The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Lulie]

Hi everyone,

I really need some advice on what I should do. First off, let me say that I love, love, love, Medifast. I have lost 46lbs with it! I have only positive things to say about it. But, it is just getting to the point that I simply cannot afford it for much longer. I am hoping I can have enough $ for one more small order. I still have more weight to lose, so I am leaning towards Atkins.

My question is, how should I do this? Should I just jump straight from MF to Atkins? Or should I go into MF Maintenance mode first, then go on to Atkins? I just don't know how to do it.

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I may try posting on What's Shakin too and they can just delete the one that doesn't belong.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

[DogMa]

I would think it'd be best to just go straight from this to that, since you're already in mild ketosis.

But I have to say, as a longtime Atkins dieter, I found it more expensive than Medifast, when I added everything up. All that protein's expensive.

[dede4wd]

I agree with Robin, Atkins was the most expensive diet I've been on. Steak, eggs, cheese and veggies were VERY expensive! Made me realize how CHEAP the CRAP that makes us fat is comparatively!

Good luck whatever you decide!

DeDe

[VickyJ]

I think Medifast is MUCH cheaper than eating "real" food. It seemed expensive on the surface, but when I took into consideration that I wouldn't be eating breakfast, eating snacks, spending money eating out for lunch, drinking BEER, etc., this was quite a savings!

I'm new to Medifast, so I don't have any advise for switching off. I would imagine you should follow the transition guide as far as reintroducing foods/calories, then just start eating 6 small meals a day, following the lower calorie/lower fat/lower carb guidelines. Good luck and congrats on the 46 pounds so far!

[Lulie]

I cannot thank you all enough for the replies. I hated to post about it, but I didn't know where else to go. I also couldn't figure out how to transition from MF to another diet.

I am not set in stone with the Atkins diet. It just seemed like the one that I have the most food from on hand. We have our own cattle, so we butcher when we need it, so that takes care of the beef. MIL provides the eggs, so I usually have them too. My family eats a lot of cheese, so I usually have that on hand too. That is part of the reason I was leaning towards Atkins. I already have a lot of the ingredients on hand for my family. I usually cook separate meals for myself. I just don't see how I can afford it anymore, and was looking for an alternative plan.

I thank you all for your advice. I truly appreciate it.

Dogma, thanks. I knew there were others here who had tried Atkins. I was thinking I may could just go from MF to Atkins Induction, but I was just worried that it may throw my body out of wack by adding all the fat.

Thanks again to everyone.

[Sarya]

Lulie, You may want to look into South Beach as well. It is a milder form of Atkins and has more carbs in it. With some careful tailoring you may be able to approximate the Medifast diet (but with higher calories).

Whatever you decide to do I would continue along with eating six meals a day. Try to choose what your calorie intake will be and keep each meal within certain boundaries so you don't derail yourself.

It may end up being harder, but I know you can do it!

[DogMa]

There's also no rule that you HAVE to eat a lot of fat on Atkins. You can, but it's definitely not a requirement.

[Diana]

I have a friend who can't afford the whole program, either, so she's following the Maintenance plan -- 2 or 3 Medimeals a day and without some of the goodies for now (fruit, grains...). It seems to be working for her.

Good luck with your decision.

[Lulie]

Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate the advice. I definitely need to do some thinking on this.

My daughter is doing South Beach and doing real well with it. She want me to go that route. There are things about Atkins I like, yet, there are things about her South Beach I like! LOL I just don't know yet.

I thank you all so very much! Definitely food for thought!

[sister]

Another thought that may help...

A big part of Medifast's effectiveness is the nutritional balance. It may take a little research into regular food but as long as your protein and carbs are balanced and fat is reduced, you should be able to keep things going. Maybe follow the transition guidelines to add back foods and stay within the calorie suggestions while eating the foods that suit your needs.

I've been off MF and more on a do my own thing maintentance for a while. I kept the shakes - 1 or 2 a day and tried to eat like I described and it worked.

You've come so far, you are doing right trying to figure out the best way to keep going.

Good luck!

[Rachel]

I would think it'd be best to just go straight from this to that, since you're already in mild ketosis.

But I have to say, as a longtime Atkins dieter, I found it more expensive than Medifast, when I added everything up. All that protein's expensive.

I agree with this. I encourage everyone to sit down and look at exactly how much they spent in a month on all groceries, food, snacks, and eating out at restaurants, take-out, popcorn at movies, etc. You are NOT spending more with medifast! You are just buying a month's worth at a time and it feels like more money but it really isn't!

Your health and well being has no price tag! I hope you can stay on MF.

[alohacate]

It really upsets me that the health insurance companies won't cover a preventative & maintenance plan like Medifast, however, they cover the fall out from obesity (i.e. diabetes, blood pressure, etc.). Doctor's are also quick to dole out prescriptions for pills like Phentermine, Xenical, Bontril and Meridia without blinking an eye (all partially or fully covered by health insurance). All of these medications have the potential to do more harm than good.