by jump4joy » September 26th, 2006, 8:43 am
Hey there, Robin....so nice of you to ask about me.
I was forced to quit MF because my body has problems digesting it. For months, I felt a little sick after each shake, and had never felt energetic while on-plan (always felt tired and lethargic). I ignored these signs, not thinking that MF was the cause. Then I developed chronic diarrhea (not something I felt others would like to hear about, so I never posted about it). I finally went to my Dr., and through the process of elimination, we found it was the MF causing my problem. I was very stubborn about it, thinking that it COULDN'T be the MF.....didn't WANT it to be MF, in fact! Long story short....I'm not lactose-intolerant or soy-intolerant. The diarrhea stopped instantly when I stopped the shakes and cocoa....came back when I had even ONE. As I've gotten older, I've noticed that I've developed a sensitive digestive system....certain foods just not agreeing with me. After some intensive research, I've concluded that I have developed a food intolerance or allergy to one or more of the ingredients in MF.....most likely the fructose and probably the artificial sweeteners (ace-k) in the shakes. My Dr. concurs. Recently, I've started having my beloved cocoa every day, and it sometimes causes a slight queasiness. If I have more than one a day the problems reoccur.
I've been feeling a little lost and derailed.....I was so committed to MF. It's been hard to accept, but I must. I can eat normal healthy foods without a problem. I tried some other RTD-type shakes (Atkins, Slimfast), but they cause me a problem too, beside the fact that they taste horrible as well! I've never been a fan of the MF soups, and getting tired of the oatmeal....I loved the MF shakes (just the chocolate), RTDs, and cocoa! If I don't like the taste of something, I just won't eat it. I've finally accepted the fact that my time with Medifast has run it's course. I was reluctant to post my problems with MF because 1) I didn't want to scare anyone off of MF.....I think my problem with it is probably rare...I still think it's a wonderfully effective weight-loss plan. And 2) I usually keep my problems to myself.
Right now, I'm focusing on keeping off the weight I've managed to lose. I keep a daily record of everything I eat. Keeping my portions small, eating three small meals plus three snacks a day....just basic, healthy, low-fat foods. I've been going to the gym almost daily....walking about two miles a day and doing strength-training 2-3 times a week. My weight-loss is at a standstill, but I'm getting smaller as a result of my exercise. I still have another 40 lbs. to lose, and I need to accept the fact that it will come off slowly now that I'm not on MF. I'm working on practicing PATIENCE. (You are an inspiring example of paitience and persistence to me, Robin!)
I'm trying to move into the MF Senior Plan (which allows me 2-3 MF supplements, 2 L&G's, some fruit.....it's more like a regular sensible low calorie diet). We'll see how that goes....
It's strange to me that if I eat something fatty, or sugary, that my body rejects those things too right away (diarrhea). Looks like 'nature' is now forcing me to eat right. I wish I'd known that my time with MF was limited....that I'd kept the weight off the first, even the second time I lost on MF! Now I WISH I could do MF strictly, but can't. Coulda, woulda, shoulda!!! <sigh>
Joy
Motto: The time will pass whether I diet or not.