Newbies

Hi, Lizkaz1. The video discussed artificial or overprocessed versions of popular foods that should be healthy, but have been manipulated into being particularly harmful to your goals. Rather than giving up on them altogether, we encourage better versions in their original, natural forms. Note that the foods discussed in the video are only examples, and many other popular foods have been similarly affected—so it’s good to read labels, be aware of how a food is made, and choose whole foods as much as possible.
1. Regular “whole wheat” bread—this often also contains refined flours, so it is preferred to select “100% whole” grain products (wheat or other). Even with these products, be sure to read the label and avoid hydrogenated fats or similar ingredients such as mono- and diglycerides.
2. Regular margarine—this is often made from chemically altered fats that create health risks similar to those people are trying to avoid by eating a plant-based product. If you must use a hardened oil, t is better to choose those based on coconut oil, and otherwise to use healthy liquid oils, such as olive, as much as possible.
3. Artificial sweeteners—you can read more about this here: http://www.trimdownclub.com/the-best-way-to-sweeten-your-tea-2.
4. Regular orange juice—If it is in a store, it is likely to have been stripped of what makes it healthy. Even if vitamins etc. have been added back in, it really is not the same. Fresh-squeezed is the way to go.
5. Conventional and overly processed soy—organic is fine, and minimally processed items such as tofu, yogurt, and milk, as well as fermented items such as tempeh and natto are fine. However, most pre-packaged mock meats tend to be a problem.

Hi, I just joined the club a week ago, and have done my 1st weigh in, and I’ve only lost 1 pound. I’m so disappointed. I have stuck to the diet, but haven’t managed to eat all of every meal. Also, I have bad arthritis in most joints, but mainly in my spine & while in the bath last Wednesday I reached forward, felt and heard my lower back crack, & have partially slipped a disc, so I’m on complete bed rest for at least a week, or longer, depending on how long it takes to recover, so do I need to reduce my food intake until then? UKCatlady

Hi, UKCatLady. First, slow weight loss is VERY normal when starting a program that meets your nutritional needs instead of starving you – so no worries. Second, I’m so sorry to read of your injury – I wish you a fast and full recovery (by the way, do ask your healthcare providers about rehab exercises you can do).
Meanwhile, you can right-size your food intake here by changing the weight in your profile to something in-between your current and goal weights – I recommend 168 pounds or 77 kg.

Hi All, I’m on day 3 and I would actually say day 1 all over again because yesterday’s family visit turned into an eat-athon. So anyway I’m finding myself sucking down water like crazy and still im hungry even 30 minutes after snack. I dont think i can do another bowl of lettuce. Does this hunger diminish? Anyone else hungry?

Hi, Christina. Yes, the hunger is likely to diminish. It’s just a matter of gradually getting used to it – no worries, don’t rush it.

I just signed up and I am looking at my menu am I supposed to eat all the food on my dayly menu or chose 1 item to eat example snack there is like three items do I eat all three items at snack time or do I chose one this is Sssyct59

Hi, Sssyct. The intention is for you to eat all the items in your menu.