Questions from a new user

[annchilds]

Hi there–I am a new user. I think I have missed something fundamental about the program: what are the menu exchanges? I see there is an option to view a Carbs, Protein, Fats, Fruits and Vegetables chart of the weekly menu. Are those the 5 elements to track? How many total should there be for meals, and for snacks? Is that how to determine what can be swapped out? I have a frugal kitchen and need to be able to use ingredients in the form they are available and as they are available. For instance, I’m fortunate to purchase whole organic chickens from a local grower, so I need to be able to use all parts of the chicken, if not from TrimDown recipes, then from my own creations. I have lots of eggplant coming out of my garden, and need more than the 2 recipes shown as a search result. Second question: There are several broken links on the website — where should those be reported?

[Sannalady1]

Another new user. I have been here a month or two and I now have a picture. How do I add it?

[Sannalady1]

As you can see, I found the information on how to add a picture in FAQS. Thanks for the answers to both questions. Thanks also for the speed in replying!

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, annchilds. The following is the link to the exchanges http://www.trimdownclub.com/exchanges-lists/. They are similar to those used by the American Diabetic Association.
The totals for each meal vary from person to person. If you are interested in yours, what you see in “View Menu Exchange” is the pattern. You can swap foods in the same food groups – as you noted, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables (though if you want to trade a fruit for a vegetable, that’s fine, as it reduces the sugar content).
It’s great that you are preparing your own recipes – that sort of independence can make your progress here that much more sustainable.

[annchilds]

Thanks–this was helpful. I notice that a few of the recipes have the Carbs-Protein-Fats-Fruits-Veg values broken out. That’s REALLY helpful to me–I get to use community recipes and be able to judge if they fit my Trim Down profile. Is there any plan to do this going forward (and going back?).

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Ann. Sorry, I’m not sure I understand your question. Do we plan what going forward or backward? Adding nutritional information to recipes?

[annchilds]

Yes, the Carbs-Protein-Fats-Fruits-Veg values.

[Ossie-Sharon]

Yes, we will continue to add values. They are indeed important. Thanks for the feedback! 🙂

[kydano]

I don’t see tomatos on the list? Is this a free food??

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, kydano. Tomato is not a free food, but rather presented in a separate list that you can see when you click on “Vegetables of Your Choice” in your menu. Here is the link: http://www.trimdownclub.com/vegetables-3/

[candacemcnabb]

I just began this diet 2 days ago. My small town does not sell grass fed chickens. Any suggestions? Thank you! Candace

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Candace. How about free range? organic? Those are fine, too.

[candacemcnabb]

We do not have any healthy chicken in our town. Is there a place that I could get them online? Thanks!!!

[melindab123]

Can you help me understand the amount of food? I can’t eat this much. Will I still lose weight if I cut some of the portion sizes down?
I was diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago. I quit smoking to get healthier and now I’m heavier than ever. Diabetic smoker or Diabetic overweight. I fell like I’m in a catch 22 situation.

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Melinda. Because this program is a lifestyle and not a restrictive diet, it will definitely seem like a lot of food. The amount is to ensure you are not hungry, and to keep your metabolism up. Also, because the foods are unprocessed, the volume (allowed) is larger than for processed (denser) foods.
I will go into more detail about your specific needs in your other post.

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