Is it important that I eat all of the food on the menu daily?

[DustyWalters]

To much food! Is it necessary to eat all the food on the menu daily to get the benefit of the over all diet? Even my husband has a problem eating it all.

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Dusty. It is good that you get in tune with your hunger signals, so no. Just be sure not to skimp on breakfast, protein, or fruits and vegetables (recommended to get 5 servings total each day). Also be sure not to eat so little that you get hungry at the end of the day, or eat so little that you run the risk of rebound weight gain.

[krakenmama]

I have just joined and must admit after seeing my menu plan feel a bit overwhelmed and wondering if I have made a mistake. Sorry. It just seems there is so much food and so many different foods in the day I will never get out of the kitchen. I guess it’s all new to me but is there a way I can simplify my menus?

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, krakenmama, and welcome. You can limit items by combining portion sizes of the same food groups – for example, if you have 1-2 ounces of meat and 1-2 ounces of another protein food, you can just have 3 ounces of one of the protein foods, the same with the starch. Just be sure to get variety in your fruits and vegetables, and be sure to get at least 3 servings of calcium-rich foods throughout the day.

[blessingcatcher]

Hi, Krakenmama! Just a bit of encouragement: I felt that way too, when I first joined TDC. I thought I was married to the kitchen! But, as you get used to the menu designed especially for you, and the amounts you need to eat, it gets easier and easier! You will find that soon, it becomes second nature and you are remembering what to eat and how much, even when you go out to eat! 🙂 I have been on TDC for a year now, and I promise, it DOES get easier! Good luck!

[Montgom]

Hi krakenmama: As with Blessingcatcher, I too felt confused when I first started TDC a couple months ago. It has taken me about a month of fidgeting with the menus and getting substitutes that I like and will eat. Now that I have this down pat I have printed off 7 days menus and if I don’t have the ingredients for one meal or snack I will substitute one from another menu that has the same nutrient value. Works like a charm and I’m not always struggling to keep up to the choices. Far less confusing in the kitchen and much less work. Glad to have you on board – TDC works.
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[karenscott]

I’m new to this program, also, and it is somewhat overwhelming. Especially, when trying to decide a meal, without using the meal planner all the time. I don’t know when I have enough items to meat protein, carbs, etc quota for the day. I am also looking for a list of vegetables and fruits that have a lot of potassium in them. Can anyone help with this? thanks, Karen

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, KarenScott. You can use the pattern provided in “View Menu Exchanges” – click on the link to the right of your finished menu. The exchange lists are here: http://www.trimdownclub.com/exchanges-lists. The following is the US National Institutes of Health information page on potassium, including food sources: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002413.htm.

[dotbibber]

I agree with everyone who is new…I’m new, only one week (almost0 and so much food…..the menu has me in the kitchen all the time, and this is not possible…can I get a list of foods that are good, which one to put together, and so on….HELP!!!

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, dotbibber. The foods considered the best are listed in the lighter blue. You can reduce the variety in your menu not only by selecting only the minimum options, but also by clicking on “Change recipe & food variety” and specifying what would work best for you.

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