I wish I could help you, but I do not use any of their products. If you plan to use lites, that is the one suggestion I would have. You can almost always find them on sale though, so don't feel any pressure to buy them. You should not have to pay for any of the plan books. I know there are cookbooks and such that you can purchase, but the regular plan books come free with the program. You will also need a food sclae, but you can pick one up at any department or discount store. If you have any other specific questions, post them here. Someone will have the answers. It is kind of quiet here on the weekends, but things should pick up on monday
Good luck to you!!!