I posted some of this on a protein shake thread but thought I'd chime in here since I am new. I wanted to go with a fasting type plan to really kick start a major change. Overall, I'd like to lose 80 pounds. Another life time ago in my late 20's, I was over 320lbs. I went to a 12 step program (OA) and lost over 170 pounds and maintained most of the weight loss for over 15 years.
However, sadly with age and a major lifestyle change (I moved from NYC where walking was my main form of transportation to a driving city) some of the weight has crept back on.
I researched a lot of shake supplement style plans and am using Almased, it is ava at a decent price on Amazon and if you follow the directions for a serving (for me: 5' 6" & Under: 5-6 LEVEL tbls) it should last you 8-14 days... I have read where some say it only last 4 or 5 and I don't think they are measuring correctly. Mine, at 3 shakes a day last aprox 10-12 days.
I tried it for week before the holidays (lost 6 pounds) and after doing some research found a recipe that I really like. You just have to be a little creative. I went off it over the holiday (and did gain back the 6 plus 2! But I really did eat a lot... and it was good!) and started back with full commitment Monday.
I am planning to go 2 weeks and then see how I feel.
I mix it with Almond Milk, fruit, some fiber and just a little diet ginger ale which makes it very tasty. IMO, for me to stay committed for the long haul, it has to taste good! I also make a very low carb peanut butter cookie, which I have twice a day instead of adding oil to my smoothie... I lost 2.8 pounds the first day! I have not weighed myself again yet, but feel the progress.
Here is my daily plan broken down:
3 Almased smoothies a day (made with almond milk (chocolate or vanilla and yes, sweetened!), diet ginger ale, frozen fruit & fiber supplement)
2 peanut butter low carb cookies or 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
1 bowl egg drop soup (made with broth and 1 egg)
1-2 cup(s) coffee
As much tea & water as I want
1 dark chocolate candy if desired before bed
After the first two weeks, I plan to add in couple of light meals a week, 1 of those will replace a smoothie. I am keeping this open for now... I feel great but I work from home and have kept all my activities minimal so far.
I feel like this is a very livable plan and I really like it so far. As a food addict I think it is just easier to sometimes minimize your choices.
I do think any protein powder would probably work, I like Alamsed cause it is mostly natural and I don't think it really has any taste. So you can flavor it how you like. Some mix it as is with just water and I hear that it taste terrible... this should not be torture!
I only use about 4 ounces of the diet soda to about 6 of Almond Milk. So basically that is equal to 1 can of diet soda a day. I know a lot of people are anti diet sodas & artificial sweeteners, I am not one of them. I have cut out all other diet soda but do use artificial sweeteners in my tea and coffee. For me, it is fine, I am giving up food for the most part, that is enough imo.
I've also rediscovered my love for tennis and am trying to make this a regular part of my life!
Cheers!
We all have to do what works for us, and if shakes and fasting work for you and it's safe, then go for it! I prefer whole foods, but I do have to watch my carbs, so I am doing a modified version of Tim Ferriss' Four-Hour Body Slow Carb Diet. Good luck to you!
