I started this week, followed it and I can't stand the thought of ONE MORE ITEM with sugar-free sweetener in it. I need suggestions. What can I have for breakfast, snacks etc. I really need to lose this weight but I am can't do all the sugar free stuff.

I am on week three. Before this diet, I never really used artificial sweeteners, and there has been a bit of an adjustment.

The packets I like, are the ones such as: Potato Puree, Herb Omelet, Chicken Soup etc. That way I don't have to deal with the artificial sweetness.

As for the sweet ones, well, I just put up with it, as I have seen good results on this diet so far and it has been relatively easy for me. I won't be doing this forever.

Unfortunately there aren't ANY healthy ways to lose weight with sugar in it since sugar is SO bad for you. What are you eating each day?

Hey, I know how you feel. Before this diet I was really sensitive to artificial sweeteners, too. I stayed away from diet soda and even light fraps and stuff because no matter how little artificial sweetener they used I could taste it. And it was nasty! The first week on IP, I hated almost everything sweet -- the puddings, the drinks, etc. Tried to keep myself full by eating the savory meals (patties, chips) but had to given in to sweet cravings by buying Walden Farms pancake syrup and having a teaspoon of that once a day. Slowly but surely I got used to the artificial taste and I'm positive you will, too. It's just not a nice process but things will get easier in time. Now I relish the drinks (especially the vanilla and choco RTDs) and some of the puddings (I still can't stand the lemon pudding -- ugh). You just have to be patient while you're waiting for yourself to get where you want to be. In the meantime, we're here to support you. Good luck!

If you want to follow IP, but can't tolerate the sweeteners (maybe just until you detox from sugar for a bit) you may want to focus on the savory IP packets. The omelettes, soups, potato puree, crepe mix and chicken a la king are all good unrestricted, less sweet options. For restricteds, aim for the white cheddar ridges, salt & vinegar ridges, dill pickle zippers, chili, spaghetti, southwest cheese curls, BBQ ridges, BBQ soy nuts.

Use this site to find ways to use the packets other than just the box preparation - I am not a huge fan of the soups alone, but if I add veggies or veggie puree, or make them into flatbreads, I love them! Be open minded and mindful of the fact that your taste buds have been trained by what you ate before starting IP - so you have to RE-train your tastes. You can do it, and you will get tons of support here!

I am using substitutes for IP products. I realized I didn't say that. I can't afford to go and pay for a coach. I am using the EAS shakes that I saw other using, splenda in my coffee. I tried a sugar free WF dressing. I am not craving sugar I just can't stand Sugar-Free stuff it makes me jittery, my mouth dry, headaches. I hate to waste more money on packaged food that tastes terrible. I was going to order some of the ProtiDiet stuff.

That might still be your body "detoxing" from sugars/carbs - you'd be shocked at how much sugar is hiding in "regular food" - even if you mentally aren't craving it, your body could be. It also might be a sensitivity to sugar substitutes - did you check the labels to see if maybe the stuff that made you feel that way had the same type of sugar substitute? Some people have a reaction to aspertame but not sucralose. It might be worth checking out!

I was going to say the same thing. There is a great post on different sugar alcohols, so maybe try some different things but you have to read the labels. I've learned on here that malitol, for example, which is in a lot of products, produces the same effect on your body as sugar. So maybe try changing what you're buying to see if it helps. I get what you're saying though, as I don't like the taste of sweeteners either. I actually also don't think all the "chemical" food can be that good for me. Surely an apple would be better to eat than a fake pudding?? HOWEVER, this is only FOR NOW. When the weight comes off, I'll be back to eating fruit and more "natural" products -- just with a better understanding of quantity, fruit sugars etc.

You are right.this only for now.Thats what i say to myself everytime i have to eat.