The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[ascicles]

I know that we are supposed to stick with Medifast products as much as possible, but I would like to find an alternative to Medifast crackers. They have 50 calories, and don't really offer a lot for that. Couldn't we just buy similar low calorie/carb crackers at the grocery store?

Plus, I forgot to order some with my most recent order, and I don't want to place another order for a few boxes of crackers.

[FORMOMMY]

Good question - I will be waiting for the answer. I would love an alternative when I run out.

[MusicalMomma]

I believe the answer would be that any cracker other than the MF crackers would be "off plan". Why? I really don't know. There was a similar question asked a month or so ago and it was debated, but no concrete answer was given by one of our pro's. Perhaps we'll get to the bottom of this

[ascicles]

I find it a little hard to believe that the medifast crackers are that different from things that you can find in stores.

They have 55 calories and 12 grams of carbs. By comparrison, 3 low fat/low sodium saltines (which would be about the same size, if not bigger than the pack of crackers) have 59 calories, 12 games of carbs, and 0g of sugar (the medifast crackers have one gram).

I can buy these in a giant box for $1.99, while it's $3.95 for seven small packets of the medifast crackers.

While I like the program, I think that medifast will occasionally introduce things like the crackers and salad dressing that really offer nothing different than something you can buy at your local supermarket...for a much lower cost. I don't even have a problem with this, because some people need the portion control that this sort of thing can provide. Personally, I don't (at least in this case).

[Pashta]

I used the equivalent in saltines once for a snack with no problems. I'm sure it's fine, but not for everyday use.

[Tiolazz]

I use Nabisco brand Premium fat free crackers, $ 1.39 for 1lb, which is 4 large sleeves.

Nutritional Facts for 5 crackers:
Calories: 60
Fat: 0
Carbs: 12g
protein: 1g

Medifast crackers:
Calories: 50
Fat: 0
Carbs: 12g
protein: 1g

seems to be the same just 10 calories more, and believe me, they taste much better, try them out... I seem to be on target for weight loss, so don't think it is doing me any harm.

[ascicles]

This is the sort of thing that I would like to use. Instead of five, I could eat 3-4 and get less calories. The size would probably be near that of the medifast crackers...and one box is probably equal to about 5-6 boxes of the medifast brand (around $20).

[bzlife1967]

It is most likely best to stick with medifast crackers, however, I will confess that I did try the south beach diet crackers. They tasted like wheat thins. Came in individual packets. The calories were more, sorry I don't have the box as this was a few weeks ago, but you might want to take a look at the nutritional information on the box next time you are at the store. Im not a fan of saltines, but like the wheat thin type crackers.

I didn't really care for the medifast crackers but sometimes miss something crunchy and salty and these even though higher in calories and carbs did seem to quench that craving and helped me not feel so deprived at my sons baseball game when normally I would be muching on sodium drenched sunflower seeds.

[angiedor]

I was waiting for somebody to raise this subject. I'm new, so I didn't how TABOO it would be. i think the medifast program is wonderful and nutritious and COMPLETE, but $$$$$$$$$. With enough research and once one is in the every 2-3 hours shake/pudding/whatever habit, I believe reasonably priced alternatives can be found. The internet is a wonderful resource. I also have a software program that has bazillions of foods and their nutrition info. It adds 'em up for me everyday too! This program has mcnuggets to medifast to jenny craig to south beach to WHATEVER all in it's massive database. I use it everyday to chart my consumption stats and weight charts. It rules!!

Anyway...if I wanna have a 1/2 cup of carrots, I just have a no-carb protein drink instead that day and I come out even. It's common sense. Those packets are not magic. I just think they are a innovative and convenient way to get into a great new way of living for rapid weight loss. Eventually, you have to think on your own and go with what MF has taught you. I DO believe that can be WAY before you hit your weight goal. I could take those thousands of dollars i saved and go on a cruise!!

This was all just my opinion. Remember Medifast is a business like any other business. And HAs are salespeople (albeit supportive salespeople). A "Health Advisor" has been ringing my phone off the hook trying to sell me the stuff when I never requested to be contacted.

Go with what your gut tells you. I still do use the products. I just use them for only half of my meals. Protein powders/puddings, meal replacements, and bars are out there just waiting for us to find them.

There...I've got that off my chest.

I do love you guys and this forum. I hope this post doesn't cause a stink. That is not my intention. We are after the same goal.

[Unca_Tim]

Hi Angie,
You have every right to voice your opinion on this forum. This forum was created for a dialog about Medifast products, the value of TSFL in reaching and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and support and information about the products and programs available.

Yes...anyone may tailor their own plan and substitute any foods or other products in any combinations they feel may work.

Will it be tested and proven by one of the most prestigious universities in the nation? Will it be balanced? Will you be getting all your nutrients? Will it be as effective at shedding the pounds. If not, are you saving money by being on the program longer, than if you followed it using only tested and proven products?

The answer to these questions (and many others I don't have time to list here at the moment) may be yes or no. What I'm getting at, is that we know by the thousands of posts since this forum was created, that when the program is followed closely, you WILL lose 2-5 pounds a week.

Is it possible that a health advisor is calling you because she's concerned about you and would like to help you reach and maintain your goal?

I must tell you that I have many "clients" now, and the last thing I'm thinking about when I talk to them, is how much money I will be making.

Money is a bi-product of helping people.

[DogMa]

I'm a huge supporter of the program and of you guys, but I DO have to differ with the statement that if you follow the program to the letter, you will lose 2-5 pounds a week. That's simply not true for everyone. I don't believe any of the Medifast literature makes a promise like that; the company simply can't do that.

[falisamarie]

All I can say is that I personally follow the program exactly as written with NO deviations. My motto is "If it does not say Medifast or is not in the Quick Start book, it does not go in my mouth" and what has this way of thinking gotten me?? 53 lbs gone in les than 3 months. I have tried my own way of doing things and you know what it got me?? MAYBE 20lbs off in the same amount of time. This is just my opinion and I know that everyone else have their own beliefs and are entitled to those beliefs however I KNOW what is working for me.

No Medifast does not promise 2-5lbs a week...that is the average. There are some who lose slower than that but some who lose more than that also. However that being said I do wonder when it comes to those who lose slower what would their weight loss be if they were on some other program.

Just my opinion!

Love you all

Lisa

[ascicles]

I think that the Medifast program offers something that is balanced and easy for dieters to maintain. I think we all know that if we ate a balanced meal of similar calories, we could probably have the same weight loss success. The difference is that it's not very easy to pick and choose the correct meals to be perfectly balanced.

I can't speak for anyone else, but in my experience, the actual hunger wasn't the problem with losing weight...it was trying to hit a perfect balance between everything I eat. Medifast takes the guesswork out of it.

I do feel that the products like the crackers and salad dressings are offered for people who want to have everything perfectly organized. They know what they can have, because it's clearly defined. I also feel that they don't offer anything better than the options you can find at your local grocery store. You just have to find the right product.

I certainly don't see the problem with using them, because it makes things easier. I have no problem paying for the actual Medifast products because I know that they work. In this area though, I think I can branch out and select much cheaper options that are (basically) identical.

[DogMa]

Speaking strictly for myself, I HAVE tried following the program exactly as it's laid out, and I did not lose 2-5 pounds a week except the first two or three weeks. But yes, it's faster than on other programs. I never said it wasn't, and that's why I'm here (not only is it faster, but I don't lose at all on other programs). I just object to "promising" or "guaranteeing" any kind of results. The program doesn't, and neither should we.

[Unca_Tim]

Thanks for correcting me Robin....

That's the value of this type of forum.