+28 votes
by (670 points)
Started Ideal Protein this morning and I’m so confused. maybe because my coach is new and less than helpful. I have seen so many great posts on morning coffee drinks with packets mixed in? Do one of these drinks count as your breakfast? Also, restricted vs. non restricted? My coach basically had me pick out an IP box of breakfast, lunch, dinner and 1 snack, and said eat 2 cups of veggies with lunch and dinner. Are people using the snack as their opportunity to make the creative snacks that I see people posting about? Last one- speak to me about dressing, dips and condiments(mustard). How much/often can I have? Soooo inspired by everyone’s success on here!  
Started Ideal Protein this morning and I’m so confused.

16 Answers

+17 votes
by (1.2k points)
You can have 1 unrestricted packet per day and then use other unrestricted packets to meet your carb goal set by your coach. Mine personally is 30-35 g of carbs. The calorie free drinks and dressings (2 tablespoons) count as 1 of your 4 extra items per day.  
by (34k points)
One RESTRICTED she meant. There is no carb goal set by coaches. That is not an IP rule.  
by (1.2k points)
@footrope oh yes! I did mean restricted thanks!  
+11 votes
by (34k points)
All packets are interchangeable as meals and snacks. The restricted items have higher calories, fats, carbs so only one per day may be restricted. It should have been pointed out to you which packets are restricted. You can mix a shake packet with coffee as your breakfast if you choose.  
+1 vote
by (1.2k points)
Also I personally hate 2 cups of veggies separated in 2 meals so I try and eat 4 at dinner with my 6 oz of protein, which is typically 4 oz chicken and 2 eggs or a 5 oz beef filet with 1 egg. I’m not that creative but assuming you are lunches and dinners are where you can be creative the most I guess lol
+7 votes
by (2.4k points)
I have cappuccino mixed with 7oz. Coffee and ice.  
+16 votes
by (1.3k points)
I use my snack as my dessert! I also found for work sometimes having frozen broccoli and cauliflower in a steam bag helps. whenever I get bored or blah I keep reminding myself broccoli taste better than not being healthy- and I have also sworn at queso and cookies - like hard core told them where to go! It helps and 10 lbs down I’ll tell where that cookie where it can live! You can do it!  
+11 votes
by (470 points)
I have a drink mix every morning baked into a “cookie” — mix with one egg and 1 t baking powder and a little water. Bake for 12 mins. Or I use the mini waffle maker. Lunch I have a salad or veggies with Dorados and a bar for an afternoon snack. Five months and 47 pounds. I have stalled a bit the last couple weeks. find the products you like so you’ll keep going. For me I don’t feel satisfied drinking any meal but many people are happy with that.  
by (610 points)
@debate can you please give me ideas of what you eat for dinners. I’m at a stall and think I need to change things up
by (470 points)
@inglorious1308 pretty boring there too. lol My husband will usually barbeque some protein, steak, fish usually. I get a rotisserie chicken usually once a week at Sam's club or Costco and take off the skin of course. Occasionally I'll have eggs for my protein, but usually not. I have the IP cookbook, but rarely use it. I'm usually super hungry when I get home so I like to have whatever's quick. I usually alternate salad and vegetables between lunch and dinner. Roasted vegetables are great too, very tasty but more time consuming :)
by (780 points)
@debate I’m new too, I have been just 2 weeks In the program and I don’t know where can I use eggs. I f I use eggs I still red to use the IP pack for breakfast or lunch?  
by (470 points)
@anselmi well I use an egg mixed with the powder drink mixes to make a batter and then bake. I don’t count the mixed in egg as a protein, I guess I should but don’t. I’m not sure if this answers your question. If I use eggs as my protein I have maybe three with a bit of liquid whites
by (780 points)
@debate , thsnks
by (34k points)
@anselmi Eggs can be used as your meat protein. Look under poultry on your sheet. If you use AN egg during the day you deduct 1. 5 oz off your 8 oz meat for dinner.  
+13 votes
by (7.8k points)
Buy Jenevas cookbook. It’s worth it. I make dressing with Dijon mustard, vinegar, water, EVOO, add whatever spices you like. I like tangy so equal parts to start but always add more vinegar.  
by (1.4k points)
@nonconformity37567 just bought it on line. Google janeva’s cookbook
by (7.8k points)
@nonconformity37567 sorry just saw this! Online!  
+4 votes
by (370 points)
Also give a little grace to your coach. Just follow the sheet the first week. Then add other fun things. YOU got this ! And all the advice and support here will support you.  
+3 votes
by (1.2k points)
Hello! You get 1 packet for breakfast, 1 for lunch with your veggies and 1 as a snack at any point. You make dinner: veggies and protein. Out of the 3 packets a day only one can be R. I hope it helps!  
+9 votes
by (4.2k points)
Please get a coach that is knowledgeable too! it will help you succeed :-)
by (8.8k points)
Fatchicks. com had an Ideal Protein group that share recipes and ideas also. used before i got on facebook
by (8.8k points)
@boaten oops Was going from memory . removing thanks
+5 votes
by (280 points)
I did this program a few years ago and had a great coach but she is an hour away and during winter months the access over a mountain sometimes the road is closed. I went to a new place this time 2 hours away and the coach is terrible. Tells u nothing and takes your money. Thank god for this group to give ideas and to refresh what u need to do to keep motivated U guys rock!  
+12 votes
by (4.8k points)
Welcome to the group! Eat the sheet and get Janeva’s cookbook from her website. It’s well worth it and has helped me lose 74 lbs. I make the muffin recipes in there for my breakfasts or I’ll make a waffle with the IP pancake mix and top with Walden Farms maple walnut syrup (so good! ). For your latte fix, get 2 shots of espresso and add in the premade vanilla drink.  
+6 votes
by (3.7k points)
I think you need to find a good coach. It makes a huge difference
+25 votes
by (1.5k points)
I make a fresh salsa. onion, tomato, garlic & course salt. This is great with the IP nacho chips for a snack! It’s super yummy & satisfies the munchie craving!  
+19 votes
by (6.5k points)
I batch cook a lot! Like make a big batch of IP approved stuffed peppers, then freeze.  
+12 votes
by (750 points)
Read the sheet every day. Study it.  
The Ideal Protein Protocol Group is where you can always find questions, answers, advice, reviews & recommendations from other community members about recipes, tips, and support for Phase 1 of the Ideal Protein Protocol.
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