This place has changed my life!! I started the IP protocol in June in preparation for my wedding but also just out of frustration in trying to lose weight. I've been overweight my whole life and was able to manage to lose 100lb through diet and exercise while in college and grad school. When I started working the weight came back and then some and I have been trying to lose it ever since. I've tried everything from an array of diets, expensive gyms, etc., all to no avail. Completely desperate, I skeptically attended an info session and ended up signing up. Within the first 3 months I lost 45lb!!!! Here are some thoughts on the different aspects:
The Clinic:
The clinic is in a little strip mall in the Palisades, probably the only complaint I have in this entire review is the location of the clinic. You either have to drive or take a rare bus, but luckily driving is an option for me. I do wish they had a downtown location though.
The receptionist is friendly and really helpful! Alina is the coach I have been working with for the majority of my time on the protocol. She is AWESOME!!! She's encouraging and nice when she needs to be but will also lay down the law. I hope she doesn't mind me saying but she's on the Protocol as well and knows how it feels. She has great attention to detail and will pick up on little things in your food journal. She also gives her personal phone number and is available almost always to provide advice-- I've texted her in desperate moments or when I just need a quick answer and she always answers quickly. She really cares for the people she coaches and it shows in her work!
I have seen a couple other coaches but they were lackluster in comparison to Alina. I'm sure they would be great in their own right but I've been spoiled.
The Protocol:
As part of the protocol you meet weekly with a coach. Your initial consultation is 30 minutes and you go through a series of information and baseline measurements. Subsequent check ins are 15 minutes and you go over your measurements, food journal, and any questions or issues. The clinic is really good and efficient with these.
The protocol itself is pretty simple and you get a sheet of paper with all of your instructions. As long as you stick to the sheet you will lose weight. Simple as that! The hard part is dealing with social situations but eventually your find ways around it.
No exercise is required and there's a period that you can't exercise when starting the program. I actually like working out so this was a bit difficult, but eventually you find what works for you.
It is expensive but in the end you save because there are no incidental expenses like happy hours, starbucks, gum, snacks, etc. Besides the cost of the IP products you have to buy lean protein and veggies which can be done on a budget. In the end it works out and it's definitely work the weight you'll lose. I even quit my gym membership so ultimately my net spending on fitness and nutrition is not much different to what I was spending before.
It does have a lot of restrictions but the results are fast! Understanding that this is temporary will take you a long way with motivation. In Phase 3 and 4 of the protocol you can have butter and toast! Something I never thought I would be able to have again! The other piece is finding your routines, it takes some time to get there but eventually you fall into a rhythm and it becomes almost mechanical.
The Food:
This is obviously subjective. I have a huge sweet tooth so this diet has ended up working well for me because on what other diet can you have a chocolate shake for breakfast, a rice crispy treat for lunch, and wafer cookies for snack and still lose weight?! (These are my 3 faves)
When you start the program they give you a sampler supply that's supposed to get you through the first week and then some. You get to try a variety of product and you soon figure out which foods you gravitate toward. The biggest thing is keeping an open mind that first week-- there were some things I loved and some things I hated. Eventually you'll come up with some staples that will become your go tos. I like to experiment with a product I haven't tried every now and then. I personally am not a huge fan of the entrees and savory snacks but that's just me. The pancake mix make great waffles that taste like normal ones and the maple oatmeal tastes like quaker oats to me!
In additional there are several Pinterest boards, websites, facebook groups, etc. that all have recipes for IP products. For boxes of stuff I didn't like, I've always been able to find a recipe to use it up. For example the potato puree made great bread rolls! I also have a chocolate mug cake almost every day!
I know I did a lot of research before signing up so I hope this review gives enough information for someone teetering on the edge of a decision. I would highly recommend not only this program but this clinic to anyone!!! read more
