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Originally Posted by focused&strong
Hi winners! Well it didn't (IT-MONSTER) move all that much today..then I had to stop and really think...Hello???? talking to self..You have lost a totoal of 6.5 pounds, since Tuesday..that's 4days! So I deff.do not have any complaining to do..However,the councilor said it was because I wasn't eating the 2 bars per day as per my diet plan. I did try one yesterday,and to be honest I don't like them..and the cost! Geez,it's twice what the whole diet plan cost me..I don't want to plunk that kind of $$ down for bars that I don't like..and plus that, I want to re-learn how to eat properly, not stuff a bar in there to substitute real food...know what I mean?..I like to carry a apple,or a bar in my purse just for those times when I'm truly hungry,and don't want to eat junk..but to have to eat 2per day, don't think so. Now, as I understood today, IF,I didn't eat the bars..then I would not have my diet gaurenteed..But,I would still be eligible for the refund if (and not if's about it in my mind) I get to my goal. So,I don't need the bars to get the $$ back,as long as I reach goal. Right? Right! Now, why would I put stuff in my mouth that I dont like that's 200calories..when i'm not eating what I do like..I just don't get that part..In answer is the bars have protein..well, I did check out the Parie (msp)and they are very similar..less sugar too.. a little bit less protein tho..which as I'm learning is key. I paid my $600something, I will not go further with all the bells,and wissssels's..if I do not need them. SOMEONE TELL ME, DO I REALLY REALLY NEED THEM TO LOSE THE WEIGHT? I have asked this before when I was considering the plan,and got various answers, but now that I'm committed, I need to hear it again. PLEASE. Thank you sweet people...And how is your day going? Are you still in the game? Do you want to look in the mirror next week and see that that big ol' belly is looking smaller?...hey,that's me talking outloud..hugs.FOCUS~
I don't think the bars are necessary. The big selling points are that they satisfy your sweet cravings and give you some protein. If you don't do the bars, you can replace them with food exchanges. But I can't recall what you replace them with in terms of food exchanges. It was posted on old threads so go back and look.
Also, many have said that they use Luna or Kashi bars with similar protein and caloric values. They are expensive too, like 1.50 a bar, but at least you can buy what you want rather than get stuck with a box of something you don't want.
(by the way, DH snuck a La peanut butter bar last night as his late night snack. He claims it was because he didn't feel like making his usual PBJ sandwich!!!)
Anyway, you will find that the counselors will try to sell you a lot of products, pills, snacks, shakes and bars. It is how they probably earn their commissions. The bars are very sweet and some think they are destructive because of the sweetness. I bought some of the snacks to try out. My opinion:
the pasta twists/cheese curls- taste okay, but leave you with that "i just ate styrofoam" sort of feeling=== will not buy again.
the la delites- sold as "just like muffin tops"- found them to be very very chewy and dense- like a molasses cookie - I actually liked them - but I also like breakfast bars like nutragrain- would buy if can't find a similar product in grocery store
the la shakes- in my opinion- grainy and gross unless you whip high speed and add fresh fruit or nf yogurt- why bother in my opinion.
the soups- salty and unsatisfying- waste of time for me
As far as the pills- there are many who buy equivalents out there. I have tried the excel, the reduce and bought a bottle of carb enders. I am trying this week without the excel, reduce and if I don't gain I will not buy them again. In regard to carb enders- I bought because I do like my carbs, however I do get some digestive issues when I take it.
by the way regarding you first post- many loved ones sometimes sabotage (intentionally or not) your attempts to get healthier. I think sometimes this is because they are threatened by the possibility that you may succeed. Stay "focused" and do it for yourself.
Some things that I have helped me with my family- If you do the shopping, buy what you need and if someone else wants the goodies then let he/she go buy them on their own. If you find it hard to be around someone eating cheeseburger and fries, or pizza and beer, then if you can, remove yourself from that situation. I have eaten in another room or at a different time on occasion when DH and DS are eating an Off plan meal. Eventually, you will start feeling stronger and realize that a loss of weight is much much better then a fifteen minute splurge.
I find the hardest thing is at work. I work in a small office. Most of the women are fit or relatively fit. A coworker of mine has lost about seven pounds and started working out and wearing sexier clothes and everyone raves. It is hard because I have lost twice that amount and no one has said a word! It bothered me a lot at first, but now I try to remind myself that I am not doing it for someone else to notice but for me.
Hang in there!