I am a new member and on day 2 of IP! I am really really hungry and trying to stay motivated. Is eating 2 bars totally out of the question?

Have an extra non-restricted packet. Lettuce is also unlimited, make good use of it!

Make some hot tea without sugar, hot food fills you up

I've been told that you can have a couple of egg whites also. A cup of hot tea helps. As you get into ketosis, your appetite decreases...I've been doing IP for 4 weeks and sometimes I have to eat even though I am not hungry, just to make sure I get enough calories.

Just hang in there! It really does get better after a few days and it is so worth it!

How many packets are you having per day? For the first few days, you can have up to 5 packets (only one restricted) if your coach will allow it. My coach said 4 per day for the first week, and she also gave me an IP handout that said up to 5.

Do you like broccoli? Steamed broccoli can really fill you up.

Another good veggie that will fill you up and is like comfort food to me is mashed cauliflower. I take a carton of College Inn light chicken broth and heat in a saucepan, then add a head of cauliflower chopped into sections, cover and steam on medium low for about 20 min. Then mash, stir and eat. It's so good and almost has a buttery flavor from the broth.

The first week is rough, drink lots of water and have plenty of salt.

It gets easier! I was this close to quitting in my first week, then felt better the next day, especially when the scale dropped a few pounds.

Don't worry ! have another packet,unrestricted, and hot tea is also great.

Drink some water. Wait 15 minutes. If you are still hungry, go ahead and have another packet. Non restricted. I would say tis is okay for the first 4 days or so. After that, you're going to have to let your stomach (at least I did) get used to the change in calories and 'shrink' a little bit. Thats my advice. Hang in there. It gets so much better and you'll love the weight loss

I spread out my food - I'll have my packet and lettuce for lunch, and my veggies mid-afternoon.

I also have 2 egg whites mid morning every morning - I acually find that I have better losses with the added protein.

Some people chomp on a dill pickle or two as well.

The hot water idea is great, I sip that all day at work.

It will get better, some days you're more hungry than others. Hang in there!

I put my food on top of a huge bed of lettuce when I have the hungries.

Cooked veggies seem to satisfy more than raw and warm food more than cold (just like warm drinks).

My coach allowed 3-5 packets (only one restricted) the first week. I only needed extra one day, if I recall correctly, but use them if you need them.

Some of the "needing to eat" is your head REBELLING against the new plan and not really hunger, but that rebellion sure is uncomfortable!!!

Have HUGE lettuce salads (put your dinner right on top of one) - I'm talking 4c shredded lettuce - I like Romaine.

As others have said, drink lots of hot tea or hot water with lemon. Be sure to get your salt. Take naps! Go to bed early (so you won't eat) and know day 3 or 4 will be a RELIEF!

these are great suggestions! Thank you!

1. A slice of turkey or ham spread with a little mustard and rolled up - just deduct from your dinner protein portion.
2. Add an oz or two of diced chicken or ham to your soup at lunch or on top of your salad.
3. Make a decaf chai latte:
- Mix 1/4 packet of vanilla or butterscotch pudding with 6 to 8 oz. water.
- Make the tea in a huge cup, about half full, 8 oz or so.
- Add the pudding to the tea and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds. It will get frothy like a latte.

Sometimes I heat the pudding mixture separately and add it with the tea to my travel mug so it stays hot longer.

When I can't beat the hungry (usually when it's TOM) I have 2 egg whites.

Everyone gave you great ideas!

One suggestion is to change what you are doing, if you're not at work or something and cannot do something different. If you are watching tv, get up and go for an easy walk....or give someone a call on the phone, or go clean a closet, etc.

I'm usually hungry at night, so that's when I turn my choc shake packet into cookies. It gives me something to "do" and feels like a treat. You get 4-6 cookies, (depending on how big you smear the drop of "dough" onto the parchment paper) so it feels like you're being decadent. I also turn the cereal into pancakes as that feels more filling to me too.
As mentioned earlier (and in threads) if you add 1 egg white, 1/2 tsp of baking powder, and enough water to make the powder into a good consistency for what you're making, you can turn most packets into a solid food. For cookies, 350degrees for 8 min. is about right. Mmmm....may go make some right now!