Thanks so much for this! I bought 6 packs and it came out less than a dollar a serving!

It's tough to say for me because I do a mixture of products. I'm lucky because where I go, they sell a variety between IP, Proti-Diet and Pro Amino Evolution. I wouldn't say anything really stalled. I was careful though. When I plateaued (this is my second round thru the program) I would switch to all of the sucralose free products and this would get everything moving again. I was also cautious with any of the products that contained corn syrup (including the PD Dream Bars). I still buy them but I try not to eat them too regularly.

I've only done IP using alternative products. I personally chose starting with alternatives after talking to my brother who has lost 135lbs by going to a clinic and a girl friend who did it by herself using alternatives. I weighted the options and ultimately I didn't have the time with work and a toddler to go to the clinic AND I didn't want to spend $800.0 between my husband and myself to follow IP using a clinic. I wanted the results.

If you are a person who needs the accountability that comes from a counselor and that out weights the costs savings I say stay where you are. I think ultimately your discipline and desire are th biggest factors regardless of if it is you naked in your bathroom or having someone weigh you. If you don't have the desire or discipline I feel you wouldn't succeed regardless of where the weighing takes place. On average following alternatives I am losing 3.33 lbs per week, the only time I slow down and then pick up is during the TOM.

I wish you the best of luck in your decision making...ultimately you know what you need to succeed at your weightloss goals.

Thank you so much for this information! I will have to go check this out! Also, does anyone know any alternatives for water enhancers? I am almost out of the Mangosteen Powdered Water Enhancer that IP has, but I haven't been able to find anything that qualifies outside of that! HELP!!!!

Oops! This promotion ended 5/31. They may still honor it. Not sure since this is the first time I've done this.

Thanks for your input. Your losses have been fantastic and BTW I love your pic.

I feel pretty positive about my discipline and desire. I have been 100% OP since I started. I intend to stay that way no matter which way I decide to get to goal. My accountability in the long run is to myself first, then the coach. So taking the coach out of the equation doesn't change that.

I have 2 weeks before I go on vacation, during which I will still be OP, but using alternatives that I can buy locally (which I have already researched availability)rather than hauling IP products with me. I'll still bring a few packets just in case. I'll have some time to think it over and make a decision when I get back.

Many use a couple squirts of Mio and I found 4C that is NOT sweetened with Aspartame (just avoid the caffeinated one!) also just adding a little lemon or lime is very refreshing. I tend to like my water barely flavored just to make it not plain.

Also, after I make a cup of tea, I put the used tea bag in a bottle of water and put in the fridge, again just to get a little bit of flavor in my water. (I like fruit and spice teas and then it adds a little fruit flavor to the water!)

Yeah, I saw that after I had already commented BOO

I didn't think you could use MIO....but I will look into that. Also, what is 4C???
Thank you so much for the info!!!!

I posted a couple of days ago asking if anyone has had hunger issues with the alternatives. My hunger came back full force since making the switch. I started IP 2/7/14 and the hunger is worse than its been since February. Anyone else have this problem? Also, since switching I have been losing my hair. It started off by just a little bit and today it is clumps. Prior to the switching to alternatives I had no hair loss issues. Anyone else experience this? I am considering going back to IP products as a trial test to see if the alternatives are actually the reason or if I need to go to the doctor!

Lots of IPers use Mio... Sparingly and not for ALL water! 4C is another flavoring in the same section as Mio. A little less costly.

I think your switch and other issues are possibly coincidental... Hunger certainly comes and goes for some people using IP products. I have used both and find not to notice a change. It happens for some and not for others.

There is a whole huge thread on hair loss with IP... It is common on low carb plans, not just IP, and once you are in maintenance should clear up (or even sooner as your body adapts). I added Biotin (supplement) which seems to have really helped.

I suspect you may have had these two issues even continuing with IP products.

Just to check... Are you SURE your alternatives are completely within the appropriate IP compliant nutrition ranges? If too many carbs are sneaking in, it is possible you are not in Ketosis anymore and that could cause the hunger!

And lastly, post a couple days of meals and we can see if there are done suggestions that might help with the hunger.

FYI...

SAM's club is running a special on EAS Advantage RTD shakes that makes them about $1 drink ($25 for 24 i think).

Anyone have issues switching to these soy-based ftom whey based?

Perfect! Thank you!

JLUS
where do you find 4C? I'll have to look for that one. I also use lemon sweet leaf drops They're stevia sweetened.