I just started the ideal protein diet a week ago and I have a few questions. The center that I went to gave me kind of a starter kit with a variety of foods, most of which I liked but some that definitely made me want to barf! (hello lemonade iced tea and tomato basil soup). I actually drank the iced tea but can't seem to stomach the tomato basil soup today. What do you do when you come across a meal that you can't stand and end up throwing away? What do you eat instead?

Now on to my next question. Tomorrow I'll be going to my center for my first weigh in and will be able to choose the foods I want. I came up with the idea for something delicious that I want to make. It would basically be half of one meal and half of a snack made into a smoothie. I planned on having that twice that day. Is that ok to do since I'll only be having half a meal but will be having half a snack?

Thanks in advance!

You have lots of great questions and if you go to the "daily chat" post, the first link has tons of info that will help you (how to make your ticker, recipes etc.) Plus many of us check there every day so we will answer you faster.

This is a very flexible diet. You can mix and match, have your restricted for breakfast.... just as long as you stick with the stuff on the sheet. That being said, there are recipes that will help turn the "yuck" into something "yum" -- the tomato soup many people make into a "flatbread" or "pizza crust". If you take any packet basically, add egg whites to stick it together, and 1/4 or 1/2 tsp baking powder, most things will "turn into" a cookie, muffin or bread... You'll see lots of great ways to cook other stuff with your packets once you get going.

Also, your tastes will change. If you hate it now, do try it again in a few weeks. You'll be amazed that some things you didn't like before will become a "staple" in the future.

A big WELCOME... this is a great forum to learn stuff for sure!

Welcome! Hope to see you in lots of our threads.

Many people use two packets to make something (or three or more) and then divide the final product into as many servings as the number of packets used! Eat it again the same day or save it for another.

Technically any packet can be used at any meal as they are not strictly identified as a snack or lunch etc. So if you want chips for breakfast, an omelet for lunch and chili for a snack... NO PROBLEM!