[MorningGlory1950]

Laura ~ You are right! I don't use the snacks, so I just thought there was such a thing as Pizza Snacks (which there aren't.) I just think of the Cheese Pizza Bites as Cheese Bites. Just confusion on my part. Thanks for clarifying!

[LauraRVA42011]

Originally Posted by MorningGlory1950

Laura ~ You are right! I don't use the snacks, so I just thought there was such a thing as Pizza Snacks (which there aren't.) I just think of the Cheese Pizza Bites as Cheese Bites. Just confusion on my part. Thanks for clarifying!

No worries! If it wasn't Susan's first day, I'd have likely not pointed it out but I wanted her to be informed.

[TWINCA]

Susan- Keys to oatmeal-->First, get the apple cinnamon oatmeal, but they are all ok. Put 5 oz water in a big mug/bowl (if too small, it will boil over). Then add the oatmeal packet. Then add a BUNCH of cinnamon. Put in microwave for 1:15. Stir well, and you are good to go. It is one of my standards, and I eat it pretty much every day. :-)

Key to weight loss is water consumption. Drink half your weight in ounces of water every day. I'm sure it's not scientifically true, but I think of it as flushing out the fat from my body.

I'm SO glad you are finding my OCD-type posts useful! I tried to provide info that I could not find to help the next-gen Medifast-ers like you! STAY WITH IT!!

[TWINCA]

Not that anyone cares, but Susan inspired me to post my latest / first TSFL order. I still have a bunch (mainly soups, bars and shakes) in my pantry, but needed some variety. I ordered 19 boxes and got 5 boxes free as a new member. All of the Optavia products I tried during my foray into eBay, so I know I like them A LOT. I'm also on a Pudding kick, too. I think bc it doesn't involve me having to walk to the kitchen from my office to use the microwave...and of course bc it is YUM!

So here is the list:

OPTAVIA™ Select Chocolate Cherry Ganache Bar with Dried Cherries, Pomegranate, and Chia Seeds (Naturally Flavored) - 4 Boxes (+1 Box free)

OPTAVIA™ Select Honey Chili Cranberry Nut Bar with Flaxseeds, Pumpkin Seeds, and Almonds (Naturally Flavored) - 2 Boxes (+1 Box free)

OPTAVIA™ Select Buttermilk Cheddar Herb Biscuit with Mediterranean Rosemary and Moroccan Thyme - 2 Boxes (+1 Box free)

OPTAVIA™ Select Cinnamon Cream Cheese Swirl Cake with Indonesian Cinnamon (Naturally Flavored) - 4 Boxes (+2 Boxes free)

Cinnamon Pretzel Sticks - 1 Box

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal - 2 Boxes

Chocolate Pudding - 4 Boxes

Between all this and my stash, I'm good for at least 6-8 more weeks.

...and, no, I haven't gotten on a scale yet.

[sheilaE]

Originally Posted by TWINCA

Has anyone tried these?
https://www.califlourfoods.com/?afmc=3c

I tried making them once, but it was a pain in the butt. I need quick and easy!

I have seen them and like Laura have been tempted but the truth is, I'm afraid I might like them too much and they are a little pricey. If you give it a go, be sure to report in. I know we'd all love to hear what you think.

Sheila

[sheilaE]

Originally Posted by MorningGlory1950

I would suggest staying with the old MF products...reformulated "MF standard" didn't taste any different to me. I tried one of each. Plus they cost more!

Joyce I feel the same way. I couldn't really taste the difference although when I mentioned the increase in price, she tried to justify it with the "clean eating" rationale. If I really wanted to eat clean, I wouldn't be eating packaged food at all. I stick with what tastes good at a more reasonable price.

[sheilaE]

Originally Posted by Hikerdreams

Okay, I made it through my first day. I can't say it was easy because I was truly hungry after about one and a half hours of eating my Medifast meals. It did seem to get better after lunch. I tried Dutch Chocolate Shake ( very good),
Peanut Butter Crunch Bar ( okay), Macaroni and Cheese ( good, but very small), Pizza snacks ( pretty good), and cinnamon pretzels ( okay.) It has been an interesting day. I had steamed broccoli and asparagus with 5 ounces of lean ground beef for dinner. I am having a hard time with no salt and no fat, but I'm sure I will adjust. I'm wondering what you season your veggies with, or how you cook them. I am doubly impressed by all of your accomplishments!
Susan

Susan Congrats on making it through the 1st day. The 3rd one was the hardest for me because that is where I felt a little dizzy and headachy from the carb detox. I drank some chicken broth, took advil, went to bed early and felt much better the next day.

I do season my veggies and I actually use a small sprinkling of salt and/or Italian seasoning . I also like to have a little balsamic vinegar drizzled over the top. The other thing I have started to do is roast my veggies. It brings out the natural sugars so you can really taste them. I cut them into chunks and roast them on a baking sheet with a small bit of olive oil to prevent sticking for 45 minutes at 450 degrees stirring every 15 minutes. The edges get that nice crispy crunch. I use red and yellow peppers, cauliflower, red onion, tomatoes, mushrooms and anything else I may have. Sometimes I throw some spinach leaves on top during the last few minutes. It's become our favorite way to eat veggies.

[sheilaE]

Originally Posted by StephGetsHealthy

Good morning friends. I finally got a chance to stop in and catch up on reading all your messages. Thank you for the well wishes. I am trying to "get out of my own head" right now, and get back to posting and sharing and responding more. I need the support and surely want to be a support as well! So I apologize for slacking in that regard. Good news is my niece is okay. Bad news is I am not getting better on these antibiotics. I am still working on that. In the meanwhile I went off plan and ate things I should not and went up 5 pounds. That is so disheartening when it was a hard earned loss of that same 5. I will just have to do it again. The off plan eating was stopped in its tracks yesterday when a piece of one of my molars just randomly broke off, leaving a hole between two back teeth. I am so worried that more of the tooth will break off! So I am only drinking liquids right now (Medifast shakes and drinks). I know this is not ideal and I miss my Lean and Green meal last night. Does anyone have any recipes for a liquid Lean and Green meal?? I know that's a long shot, but I wonder if there is a way to do it with soup. I cannot bring myself to chew on that side at all! The dentist can't see my until Monday so I need a game plan for the weekend. I remember that Greek yogurt used to be on the Lean list so maybe I can make it into a smoothie to drink, somehow.

That's all my drama for the day. Sorry I have not had much positive to say lately. I am turning that around NOW and I know this 5 pounds was just here on a temporary visit and I am sending them on their way shortly!

Steph Wow, please take good care of yourself. I know it's hard feeling ill for so long. It just takes a toll on your body and your emotions. The 5 lbs will come off. Joyce was brave enough to admit to her over 8 lb gain and she was able to take it off fairly quickly. I'm sure a lot of it is water retention from the carbs.

I think the greek yogurt smoothie is a great idea. You need to get that protein if you can eat a regular L&G. Maybe you could add some low carb fruit like blueberries. Or, get some powdered peanut butter (PB Fit is what I use). It has almost no fat and it has no sugars. It's got the protein and the flavor. We add it to our MF shakes occasionally for extra protein and flavor.

Good luck! We are thinking of you!

Sheila

[sheilaE]

Originally Posted by LauraRVA42011

I faced the scale with it's 3lb overnight gain and did not beat myself up. Yesterday was a learning experience. I've learned when I reintroduce foods I used to love, they don't have the same hold over me that they used to. Very powerful and empowering feeling.

Laura, Your statement above that the foods you used to love don't have the same hold over you spoke to me.

I had a similar experience yesterday. I went to the grocery store late yesterday afternoon and was looking for something a little different for dinner. We have gotten a little burnt out on the same old things. I was a little hungry while I was there. Normally that is never a good idea but yesterday, I had the epiphany that I know longer had the same relationship with food I once did. I was able to walk by the bakery, the processed foods, fatty stuff and think, no I don't want that. I am not interested in bringing home foods I shouldn't have. In fact, I wasn't that interested in the food at all except I knew we needed to eat dinner. I don't think I have ever had that experience before in my entire life.

I started thinking about why I was feeling that way and decided that indeed my relationship with food has changed. I really do see it as fuel now and not something that satisfy me emotionally. It has taken 5 months and that is not to say I won't stumble because I know I will. I love carbs and sugar but being away from them all these months has made me realize how much better I feel without them. So besides the weight loss, the biggest benefit of this plan has been to change how I look at food. I am so thankful.

Sheila

[sheilaE]

Avery Welcome! I am so excited for you. This has been an amazing plan for me. Believe me, I am the world's biggest skeptic when it comes to commercial plans and diets. The concept of eating every couple of hours and detoxing from carbs and sugars has really worked for me. Over the past 4 months? (since the beginning of Jan) I have completely changed my taste buds and find myself wanting the healthy foods. This is a radical change for me.

I will agree with the lots and lots of water. I have cut back a little on that myself now but at first it was critical to losing weight and kept me full and occupied. I always had a huge glass at my desk. I still do, I just don't drink it as fast. I tracked my water and food intake on an app. I used my fitbit app but there are lots out there. The first few days are the toughest. Day 3 was hard for me (headaches and light headed) but after that, it became second nature.

Like you, I was shocked when I finally got on the scale. I was 15 lbs heavier than what I thought I might be in my head. Was that ever an eye-opener! I had to lose those 15 before I even felt like I was getting anywhere. That took less than 4 weeks because I was very disciplined. My biggest problem didn't come until after a month or 6 weeks in and that was food boredom. Same old, same old. I did start to switch it up now and then like having a hard boiled egg and some celery and a tablespoon of hummus for lunch instead of a MF meal. Or I would have a can of tuna @100 calories with chopped celery and dill pickles or tomatoes. I need the variety. I learned the basics of the MF nutritional content and then try to eat a similar protein/carb/fat (macro) instead of a MF meal. It has really helped me. But the first month, I did stick to it religiously.

Good luck! There is no better place to come for honest advise and accountability. Everyone here is amazing. We can't wait to share your victories and help you with your struggles.

Sheila

[sheilaE]

Now for myself ~ The first week back at the new/old job is under my belt and it was fantastic! It an entirely different vibe being an employee than a contractor. The employees all told me, oh, its no different and we don't think of you that way but having been on both sides, I can say, it is different and you do feel more valued and respected.

To be expected there are some minor tech issues that come from converting over to an employee. Access to different servers has screwed a few things up but they will resolve with time. There is a company wide learning and development conference in July that I am so thrilled to attend. Nearly everyone works remote so I work with people from all over the world so to meet them and be part of such a dynamic experience is something I am over the moon about. It sounds crazy to be so excited about something like this at my age but I spent most of my adult life putting work as not a career but a job so as to be able to be available for my children. Now that they are all (mostly) grown, I am happy to be putting my career first and do those professional things I opted out of when I was younger.

And, after a week back in a structured routine, I have lost 2 lbs this week. I haven't lost that much in a week since March and I am thrilled. April was a long slow slog for me weight wise. I show that I am only about 10 lbs from my goal but I am still reserving the right to adjust downwards as I close in on it. I have cut back substantially on my use of MF in favor of eating L&G. I do use MF as a way to "tide me over" or if I am too lazy to find anything else but I look at this process as the beginning of transition. I have learned so much about food, nutrition, my own body and what works for me. I am still losing slowly and thinking about food a lot less. I think that is the ultimate goal. To make food just another part of your life and not to control your life. I don't think I would leave this group because you have all taught me so much and I love the fact that we are able to forward that knowledge to new members like Susan and Avery and see their successes as well. This keeps me accountable to myself and I need it. I always think I am so tough and can do anything alone but the truth is, the mental and emotional motivation I get here can not be underestimated.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Sheila

[aarnnu15]

So this is my first day and things seem to be going ok? I weighed myself this morning to get things started. I have had about 4 of the 8 recommended glasses of water today already. I make a chocolate chip pancake for breakfast and added some cinnamon... it was definitely an acquired taste and almost tasted kind of sour or bitter to me. I am sure it is the soy or something and I know I will get used to it at some point. I used some PB2 mixed with water for peanut butter on the pancake and that made it bearable.

A couple of hours ago I had the second meal of the day and I had the Optavia Chocolate Cherry Ganache Bar. It was actually pretty delicious and I have no complaints about it!

Lunch is in an hour and I will be having the ziti marinara. It's currently soaking in the fridge as I heard soups and some lunches with noodles or hard bits need to soak a little in order to enjoy them. I will maybe add a little low fat shredded cheese to it.

We are going to the movies at 3 to see The Lost City of Z. I won't have an issue there as we rarely get popcorn (sometimes not always but it's so EXPENSIVE!!).

I have a few other snacks for the night and it will probably be the BBQ bites before dinner and maybe a soft bake brownie or cream cheese swirl cake this evening.

For dinner I am thinking of grilling a 5oz turkey burger with lettuce as the bread and some grilled zucchini or cauliflower. I still need to read my book later on the lean and green meal rules.

So far I feel ok but have a bit of a headache but I am just trying to drink water and focus on other things. I don't really feel hungry so that's good. I want to follow this diet pretty closely but I am not going to make myself feel bad about a little shredded cheese or certain condiments on my food. I think some of them really need a little spicing or zesting up in order to taste better.

All in all things have been positive so far. I am a HUGE coffee drinker and sweet tooth so I think that is going to be the hardest. I am an avid Starbucks goer and I have to literally cut that off cold turkey. I have a keurig and am cool with drinking brewed coffee but I am trying to find out what is ok to add to it? I really prefer not to drink it black and need a little extra "something" to enjoy it.

Anyways, that's my thoughts so far with everything!

[JEN.CA]

aarnnu15 - I'm also a serious coffee drinker. I use sugar free coffeemate in mine. It did take about a week to adapt to the taste but after that you don't even notice the difference. I used to use 2 sugars and reg coffeemate so it's a drastic change. I also make a cup of coffee and add half to my shake with ice and blend. It's like a frappacino... So good

[Hikerdreams]

Hi, Everyone,
I keep starting this post and losing it. I just typed a huge long response and then discovered it was on the first thread which I am rereading for your wise words of wisdom. I made it through Day 3, and I have to admit, knowing you ladies were here helped me. I was a little tempted by other food in my house today, but I thought of all of you and your persistence. I also love the Chutes and Ladders analogy. I think that was MorningGlory who posted it. I was at Costco today, and walked by all of the samples, telling myself that's not an option. victory! I continue to try new Medifast foods at almost every meal. The Brownie and Chocolate Chip Bakes are yummy, as are the mashed potatoes. I was not too fond of the Peanut Butter chocolate Bar. That one tasted very much like a protein bar. The Caramel crunch one is my favorite so far.
Laura- thanks a billion for the condiments list. That is so helpful!
Avery- Good job on your first day. That was my hardest day, as far as hunger goes, but that's probably because it was after attending a party with sugar and wine the night before. What are you saying about a Medifast book? All I got were two handouts from the doctor's office and I am feeling a little in the dark.
Good luck on Day Two.
Twinca- I love your posts and enjoyed reading your list of your order. I am going to have to try some of those newer products.
Sheila- Awesome progress. You must feel so proud of the progress you've made. I can't wait to feel a lower weight like that as it's been way too long.
Time to go to bed before I get hungry! Thanks, Everyone, for the awesome support and encouragement and for welcoming new members!
Susan

[Hikerdreams]

Avery,
My nutritionist told me I could have 1-2 Tablespoons of creamer a day in my coffee. I am using Half and Half because it has no sugar. I know it is higher in fat. Maybe I would be better off with a different creamer???