find out tommorrow what is going on.
Btw, on burgers and stuff have you guys been using soy cheese? Its really good, I also sprinkle a tiny bit on my turnip fries. Coach says they add to your veggie count and theres TONS of flavors like smoked provolone, pepper jack, swiss, cheddar, nacho, mozerella.

Aw, yay thanks!
Atleast we are both stickin in there and havent given up!