Question

VERY Long read - please read it all and if you're going to comment please no "Nothing tastes like skinny feels", etc. I'm struggling hard with this decision. I think I'm going to give up Ideal and I need someone to say something that will convince me to stay. I did it for 3 months, religiously, and lost 35 pounds. I never got the energy that I was told I would get. I lost a pretty steady 3 pounds a week then I fell off the wagon and I think the hard part about getting back on is that I like having energy. I don't get sleepy at 2, ready for bed (too early) by 5, asleep on the chair by 7. When I was on it my stomach bloat went down and my skin cleared up, my diarrhea ceased and my a1c went down - those were the only pros. I'm trying the alternate plan but the items that I can have I don't think are the best for me although I love them - I was hoping for harder cheeses, for one, as I seem to tolerate them better. I was tested for food sensitivities when I finally had enough of my sinus problems and I'm sensitive to chicken, milk, bakers yeast, broccoli, bell pepper, garlic, cantaloupe, lettuce, oat, rice, pumpkin, tomato and tuna. That was from the ENT's office. I went to a dietician after that and lemon, cocoa, honey, mango, cherry, celery, barley, wheat, beef, egg, cola, soybean and peanut were added to the list. I don't get severe symptoms but do bloat, get hives, face feels like it's burning, get very sleepy, stomach upset, things like that. Since I would like to lose another 125 pounds I'm torn. I know it works but I have to ask myself if I want to do this for another (at least) year where I won't really be able to function. I was trying to set up a system for myself with eggs for breakfast, a salad for lunch and dinners that we can all eat but I think it's too much. The ENT explained it like this - You have a bucket and each time you eat something on your list it fills the bucket. If you eat too much your bucket overflows and that's when you have problems. " I've found this to be true. And with the ideal foods containing so much that I'm sensitive to and then adding in the real foods I need another bucket to catch the overflow. Any words of wisdom? Any websites that I can plan meals around what I'm sensitive to and only keep the ideal foods as my "bucket fillers"? Thanks!  

Answer 1

It took me a long time to get the energy but feel so much better, healthier and can move better. I lost 159 and am keeping it off. Remember the long term results are what counts - a longer left.  

Answer 2

The biggest thing I see for you is the benefit for your health. I know the energy part can get tiring, but will improve as time goes on. Your body needs the time to adjust to the lower levels of sugar.  

Answer 3

You have to listen to your body and what works for you. You have a goal and I am sure you will find a way to reach it.  

Answer 4

I am so bad at meal planning. -i add 2 cups of spinich to my pre-made shakes - i made a soup with all the veggies that i like n are on the sheet I am on the alt as well n find it difficult to find stuff that fits in the boxes perfectly Did they find out a certain type of lettuce or all. All that being said listen to your body. this diet isnt for everyone. i would be just as confused n pissed as you are

Comments

@finch argula with little olive oil and salt is my go too

Answer 5

Have you had your thyroid checked? What about testing for vitamin deficiencies? B vitamins and D vitamins can make a lot of difference! Have you tried drinking more tea? It can have an energizing effect. I like mixing green tea with the lemon water enhacers!  

Comments

It's like coffee in the sense that you should drink a cup of water per cup. i'll admit I drink so much water that I don't strictly track that. I think bringing your energy levels up so that you're feeling confident is more important. also pay attention to your hydration levels at your check ins, they're more telling than strictly tracking your daily water intake.  

---

Did they talk to you about the BCAAs?  

Answer 6

Try the modified IP diet. They have a side plan that is a lot more lenient!  

Answer 7

I do intermittent fasting with ideal. I still get all of my packets, protein and veggies in but I consume them in a 6 hour window. I have sooooo much more energy compared to when I did IP without IF. I work out hard (HIIT workouts every morning and at least one other workout in the afternoon - early evening. I have to for my job) yes, my coach is aware of my workouts. I feel great. I have a ton of energy. I drink my BCAA’s with my morning workout only. Intermittent fasting definitely helped my fatigue . hope this info helps. (I eat from 10am-4pm. I wake up at 4:45am and I’m in bed by 8 or 8:30 ) good luck!  

Answer 8

I had the same sensitivities with the IP foods

Answer 9

I added B complex plus energy & it has helped some. I really hope you don't give up on IP as it really does work & it's so worth it.  

Answer 10

Get blood work up, you may be anemic.  

Answer 11

Keep going on IP your obviously getting benefits. I had a lot to lose too. Was tired falling asleep. Terrible heartburn Gerd that comes with Scleroderma. All disappeared. It work yes. I have 3 of us on it at home. It’s worth it. Check for vitamin d or b12 issue. Don’t give up yet. We all started IP because we were unsuccessful at losing weight. Stick to it. As weight comes off the energy gets better and better. I lost 90 so far. Give it a chance my friends lost 156 and 98.