The Ideal Protein Review
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By CANDICE GREY ConsumersCompare.org Update: Jul 10, 2024 |
- Weight Loss Technique: Weight loss program and meal replacements
- Weight Loss Short-term: Okay
- Weight Loss Long-term: Poor
- Safety: Generally safe
- Price:From $325.00
- Better Alternative:
About The Ideal Protein Program
Developed by a Parisian physician Tran Tien Chanh who in his findings claimed that a standard North American diet causes the pancreas to overproduce insulin leading to enhanced sugar cravings and therefore weight gain. If A plus B equals C, finding the solution to the underlying problem should not be that difficult. Change the diet and off you go with your new and improved self.
Solution that dr. Chanh came up with or developed, does seem somewhat simple:
- Eliminate sugar
- Teach the body to use stored fat, protein, and glycogen for energy
- Lose weight
Just like the A+B=C. Sounds very simple but is it? And how exactly does he suggest “training” the body?!
back to menu ↑Word On The Street About The Ideal Protein Program
Have to admit they have a decent social following and many fans that claim it has helped them achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.
Oh yes, it works. You do not have to exercise because your food intake is so limited. I think Ideal Protein should improve the crap they sell you. I find most of it unappetizing. No refund or exchange in any way if you do not like it. If I had known all this before I started, I would have found another way to do this. I hate doing this because the supplemental protein tastes so disgusting!
There are many customer comments available online. Some were satisfied with their weight loss results and some more diet savvy people were not impressed at all.
Low calorie intake sometimes results in loosing pounds.. did not work for me … the products are very expensive so of course you will eat less ! The bars are great but at $30 for just 7 bars – products are also mostly soy – which are bad and cheap not to mention. So I’m not sure why it’s so expensive… I would say don’t even bother with this diet.
Another consumer who most likely understands the value of clean eating made a comment:
Works for the short term – bad for your body & lab tests will reveal how dangerous it can be
Another consumer has a warning about the extremely low caloric intake:
back to menu ↑This is one of the worst diets you can go on and it is expensive! You pay $400 for the first month. That only includes your first week of food. After that, you will be paying at least $120 a week for food.You will be eating about 500 calories a day. Of course you are going to lose weight. What happens when/if you reach your target weight. You are going to go back to the way you ate before the diet and naturally you are going to gain the weight back. This diet is NOT how you would normally eat. If you want to go on a sensible diet, reduce your portions and add protein to your diet. That way you will be eating how you normally eat, but you are just eating less.
How Much Does The Ideal Protein Cost?
The Ideal Protein cost is $325 for the first two weeks. Need to lose more? Make sure to take into account that it will be costing you upwards of $400-$600 a month. to continue this seemingly easy but expensive weight loss style. The cost includes 3 prepackaged meals a day, supplements and initially a bottle shaker. Remember you will still be spending extra cash on that one meal and hopefully sharing it with someone because who wants to eat leftovers for 2 or more nights a week.
Ideal Protein Diet is and expensive four-phase diet that involves one-on-one coaching with a health practitioner or trained consultant.
back to menu ↑How Does The Ideal Protein Work
If Ideal Protein is the diet you will choose to try you will first have to visit a local clinic. After the initial consultation, and determining how much weight you should lose, depending on your age, height and personal goals, you will be enrolled in a 4 Phase program.
- Phase 1 – also called a “Lifestyle Building” phase. This the initial phase where you are required to eat 3 prepackaged meals of choice from what Ideal Protein program offers. This is mandatory and cannot be substituted with a healthy, clean meals. It does ask for one home cooked meal which generally should be dinner. It should be very simple and lean: 8oz of protein and a side of veggies. This phase can last indefinitely, depending on your weight loss goals and needs.
- Phase 2 – otherwise known as “Ideal Difference” phase. This Phase meant to last for a year after your weight loss goals have been achieved. Learning how to maintain your weight while still consuming Ideal Protein products.
- Phase 3 – doing and implementing what you have learned during Phase 2.
- Phase 4 – A phase that is called “Lifestyle Living” and pretty much explaining itself. Maintaining your weight for life.
Is it me or does it sound that there aren’t really any phases other than losing the weight and maintain it?
back to menu ↑Are There Side Effects With The Ideal Protein Diet?
As with any high protein, diet constipation would probably be the most obvious side effects possible but could be avoided by adding lots of fiber, exercise or using over the counter constipation relieving remedies. Smooth tea seems to be everyone’s favorite option as it is inexpensive and fast-acting. These will work if you did not suffer from constipation prior to starting a high protein diet. Some other side effects may include:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Upset Stomach
- Irregular Bowel Movements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COST of Ideal Protein Program?
$400-$600 a month
How can I get in touch with the Ideal Protein Company?
IDEAL PROTEIN / LABORATOIRES C.O.P. INC
60 Jean-Proulx,
Gatineau, Qc J8Z 1W1
Phone: 819.772.4447
Toll-free: 1 866.314.4447
Fax: 819.772.0416
E-mail: info@idealprotein.com
What are side effects associated with the Ideal Protein Program?
Bloating
Nausea
Upset Stomach
Irregular Bowel Movements
Can I exercise while on the Ideal Protein Diet?
Only light exercising is recommended and most cardio exercise should be avoided.
Stretching, moderate yoga, walking, lifting light weights, resistance training, are all acceptable exercises.
Does insurance cover Ideal Protein diet?
If you have medical conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure then you are much more likely to be reimbursed by your insurance company for our services. Whether or not you are covered, you are responsible for paying all of your fees.
back to menu ↑Bottom Line: Is Ideal Protein a Rip-Off or Worth to Try?
As a certified health coach, I can tell you that lowering your calories, eliminating sugar and eating high protein meals will not only help you lose weight but will also help eliminate carbs and sugar cravings. I can also tell you that eating healthy, clean and nutritious meals can never be replaced by prepackaged meals. Consider learning how to cook and find a diet protocol that not only offers but encourages healthy eating while discouraging prepackaged, processed food consumption.
Bottom line saves your money and invest it in organic, clean food which will in turn not only make you healthier, build your immune system but will help you get rid of the unwanted weight for good instead of spending upwards of $600 dollars for a program that is not really geared towards health education or long term success.
Good luck you can buy all the food either at the grocery store or at amazon. They are charging $4.25 for things like oatmeal and powdered eggs when you can get a package of 7 for $13 on amazon prime. Biggest rip off using people that have trouble loosing weight. It’s the no your can’t diet. No fruit No carbs No tomatoes no carrots nor corn etc….. Go to weight watcher where right from the beginning you are learning to eat everything. You not forced to buy their food or snacks unless you want to. You don’t have to go to meetings unless your want to and once you reach your goal no charge. This diet is at least $100 a week because you must buy there food. It a get rich quick for the owners that it.
I am on Ideal Protein diet and have lost 20 pounds (2months) and feel great. I had blood work done and my cholesterol levels have improved, glucose level normal, liver function normal, kidney function normal In other words, the blood work is within range. I have no hair loss, my blood pressure is now 120/80 ( was 140/90). I have much more energy and my allergies are much better. I haven’t felt this good in years (I’m 70 years old). The key is to drink at least 2 Liters of water a day but I drink more to alleviate constipation. This is the first diet that has actually worked and I do like the food. There is a great recipe book for the phase 1 on the diet called Janeva’s Ideal Recipes. Pinterest also has recipes posted
I have been doing Ideal Protein for 2 months, lost 20 pounds and for the first time EVER on a diet have found my figure! You are not required to buy the technology, the plan teaches a very sustainable and doable plan with real food as well as supporting you with their products. If you eat the vegetables you get plenty of fiber and learn a healthier approach to food. Green vegetables ARE carbs, they are just better put to use by our bodies than the high carbs like potatoes and bread. I believe my relationship with food is healthier and my choices are smarter since adapting this routine.
For diet food, the foods are great with fantastic variety. The choices for lean dinner protein is very wide and will please most dieters. Ideal Protein Diet Ranked as Best Diet of 2016! Study: Nickols-Richardson SM, et al. Perceived hunger is lower and weight loss is greater in overweight premenopausal women consuming a low-carbohydrate/high-protein vs high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2005. Study: Volek JS, et al. Carbohydrate restriction has a more favorable impact on the metabolic syndrome than a low fat diet. Lipids, 2009.
Ideal Protein has a high success rate. No diet is perfect for everyone. Why not talk to some people who like it? For example, see Debbie Humphries (below).
I do not charge coaching fees. Dieters lessen or go off of medications quickly. They are not hungry. They do not lose muscle like they would on LF diets. They have success when all other approaches have failed.
Put aside your prejudices if you care about people at all. Obviously, you are only promoting your own affiliates that earn you $$$. Shame on you!
Actually, there is nothing ‘bland’ about IP food. There is a wide assortment of products to choose from and some of them are very tasty. Yes, there are also some that I find disgusting, but I’m fairly certain you can say that of any food in general. ( Ever eaten live baby octopus?) Once you learn the IP protocol, the diet is very easy to follow and highly successful, whether you need to lose 20 lbs or 200. At my clinic I did not have to pay any fees up front, nor were there any added fees for my weekly weigh-ins and coaching. I simply purchased the products I wanted week to week. Yes, they are expensive at around $30 for a box of 7. Most clinics though, do charge fees, and I’ve heard of coaches who become like little dictators, and Ip seems to have no protocols in place to monitor and resolve such situations.
Once you have reached your goal weight, you move on to phases 2 and 3 for 2 weeks apiece, then maintenance, where you no longer use any IP products. Throughout this process your coach should be teaching you how to eat to maintain your weight loss, and if done properly I know people who have been highly successful. As for myself, I’m a stress eater, and after losing around 40 lbs, fell back into old habits and gain d most of it back. I am now working phase one again and feeling fantastic, again . Lost 11 lbs in 2 weeks, and lost that brain fog that comes with bad eating.
Is ip for everyone? Of course not. Is it the healthiest choice? Nope. IP is full of highly processed ‘pseudofood’, but as a means to an end and a teaching tool, it works for me like nothing else has, and I have never eaten so many vegetables in my life!
I did Ideal Protein for 3 months with the help of my coach in my chiropractor’s office. I lost 28 pounds in the firs 2 months. I have been able to keep it off for over a year. There were very few products I did not like, and it was so easy to follow once you learned the basic principles. The quick results were very motivational, too. I have issues with some of the things in your reviews.
* “products are also mostly soy – which are bad and cheap” INCORRECT. THEY HAVE A MULTITUDE OF MEAL OPTIONS WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SOY.
* “Phase 2 – otherwise known as “Ideal Difference” phase. This Phase meant to last for a year after your weight loss goals have been achieved. Learning how to maintain your weight while still consuming Ideal Protein products.” INCORRECT. PHASE 2 USUALLY LASTS 1-2 WEEKS.
“I can also tell you that eating healthy, clean and nutritious meals can never be replaced by prepackaged meals.” THE PRE-PACKAGED MEALS ARE NOT MEANT TO BE EATEN INDEFINITELY. YOU MAY MEET YOUR GOAL WEIGHT IN THE FIRST 30, 60 OR 90 DAYS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME LEARNING HOW TO CONTROL YOUR SUGAR CRAVINGS, HOW TO EAT FIND/COOK/EAT LOW-GLYCEMIC VEGETABLES, AND HOW NOT TO RELY ON THE SCALE AS YOUR MAIN SOURCE FOR STAYING AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT AND BMI. DURING THE ENTIRE PROCESS, YOU WATCH DAILY VIDEOS TEACHING YOU SO MANY THINGS ABOUT NUTRITION, GROCERY SHOPPING, HEALTHY COOKING, DINING OUT WITHOUT SACRIFICING YOUR WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS, AND SO MANY OTHER THINGS.
I have a master’s degree in health and wellness and was lean and active all through college and beyond. When I hit my 40’s, things changed. The fat was hanging on and my sweet tooth was out of control! I tried so many different things over the next decade – Paleo, Whole 30, Weight Watchers, Atkins, South Beach, etc. Nothing was working. My chiropractor suggested a trial period of Ideal Protein. So glad I did! It may not be for everyone, but the quick weight loss was just what I needed to motivate me to continue eating healthy and exercising daily.
This works for me. I have only good things today about this diet. If you aren’t serious about losing your body fat and getting healthier, don’t do this diet protocol.
I have been on IP for 10 1/2 months. I have lost 160 pounds. It works. Do not cheat. It works. It can seem pricey but how much would you be spending with your older eating habits? I am not the normal IP customer but I lost 3.5 pounds a week. I started at 356 and just weighed in at 193. Like anything if you put in the effort the pounds will go away.
I started Ideal Protein 2 years ago. I faithfully followed it for 3 to 4 months straight each year. I’m more strict with myself than any other individual could be. I am pleased to say that I am 105 – 110 lbs lighter. No, this isn’t a typo. Give it a chance! You owe it to yourself as well as your family. This is from a 60 year old male.
I did the Ideal Protein diet several months after undergoing a quadruple bypass operation and lost over 50 pounds in 4 months. Afterward, I regained it all and more over the next four years. My thoughts on the Ideal Protein diet? Like with any calorie-restricted diet, you will lose weight if you stick with it long enough. However, since you’re eating their very expensive manufactured food items, you will have learned little or nothing about maintaining your weight while eating normal, everyday foods. Therefore, I recommend a simpler approach: reduce your calories, eat smart sensible foods, and take a quality multivitamin. I am doing exactly that and this time I am losing weight as quickly as I once did on Ideal Protein. This time, I intend to keep it off.
Anything that requires you to buy pre-packaged processed product and supplements is not good for anybody.
Simply don’t consume sugar either in granules/fructose such as fruit juices/concentrated syrups including honey, don’t eat starchy vegetables (anything that grows below the ground and has a high carbohydrate level). Grains, pulses and legumes and anything made with these products is best avoided. Sugary drinks and mixers in alcohol too along with high sugar spirits are no good. Stick to dry white or sparkling wines or pure alcohol such as gin or vodka.Funnily enough fruit is not a friend. The fad of juices sounds healthy but they’re full of sugar and sugar and processed carbohydrates are the enemy.
Eat healthy natural fat eg. eggs with the yolk, chicken with the skin, meat with the fat. Full fat grass fed dairy on all levels is best, but in moderation. Seafood unadulterated with crumbs/breading and batter is fabulous too.Very low carbohydrate vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, green leafy varieties too are good. Seafood is fabulous be careful of
Only eat when hungry and stop when you have had enough.
If you are not hungry, simply don’t eat.
I’m a 150lb women looking to lose 30lbs. My husband is 245lb hoping to lose 50lbs. The ideal protein diet is exactly the same for both and Ideal protein doesn’t give specific values for women and men. The diet plan is based on a mans need of 2000 to 2200 calories per day. So, my husband can get In Ketosis and is killing it. I’m still losing yet I can not reach Ketosis. Obviously I need less calories per day and different percentages of protein, fat and carbs. I mentioned this to the chiropractor and he said it was because I wasn’t following the plan. I’m not sure if I will continue when clearly he has no idea how to coach me.
I would like to say that saying eating healthy and having a organic diet is great ide a but not realistic for most people. I have seen and personally had great experience with Ideal protein. It works great for those who are really busy and don’t have time shop alot or cook. Just try it for yourself it does have a end plan once you loose the weight GOOD COACH SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRANSITION YOU TO A HEALTH EATTING PLAN. recall.
THE $ SPENT ON FOOD TO LOOSE WEIGHT USUALLY JUST REPLACES THE FOODS EATTEN OUT AND $ WE SPENT ON JUNK SO IT CAN BE A WASH FOR MANY OF US ,YOU NEED KNOW THAT WHEN DOING DIET SINCE YOU ARE NOT PURCHASING CHIPS AND SODA ETC YOU HAVE THE EXTRA FUNDS TO DO THE IDEAL PROTEIN PLAN.
This cookie cutter diet did not take into consideration the individual height, weight or activity level. I was assigned the same food intake as someone shorter and less active which resulted in light headedness and extreme hunger. I was in effect starving myself. I did loose the weight but now I am struggling to keep it off. Good eating habits are not part of this diet. There is a push for their supplements and using the expensive products which are not very good. They don’t taste good and they are so processed the result is constipation. Do not recommend this method – Weight Watchers promotes a much healthier life style which can be maintained.
Glad I checked as this is not right for me. I have way too many food allergies to do this diet. Come on from Gynecologist’s office. So Thanks. I have Sibo so these foods will not work either. Glad I checked before I paid $350.00 for the 1st week.
This was the best program I have seen. It weens you from carbs toward proteins and better food than the usual American junk food offered. The key is to limit your carb intake and do not–do not– bank left carb target amounts from one meal to another. Furthermore, you will learn good eating habits and portion control.
I found the meals satisfying–and for those persons critical of the taste, perhaps they have thrived on high salt foods loaded with processed junk and fats.
As a last comment, don’t watch Calories–watch only carb intake!
Losing weight is about:
1. Self Motivation
2. Determination
3. Nutritional Knowledge
4. Willingness to change life style forever
Not eat garbage and paying 500.00 a month like this so called diet wants you to do.. Absolutely ignorant.. They are a money hungry organization that should be banned.
It works if you stick with it. Being on it for 6 months my blood tests were the best they have ever been. The food is good. It is expensive. You lose weight fast. You don’t exercise. You can walk but not fast. I felt good on it. I still follow it with variations because I felt so good on it.
Getting ready to start again….would like to lose a few pounds I have regained.
My first time on ideal protein I cleared up my psoriasis and joint pain
My cellulite literally disappeared at age 50
I was amazed
First 2 weeks were brutal but got easier
It’s the maintaining that is the hardest but I highly recommend this