[Jayjay55]

Hi - I need some help -- I am not on LAWL so I have little or no idea about the plan. My mom told me the other day she had joined a couple of months ago. She hadn't said anything (she is cheap as the day is long so she was embarassed to admit to spending money LOL). She watched two family members lose and maintain fabulous weight loss so hoped she would also do the same.

Today she confessed to me that since she started she has noticed a decline in her energy levels (they weren't high to begin with) and she is constantly constipated (sorry if it's too much information). I checked a couple of her daily plans and added up her calories she is eating around 1100 calories a day. She is almost 78, weighs 185ish, is 5'5" and has numerous health issues.

Again I am no expert just someone who has done a lot of research online etc etc and I am worried that the 1100 a day with little or no fats and carbs and reduced veggies and fruit is just not healthy for someone with her age and health problems (she has RA and lymphoma). She really doesn't want to abandon the plan -- but I think she should be adding some extra calories each day. She refused to purchase the bars and I wonder if they pack an extra punch that the body needs. I see others suggest other bars as an substitute.

Is 1100 calories a day the norm for the plan? I really would love to be able to give her some good advice from other sources -- I believe her confidence in her counsellors is low (one didn't even know what rhubarb was)

Thanks

[MrsCJ]

I hope your Mom got an OK from her physician before joining LAWL? I would be a little worried about someone her age and with health issues going on this type of diet.
The constipation is common with low carb diets, and her lack of energy could be from the lack of carbs.

[Leesee]

Could you go to her center and talk to the folks there? She is missing out on some protein and calories by not eating the bars. I know some people use the Luna or Slim Fast meal replacement bars.

[Kimphin]

1100 calories is a little low - the plans usually run 1300- 1600calories. It sounds like she is on a plan with lites, but is not eating them (lites are around 90-170calories each, plans call for 2 a day).

She should either be moved up a plan or should supplement with other protein bars - that's proabably why she is sluggish too.

A side effect of the plans can be constipation - the counselors at my COD ask everytime I'm there - "how are your BM's?" a little disconcerting at first!!! If she is going to a COD, she should let them know that she is having a problem.

[Snowdogs]

Why do the COD's ask about that - I mean what can they do about it? What to they tell you to do about constipation?
It hasn't happened to me, but I don't want it to either :-)

[Kimphin]

I don't know! LOL - but I am assuming that they might have some suggestions.

I know that this has been discussed in other threads of ours... I just can't remember what the suggested fix was.

[emmysmom]

As far as the reduced fruits and veggies...is she measuring what she could have? Only because I don't think of LAWL as being reduced fruits and veggies....especially the veggie part.

As far as the constipation, I swear by taking EFA's (essential fatty acids)...they come in a capsule form. They give you your omega's and things your body needs. They not only give you very healthy hair and nails, but they help "move things along"...very good supplement to add to your daily intake. You can buy them at the centers as well.

[Dan2112]

Originally Posted by Snowdogs

Why do the COD's ask about that - I mean what can they do about it? What to they tell you to do about constipation?
It hasn't happened to me, but I don't want it to either :-)

Well, unfortunately, constipation is a common side effect of suddenly eating healthy, boosting your veggie intake and lowering your carbs... It's been a constant struggle for me throughout the diet..

I've countered that with increased fiber intake, both naturally through certain foods and also through fiber supplements. The COD's sell a tea called "Nature's Reply" (gotta love the humor in that!) that has a mild leve of stimulant laxative... It tastes really good and is pretty effective for casual use.


JayJay, ask your mom to talk to the counselors about getting a list of fiber-rich, plan approved foods she can eat that will help with the "back up".

[Jayjay55]

Oh thank you all so very very much I will definitely mention a few of the suggestions. I don't want her to quit -- I think its good for her to be accountable to someone and it is really healthy eating. I agree that if she was eating the two bars a day that would boost her calories to a good range.

Tina I will get her to check out the EFA's I know she does take fish oil capsules.

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

[slim n trim]

hey Jayjay....

just curious .... I see by your stats you are doing great with your weight loss also.... was wondering what plan you are on?

Hope all goes well with your mom and you to.

[Meonadiet]

I just registered today. I am excited about getting a "diet" education. I've tried a lot of diets with little luck. My question is in regard to LAWL products. A friend of mine bought me the cleansing juice and gave me the instruction sheet. I followed it to the letter and even increased the recommended water consumption. I have not started the "cleansing" if you know what I mean, and I am so "out of sorts" to say the least. What do you guys suggest, and why do you think it didn't work for me? My friend had action within two hours of starting it. Meonadiet