Hey everyone! I was curious about joining Ideal Protein and when I read some of the forums on here, you all were very encouraging! You are all amazing!

So I made an appointment and I am starting on Jan 2nd!!
I was wondering if you guys have any pointers or suggestions to give me. I know it will be difficult (I have over a 100lbs to lose) but I need to do this for myself and I know I can do this!

Thanks!! Very excited!

The first two weeks will be h*ll! Youll have make sure eat all your veggies!!!! Most people i know who have done IP can not go number "2" for the first few days. Drink lots of water, even if you are not hungry eat your 4 meals a day!

Welcome! My hubby and I started November 7th. The first week was a breeze for us compared to friends of ours and others. So don't think yours will be horrible but be prepared. I had been off caffiene and sweets for awhile before i started and I think that helped me a lot.

Good luck! It's an amazing diet, it works if you stick with it. Some days are more of a struggle than others for sure!

Welcome, eat all the carbs you want, get them out of your system.

Once you start do NOT cheat. First four days were hard for me.

Good luck

I had my first appointment on a Wed evening, so I didn't start the diet until Thursday. However, on the Monday of that week I cut out as many carbs as I could and reduced my soft drinks to one a day. I had none of the problems other people reported.

Welcome!

I agree with the others. I cut out diet drinks, most refined sugars and some carbs for the week before I began IP. My first week on the diet was fine. A little headachy on the second day, but but the end of the first week I felt great!

Stick to it and it will work! I've been on since June 14, 2012 and have lost almost 60 pounds. I feel great!

Welcome! Fishette gave you some great advice. For a couple days before, you might want to cut down on carbs to help lessen the carb withdrawal. It was really aweful on days 2-3 for me.

Also Sonya is dead-on with do not cheat. This diet works great to minimize cravings, but it seems when most people cheat they have a really difficult time getting back on plan. There will always be a reason to cheat (party, anniversary, birthday, funeral, bad day, etc), but just make a promise to yourself that you will stay on plan to keep losing.

Make sure you drink all your water, get your daily oil & salt.

If you have trouble getting the veggies down, try LizRR's veggie puree recipes. Try a new approved veggie each week, so you don't get bored with the usual ones. Also try preparing the veggies in a different way (roasting, steaming, puree, etc)

Last- keep coming here for support. It helps to know that you are not alone on the days when you do have a craving or a special event where you can't have the food. Also you can learn a lot from what others have been through.

I'm not sure I would have made it this far without everyone here.

Good luck!

I just started this week on Dec 26. I knew I could not make it through Christmas but New Year's wouldn't be a problem. Today is day 5 for me, I've found that drinking the water and putting a bit of salt in it has really worked for me. The first two days were fine, day 3 I wanted to chew my arm off. My consultant called me that day and said that I should have another packet. I now know if I have a bad day, that's what I'll do.
Good Luck!

Welcome! I cut out most carbs the week before I started and it was so much easier of a transition for me. If you get hungry during those first few eeks, add a packet. There are a ton of recipes in the stickies at the top and they help out so much. Who knew I would ever love jicama? it took me 15mintues to find it in the grocery store the first time I wanted to cook it! I understand the 100lb to lose as I have more than 100 to lose myself but I am getting there one day at a time. Try not to look at the big 100 lb picture but set a small goal for yourself and have a reward for yourself (non food reward of course!) AND come here every day to read, to let us know how you are doing, for support and just to be among people who absolutely know what you are going through!

I'm only on week 2 here so I don't want to speak like some kind of expert when I am not (I am still relying on all of these wonderful people here!) But, the first four days were tough. Now, I'm fine. Not even particularly hungry. Although I keep dreaming about cheese...LOL

I am new as well! Started on Friday. I have about 40 poinds to lose. I am on day 3 and the carb cravings have been pretty strong today but I am sticking with it! We can do this!

I am doing it. It has been difficult, but also purifying. Reading our posts also helps me.

I think that cheese is the top thing on my list for ph 4. that might not be until July but I may spend my whole free day eating cheese! JK I miss cheese every now and then too. try the popcorn seasonings that fit the 0/0/0 I espcially like the white cheddar by kernel seasonings