Newbies

Hi, user_mealplan_395499. It is butter substitute made with good fats such as olive and flax oils, and with almost no trans-fats or mono/diglycerides. The fat content of “light” or fat-reduced spreads is lowered by replacing some fat with protein and water. Some of these contain added plant sterols and stanols, a type of fat found in vegetable oil, nuts, legumes, grains, cereals, wood pulp and leaves, which are able to reduce cholesterol absorption from the small intestine into the bloodstream.

1)Could you give some examples of good “light buttery spreads” and how do you rate them compared to butter?
2)Thanks for the explanation of what to look for when considering whole wheat products. Could you explain the difference between good and bad soy products and maybe give some examples too?
3)An explanation of good vs bad corn products would be helpful too since it, wheat, and soy are on your list of things never to eat!
4) My question on cracklin oat bran cold cereal is: How would you rate that cereal compared to shredded wheat and other cold cereals you have listed? very light blue, light blue, blue or dark blue(I think that’s how you have things rated right?)
5) Lastly is how would you rate xylitol on the same scale. I don’t really like stevia very much because of the aftertaste and monkfruit sweetener I haven’t seen. Where is that available?

Newbie here. 1st question. I think I understand based on the weight my husband entered is how they determine the amount of food to eat per day, is this correct? Is the weight entered determining this? Husband thinking the menus look like a lot of food but when looking at just ounces for portions, he thinks not enough food. We are used to maybe getting in 1 meal per day and if 2, most likely not healthy. I said the foods on the list are meant to make him feel full and eating all day is the purpose of this to boost metabolism etc….

Hi canyon,

To get tips and guidelines that will help you get the most out of the menu planner application, simply click on the following link: http://www.trimdownclub.com/menu-planner-tutorial/

Additionally, below is an explanation on how to use the Menu Planner:

1) Go to http://www.trimdownclub.com

2) On the top right corner of the homepage click Login

3) Now, enter your username and password (You can also use your email address as your username. If you lost or forgot your password, click Login and then choose “lost password.” Follow the steps on the screen to reset your password)

4) Once you are logged in, click on “Create a Menu”

5) To create a personal menu plan where you have the ability to choose your own foods, simply click on “START MENU PLANNER” (orange button to the right of the page). If you prefer to receive a pre-planned menu, simply click on “READY-TO-GO MENU”.

6) If you chose to create your own menu, you’ll have to add your favorite foods to your menu plan. Switch between the main food categories by clicking on the boxes (Carbs, Proteins, Fats, Sweets, Vegetables, Fruit) above the meal planner. Please note that you will only be able to finalize your choices and click on “SAVE & CREATE MENU” when all meals have enough selections in them (8 Carbs and 8 Proteins for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks; 3 Fats for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks; 2 Sweets for Snacks; 6 Fruits for Snacks; Vegetables are unlimited)

7) Then, once your menu is completed, from within the main Menu Planner Application Area, under “Measurement” select the measurement system you would like to use for your menu plan (Ounces or Grams)

8) Additionally, click on “Grocery List” to create a complete shopping list for all the items in your menu. In the next screen that appears, select the days you want to generate a grocery list for. Add the first day and the last day using the dropdown menu. For example, selecting Monday as a first day and Tuesday as the last day will generate a list for both Monday and Tuesday’s meals. A complete list of all the items you need to buy will appear broken down into categories such as: nuts, fruits, grains etc. for easy reference while you’re shopping. To print your grocery list, click on “Print this grocery list”, located at the top right of the screen

9) To print your weekly menu, click on “Print Menu”. A new window will now open where you can print out your personalized menu and take it with you

Best 😉

With regard to chili con carne, yes – and if it is homemade, so much the better! Most recipes are fine.

I just signed up today. I am a little overwhelmed. I did the three steps to get started and watched the 5 foods I should not eat. Does anyone have any pointers or tips or something that helps them with food choices and menu?

Hmm not sure, I’m new today… just sorting out shopping list.. as from uk some stuff might have difficulty getting but will have a go. Looking forward to shedding those pounds

Hi, Gran4, and welcome! Please do take advantage of our shopping guide – http://www.trimdownclub.com/where-to-buy-uk. One of the links, http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk, has some brief descriptions of the foods that you may find helpful. If you have time, you can search our articles (link above) for lengthier descriptions.