Okay ladies...I hear Rocki and BigDog talk about protein drinks from Diet Direct, so is it just any protein drink will do for a HNS or does it have to have some specifications. Cause I am looking for stuff I can use while cooking..that way I don't have to do yours and mine anymore. (Also it helps get my husband a little weight loss too.) Plus, the boxes of HNS from the center are ridiculous!!!! When I have the money I try for the ten for 100, but who really has $100 laying around every month at exactly the right time for this? Not I!!! I'd still get my cocoa from there but that's about it.

Also, don't know if anyone has shared this yet, but my centers Manager shared a great additive to the cocoa that's totally on plan (as long as its once per day) and you can still feel like your getting your starbucks. Take a Nescafe Instant Coffee packet...play around with them find some you like..their the to-go packets and it's a mocha. For me coffee has always been too strong, gives me a stomach ache so I really had to be jonesing for some caffeine before I would get some, but this is fabulous...smells really strong like coffee, but is really super chocolatey. Almost don't taste the coffee. Last week I was at the store and they had dark roast, french roast, and just regular instant...I think to change it up I may try the french roast. Hope this was helpful to someone!

1.5 down today! 2 lbs down for the week. Just shy of my goal (which is 2.5 lbs for the week) but I'm pretty proud of myself. Down 15 total now.

I've been thinking a lot about my ultimate goal. My MRC goal weight is 140 but my ultimate is 130. The lowest adult-post-four-babies weight I've ever been is 138 and I felt great there but felt I could lose 5 more pounds. I was a size 4. Since, then I've had a breast reduction, permanently removing 3 more pounds, and then I'd like to lose a few more for leeway. But I'm not sure I really want to be smaller than a size 4. I'm not tall and I'm not small framed, either. I've got big breasts (well, not so big anymore!) and big hips and I really do like my shape without extra weight on it. How did you all decide what your goal weight should be?

They have WonderSlim, ProtiDiet, and BariWise drinks on their site. I'm pretty sure any of those are okay. As long as they don't have extra starch in them (pasta, oatmeal, and such). I really think some of them are made @ the same plant b/c they're exactly the same packaging, just the name is different on the box. Double check the nutritional values. They're boxes go on sale for $9.99 sometimes, which isn't cheap, BUT there's always a coupon code that is 10-20% and they are stackable. For example, I spent around $180 but got to use one code that was $15 and one that was $16 off. So that brought my total back to 150 and I got a TON of stuff. I got bars, 2 jars of protein mix, soups, and puddings.

Cassie-like you, we are following Dave Ramsey's babysteps...should complete step #2 this month!! It has been a long road, which is part of the reason it was a hard decision to do MRC since we live on such a tight budget. I used some birthday money and clothing money for the sign up fee. I upped our grocery budget by $120 per month as that is about how much it is for me to have 3 HNS's per day (some days I do, some I don't). And if I factored in what I was saving since I'm not hitting the vending machine, drive thru, etc, I'm sure its more like $80 more a month. But DH and I both decided it was worth it and the time was now. He has been so supportive. I'm keeping all my MRC receipts so if I feel like I want to back slide I'll just look at the money I spent, that's motivating for me. I haven't used diet direct, others have so they would be more helpful. If you want to try a different protein supplement, it needs to have very close to the same calorie/carb/protein/fat amounts. I do use a cheap walmart (Body Fortress) kind that for half a scoop is the same as one HNS. It's nice when I need a break...and something I would use once i"m done with MRC.

1bighog-I honestly had no idea where to set my goal. I am at my lowest now, so I have no idea what any other weight will be like. I don't even know size wise where I will feel most comfortable. I want it to be a weight I can maintain with healthy eating and exercise (I like to exercise, already looking forward to training for some races this summer). A healthy BMI for me is 145, but I did a calculation using my body fat to see what weight would be healthy for me at a given body fat...and that came up with 161. So I just kinda guessed at 150. If I get there I definitely would want to stabilize a while before trying to lose any more. I may want to stabilize at 155...I honestly just don't know Size wise I'm shooting for 10's and medium tops, but that's all still just a guess.

I based mine on what I thought I could maintain, remembering back to the last time I was this weight.

My MRC goal was initially 191. They told me we could re-evaluate that and I could go lower once I got close to that weight.

At first, I set my personal goal weight at 195. The last time I weighed 190 I felt great--I had lost the 40lbs I put on during college, was exercising and physically fit, and liked how I looked--even though I still felt I could lose another 10lbs or so. However, that was also when I was new to teaching, and once the school year started (I lost the weight during the summer before my 2nd year of teaching), I found it REALLY hard to maintain. It was hard to fit in the exercise after work (I'm not a morning person) with all the grading, extra-curriculars/supervising, and helping students that I had to do. Also, schools--like hospitals--are really hard to eat healthy in, as you never have time to have a decent meal and everyone brings lots of unhealthy treats to snack on. Gradually, my weight crept back up.

This time, Once I hit 190 (by accident--it was after our Alaskan vacation where we were very active and eating lots of fresh fish and crab, so I lost 5 pounds) and I realized it wouldn't be that difficult to lose a few more pounds...so I did. I got down to 187 and (and the start of the school year) thought, "That's cool. I'll try to stay here." Then I started training for a 5K and got down to 180lbs.

I am a size 14, I still have flabby upper arms and upper thighs, and I still have a gut. I could probably get rid of that if I lost another 10-20lbs (and would probably be down to a size 10 or 8). But I've been maintaining right at 180lbs since the start of November, and I'm happy here. I'm very fit (yoga 2-3x/week, running 2-3x/week) and can still indulge here and there, and THAT is what my goal has always been. If I *happen* to lose more weight during my yoga certification attempt or training for a 10K next spring, great! But I am comfortable and feel good where I am and am very happy with the lifestyle I have right now.

This was a very long answer to your question, but I hope it helps!

And whoever asked about prepping veggies. Here are a few things I do:

Have cut up green peppers, tomatoes, spinach, cukes, celery...the ones I like all ready to put in a salad. I can then also sautee the pepeprs, spinach, or celery as part of a recipe.

Veggies I sautee in a pan with a little olive oil (or can roast in the oven): peppers, zucchini, summer squash, green onion, spinach (I don't like that as much), green beans.

I try to have broccoli that is steamable in the bag on hand if all else fails

Spaghetti squash has been my newest try...I cut in half (not an easy task), bake it in the oven at 350 for 45ish minutes (you can also do it in a crockpot), then use a fork to take it out of the shell. It should be stringy like spaghetti. Some people then use it like a noodle in a pasta dish or soup. I like just to put a little ICINB spray with either salt and pepper or splenda & cinnamon. My newest love. After I cooked it I put it in 4oz portions...I think I had 7 or 8 from one squash.

Kbobs are another creative way to prepare veggies with protein.

1bighog...I have a question. When you started is about my weight range. I started at 270 and that was down from what I originally weighed at the first of the year at almost 300. (Not a good moment for me.) But now your at 177 which is the range I want to get to. How long have you been working the program? How much did you exercise? Did you take any supplements? Did you stick completely on plan?

My 1st month anniversary will be on the 20th and after my weigh in today I am still hovering at 261. I can't get the last pesky pound to come off. But I have had my OP moments. The sweets still mess me up or eating a "bite" of an off plan food. And I don't really exercise more than what I normally do. I used to think I had a sedentary lifestyle, but it was pointed out to me the other day that anyone in the hotel industry doesn't have a sedentary lifestyle. When your at work for 75% of the time your walking, running, or doing something that keeps you active. But, if that's my normal than I want to add other stuff in. I just kinda feel like a failure right now. (It's not a really good day...maintained at my weigh in, no loss. Found out my dad had a heart attack this morning and I may not be able to get out of work to go be with him in the hospital.) I am proud of myself for losing the 9 pounds I have, but I kinda wanted it to go a little faster.


NWCGina...Dave Ramsey is my hero!!!! I really think if my husband and I hadn't started this plan, we'd be divorced, broke, and homeless. We're still working on babystep #2. But the end is in sight...if we get gazelle intense it'll be a year, if we continue on just budgeting it'll be two-three years. He says he's gonna get gazelle intense and than it never materializes. It's great to know that someone else is out there working the steps and doing MRC too...I don't feel like I'm cheating the steps so much now. (Thanks for the veggie prep!!! I asked and that helps alot!)

Sorry for the rant ladies...it's just been one of those weeks.

Hey, Cassie! I've been on MRC for exactly 5 weeks now and I'm down 15 pounds. I lost most the weight during pre-condition and the first week; I lost 8 pounds then.

I have not exercised AT ALL. I do have 4 kids and a 2 story house and I rarely sit, but no formal exercise program. I actually do like working out and plan to start up at the end of the month...I plan for it to be a big part of maintenance for me, but for now I'm scared that it will just make me hungry.

I take a few supplements. I take the multivitamin and krill. I also got a bottle of MSM because I bought a starter pack that came with something else that I didn't want and they let me trade it out. I bought Fat & Carb blocker because I planned on going off program during Thanksgiving week due to traveling and all, but I don't take it very often.

I was super strict with the program in the first few weeks and that's when I saw the most benefit, obviously. I have cheated the past couple of weekends and while I have still posted a loss, it's not as much as it used to be.

Also, I just want to point out that you are half a foot taller than I am! I'd look freaking amazing at my current weight and your height (probably even too thin!)

I have posted the fat -fighting pancake recipe on the maintenance forum.
Take a look see, if you are on stabilization you may be able to have this.
Not sure.. I know there are programs that are different than the Meta Slim I was on.

Patzi

Hi all! I joined MRC in Feb 2010, and by May, I had lost 30 lbs. I loved the plan and felt great.....THEN we went on vacation to Louisiana for my DH's best friend's wedding. It kind of all went down hill from there. I slowly went more and more off plan and eventually gained all the weight back plus a few lbs. I am excited to start back today, but nervous about doing it on my own. I know it is well worth the money, but since I have all the tools, I can't bring myself to spend all that money again. I just have to have the will power to do it...no matter if I go in to WI or do it at home. I am also excited to try the 100% Any Whey Protein as my HNS.

MRC is a great program, and I am hoping it works for me the second time around!

Good Morning!

i survived last night's Christmas party and had planned ahead :-) i took a bottle of diet tonic water w/ me, had a little bit of vodka for the first drink w/ lemons and limes and then refilled w/ tonic water the rest of the night. they had diet cranberry juice so added a splash of that to a couple of drinks.
i did sample some homemade turtle candy but mostly stuck to the cut up fruit, celery and cheese. they had ham biscuits and spinach dip, etc. and did have a bite but it was so rich and nasty to me (YAY!) i really like to eat "clean" now. i did have my tight jeans on. :-) to avoid overindulging. i noticed people getting louder and louder -(as they drank more) i was like wow, hadn't noticed that before LOL!
next is a Sunday Dinner Brunch w/ the inlaws @ the Country Club - guess i'll pile up on the veggies and seafood and just have one small dessert. i'm planning on drinking 4 HNSs tomorrow and no carb for b-fast and no fruit for lunch. i'll have to have wine - it's a necessity to survive the inlaws. i'll jump on my exercise bike for a few days besides walking to burn that off!

Regarding ordering from Diet Direct and Nashua, i get the Protidiet Pink Lemonade (clear HNS) and Hot Cocoa creamy HNS) Large Containers. i also like Syntrax choc. truffle and am going to try the lemonade. i've also bought Walmart vanilla protein powder - the Protidiet and Bariwise is the same cal and protein (15g) as MRC HNSs. The Syntrax brand is 100 cal. so i use less than one scoop. (has 23 g. protein)- the bars are a little cheaper too. wish they had more of the Protidiet flavors in the large containers...
i have alot of the pudding/shakes left and trying to find some cookie recipes to use them in. i can't get them to set like reg. pudding...some of the shakes are too sweet. i do like the Strawberry yogurt shake...

Rocki-- did you like the Syntrax Cherry?

Also, not really on plan but i've been making SF jello and having that for dessert daily. it's 10 cal and no sugar. has weaned me off the protein bars which i was eating like candy!
Diet Direct is offering free shipping!

Cassie T: Do you add the cocoa to the Nescafé? Is this the Hot Cocoa creamy HNS they sell at the center or another cocoa? I am so excited about this. I miss my Starbucks terribly. Thanks for the info!

sounds wonderful! i mix the Cocoa HNS to my lite coffee every day - it's so good! i also mix a little cold left over coffee w/ the vanilla or chocolate protein shakes - mocha is always good!

you can do it! you have the plan and just post your weight loss on this forum (like a virtual weigh in). it's funny but as soon as i lose, i immediately run to the computer and change my ticker :-) i like seeing that number getting lower and lower and it's motivating to me! i feel like i'm accountable to the ladies on this forum (they have wonderful advice and tips on losing) they are super cheerleaders!

So, it's ok to have some caffeine on the plan? Or should I be looking for decaf? Do you use Nescafé or something else?