Downsizing

I'm into my 7th week on Ideal Protein now. I haven't been blogging as much...I think that might be because I've been enjoying life more and haven't found time to sit down. That and besides my girth, my work has been downsizing and I've been under stress about all of that. And, I've taken on another part time thing which is eating my time.

I have been doing well. I have more than 25 pounds off since September. I feel good, I'm done a size. I have more energy, I sleep better. I am happier.

It is worth every single penny.

This program isn't cheap. It is more than I can afford, but I have my mom and sister throwing in to help. But, I would get a second job to keep it going because it is the first thing that ever worked for me and it is just so easy to manage long term. 

Here are five observations I have after 7 weeks and more than $1000 in Ideal Protein food sampling.

Tips for Success

1. It is essential that you don't drink. This has been hard, it is party season. No booze, so hypoglycaemia, no extra strain on liver and kidneys, no impulse eating, no taxis (save $) and sure, the parties aren't so fun. But, clothes shopping remains a better high when I see the numbers go down. 

2. No cheating. I have the occasional splurge. I went for supper and had steak and lobster with a side salad. The 5 oz steak had bacon wrapped around it. I don't fuss when the extra is a little more fat or protein but I have to stay focused to ensure it doesn't creep up and add up. So far, I've been lucky.

3. One restricted a day max, but you don't have to have one every day. Those net carbs add up. 

4. What we buy in grocery stores is not turnip, it is rutabaga. Real turnip is small, cute and white. Rutabaga isn't allowed. It can add a lot of excess carbs. 

5. Tracking matters. 

6. The daily videos help with motivation and the support of friends and family is essential.

7. Water gets harder to drink but it has to stay part of the routine. It is essential to feeling full and maintaining hydration and weight loss. 

Ideal Protein Food Favourites

I have tried many of the foods and I will give them a star rating based on how I like them out of five. I really like most of the food. They do well with replacing the things you want and can come through in a punch when you need a fix of something that feels like a carb. 

Shakes

Vanilla *****

Chocolate*****

Cappuccino*****

Soups

Chicken a La King ****

Tomato Basil **

Mushroom ****

Chicken (not noodle) ***

Chili **** (r)

Pasta

Tomato Basil Rotini ***

Chicken Patties *****

Pudding

Vanilla *****

Banana*****

Chocolate***

Crisps

Dill Pickle Zippers ***** (r)

Salt and Vinegar Soy Crisps *****

Garlic Chive Soy Crisps ****

White Cheddar Puffs ***** (r)

Bars

Chocolate Caramel ***** (r)

Peanut Butter *****

Collagen

Cherry Jello *****

Complete Meals

Chicken Dijonnaise *****