Newbie with 10 Questions

[fhmeder]

I just joined Monday and am in the process of reading through various materials. I need to gradually adopt the menu plan as its a lot of food to begin with and I can’t exercise this week bc of a foot injury. I have a lot of questions:

1. 1/2 cup of edemame is on my menu. Is this a half cup of just the pods or half cup including shell?

2. I drink protein shakes that consist of Arbonne protein mix (1 scoop is 80 calories, 1.2 grams of fat, 1 gram fiber, 4.5 grams sugar, 10 grams protein and various vitamins and minerals); Nutri Clear by Biotics Research Corporation (1 scoop is 60 calories, 1 gram of fat, .5 gram fiber, 3 grams sugar, 8.5 grams protein and various vitamins and minerals); Arbonne Daily Fiber Boost (60 calories, 12 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar); 8 to 10 oz of water; frozen berries and/or bananas. I read in another post that we should avoid shakes and if we must have them to use organic. My understanding is that these products I use are organic. Given the ingredients, would this be a snack or a meal?

3. Is it possible to do this diet with 3 meals and 2 snacks instead of 3 snacks? I find that my 3rd snack isn’t until 8pm or later and I thought its not good to eat late. Thoughts?

4. I’ve been using coconut oil instead of extra virgin olive oil for the last few months and I keep hearing and reading that coconut oil is better than olive oil. Your manual says the opposite. Can you please explain? Should I revert back to EVOL? When should coconut oil be used?

5. Can I add a tsp of organic agave nectar to my oatmeal?

6. Energy bars…I read that we should try to avoid them, but I do like them if I’m out and about and need a snack. I usually eat Bounce Bars, Trek Bars, or Manuka Honey bars, all of which are certified organic and range from 180 to 280 calories and high in protein. Thoughts on this?

7. I love french fries. I probably have them as a side to a salad entree for lunch or dinner once or twice a week. Can I still have french fries?

8. Is greek yogurt with a bit of almond butter and agave ok for a snack?

9. How much time should lapse between meal and snack? 2 hrs? 1 hr?

10. Weight loss formula #1 sounds like just what I need. I know my cortisol is high and i have an insulin imbalance. If I start it and it works, is it something I need to take forever? Or can I reduce intake after a certain period of time and if so after how much time?

Thanks in advance and sorry for all the questions.

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, fhmeder. The following are answers to your questions:
1. 1/2 cup edamame is of just the legumes themselves without the shells. If you eat the tender part of the shells, that’s “free”.
2. Arbonne is fine. What you described is somewhere between a snack and meal in size. Whenever you have it, just adjust your other meals accordingly.
3. Yes, you can make that change – especially if you use your shake as a snack, which makes it bigger than the original. As for the latest snack, if you have it at least an hour before bed, you’ll be fine.
4. Coconut oil is fine in small amounts, but the research doesn’t really state that it’s better than olive oil in general. We recommend more extra-virgin olive oil than coconut, especially if you have cardiovascular health issues. Coconut oil can be used as seasoning, in baking, or as an ingredient in a shake or spread (such as plant-based buttery spread). Olive oil is great for cooking and sauces/dressings.

[Ossie-Sharon]

5. We don’t recommend agave nectar, as it can work against your efforts here. If you only use 1 tsp per day, it’s probably fine – but there are better options. You can read about them here: http://www.trimdownclub.com/the-best-way-to-sweeten-your-tea-2/.
6. The Trek and Manuka bars are fine, but the Bounce bars have agave and whey isolates, which may not be the best for you. Whole food ingredients are best.
7. If you can cut back to once a week and to 1 cup at a time, that’s fine.
8. That combination is great, except again for the agave – there are other alternatives that can be just as delicious.
9. Most people are comfortable with 2-1/2 to 3 hours between meals.
10. You can likely taper off the product as you lose weight and your measurements and general health improve. If you are interested in ordering, you can get service through the “Contact Us” link below.

I am very happy to answer your question, by the way! I wish you all the best here 🙂

[Author]

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