+14 votes
by (580 points)
I made an appointment to go an IP doctor but then I came across this group. I did IP about 4 years ago and lost but didn’t maintain and now I need to make some changes. My clinic appointment is this Thursday. So I have a few days to figure this out. My fear in doing the IPA is the uncertainty of the products to buy. I like that the clinic has the food right there. No guessing work. I know it cost more but, I like the convenience. So I’m posting for your input. I want to do this but I’m afraid. Can you guys give me a list of what you bought starting out on phase 1? I have read the protocols and still have my IP information from 4 years ago. I’m not looking for “read the post”.  
I made an appointment to go an IP doctor but then I came across this group.

13 Answers

+1 vote
by (11.2k points)
 
Best answer
Regardless of whether you’re looking or not looking for “read the post, ” it is critical information for you TO read and understand. We are here to help ALWAYS, but you do have to do the work on your end. Spoon feeding you the right packets to buy does you no benefit in maintenance, which you’ve already experienced per your post. Education is KEY to long-term success. So, yes, grab some packet suggestions but also READ the announcement so you are taking charge of your own health.  
by (580 points)
@corrincorrina thanks as my post said I have read the announcement and I'm trying to make the right decision so that I'm successful.  
by (11.2k points)
@barton541 you’ll be well-prepared then. Keep in mind the protocol has changed since your first go-round (new sheets are in the files). Armed with that and the guidelines for selecting packets, you’ll do just fine. I lost all my weight here without ever going to a clinic.  
by (580 points)
+8 votes
by (2.6k points)
I try to keep is simple as that's what works best for me. Breakfast is a shake - sometimes from a protein powder, sometimes a premade GNC Lean Shake Lunch is Quest Chips. I really like the Loaded Taco and the Chile Lime, but honestly they're all delicious. (all flavors fit as unrestricted except for the Cheddar which doesn't fit at all) and some veggies. Dinner is tofu and veggies. The air fryer is my new best friend and I'll do turnip fries, zucchini chips, all kinds of stuff. Snack is either a Quest Bar or a GNC Lean Bar. The carrot cake flavor Lean bars are my current favorite  Sometimes I'll switch it up and do some oatmeals or soups or whatever from Nashua, but I've found that having basically the same thing at the same time every day has helped. And there's plenty of flavors of shakes, chips, and bars that it doesn't really get boring.  
by (1.9k points)
@backwardation very nice. Thanks. Quest chips don’t fill me up so I would have to eat a small freebie salad like spinach and cucumber if I ate the chips for lunch.  
+1 vote
by (1.8k points)
I also started with IP at a clinic until I found this group. I think it's pretty easy, and much less expensive, to follow once you've done IP and understand the program. I buy all my products from Amazon. I get Quest shakes, Quest chips, ProtiDiet chicken soup and tomato basil soup, and ProtiDiet oatmeal. For me, those products give me enough options for making pancakes, breads, muffins, and different flavored shakes. I like to keep things simple. This is a very helpful and knowledgeable group. You got this!  
+2 votes
by (800 points)
If you go out to Nashua nutrition there is a section for food that says something about IP. and it shows what’s restricted and not
+1 vote
by (2.2k points)
Nashua has foods that you can search by IP Unrestricted and IP restricted. It’s pretty helpful.  
+3 votes
by (1.6k points)
Do it here! Very easy. May take time to get used to the right products etc. but everyone here is ready willing and able to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! I particularly love that I can put a word into the search bar (asparagus, chicken, eggs etc) and find a recipe or a tip that I can use! Save your money! And also get the support here!  
+11 votes
by (700 points)
I do both- I go to my IP clinic 1x a week, and they just require I buy 5 products or pay $25 coaching fee. I get to weigh and I buy 5 products and supplement with quest.  
+11 votes
by (1.9k points)
I too did IP and lost ? 60 lb then slowly gained all back plus maybe 10 more over 3-4yrs. I liked the IP products and felt they were safe. I really can’t afford that now. I am older and need to save for retirement, etc. I have just put a limit on what I am willing to spend on food—after all, isn’t the lack of limits what has made me gain weight? (My limit is still pretty high but I can’t justify IP products). I bought a lot from Nashua. Health smart chili and chicken soup and proti diet PB smooth caramel bar and quest chips. I got 50 packets from Nashua for about $100 with a promo I found with a google search. Quest is also at my grocery store.  
+11 votes
by (580 points)
Thats for so much valuable information. I appreciate every comment.  
+10 votes
by (14.7k points)
NASHUA NUTRITION (For US; shipping to Canada can be costly) My preferences, favorites and notes are in the file noted below. I buy from Nashua Nutrition (best for US orders) so I can have more variety than just shakes, bars and some chips available at local stores. Best brands for being compatible with IPA are: Proti Diet, Proti Thin, HealthSmart, Quest, Kay's Naturals and Weight Loss Systems. I order soups, puddings, pancakes, cereals, oatmeal, cakes, chips, fruit drinks, chili, pasta, jello, pretzels, etc as well as bars and shakes. I have a document in the files called IPA Compatible Products I Buy From Nashua. It has lots of detailed info and comments on my favorite products. It is helpful for some ideas to get you started. I included brands, products, comments and notes on everything I ordered including which are restricted as well as some tips on a few things you can buy locally too. Nashua now labels foods as IPA Unrestricted and IPA restricted. They use our CORRECT GUIDELINES. You can look items up this way in the Category section of the website menu. HOWEVER, formulas can change without warning, so ALWAYS REMEMBER to check any product you are considering buying against the nutritional guidelines in the files, Nutritional Guidelines for Choosing Alternative Products. No brand makes all products that fit IP so you will need to verify each one. (The ones on the list of products I buy from Nashua are all IP friendly! )  Note many of these items are also available on Amazon. Also be sure to get our file Sources for BUYING Alternative Products (US or Canada documents) for additional ideas.  
https://www.nashuanutrition.com
by (580 points)
@footrope this is exactly what I was looking for.  
by (14.7k points)
@barton541 If you are going to do this without a coach, your success is going to be tied to YOUR knowledge of all aspects of the plan. That knowledge is your investment - re-read the Announcement post multiple times. Use the Key File links in it to get the key files. Read them. then read them again. Come here often and scroll down to read posts and comments. BUT never assume because a product is discussed that it is on plan. Use the guidelines to check labels. Ask for clarification as you are learning them. You will be fine without a coach IF you invest in your own success!  
by (580 points)
@footrope I'm reading and downloading and rereading.  
by (14.7k points)
@barton541 There you go. already investing in your success like a BOSS!  
+8 votes
by (970 points)
There is nothing wrong with working through a clinic you like. Just DO you! The learning will come - although my former clinic didn't teach me the limits and numbers of food selection. They were only about selling the IP foods. I loved learning the info here. Basically this summarizes what you can/can't do.  
+10 votes
by (470 points)
I’m trying to phase out and go alternatives. It’s hard for me to figure out. I buy stuff and give it away as it’s to high in carbs. I can’t give up as I lost my job and have 70 pounds to go, lost 90 with IP.  
by (580 points)
@kosciusko the response this post were very helpful to me. I hope you find it to be a help as well. You can so this. Don't give up on your goal.  
by (4.1k points)
Are you using the guidelines as you look at labels? Those should help you keep from buying things that don't fit the protocol.  
+13 votes
by (370 points)
Are all GNC Lean bars acceptable IP alternative bars?  
by (14.7k points)
@winne No, you need to check each using the guidelines. Do you have those?  
by (370 points)
@footrope : I have had them in the past but obviously need a refresher as I last did program over 3 years ago. Been poking thru “files” with no true method to my madness. Looking to restart tomorrow.  
by (14.7k points)
@winne Start with the Announcement post at the top of the page. It is there to direct you to the key files which are the most important to start with.  
by (370 points)
@footrope : many thanks! Much appreciated!  
The Ideal Protein Alternatives Group is where you can always find questions, answers, advice, reviews & recommendations from other community members about cheaper and better food alternatives for the Ideal Protein Protocol.
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