Hi all... I have been trying to lose weight in the last several months and have made very slow progress (lost more or less 10 lbs in 2.5 months).. Every time I look at the options that I have to lose weight I keep hitting at the Ideal Protein Diet Option but I have never tried it because I do not know about it...

So here is what I am looking at.. It will be great if anyone can explain to me how this works. Any links that will be helpful to read through (found so many online but couldnt guess which ones gave the right information) I also would like to know if I should definitely join a clinic or a group or something..

Any basic information should be helpful and I think this forum has a lot of ppl who are experienced with th IP diet to help me with these questions that I have as someone new to this diet..

I really want to decide if I will be able to start this program.. So I will be thankful for any help

Ideal Protein is a four phase diet. The first phase is the most restrictive as you cut out carbs quite a bit, dairy, or fruit. As you progress you start adding those items back in. Ideal Protein is a good diet if you are truly commited to losing weight. Ideal Protein helps you understand what your body needs to burn fat. The food is not bad and there are many options. There are coaches that are there to support you and the cost depends on where you go. Some coaches are medical professionals others are not. The first week is the hardest. If you seach the threads you'll find all the infomation you need. You can also go to idealprotein.com and get more information. The way I learned about IP was my doctor/coach had an information session on the diet. Check with the clinics in your area to see if they have any IP info sessions you can attend.

10 pounds in roughly 10 weeks is not slow. It falls in middle of the line averages. The average person can easily gain 10-15 pounds a year. The same person, through diet and exercise, can lose between 26 and 104 pounds a year (1/2 to 2 pounds a week.) You already are losing faster than the average person gains. Take solace in that.

Ideal Protein is a high calorie/low carb diet. It works great for a many people. It isn't for everyone. Can you eat prepackaged foods day in and day out? Can you eat 4 cuts of veggies every day? Can you live without bread, pasta, grains, and dairy? Can you take your vitamins as required on the diet? And can you deal with being on 800-950 calories a day? If yes, then go for it. It can be a bit pricey, there are alternative products out there that can save you some money, and you CAN do it through calorie counting. But ultimately, IP is for those who are lack impulse control, are unable or not educated enough to properly count calories (at least at first), for those who have tired everything and have fail, or for those who need to lose weight fast due to health issues.

Check with weight loss clinics in your area for more information. I think IP is a wonderful program for a many of people. But just like every other diet out there, it isn't for everyone. And it is only as good as your commitment to it.

good luck...and again, you already are doing great on your progress!

I'll jump in real quick because zoesmom has a typo otherwise it's summed up well.

IP is a low calorie, low fat, low carb, moderate protein diet.

Here is the link to the IP phases, FYI
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/4701599-post48.html

Low Carb, Low Calorie, Low Fat, moderate protein

thanks IPN I know I had looked into it a while back and even did it for a short stint and where as I remember the majority of it, I know I am not as seasoned in the knowledge as many are.

The IP diet is a PSMF diet. (Google PSMF)

It's not low calorie, low carb, low fat moderate protein unless you're 4'10" tall and have very low nutrient needs so I'm not sure why people are saying this. Reality is it is a PSMF. This means very low everything except protein. I wouldn't consider 700-900 calories a day and under 50 carbs a day to be low.

There are several PSMF types of diets. My personal favorite is Lyle McDonald's Rapid Fat Loss which I believe is superior in every way except 1 which is that you don't have any in person accountability (coaching.)

Seriously, you wouldn't consider 700 calories low? What planet do you live on?

Yes, I'm being sarcastic. I'm on day 4 of 800 calories and this sure feels like freakin low calories to me

Nlauah - I am new to this site and forum, but I have been on IP since July. I love the program. In my opinion, you have to be committed to the program and not cheat. I have never cheated and have had a loss every weigh in. I have tried almost every program and solution out there (including lap band) and this is the most successful I have ever been. This is the first program that I have never been tempted to cheat. If you have the $ to pay for the program and you are committed, it is great. I find the strictness of the protocol better for me.

Good Luck!

Carol

I wouldn't consider it low. I would consider it VERY low. Sorry this wasn't clear. The reason it is vEry low is because it is a PSMF diet.

Semantics...low...very low