Hello

I recently started IP, which I'm doing on my own using alternatives. I did IP a year and a half ago but found it too restrictive so my coach put me on the Diabetics program which allowed a bit of fruit/diary and more carbs. I had some success on it initally but found I didn't lose as fast. Never got to goal though and didn't phase off properly.

So here I am again, now I'm using alternatives, only started this week, and lost 3 lbs during my first week. I was wondering if anyone has any experience doing the Diabetic version, who isn't diabetic, and if you've had any success with it. I only have 20-25 lbs to lose. I am currently sitting at 147 and would like to be around 125.

I haven't done it yet, but I am thinking of switching over, just because it seems something I can sustain long term. It may be a slower loss, but it's a more "real life" way to eat. I love berries and milk so being able to have a yogurt or some berries is very appealing to me. I'm glad to hear you did have some success on it, so you know it can be done. It's that darn "phasing off" mindset.... that's the tough part is the "how to eat after". Stick to it. You know it works and that you CAN do it!

Can I use pork rinds as an alternative snack? 1 oz is 16G pritein, 0 carbs, 160 calories, 10G fat. Or is that too much fat? It is actually pretty comparable to the snacks I have purchased from IP.

WAY too much fat. If the 10g fat is accurate, that means there are about 90 calories from fat. To be compatible with IP, a product should have less than 30% of total calories from fat. If you take the calories from fat and multiply it by 3, it needs to be less than the total calories - 90X3 is 270, which is higher than the 160 total calories in your pork rinds,

My coach had switched me since I found phase I too restrictive and was cheating, not necessarily with junk food, but with fruits and cheese. I agree it's a more realistic way to live and your body isn't shocked once you go on maintenance.

I am going to continue for a month or so and see how much I lose, even if I lose a lb a week I'll be happy with that.

I agree with Sorbett, those are too high in fat. When I did Atkins I was allowed those though, never ate them, didn't like the taste at all.

That's a great trick! I never thought about multiplying the fat calories thanks scorbett!!!!

Spill the beans and please share what are the alternatives..after my first week of barely eating and feeling sick..lost weight but I feel I'm in a plateau so I'd love to hear what is helping you.

well I'm using some IP products that I have leftover, plus the Proti-Diet Products. My menu looks something like this for the day:

bfast: shake mixed blended with cold coffee
snack: 1 cup of fruit eg. banana, mango, berries, papaya
lunch: shake with 2 cups veggies
snack: 1 string of low fat cheese, 50 Cal greek yogurt or cottage cheese
dinner: 6-8 oz of protein, half cup brown rice or 1 small sweet potato or white potato and 2 cups veggies
snacks: IP RTD shake

I do not use the restrictives at all. Although the sheet says you can use 2 a week.

The first week is always the worst - and WAY too soon to call a plateau. A true plateau is when you have not lost in several weeks.

What is being discussed here is the alternative IP plan for diabetics - which allows additional foods, but very specific additional foods, at specific intervals. The first week on standard IP protocol it is not uncommon to feel really bad, especially if you are going into the plan carb-addicted. Think of it almost like detox from a drug. Give the regular Phase 1 a little time to work before you start thinking about alternatives, unless you have a medical condition that justifies it.