Check-in
 

Hi ladies-

Been prepping then traveling on business non-stop the past several days, so a dirth of my menu postings. Traveling worked ok, and just ate the bars during one of my day long meetings. I've found that I can still eat lunch with a focus on the salad only (picking around cheese and croutons), or deconstructing turkey sandwiches. Also ate airplane dinner (first class, which is uncommon, so figured I HAD to), but only ate the meat and lettuce greens. Chose wisely, even though the other option was "lobster mac and cheese." I don't know what that is, but it sounded darn good! Anyway, all is well, and I'm now down 10 lbs. after 1 full week of sticking to the plan. I'll take it!

Can someone give me some pointers on ordering through Medifast? I'm an "advantage" member since I ordered the big sampler box on my first order but obviously want to delete that and order some new things and just my favorites, though the $ value will be about the same. Is that possible? How early do you have to change your order before the "auto" box ships? I'm thinking of doing it sooner rather than later out of an abundance of caution. I also just realized you can order all items in just a quantity of one for about $3/ea. It's a little more expensive, but I'm kind of loving that idea so I can try without committing to 7 (like those terrible chili puff things). The sampler box only included 18 boxes of food, and I really need 20 for 5/1, plus I'm going to pick up some more of those Taste of Home meals. Ultra convenient.

Really happy with the food so far, and you just can't beat the convenience. I'm hoping I can stay with it for 70 more lbs., and actually wear shorts and a swimsuit this summer! :-)

Congrats to all you other ladies as we are continuing to plug along. One day at a time...WE CAN DO IT!!

TWINCA~ 10 pounds is awesome!!! Plus under all those different circumstances, you made the plan work! You are going to be rid of those 70 pounds in no time flat!

As far as ordering, go under the BeSlim program. You get 5 free boxes the first time you order, too. And you get rewards....10% of your total = cash towards your next order. You can customize your boxes and order individual packets as well plus free shipping. You can order any amount of boxes and you can customize your order anytime up to 6pm before your ship date. You really have up to 60 days for your next order. You can pick any date that suits you and your schedule. You can't beat it.
They will assign you a free coach. She may get in touch with you to see how you are doing, any questions, etc., but if you don't want that connection, just tell her.
I would definitely go that route.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

emira ~ It just feels like we are constantly dodging landmines at work, social functions, even home. I honestly think people just want you to be like them - indulge, eat sugar, drink alcohol - otherwise they feel guilty. It is just human nature.
I find that as long as I have something in my hand, like coffee, tea, water...and don't make a big deal over it, they tend to forget asking, or if they do, I just say maybe later. Then they are satisfied.

You did great...you know we understand...and so do all the other people on these boards.

Have some great time off....enjoy yourself. And keep checking in!!! We need you!

Well another 1.5 pounds lost!!!
I was hoping for more (I so want to get out of the 150's :kickcan:). But I will definitely take the loss....

Onward and downward...one day, one hour, one moment at a time! Have a great weekend, everyone!!

:hohoho:

Just what I need!
 

Good morning, all!

When I saw this title, I knew I had to get on board. Read every single post, and could relate to so much of what you all wrote. I also am returning to the program. I was on MF in 2010 and lost approximately 70 pounds, and put it back on in a relatively short time. I started eating disorder treatment shortly after that, and continue the treatment. I have had a binge eating disorder for as long as I can remember. I am 53 and going through menopause. I don't suspect [?] menopause is my problem; my problem is my eating in general. After many months of debating whether or not to return to MF, last week the decision came to me that I must do it. I am tired of feeling lethargic, disappointed in myself, and aching in my back and knees. My order is due to arrive Monday, and I am very much looking forward to it. I plan to come back here to read your posts, and to add my own. Thank you for being there!

It is awesome to see new names join this thread, we are getting a head start on New Years resolutions. I start week 4 tomorrow and I am feeling much better in general, and my jeans are not nearly as snug. Can't wait till I go down a size.
When I travel I generally have oatmeal for breakfast and hot cocoa for my last meal, both using the coffee pot in the room. I have bars or puffs for other meals. I prefer lean and green for dinner, but will have it for lunch if there is something social.
My main issue is waking up hungry in the middle of the night. Anyone have ideas for that? I am a poor sleeper anyway, menopause, and some nights the hunger is enough to keep me awake and restless.

Hello everyone! My name is Steph and I lost about 60 pounds on Medifast several years ago on the 5 and 1 plan. When the support boards disappeared it really broke my heart. I needed that support! I floundered and have regained 45 of those pounds over the last several years. I know this might sound weird but I still have some of those old Medifast foods from back then. I just kept them in the back of the pantry in their boxes all this time, thinking someday I would get back to it. Everything I have read says that expired Medifast packets are still fine to use, but might lose their vitamin potency. They taste fine so far. I mainly have a lot of hot cocoa, shakes, smoothies, chai, and orange drinks. I know that is not enough variety to make me happy, so I ordered some Wonderslim and other similar items from diet direct. I got several boxes of bars, cereals, pretzels, pancakes, and a few other things plus they were kind enough to send a sample of a few items like oatmeal and soup. Now I feel ready and have enough solid food in addition to the Medifast liquids to get through a month or maybe more. I know the Wonderslim is not exactly the same, but I think it will be close enough and I will take a multi vitamin to cover my bases. Does this sound like a good plan? I plan to do 5 meals plus a lean and green type.

I do think part of why I regained is also that the calories were so low and not sustainable. I used the tracker on the Medifast forum back then and often would be 800 calories a day. I am going to add a little more carb-free extras this time around (maybe a string cheese or slice of meat, some cream in my coffee) to get my calories around 1200 which is my doctor's recommendation for lowest calories, but keep the carbs under 100.

Today is Day 1 and so far I had coffee with cream, a MF dark chocolate antioxidant shake, and a Wonderslim lemon bar. I think I will try the chicken noodle soup for lunch, some pretzels for afternoon snack. I need to figure out dinner. I would love to hear what you all are eating. I enjoy reading daily menus so feel free to share yours.

Medifast Day 11
 

Hi ladies-

Glad to see we have some new people in the group. Welcome! We are all (I think) somewhere in month 1. I am finishing up day 11 myself.

I was having some difficulties coming up with a L&G that doesn't take much effort in view of my super busy work schedule. I was also having difficulties squeezing in my healthy fats. I think I found my yummy "miracle meal" that will carry me through-- TACO SALAD!

1 lb. 90/10 organic, grass fed ground beef
1 packet organic southwest seasoning
Cook & divide evenly into 4 small containers.

1 serving taco meat
2 cups lettuce
1/2 c. diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp. Guacamole
1 Tbsp. Lowfat sour cream
1 Tbsp. Salsa

According to MyFitnessPal (my preferred food diary), this yummy dinner only has 125 calories, 6 g carbs, 6 g fat and 9 g protein. I cook ahead, and have dinner for 4 nights. I could eat taco salad all day long, so hopefully this will be the L&G silver bullet to get me through the next many months.

I also just spent about 2 hours planning my next Medifast shipment. I want it to ship this week since I only have 2 weeks of meals left (I'm throwing out those chili puffs-yuck) and don't want any issues over Christmas.

I'm ordering something like 17 boxes of food, and then 3 boxes worth of individuals (21 "meals") so I can try each one. They're only $0.20 more per serving, and I like I can get a sampler of sorts.

I don't see the benefit of ordering through TSFL vs. Medifast so I'm sticking with the latter. I don't need a coach--I have you ladies for support! Would love input if there are other benefits of which I am not aware.

What are your thoughts on everyone posting our food diaries here daily? I haven't done since last week, but I think it will keep us honest!

So far today:

Original pancake - Bummer bc I thought we had sugar free syrup in the house, but was mistaken. Still, pretty good for my first try.

Mixed Berry Smoothie - Liked it, but still prefer the shakes.

Peanut butter crunch bar - Always a fav

Cheddar cheese popcorn (snack) - love this

Taco salad (L&G meal) for lunch

Still have 2 more meals to go!

[EDIT: Had the sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding]

Loving the plan so far, and absolutely can't wait to get down to my goal weight. One day at a time...

LaurieEJ and StephGetsHealthy ~ :wel3fc:

I am so happy you joined us! All of us will be better at doing this by exchanging ideas, venting our emotions and learning new techniques!
Just keep coming back!

StephGetsHealthy ~ I was of the understanding that the Medifast products retained their potency for 18 months post their expiration date. However I know how expensive these products are...and the WonderSlim were created with different eating plans. I used them on the 7 products a day plus one Lean and Green. However, in my case, my losses were much slower than using purely Medifast on the 5 and 1 plan. However, you need to follow your doc's recommendations.


TwinCa~ So glad you found a Lean and Green that will work for you. I do think that you need a little more beef to meet the 5 oz. cooked serving per MF recommendations. Other than that, it will be perfect for you.

I also use the StarKist large tuna packets which are just shy of the 7oz. portion. I mix that with 4 Tbsp Hidden Valley Yogurt Caesar Salad Dressing (matches the fat requirement) and 3 cups of mixed salad - it is addicting!

I have finished my 6th week on Medifast and have lost 17.3 pounds! I read many of the different boards everyday- there is even a contest on the Chicks for a Challenge thread called Delicious for Christmas. It is a lot of fun and you win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place stickers to put in your signature. Check it out.
For the newbies here, after 20 posts and 20 days on these 3fatchicks boards, you can then create your signature and insert your tickers if you so choose! I find these so much fun to change at every week's weigh in.

I am highly motivated everyday (still in the honeymoon phase). I have survived Thanksgiving and my birthday thus far. Of course the biggie is Christmas, but I am confident that by following this plan one day at a time I can survive. January and February are typically difficult...but hey I am getting way ahead of myself. I only need to worry about today.

We are all here for one another. No need to worry about tomorrow. :grouphug:

Is it bad that I woke up and weighed and lost nothing (after 1 Day) and feel discouraged? Somehow I thought I would get a few pounds right away :(
My menu yesterday was coffee with cream, a MF dark chocolate antioxidant shake, a Wonderslim lemon bar, WS chicken noodle soup for lunch, another bar, then for dinner was a plain burger seasoned with salt and pepper with cheese and one can of green beans. At bed time I had a WS pudding. I was so hungry all day I wanted to eat but I stayed on plan. I drank a lot of water and got up to pee all night long. What am I doing wrong?

StephGetsHealthy ~ You are not eating enough! You only had 4 meal replacements and a Lean and Green! Did you weigh your meat? That is imperative. You should be using a 93/7 ratio of fat...and was the cheese full fat? According to the Medifast materials - no cheese as I understand it. Was the cream fat-free?

I know you want to do this right...so if you want to get the full effects of weight loss, you should be following the program. Is your scale accurate? I know it is tempting, but weighing in everyday really messes with your motivation. Once a week really allows you to see your progress.

These are just my thoughts, my humble opinion. Just trying to figure out why no loss.
The first 3 days on this program are tough. Once they over, it gets easier....:hug:

Thank you morning Glory. I need input like yours. I did not weigh the meat. Do we have to weigh the food we eat that is not from a packet? It was a regular sized burger patty, I think it was 85/15 lean. I added the cheese slice (80 calories no carbs) to get my calories up to 1200 like my doctor asked. He said I could do Medifast as long as my calories are not under 1200 by adding things without carbs (like the cheese and the cream, which was half and half cream.) I did have 5 meal replacements though (shake, 2 bars, soup, and pudding). I wonder if my salt was too high. The burger and green beans both got salted. Do you think I should see a change on the scale this soon? Maybe tomorrow? I will not salt my food today.

oh sorry, I just re-read and saw your recommendation to only weigh once a week. That is hard!!! My whole brain is focused on dieting and losing weight. I will try though!

StephGetsHealthy~ Okay, now I understand. Yes, you should still be weighing your foods not in packets...like your main proteins. The food scales are not expensive...just get a digital one that weighs in ounces and grams. You should be having 5 ounces of beef, 6 ounces of chicken or 7 ounces of seafood and fish. Just read the materials from Medifast or WonderSlim.
Depending on the type of protein you use, then either 0, 1 or 2 fat allowances are allowed.

But again, follow your doctor's recommendations. Maybe use myfitnesspal app to monitor your calories, protein, fat and carbs...that will give you a good picture of your daily food intake.

I know you expected a big (or at least some) loss!. Not sure why...Just watch your salt intake.
I bet in a couple of days you are going to see a big whoosh!!! :carrot:

Just keep it up...you can't not lose...it will happen!

Hi Stephgetshealthy - Hang in there, and don't get discouraged. It's an overall trend from week-to-week that matters.

I agree that one or more of the following may be an issue:

(1) Salt. The first week is mainly water weight loss, and salt causes water retention.

(2) Food weight. As Joyce said, no more than 5 oz of cooked burger. Consider going down to 90/10 beef if possible.

(3) Calorie count. I think it is *great* you're doing this under doctor supervision. That said, note that most of us are consuming about 850 calories/day. If you are consuming 1200--50% more--your weight loss will be slower. That is not bad (and frankly, healthier), it'll just be slower. It's a calories in, calories out thing.

(4) Cheese. Oh, how I love cheese. Any cheese. But, alas, cheese is not on the Medifast approved list. If I am wrong, would love to know.

(5) Current weight. You have no stats listed. Pounds seem to come off faster, the heavier you are (thank god).

Finally, coffee might mess with your metabolism (admittedly, no data to support that). I know it's technically allowed, as are diet soda and other drinks. I'm not messing with any of it. Water only for me. For water consumption, I have a 25 oz plastic cup. I try to drink about one full glass (20 oz or so) with each "meal." That puts me at a gallon or more of water per day.

Does anyone know the deal with ham? Not on the Medifast list, presumably bc of the extremely high salt level (and why it is so yummy). We're having a Xmas ham, so I'm going to live a little that day, and consume a small piece along with a big salad and veggies. Carbs not an issue, only the salt. My Xmas gift to myself, I suppose.

Week 2
 

Hi all

Thanks for all the motivation. I just finished week 2. Starting weight of 163lbs
Week 1 : -5.3lbs
Week 2 : -1.2lbs

I know I lost and should be happy but feel like it should have been more. I'm committed to keep going. I will start light exercise this week. I see that others have less weight loss in week 2 and then sometimes it increases again in week 3. Anyone else experience this?

Good job to you all. We can do this!!!

Medifast Center weigh-in (-7d.): 246
Medifast Day 1: 244
Medifast Day 4: 237
Medifast Day 12: 233 (-11 lbs--hooray!)

Here's my food check-in:

1. Dutch chocolate shake.

2. Maple oatmeal - Gave it another shot and finally got texture correct! Looking forward to trying other Flavors in next delivery.

3. Honey Mustard Pretzels.

4. L&G Taco Salad

5. Chocolate brownie.

6. Cookie dough bar.

At least 100-120 oz of water.

Hi all! Wanted to say hello, just registered today and re-committing to the MF program. I've tried MF in the past and was able to lose weight. However, I have several food sensitivities and the soy in the prepackaged products hurts me. I have sort of "reverse engineered" the macros in the products and have been able to eat the calorie, carb & protein ratios tostay on the program with "regular" food in the past. For the record, the prepackaged food makes it much more convenient , but I'm just unable to digest it.

Am I in the right place, or since I don't buy the meals and I not allowed :( ?

cbi3 ~ Welcome! :wel3fc:

Of course you are welcome here! Whatever works...we are here for you!
Have you checked out the new Medifast Optavia line - that may be doable for your soy sensitivities - not sure, though.
Either way, the Medifast is just a tool we are using to get to our weight goals. It is the head game that we need to concentrate on. Discussion is so key, as well as accountability!

All of us have a past...we want to forget that, forge a new path to health: both mental and physical. We can and we will...one day, one minute, one moment at a time! :grouphug:

TWINCA ~ Woohoo!!! :dancer:

11 pounds - that is fantastic!!!

Thank you for sharing your menu. It keeps you accountable! I journal all mine, but will try to post each a few times a week.

Oh, you asked about the ham. Yes salt and fat content are probably the reason they are not on list. However carbs are nil...so I would definitely indulge. Just be careful if a sugar glaze - you don't want to arouse any sugar cravings (I typed crazings ...haha, but really that is what it is!!!)

Everybody be sane during the holiday madness. Remember we can be on plan or not...this time will pass anyway! Come January 1 - we will be already be prepared for victory!!!

This is the gift we give ourselves - the scale will reward us! - :gift2:

CRAZINGS! I think it's my new favorite word :D

Thank you for sharing menus. I like seeing them and sharing mine. I am doing fine and have not weighed again yet. I was talking to a friend and she told me she had tried Wonderslim before and had some left over foods. She sold me what she had left, which was one grocery bag full of random things, for $10! There were 36 meals so I feel like I got a good deal. There is a wide variety too.

Here is my food for today.

6am - coffee with half & half (for extra calories, doctor required 1200)
7 - WS fluffy pancakes with sugar free syrup. This was very good! Another cup of coffee with cream with this for breakfast.
10 - WS lemon bar, so yummy
12 - WS chicken noodle soup. I really do not like this. It feels like I drank a cup of broth and ate 3 noodles. I looked on the nutrition and it is only 70 calories and 6 carbs so I am counting this like a MF snack instead of a meal. I had another coffee with cream after this, I was starving.

I will probably do another bar at 3 and a pudding or a MF hot cocoa at bed time. I think I will go to the deli and pick up a nice big salad for dinner, with lots of veggies and greens, some roasted turkey and grated cheese. How do I find a low carb dressing? I know most of you are doing the strict MF but I have to add the dressing for the calories, but don't want any extra carbs. I could buy the salad and then go to the grocery section to buy my own dressing, if someone has a 0 carb one they recommend.

So, dressing is funny. We're so used using bottled stuff when it's pretty simple to make our own. A dash of olive oil, some salt, pepper, garlic and/or cumin? Delish, doesn't taste "diety" and no carbs. I've also used salsa and/or guacamole. I make my own Caesar dressing too based on a Food & Wine Mag recipe, not sure how many servings, but I 1/2 the recipe and I still gt 8 tablespoons out of it, and based on your taste, you could get away with 1 on your salad.


INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
1 large egg yolk
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

StephGetsHealthy ~ I am so glad you are doing well! On the WonderSlim program, there are various adaptations. Just go on their website, there is an explanation. I did the 7 and 1...WS recommends only 1 bar per day. I really liked the taste of their food, too. You got a great deal!
I have a lot of their food and plan to use it when I transition (I am aiming for April, 2017).

As far as salad dressing goes, Medifast says 5 grams of fat and no more than 5 grams of carbs.
I really like the Hidden Valley Yogurt Creamy Caesar ...meets the requirements and is really good! But there are many others to choose...just read the labels. 60 calories and 3 carbs for 2 Tablespoons (one serving) and depending upon the protein you choose, you get 0, 1, or 2 servings.
If you are just looking to up your calories without the carbs, you'll see plenty of choices.

Oh, I am glad you stayed away from the scale! :cheer2:

I love Kraft Roka Blue Cheese dressing. I was elated to find 1 Tbsp = 1 healthy fat on the "official" Medifast list. That said, that yummy tablespoon of goodness sets you back 60 cals, 6 g of fat and 0.5 g carbs according to MyFitnessPal. The fat level is slightly higher than what Joyce wrote, but I'm assuming 1 extra gram will occasionally be worth it.

I've heard Walden Farms is good. It has 0 everything...0 carbs, 0 fat, 0 calories. All varieties. Kinda makes you wonder what the heck it is, though, right?

Soooo, you know what happened today? Someone asked if I had lost weight! Best feeling!

Medifast Day 13 - Food for the day:

1. French vanilla shake
2. Honey mustard pretzels
3. Berry crunch cereal.
4. Chicken noodle soup.
5. S'mores crunch bar
6. (Snack) Parmesan crisps

Dinner: Taco salad (surprise, surprise)

New Medifast order goes in on Wednesday for the next 4+ weeks--takes a week for delivery to CA, and I'm not risking even slower Xmas-time delivery delays. I'm ordering boxes of things that I've tried and liked, and individual packs of things I have not yet tried. This is what it's looking like as of tonight (I'm kinda excited!):

Dutch Chocolate Shake Box 2
French Vanilla Shake Box 1
Strawberry Shake Box 1
Cinnamon Pretzel Sticks Box 2
Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes Box 2
Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup Box 2
Ziti Marinara Box 1
Beef Vegetable Soup Box 1
Caramel Crunch Bar Box 1
Oatmeal Raisin Crunch Bar Box 1
Peanut Butter Crunch Bar Box 1
S'more Crunch Bar Box 1
Chocolate Crunch Bar Box 1
Apple Cinnamon Crisps Box 1
Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers Box 1
Multigrain Crackers Box 1
Cheddar & Sour Cream Popcorn Box 2
Beef Stew (Flavors of Home) Box 1
Turkey Meatball Marinara (Flavors of Home) Box 1

Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Cereal Crunch Each 1
Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Each 1
Blueberry Oatmeal Each 1
Peach Oatmeal Each 1
Pineapple Mango Smoothie Each 1
Hot Cocoa Each 1
BBQ Bites Each 1
Cheese Pizza Bites Each 1
Parmesan Cheese Puffs Each 1
Blueberry Muffin Soft Bake Each 1
Peanut Butter Soft Serve Each 1
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chewy Bar Each 1
Chocolate Mint Crunch Bar Each 1
Cinnamon Roll Crunch Bar Each 1
Fruit & Nut Crunch Bar Each 1
Lemon Meringue Crunch Bar Each 1
Strawberry Crunch Bar Each 1
Garlic Mashed Potatoes Each 1
Hearty Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Each 1
Macaroni & Cheese Each 1
Vegetable Chili Each 1
Tomato Basil Bisque Each 1
Wild Rice & Chicken Flavored Soup Each 1
Barbecue Crisps Each 1

Essential1: 30-Day Supplement Bundle Kit 1

I'm going to have a little Medifast smorgasbord in my pantry! Should be enough to satisfy all my "crazings"!!!

Hopefully I didn't scare everyone off by my crazy long post yesterday!

Medifast Day 14 check-in:

6:00 - French Vanilla Shake
8:00 - Honey mustard pretzels - these are slowly growing on me, but still like the cinnamon ones better.
10:00 - Mixed berry crunch
12:00 - Ziti marinara
3:00 - oatmeal raisin crunch bar
6:00 - Salad with lettuce, chicken breast chunks, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and a dash of Roka blue cheese dressing. I was so FULL, I couldn't even eat it all.

Going to try to hold off weighing-in for another few days, but fingers crossed.

Have a great night everyone!

Hi Everyone ~

Gosh so many of you are doing terrific.

I'm on day 3 (again)!!!!!

I've been on and off Medifast since September. Just can't get in the groove for more than a few months then I fall off --- the day before Thanksgiving was my last day I was 100% on plan. The deal is when I stop and start I keep having to do those first 3 days again....day 3 always being my hardest. Why oh why can't I just STAY ON PLAN???

So the past is the past....I am on day 3 and I will conquer it. One thing I'm doing differently this time is that I am only going to weigh 1x per week. No more jumping off and on the scale at all times during the week and letting that decide my success. I truly made myself crazy (and my DH too!)

My mindset today is: Stay on plan and repeat exactly what I did yesterday. No wavering...

Karen

TWINCA ~

I enjoyed reading your posts. Love your energy.

I'm just getting back on the bandwagon so appreciate your time to post what you have.

I really like reading what your meals look like throughout the day, especially the L&G since I tend to eat the same thing over and over.

I've been on and off the scale too, so know what you mean about holding off.

May today be a 100% OP day for you!

Karen

kwalk50 ~ Yea, you found us! :welcome:

Yes, the energy is remarkable here! Everyday someone chimes in with a word of encouragement, a menu or MF order (TWINCA, thank you!) or just a daily observation of life's ups and downs!!!

We are all making our way through this lovely Christmas holiday, enjoying the sights and sounds - knowing we will survive and prosper in a season known for its culinary ? array of sweets, or "crazings" as we have coined here!!! :dizzy:

So you will fit right in as we take one day, one minute, one moment succeeding on our food programs...be it Medifast, WonderSlim or any adaptation thereof!

(Oh, and I believe once a week weigh-ins are the way to go for my sanity, too!) Accountability is key...we can be accountable to each other and report our weigh-ins here!

cbi3 ~ Thank you for the salad dressing recipe...I will definitely try it! ...and all your other suggestions! See, we need this interaction - it makes this eating plan adventurous!!!

TWINCA - I loved that you posted your upcoming order! I do the same thing: order boxes and individual packets. That way you don't have a whole box of something that you really do not like, plus it is a potpourri of unique flavors. To me it is like a grab bag of fun!
When that box comes, it is truly like Christmas!!! May I suggest the Cookie Dough chewy bar, too, if you haven't tried it? Both that one and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chewy Bar are my favorites!

For everyone, in case you haven't heard, on YouTube there is a contributor by the name of Metallica Mom who creates phenomenal concoctions just using two, three or four Medifast packets! And you have additional meals to save for later! Example is Lava Cake!!! It is worth checking out! She also reviews the products, even the new Optavia line. She is a health coach, but in no way are you solicited, nor does she flaunt her connection to MF! I love her channel.

There is another Medifast coach on YouTube named Brianna (just do a search) who is so honest...lost so much on MF the first time, then admitted her weight gain and is now back to losing again - very inspirational.

I use every trick of the trade in keeping myself on track with this program. Plus I take advantage of all the threads on 3fatchicks. There are contests (just check out "Chicks on a Challenge" Under main category Support Groups - you post your weekly weight on the thread (easy) and the final weigh in is on Christmas Day or your weekly weigh in day. The prize is a sticker that you can attach to your signature! Really fun - currently I am in first place ( I had an advantage, though, I had just started MF when it started, so I had an 8.8 pound loss the first week!) The new one she will start will definitely be challenging!

Plus, there is a Beck discussion group (Judith Beck wrote a cognitive behavior therapy book as it relates to binge eating.) Very informative and helpful.

Just some additional ideas for handling our emotional eating... for me it is nighttime - so I do this instead.

Have a great Wednesday...minute by minute, moment by moment...we shall overcome!!!

Joyce ~

This is great stuff. Wow - I never knew this info existed. Thank you for taking the time to research and post it for us.

Emotional eating is so hard for me, too. Mine hits mid-afternoon so this time around I am switching the L&G for lunchtime to see if that makes a difference. When the L&G satisfies me I tend not to think about food so much. And, now that you've given me plenty of reading I plan to read my way through the evenings if the emotional eating creeps in then.

I'm well into day 3 and I actually feel like the fat burning is kicking in already since I don't have that manic desire to open the pantry and look at all the stuff and I can't eat!! Hello self-sabotage :( Once I am into fat burning that self-defeating stuff seems to get pushed further back in my brain.

OP and staying strong!

I am loving this thread - thanks so much for all of your tips and encouragement. I am a newbie (Day 2) on Take Shape for Life/Medifast. Since this is a round 2 page, I was wondering if you could offer some feedback of what works and doesn't work. Two major questions:

1. I would like to commit to a fitness routine to go hand-in-hand with my new dietary lifestyle change. Routine is good for me... They say not to work out in the first few weeks as your body adjusts. Would I be totally crazy to do small workouts at the gym during my first few days on plan? Could that potentially set me up for failure?

2. For those of you that have been through the program before and kept the weight off for a bit... Once you lose the weight and work with your coach through transition, can you then switch to a calorie in/calorie out mentality? Meaning, if I lose my 40 pounds and transition back to "real food" can I then just monitor calories rather than specific carbs/fat/etc? Or does the long-term success of the weight loss depend on a low carb diet forever?

I've read about the above online, but would love to hear about your experiences about what worked/didn't work. This is such a great community. Thanks!

naturamom ~ We are so glad you found us!! :welcome3: !

As far as your first question, I would say wait the three weeks as recommended before you get into work outs. The first three days are crucial to your body's adjustment to the lower calories and carbs. Follow the plan. If you do have a coach, that might be a question for her.

Transition is the toughie for a lot of us. I don't think calories in vs. calories out will work. You need to keep the magic number of calories that will support your weight goal AND the macros (carbs, fat and protein) need to be accounted. Otherwise one might fill up on junk, count the calories and regain the weight.

I did not follow a good transition program the last time. I did the calories in/calories out. When I get there this time, I plan on using 3 Medifast meals and probably 3 Lean and Greens per day...I know I can't handle sugar, so for me it will continue to be that way when I hit transition and maintenance. I have accepted, and diagnosed with, Binge Eating Syndrome.

Many use the app my fitness pal to monitor your food intake... all of this it is surprisingly easy. All the maintainers swear by it.

But that is what your coach is there for. I go to a Medifast Center...the coach there will be there to work me through it. I am sure it will be a trial and error...

I am not there yet, I am aiming for April 2017... for now just happy to be following the 5 and 1 program and feel completely satiated.

Please keep coming back. We love all the input!

To all ~ I mentionned the Chicks Up for a Challenge, but failed to mention the actual thread:
Delicious for Christmas Challenge! The creator's name is Riestrella and she is the one who makes the spreadsheets, the graphics, the award stickers, etc. She is amazing! Check it out and join the next one when its up!!!

I can't tell you how excited I am to be a participant! :present: Just another way to motivate myself!!!

Medifast - Day 15

6:00 - Strawberry Shake

8:00 - Honey Mustard Pretzels

10:00 - Maple Oatmeal - It took some time, but getting closer to figuring out the perfect consistency.

12:30 - Chicken noodle soup

3:30 - Peanut butter crunch bar

6:00 - Taco Salad (L&G), but this time I made it with extra lean organic ground turkey. Healthier it seems.

7:00 - Sour Cream & Cheddar popcorn (Snack).

Good grief, my husband ordered pizza tonight. Thought I was going to die. Pizza is a perfect food, and my most favorite thing to eat. UGH. I picked off a piece of sausage (0 carbs)--well, 2 pieces--to eat, but otherwise held strong. Patting myself on the back for that bc I wanted to eat the whole thing. LOL.

Worked too darn hard these past two weeks to flush it down the tubes. I'd rather be thin than eat pizza that will only satisfy me for like 15 minutes. :-)

I bought the big 30 day variety pack so tried lots of things. You know, the chocolate chip chewy bar was okay, but not my favorite. This defies logic since I love chocolate chip cookie dough! Still, I liked all the crunch varieties much better. The PB crunch is my fav bar so far so I have high hopes for the PB chewy bar though.

Anyone try the hot chocolate drink "meal"? I have serious doubts that will tie me over. At least the shakes/smoothies have some substance...

Thoughts on the 30 Day Variety Pack (Order #1)
 

Random musings on my first encounter with Medifast food:

**MEDIFAST "MEALS"
Brownie Soft Bakes - Yum! The thing is that they just seem to require a little extra effort to make, and I like quick and easy.

Chocolate Chip Soft Bakes - Yum! Ditto.

Chocolate Pudding - Double yum! Chocolaty goodness.

Sour Cream & Chive Mashed Potatoes - Yum. Could eat these all day long.

Chicken Flavored Noodle Soup - Yum! Needs a dash of salt/pepper, and 2+ hr. rehydrating soak in a mug. I usually do this first thing, then stick it in the fridge until lunch.

Ziti Marinara - Like, but do not love. Also requires 2+ hr. rehydrating.

Dutch Chocolate Shakes - Love these. Shakes are always my first meal of the day.

French Vanilla Shakes - Second favorite of the shakes.

Strawberry Shakes - Prefer the other flavors more, but will order for variety. Reminds me of those '90's SlimFast shakes.

Honey Mustard Pretzel Sticks - Was not initially a fan, but they've grown on me. Still, prefer the cinnamon pretzel sticks better (got a trial through a MF center). I love they are grab-n-go.

Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal - Also growing on me. I've had a hard time figuring out how to get a perfect consistency.

Original Pancakes - So-so. Only made them once so far, and had w/out sugar free syrup. Anything in syrup is good so I'll give them another chance this weekend. Also need to figure out the mug recipe.

Mixed Berry Cereal Crunch - I usually eat these straight from the bag. They look like Fruit Loops, but taste? Not so much. That said, they are pretty decent, and I also like they are grab-n-go.

Peanut Butter Crunch Bars - Really, Really, REALLY good. My fav of all the bars so far.

S'mores Crunch Bars - Really, Really good. 2nd fav of the bars so far.

Oatmeal Raisin Crunch Bars - Really, good.

Cookie Dough Chewy Bars - Good, but probably my least favorite of the bars in this order.

**MEDIFAST SNACKS
Good for a little pick me up!

Parmesan Crisps - Slightly weird taste, but like them for some reason.

Sour Cream & Cheddar Popcorn - My fav (by far) of the snacks.

Rosemary Sea Salt Crackers - Okay, but a little bland. I like eating them with the Beef Stew L&G Flavors of Home meals.

Chili Cheese Puffs - Never, ever again. YUCK! Honestly, this was the only thing I didn't like out of the whole shipment so not a big deal on the whole.

**MEDIFAST L&G FLAVORS OF HOME
For no fridge foods, with good shelf life, I'm pretty happy with these. I was admittedly skeptical at first, but love the idea that they are there for a full L&G meal if I can't find the energy to cook! Yahoo for us busy (or lazy) people!

Chicken Cacciatore - Still haven't tried yet.

Turkey Meatball Marinara - Yum! Closest thing to pizza-ish flavors

Beef Stew - Yum! Needs a bit of salt, pepper and/or Mrs. Dash.

Chicken with Rice and Vegetables - Still haven't tried yet.

So there you have it. Overall, I'm pretty much loving (or at least liking) EVERYthing, except those chili cheese puffs. Thank goodness, b/c that is half the battle with dieting... Finding good, filling, convenient food!

15 days in, 13 lbs down, and 67 lbs to go!

I can be thin again...I can be thin again...I can be thin again...

Goodnight ladies!