All this info is so helpful. I am learning things to ask and look for when I go in for my food class. I hope my center has a trade out basket so if I don't like something I can use the basket. I want to try all the different things so that I can see what I like and be able to then eat the ones I like. This would make the eating plan easier but at the same time will get rather expensive if I buy things in bulk and then don't like them!

Laura -
My center in Jacksonville does have a trade basket. I am pretty sure that all the centers would.
Jeanne in Jax

Thanks for the reassurance and positive advice. I'm nervous going in this week because some of the things I ate during Christmas there was no where to even write them on my menu, like peanut brittle. It just kept "jumping" into my hand and before I knew it, it was in my mouth & I was chomping away! Not a good choice and back to my old habits of not realize what I'm putting into my mouth!

LOL -- they won't kick you out - they're well aware that every one of their clients are human and won't always be perfect. Sometimes we just have to do the best we can in the situation we're in. Don't lie on your menu - just tell them what the situation was, and get back on the wagon now.

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have taken time to share advice with new folks. I'm nearing the end of day 1 of the first four. Being able to hear from others who have tackled this is very, very helpful.

Enjoy all the encouragement and widsom. I am also on day 1 of 1-4! Ya'll are a wealth of info! Thanks.

SlimInside & KathyH-
Welcome! I am also on day 1 of 1-4.

I was very irrationally angry for most of the day. Now I know that 3 year olds will be 3, but...
I use to eat for emotional support, could this have been affecting me?
Thanks,
Jeanne in Jax

Jeanne--the first 3-4 days are really tough! The carb withdrawal combined w/ low calorie menu can make you cranky, irritable, headachy, etc. Push through and you will feel better after a few days!

Thanks! I have lost just under 5 lbs, so I am sticking with it. DH is now talking about joining also! That would make me a very happy person - of course he would lose faster than me.

Jeanne in Jax

PS, I just now figured out how to quote someone

Yah! Made it to day 2! I too was irritable at times. Just kind of snappy when I really didn't mean to be. I am sure it was from withdrawal. My family just stayed clear but were very supportive (thank goodness). On to day 2. Taking our daughter back to U of FL so I am going to pack my food. I wil be eating 2 meals on the road so I am looking at it as a picnic! Wishing Jeanne in Jax and Sliminside and great day 2!

Looking back now, I can tell you guys that I, too, acted like a brat quite early on. Really made me realize (later of course) how much I emotionally ate, and was just throwing a fit when I couldn't. Really mature at the time But that was almost 6 months ago, and I've learned so much about myself. You may also be pretty tired at first....okay, I was for 6 weeks. Don't try to exercise more than they tell you. I think that was 1/2 my problem. You simply aren't eating enough calories to. Mindi

is there actually a preconditioning menu because i didn't find one in my folder? i signed up on wednesday and was told to cut back on carbs and drink my water and try to eat three balanced meals a day *my breakfast was typically a granola bar or nutrigrain bar abt 10 am on my first break at work* to start with and to come back on tuesday to check in before my first class on friday. i quite coffee and cokes months ago already cuz they were eating holes in my stomach and i quit tea too a few weeks ago because my friend who did this plan a little over a year ago told me a little about it before so i'd already made some changes before i went in to the center. i got rid of *ate or gave away* all my junk food last month so now i'm down to just the stuff that i've bought in prep for doing this based on what my friend told me i'd need to stock up on, frozen veggies and white meats and things. if there's something more specific i should be doing and i'm not.....

Thanks,

Connie

Hello Jeanne in Jax and skinnyinside, did you make it through day 2? I survived it! Family ate at a restauarant. When the hostess asked if we want to eat inside or outside, I quickly replied, "outside". That made it easier for me not to order a meal and it not be so obvious. They ate between my lunch and dinner so it wasn't so bad because I wasn't hungry. On to day 3. Only 2 more days to a new adventure! Day 5 - 11. Cant wait.

KathyH - Congratulations on eating out (and not eating) yesterday!
Emotionally I was better yesterday. I figured out that I was "emotionally" crashing between breakfast and lunch. It's four hours and I don't have a snack there. This is something that I will bring up tomorrow!

Tuesday is my day 4, and I am definitely wondering what 5-11 will bring. I have a monthly ladies night out that I do with friends (we have known each other 13+ years) on Thursday. I am wondering what I will be able to eat, I know the restaurant's menu pretty well, it is the MRC that I have to figure out. I am hoping that the person at the center will be able to help with that as well.

Hope you and skinnyinside are doing great!
Jeanne in Jax

Way to go Jeanne in Jax. If you are going out, it looks like we can always order grilled chicken or fish and steamed veggies. Also a salad first would fill you up. Let me know how your mrc visit goes tomorrow. Which center to you go to? My sister is in Jax and she is also on the program. I am going to the Brandon local. It is a long ride for me ( 1.25 hours) but I think the whole accoutability thing is what will make the difference this time! Good luck tonight and remember...Only one more day and we move on! Stay strong