I can't believe it's been almost four years since I first started Ideal Protein! Wow.

This is my third New Years posting.

What I have learned is this "diet" is doable. My weight has ebbed and flowed, but I have the principles in place now to make good choices and (mostly) stick to each "phase".

Now, I'm a full time mamma and work full time, so the recipes have changed a bit... but there's also more products on the market now, then we're existent four years ago when I first started....

This blog will be updated periodically throughout the year, as I have time. It's such a joy to read comments and hear back from readers what they like& find interesting about IP life and recipes, etc.

Back to products, for example frozen riced cauliflower. Such a time saver. I will pay whatever the grocer vendor wants not to have to spend hours cutting, chopping, ricing-- and the smell is gone too! Win win!

Also, there's cauliflower tots on the market:) phase 4 dream come true :-)

2016 was a hell of a year for me, as most of America. I had such great intentions of a reboot but life got uber busy, we attended 3 funerals one being my mother, we moved into our new home on the Oregon coast (during a typhoon), I went back to work full-time and my husband moved up into the next role for his job. It was a whirlwind of a year, to say the least.

All that to say, I could not find the mental energy within me to commit to this the way I know the diet first requires. Total commitment no cheats no excuses. I had no mental stamina to food prep, weigh, portion, and shop while juggling all the changes. I felt guilt because I didn't have the mental stamina and it was a dark season for awhile. That's just me being honest. I share with you, because I want you the reader to be encouraged-- whether your contemplating doing IP, or doing it for the fourth, fifth or sixteenth time... it's okay to start wherever you're at. Give it all you've got, when you can find the strength to go for it!

I am still a firm believer the keys to succeeding on this diet are: water, food prep, and making sure you have an emergency protein bar on hand when hangry fits of rage strike. Okay, maybe not rage-- but you know what I mean. We all get there.

Have fun with it! Half of diets fail because they're too regimented and "structured" and framed into a deficit model of what you CANT have. Focus on what you CAN do and have! For example, tonight knowing I would be going to the movies I packed a seltzer water with Mio as my "Soda" (shhhh!) protein chips as a "popcorn" alternative, sliced pepper for a "crunchy snack" and a protein bar, instead of a "candy bar".

I hope in 2017 you find your best self. I hope you focus on health and feelings of happiness and kindness towards yourself and focus less on numbers and the scale.

Have a GREAT year!

A lot has happened in my life since taking a break from Ideal Protein in February 2015.

I left my job, moved cross country with my husband to the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Oregon) AND I became a mother. Whoa. Big things. Good things...but lots of change!

My baby boy was born in the fall of 2015. Healthy and beautiful. I have been juggling learning his needs and also practicing self-care. One day at a time, I keep telling myself. All that said, sweet little Levi is three months old and I'm ready to get my body back. I  was very fortunate to have had a fairly easy pregnancy (very long birth to make up for all the 10 months of ease!) and gained a healthy 33 pounds. I've lost 30/33 pregnancy pounds and would like to get back to my previous IP weight, not a focus on the number-- but I felt comfortable in my skin and my clothes. I want to get back to that place, striving for comfort not perfection. I know I can do it. It has been so encouraging re-reading through this blog... I know that sounds weird, but it is true. I am inspiring myself. I'm getting back into IP cooking and mentally preparing for slimming down. Except this time, my partner and best mate is joining me! He's doing strict Phase 1, and I'm doing the IP Alternative plan since I'm still breastfeeding little man. AND since we're living on one income and now have a baby, we're purchasing IP Alternative products to keep the cost down.  I'm hoping to feature some blogs on this, because I find a lot of people are wondering how to get results on products sold outside of IP clinics.

In addition, I'm starting a personal momma's blog, www.dontwastethewaiting.weebly.com chronicling some stories from our little life of sacrifice with huge rewards and blessings.

Thanks for being a part of the Ideal Protein community! Please feel free to pass along this site to others that may benefit from the recipes or blogs for encouragement...and come back from time to time as I will be posting new recipes. I have already posted some new ones in the Savory section, go check it out friends!

Happy 2016!

We are very excited to announce that we are expecting our first little bundle of joy, this Fall 2015.  For that reason, I have had to stop doing Ideal Protein while pregnant. I hope to get back to it after I deliver and figure out my new routine. While breastfeeding, it is not recommended to do IP solely, but rather a way to supplement nutrition... so it may be a bit before I begin blogging entirely IP again.

Here's to a new season of enjoying this pregnancy, while trying to maintain healthy principles learned on the Ideal Protein diet...

Bye for now, see you all soon!
-Ideal Protein Tiffany

Hello Readers!

   Happy 2015!  I can’t believe 2015 is here already, the last year has flown by... it seems like just yesterday I was writing this post on NYE 2014. 

Since my last post in 2014 recap: (finished my weight loss in May 2014. Traveled to Europe May 2014. Moved June 2014. Job transfer July)  August 2014: New job.September/October 2014:  three weeks of house guests. November 2014 holiday and job related stress/ more family visits+good news, I started back at the gym doing fitness classes.  December 2014: New puppy and I got the flu. 
 
 Well friends, as you can see 2014 was filled with both immense blessings and change. I did not meet my final weight loss goal, instead I maintained my weight since May 2014... I say maintenance, meaning I used alternative products and “maintained” my 10 lb gain since my strict IP days. This may sound awful to an avid IPer and I’m sorry, but I “watched” my weight furiously, but I did not allow myself to become “regimented”, the way I initially was when first starting protocol. I think this is both good and bad. Good in that, I lived life for a season- with the ups and down and was mindful of what I was putting in my mouth, and bad in the fact that I struggled to find the girl who started the journey in August 2013.. Where did she go? Where was her motivation? Could she be found, again?   I went through (and still do) go through phases of: “I’m doing this, I’m back on track!” and my shameful days of “I was on day 6...what happened I fell apart?”.  All of that to say, I’m learning what living out an  Ideal Protein lifestyle looks like. 

What my own journey has taught me is, I recgonize how to make better food choices. I almost always can turn down a potato, sandwich bread, fries, rice, etc. I have learned how to live without these things. In and of itself, this is a great accomplishment for me, a former carb addict. So with that, I am pleased with myself.

But if I’m honest, just like my August 2014 post, I’m  unhappy with  how my body feels at this current weight. While all my clothes still “fit”, I no longer feel "fabulous!**” in them. So, its time to reboot (again). I am learning that this will take balance, as I am juggling a new job, a second dog and an upcoming move from an apartment to a new home. I will allow myself grace on the days where I miss the mark, and I will keep going.

This past month I have read Shauna Niequest’s book Bread and Wine, and I relate so much to her, she says that balancing healthful eating and times of indulgence is hard because she is constantly on the seesaw of “feasting and fasting”. She defines fasting not as a typical strict broth fast or non-food fast, but more as a “season of less, or abandonment of excess”. When I read this I immediately identified. It is true to we do have seasons of indulgence and seasons of restriction.

Life is a balance. Maintenance is a balance. Life has special occasions. Learning to live in moderation is key.

So in 2015, I am going to aim to get to my goal weight, which I am now 22 lbs away. But I am NOT going to obsess about it. I will get there in time, it may be that I reboot and get there in a couple months or maybe it takes longer-- I don’t know. What I do know is that tearing myself up emotionally, obsessing and being ashamed of slow progress is not helpful and does not build me up, or recharge me to keep going.  I’m going to give myself grace along the way. At the end of the day, I remind myself that  while I’m not there yet, I am still far, far away from where I was in 2010. I remain 40lb lighter and then that puts in perspective, and lets me continue another day. 
 
I share this post with you, because I’ve gotten so many “reboot IP” emails from readers, I think people can relate to this on a human level. We fail, we mess up-- it’s the fact that we pick ourselves up, put our big girl panties on and face a new day. It also reminds me of my human nature to forget my need to have my faith base guiding the way. To remind myself how the creator sees me, and sees you can make all the difference-- when we’re in that dark place and it feels like we want to give up. Let’s keep going, and keep pushing... one day at a time. That’s my prayer for this new year, that I can give grace not only towards others more, but also myself. 

Happy 2015! I hope you give yourself grace along the way and know you are doing so well. Keep going when you have a bad day, don’t call it quits. You’re worth it, so keep going!

Here’s to a new season of recipes in 2015! As always, feel free to share new recipes with me and pass mine along, if they’ve helped :)

Blessings, 
-Ideal Protein Tiffany

>>>>>>>>>>>> DAY ONE IP REBOOT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Note: Not all individuals losing weight struggle with a 'food addiction',so please read this posting with that in mind. My aim with this post  is to convey my very honest look at my own personal struggles with obesity and food addiction. Someone you may know, or others  you may not know-- might relate to this posting--- to them I hope this posting offers hope and encouragement.

Today is day 1 for me.  A lot of people read this blog as I can tell by google analytics and Pinterest clicks/shares etc. I do not mention that to be cocky or vain, rather  I feel I would be lying to my readers, if I did not share my own recent struggle. Yes, while I have been hugely successful in doing Ideal Protein, I phased on and off for the summer. I've always approached this blog in an honest manner sharing both successes and struggles, therefore this post is no different. However, I would like for this post to be my online accountability, my very  public "reboot" if you will.

I lost 55 pounds on Ideal Protein  from Aug 2013- May 2014. I loosely followed protocol this summer, and enjoyed many 'carbfests'. While I did enjoy myself, I paid for it on the scale. In three months, I have flucutated and ultimately  gained 10 pounds back. Some have told me "that's not a lot, get back on track" ... Others have said  "that's because its [IP]  a fad diet, I knew you would gain it back".

I say:  "I can feel a 10 lb weight gain. I can feel it in the way my jeans are tight. I can see it on my hips, inner thighs and armpits. I own it. It happened. BUT I refuse to let it rule my life, as I once did. I will  NOT hide behind my failure with food. I refuse to give up. I am still 45 pounds lighter than I was a year ago. I will NOT throw it all away. I worked my butt off to slim down and get healthy. I see this as my "warning". The girl who had trouble containing herself around sweet treats, homemade pastries, pastas and goodies is still there, and she will always be! God made her a 'foodie'. Rather than pretend she's gone or make excuses for the weight gain, I  again----will own it. I have a food addiction. There are plenty of 'foodies' who can eat small meals, and enjoy tastes without over doing it. My goal is to learn that lifestyle, to be content with a taste here and there.  A shared meal out with friends every once in a while, a  possible night of food indulgence.... but not to allow the food to consume my thoughts, bank account and my life. My goal last year when I started Ideal Protein was to lose as much weight as possible in order to possibly start a family, that was my motivation. While it worked, I learned along the way that I had other issues surrounding my weight, as many of us do: self-image, food-coping, and self-confidence.
 
When I started losing the weight, I loved the feeling of going in to a store to fit into a pair of jeans without a muffin top, or being able to try  a shirt on and not have my fat rolls exposed while sitting down (I would always test what I looked like in a sitting position, as I hated being photographed with bulgy rolls).

These are all wonderful factors to weight loss, but over time with the help of my counselor I've realized I have not processed the addiction aspect of my personal journey.  I was raised by people other than my biological parents---- I come bioliogically from a family of addicts. Parents and some siblings abused heroin and cocaine. Other siblings are moribidly obese due to their own food addiction. Whether or not you believe addicition is partially a "genetic" issue--is a personal and somewhat controversial  issue. For me, I did not think it was a genetic problem, I saw it more as a lifestyle choice... for the longest time, until now.
 
However, now I see genetics as a contributor towards the problem. I refuse to blame my food addiction, solely on genetics, rather I now view genetics as a possible explanation as to the "why" I "may" struggle with addiction.  Knowing part of "why" I struggle is actually a relief to the self-hatred and inner "war" I wage in my mind.  It's taken me a long time to "make this make sense", but the easiest way I see it is--- if you have a risk factor for developing any common disease, wouldn't you want to lower your risk by 1) researching the exact risks 2) work to eliminate lifestyle factors that could help to avoid developing the said disease?

That's my "why" for doing on this second journey of Ideal Protein. Rather than focusing on weight loss as a number or a clothing size or even to help with creating a family... I'm focusing it on my journey of recovery from my food addiction. I will be giving up literal foods that create similar responses to a "high", i.e. sugars, fast-food, fried food. See a great article here that explains how these foods create a similar  chemical reaction as a drug-user would get from a dose of heroin.

I truly believe a majority of success is measured NOT by  products or strict routines, rather the mental perserverance to get to your goal, whatever it may be. "The inner dialogue that directs us to stay or stray from our goals is very powerful."

Today, is Day One of this journey . I choose to focus my energy on recovery from food addiction. I choose to focus on Ideal Protein and commit myself to it for several reasons, first of all- its an excellent program for reducting sugar and second- I know  I can get results, as I have seen from others and my own experience-- it works.

Thanks for reading and  letting me be honest and real. I hope this post encourages others who may be struggling with similiar issues to know you're not alone and CAN do whatever you set your mind to do!

I will be working on new recipes and of course will share them with you all as I start this second journey.
- Ideal Protein Tiffany

The key to staying on track, I'm convinced are three things: water, food log  menu planning!
I finally found a free template of a menu planner that I like! This one works best becuase it allows you to change the month, write in the days and customize your own menu. I like it because it helps keep me on track in a variety of ways:  discourages me from eating out/going off plan if I see I have already planned dinner for the evening AND it helps with grocery shopping, so I stay on track. This great resource can be found, here. 

Did this post help? Share your  thoughts in the comments below.

Since January, my husband and I have really been evaluating our goals, do we buy a house? where do we want to work? when to start a family? do we travel more?  We finally decided some of our values would dictate our goals for the year. When I first started doing IP I shared in my  initial blog post, that I wanted to conceive. Well, I lost the weight and am ready to start considering that phase of our life: children! So, we decided we would take one last “big” vacation before the nesting season begins. Both foodies at heart, we decided to venture to England, France and Italy for 10 days! It was a beautiful trip, definitely one that will last a lifetime. Before we left, I promised myself that I would eat whatever I wanted. This may sound crazy to fellow IP folks, but the way I see it-- a once in lifetime vacation doesn’t merit restriction and  calorie counting. So, I delved into all things delicious! I made a deal with myself, that whatever weight I gained I would not fret over, but rather work  my ass off once I got home from vacation to burn off. And so the foodie adventure began: nutella crepes, croissants, pan du chocolate, too many lattes to count, gnocchi, lasagna, pizza, wine-- oh, the wine!, tiramisu, dark chocolate sea salt fudge, massaman curry, parmesan haddock, red pepper quinoa with shrimp, beef wellington, hard cider, fish and chips, macarons, and much much more! We pretty much walked everywhere, which I think helped to keep some of the weight down.... today was weigh-in day, and I gained 5.4 pounds during vacation. While some may think this is awful, I was delighted! I was fully expecting a 10 pound gain. So, I’m sticking to my commitment and getting back on protocol, today is a reboot for me. 

I have learned doing this diet, that what makes it work is when I allow myself to be human, and not give up. Rather than believe oh, I gained 5 pounds Im on my way to gaining all the weight back, let me eat my feelings--- I know now I have self-control and practice positive thinking about myself. I know that while the splurge was fun and delicious, it does not compare to all the hard work I have put into getting healthy, so to give in to defeat is simply not an option. I will live my life, I will take control of my choices! 

While trying to get my last 11 pounds off, I became frustrated that I wasnt losing much on IP anymore, let's face it-- I was cheating on IP, here and there and it always showed up in minor loss or no loss/no gain Weigh-In days. So, I decided for a couple of reasons to phase into my own remaining part of the diet. I borrowed IP's basic concept: 3 protein supplements, vitamins,  100 oz water, 8 oz protein,  sea salt, 1 oz milk, and 2 T. oil & 4 c. veggies/day.

This was my first weigh in session, and I lost 5.4 pounds in a week! I think by mixing up the foods AND being strict about not cheating is why I succeeded. It's also encourgaing to some of the readers of this blog, and friends of mine that have said IP simply is not affordable. It is expensive, but it does work. HOWEVER, using these products seems to work too and is about half the price. Now, I am wierd and decided that I wanted to keep "1 " true IP food/day because I simply can't find protein jello or chips that I like (unrestricted).... so here's some tips.


Quest Protein Bar- $2.08/ each opposed to Ideal Protein bar- $4.25 each*
Muscle Milk Light ready made shake- $2.52/each opposed to Ideal Protein ready made shakes $5.25 *

* these prices reflect ordering box of 24 bars/ Amazon and case of 24 drinks/Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, these items ship free.

Product Reviews- While I like the IP shake better, Muscle Milk Light does the trick too. Good warmed for hot cocoa. Quest Bars- So far, I have ordered brownie and cookie dough. LOVE the cookie dough, as is. SO good. The brownie I HAVE to warm up, to enjoy otherwise it tastes too chewy to me.

I also joined a FB group called Ideal Protein Alternatives, so many friendly people with such great recipes and advice!

What Products are you using? Have any recommendations, and why?

Eating Out: Americans are SO food oriented! I know I first started IP- it was so difficult for me to go out with friends because they were having “fun” eating all the crap I couldn’t: pizza, pasta, wine, bread, cocktails, thai soup, etc. For a while, I even boycotted going out- if I was invited, I would make an excuse not to go ( I was tired of telling people about the diet and its limitations). It wasn’t until month 3, that I finally realized I was becoming a party-pooper and  humongo “Debbie-Downer”. So, I researched any and all restaurants AFTER I made a commitment to go out with friends. That way, I wouldn’t back out and let FEAR of the unknown control me. I learned as I went out with friends, that most places are accommodating to nix fries and add broccoli, yes, there may be an up-charge, but at least it doesn't wreck one out of ketosis or cause an emotional meltdown (this happened to me once, poor waitress!) Not gonna lie, there were a few times I cheated and had meals I shouldn’t and it always reflected on my weigh-in day.  But for the most part, I have tried to be creative and make dining out with friends and family a fun event, not a torturous nightmare I once thought it would be forever. 

While I am not normally a “chain” restaurant kinda gal, I have found these restaurants sometimes to be the most accomodating. Not sure if its because of the sheer volume of business they do & the ratio of healthy substitution requests they get, or what but I generally fare well at the restaurants listed below. 

What meals do you get when you go out? What do you find is the easiest to substitute? What restaurants are IP friendly, in your experience?

Note: I intend to update this posting as new “faves”  become available. Here’s just a few suggestions for now, scroll over each picture for more info!

Normally, I love winter. I think I can say that because normally our winters in Delaware  are cold, a few snow flurries and nothing else really to write home about. This winter, as many of you know has just been straight up freezing it seems like! In addition, I have had 4 1/2  snow days from work since December. While this has been great for catching up on reading, Netflix, and Game of Thrones, it has NOT been great on my diet. I am such a poor dieter when the snow comes, I make the excuse that hibernation mode is okay to splurge on calories. Ooof! I share this because, I think its normal to do (doesn't make it right) but I read so many blogs where theres a lot of bashing (self and others) when it comes to breaking a diet. I share my experience, because I am far from perfect and this journey I am on--- is just that a journey. By the grace of God, I am a healthier person today than I was a year ago. Praise God for that. I am not where, I want to be today- but in my struggle I am learning it's okay. It's okay when the schedule and numbers are changed in a minute. It's okay to let my hair down and have fun. I've worked hard for the healthy body I now have. What  I am NOT  saying is - it's okay to binge and give up.  We must remember the goals we set for ourselves, and strive towards them, but in a human-way. We are not robots or superheros, our experience is human. I digress.  This past week has been yet another struggle if I'm honest. With trips to the ER and Dr. for a kidney stone ( very painful).  I'm fine now, but it was a week where I just melted and felt like-- really? I just recommitted to  IP, and now I  need to have certain foods that aren't IP friendly, because my body needs (cranberry juice, etc)to get healthy, and back to a baseline. After having numerous exams, tests, and ultrasounds I was a whiney little lady. I pushed through the rest of the week, and thought I was "finally" getting back on track... until yesterday.  Yesterday, we had a mild snowfall  and state offices decided to close,  so I happily got to stay home for the day. It turned out the husband already had the day off. We enjoyed a morning coffee, watched a sermon, relaxed, walked the pup, caught up on some tv shows, and then came lunch.... I was doing so well. BUT, I was craving thai food. I knew I shouldn't give in, especially after recommiting myself to this diet. I realized I had a choice. I decided to go out with my husband for a snowy lunch date. It doesn't get better than that, right?! An unplanned, romantic trek down the road and stop at one of our favorite little Tavern's that just so happens to have an amazing thai noodle soup. Instead of becoming consumed by guilt of "cheating" on IP, and fearing the weigh-in scale, I decided that I was going to be happy about this lunch, this gift-- of an unplanned and totally sporatic time with my husband. It was great. We talked about future, goals, laughed about a plow truck spinning its wheels, and I enjoyed him as he relaxed with a rum cocktail. In life, it really is about the little things. So often, I know I get caught up in the "must do" or number-driven goals, that I often miss out on the little gifts that the day brought. As of late, I think is because I have become consumed by my dieting results. So unhealthy. So friends, if you're doing this thing or another diet, or just trying to live a healthy life-- know that there will be days where you go off course, but don't beat yourself up about it. Enjoy the moment, taste, and people, and know you're a work in progress. There's always a new tomorrow, and life's a journey. Relax, you're doing great!