Success stories? Anyone care to share?

[ermaphebus]

just checked out the foods…cannot get almond flour or quinoa flour…any substitutes??

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Erma, and welcome. First, do take advantage of the following link, which provides some tips on where to find specialty foods http://www.trimdownclub.com/where-to-buy-uk/. Anything you can’t find in stores you can order, sometimes with free shipping. Beyond that, the rarely told “secret” is that quinoa and almond flours are actually just finely ground “meals” – in other words, you can make them at home with a grinder or food processor by just grinding for a few minutes. Note about quinoa: you get the best flavor by toasting the grains before grinding. Note about almonds: if you grind them for a very long period (i.e. close to 10 minutes), the mix becomes buttery unless the almonds are first toasted.
If you want to buy readymade substitutes: if you are not gluten-sensitive, you can use regular whole grain flour in place of quinoa flour. Substituting for almond flour requires some change in proportions: swap out all the flours in the recipe for regular flour, and add 3 tablespoons of oil for each cup of regular flour used.

[jayhilmey]

In 4 weeks my weight has dropped 11 lbs (more to go!) and the most difficult part was getting started. The menu options seemed overwhelming with strange food names I never heard, but with modifications I can live with, a way of life is evolving. Cut carbs, sugars, eat 1 portion not 2-3, endless water, and exercise. It really does matter. My life is somewhat dictated to by COPD, so the weight loss has had a HUGE positive impact on my stamina which translates into longer, more effective exercise sessions, thus more weight loss. Thank you Trim Down Club!

[rocks]

i have been on this program for about 1 1/2 weeks and have lost 5 pounds. I’m hoping that by my birthday i will reach my goal at 133.
Wish me luck 🙂

[SDubois]

I started few days ago and decided to first cut my plate size and then much on vegetables like peppers, celery, mini tomatoes and changed my bread for toast to whole wheat: lost 4 pounds. I hate it so eat less. I am excited to get down from 167 now to 135 pounds. Thank you for your emails…..

[operagirl]

I have just started this program. I am realizing that I’m eating the wrong carbs. I’m not going “cold turkey” on my usual cereal, but rather keep increasing bran to my Special K and see how I do.
I’m glad that they all Almond milk and Cottage Cheese. I’m lactose intolerant.
Does anyone like Almond Milk?

[alovett]

I joined this program 4 weeks ago. I have lost 7 1/2 pounds. My goal is to lose 11 total. Since I changed careers 2years ago and spend more time at a desk I have gained over 10 lbs and I am not ok with that. It is amazing to me how much longer it takes to drop pounds than it used to. My sister always told me the older you get the harder it is. I do not completely use the menus. Too many weird foods for me and too many calories. I am a firm believer in you have to burn more than you take in to lose weight. On the days I work out I know I can eat a little more and still lose weight. I have taken up running/walking and this seems to help with the weight loss. Good luck to everyone.

[teachablemom]

I just joined yesterday and started the menu planning today. My body responds best to less carbs, so I am hoping that the better carb recommendations on this plan will help me not feel so deprived. Should I follow the diabetic plan for better results even if I am not diabetic?

[teachablemom]

I just joined yesterday. I began the menu planner last evening and finished this morning. I am making the SWG bread today!!! Can’t wait. My body responds better to low carbs/natural carbs so I hope that this plan will help me not feel deprived. Should I follow the diabetic plan even if I am not diabetic?

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, teachablemom. If you know which foods to avoid to limit your intake of simple sugars, then you don’t need to use the diabetic menu planner. In general, the program is fairly low in carbohydrates and diabetes-friendly.

[jude]

Hello I have just joined and I am from New Zealand. Any Kiwis out there? there are foods on the list I have never heard of! What are Jerusalem Artichokes? What is Natto, Seutan and tempeh? Also, what is spelt bread? I am very interested in Hickory nuts as well… what are they? I would be very grateful if someone would enlighten me as I don’t want to miss out on any potentially ‘exciting’ food lol! I am about to take the ‘plunge’ and have read the material given. It all sounds awesome to me and I am excited about the whole program. I am wishing everyone all the very best and please wish the same for yours truly… thank you:)

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Jude. Until other kiwis chime in here, I just want to note that some of the foods in the Menu Planner lists are considered unfamiliar because they are not widely marketed – part of the reason they are good choices. These foods were chosen for their higher health level that many mainstream foods (partly because they are less manipulated for sales), and have been found to make a good contribution to healthy metabolism and weight loss.
Regarding your individual questions:
1. Jerusalem artichoke is also known as a “sunchoke,” and you can see an NZ blog here http://www.kai.org.nz/jerusalem-artichoke.
2. Natto and tempeh are fermented soy products used for vegetarian (vegan) protein, available at health-oriented and Asian markets and online (http://www.tokyofood.co.nz/products/ and http://www.commonsenseorganics.co.nz/online-shop/fridge-foods-and-dairy/tofu-products/110873-tempeh). Soy is known to be best if it is fermented – it enhances digestion and benefits, and these are two products. Getting organic soy products is also important, because non-organic soy has undergone unhealthy manipulation.
3. Seitan is also known as “gluten meat” or “wheat mean,” a gluten-based meat alternative for vegans – high in protein, low in fat and carbohydrates http://www.commonsenseorganics.co.nz/online-shop/fridge-foods-and-dairy/tofu-products/43353-seitan
4. Hickory nuts are nuts from the hickory tree, which are grown in New Zealand for timber. Their taste has been described as simliar to pecans, though they are much smaller.
I hope this helps.

[jude]

Thank you Ossie. that info will help me a lot. Also, I am interested in Amaranth, Edamame and Spelt Bread. What are these? and where do I get them from? I am asking these questions to find out this info quickly as I don’t have the time/energy to look around too much out there. I am coping with fibromyalgia and diabetes 2 (no drugs for both)… can be tiring. I am grateful for any help and guidance:)

[Ossie-Sharon]

Hi, Jude. These types of items are found in health-oriented shops and online. I would encourage you to pay a visit to such a shop near you (http://www.organicexplorer.co.nz/shop/New+Directory/Browse+By+Type/EAT/Retail+Store.html).
You can see examples here of spelt bread http://www.commonsenseorganics.co.nz/online-shop/groceries/bread/40957-soul-spelt-bread, amaranth http://www.commonsenseorganics.co.nz/online-shop/groceries?r=1&hct=326&search_text=amaranth&ct=311&x=-865&y=-273, and edamame (green soybeans) http://shop.countdown.co.nz/Shop/ProductDetails?Stockcode=702489&name=edamame-beans-soy-masaman-shelled (information here http://www.mamasan.co.nz/index.php/products/edamame-soybeans).

[MaryBishop]

I have not been keeping a record of my weight nor checking in for recipe ideas. No weight loss, no surprise! As they say in school reports ” must try harder “!

[Author]

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