The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[melissa07]

Hey journal,
After thinking long and hard about certain decisions I have come to the choice to not follow MF 5&1 plan word for word. I do however still have a lot of MF meals that I will incorporate into my new decision but it will be based on my own choices and how I feel verses following a written diet, book, video, pill, or anything else I have followed for practically my whole life. What I mean is, my whole life I have followed something. Whether I was following a new diet fad, or following a diet book, I was always trying to lose weight by doing it someone elses way. I don't want to do that anymore. I am the type of person that sticks to something for a few weeks, and suddenly loses interest in it, and goes back to my old eating habits. With Medifast I thought it would be different. The hundreds of success stories and forums I read motivated me to stick with it a little more than a few weeks. In the end, as usual, I slipped up, and never got back on track. Honestly, who am I kidding? I have decided that I want to eat healthy, not restrict myself, but not eat the way I used to. I would like to form these new habits into a completely new lifestyle. I don't want to measure foods, count calories, add up points, or anything like that. I want to life a normal life, in an over weight body. "Thin" people do not deal with the every day stress and thought of food. Thin people do not surround their life around food. Thin people do not get depressed, and look towards food for comfort. Food is not their enemy. I have come to realize that dieting is a lot more than following a plan like MF. I need to fix the relationship I have with food. I need to correct it and if I want to do that, I need to start eating healthier, and not looking at food as a source of emotion, comfort, enemy, or any type of feeling. Restricting calories, or restricting carbs in my opinion will not to justice for me. For ME it will not teach me the correct way to eat. The reason in my opinion, is because I am following a laid out plan for me. Stick to the plan, and you will lose weight. In the end, how is the teaching me, how is that helping me? Anyway what I am trying to say is a lot of people opened up new doors for me, and the people on here are great for support and motivation. In fact many of you made me realize that MF really wasn't for me. It is a great diet, and I still intend to discuss it for my research paper in Human Bio (what's NOT to brag about it? lose 2-5lbs per week!) My point is I intend to limit my portions, eat healthier foods, make wiser decisions, only eat whole grains, no whites, no refined carbs or sugar, healthier snacks, and try to cook home more often, no fried foods, limit fats, you know, the whole shibang. Hopefully I will make this into a habit, and hey if I start eating like a thin person, I will eventually look like one! I am not basing this about how LONG it takes me to lose, I am over that. I am simply tired of always letting myself down with diets and following diet plans. In a way I know I am following my own "diet plan" but it is more lenient, flexible, and permanent. Even though it is still considered a diet plan, it is something that any nutrition dietitian or doctor would recommend. EAT IN MODERATION. I have known this for years, why couldn't I just follow it? Because I wanted to spend my money on hundreds of diets, because other people were losing weight doing something else, because I was trying to look for the easy way out, because it was fast weight loss, whatever it was, I was making excuses for myself. Now, now I am going to follow my own way of eating, stick with it, live with it, be happy with it, and I HOPE everyone on here will be with me no matter what i am following or doing. You guys are great, and I wouldn't want to lose the support and motivation. We are all in this together, and we are all reaching the same goals, to lose weight, be healthy, be happy, to feel confidence: to live a normal life.
Melissa

[Mike]

"Thin" people do not deal with the every day stress and thought of food. Thin people do not surround their life around food. Thin people do not get depressed, and look towards food for comfort. Food is not their enemy.

Melissa,
You have said alot here, and its great that you have a direction. Medifast is not for everyone. Its great that you have decided to take a healthy lifestyle even if it is not with Medifast.

One thing I will say is that, being where you are, I used to have similar stereotypes about "thin" people. I have since found that there are many out there who may not understand the struggles the "we" experience, however, you may find that those that you may perceive this way may actually struggle inside just as much.... they are just different in how they deal with their own "demons".

I truly wish the best for you in your own journey, and remember, we are here for you.

[bikipatra]

One thing I will say is that, being where you are, I used to have similar stereotypes about "thin" people. I have since found that there are many out there who may not understand the struggles the "we" experience, however, you may find that those that you may perceive this way may actually struggle inside just as much.... they are just different in how they deal with their own "demons".
:

I have to agree. I was thin for most of my adult life. Really thin. 117lbs at 5'7". I used food, money, men, shopping, workaholism-everything really to deal with uncomfortable feelings and depression. Getting thin wont take away what's wrong on the inside. That's work you have to do separately. Personally, I have found that spirituality has helped the most, although I see a shrink and take medications.

[melissa07]

So...been eating healthy for about a week...whole grains about 6 ounces a day, veggies about 2.5 cups a day, 2 cups of fruit a day, almost 6 ounces of meat/poultry/nuts a day, fats are in my dressings if i have a salad or oil if i cook chicken that way...snacks in between meals...everything is going good...but one problem..i gained 6lbs back...any thoughts as to why?

[Mike]

Given the amounts you are eating, it looks like you are not eating enough for one. Your body is going to hold onto everything it takes in and immediately store it as fat to conserve what it can.

The beauty of the Medifast program, eventhough its such low calories, it completely switches your fueling system and ensures that your body thinks its being fueled properly. SInce it thinks that, it says its okay to let go of the fat stores...and that's why you lose the weight (and not the muscle as with many other low calorie "diets")

My thought is that its too low calories and not proteinaceous enough.

Hope this helps.

[melissa07]

i am taking in 2000 calories a day. I think I am eating too much =/

[lifelovinaries]

Do you exercise? IMHO, 2000 calories is a WHOLE LOT for someone at your weight who is trying to LOSE weight. You said there are snacks in between but what are the snacks? See? you are still stressing yourself trying to find the "right things to eat". MF was pretty mindless to me, didn't have to think about much, didn't have to weigh or measure too much (only for one meal). The weightloss phase of the diet may not teach you how to eat properly (or what you may consider normal for the rest of your life) but it does teach you how to control your feelings of hunger and to completely recognize them. It teaches you how to eat a healthy, balanced L&G which in going into the transition and maintenance phases, you can incorporate what you HAVE learned. Sorry about your 6 lb gain.

[Mike]

i am taking in 2000 calories a day. I think I am eating too much =/

I think so also. Even the maintenance program for folks who have lost the weight and want to maintain the loss is 1500 calories according to the Transition guide. Since you aren't following the Medifast plan, I would say that in order to show any loss, you should definitely keep the calories near or below the 1500. 1200 calories would be even better.

[melissa07]

Yea that is what I was thinking, within 1500 or so with exercise should be good. I try to eat every 3 hours, and even though I pick healthy foods calories add up and next thing I know lunch comes around and i am around 700-900 calories for the day. I need to work on spacing it out more, and get the hang of healthy eating. It is definitely not easy, but it teaches me a lot, and eventually when I get it down packed, I can make it into an every day habit. Right now, I am still working on the trial and error. I don't plan on counting calories forever, but for now I want to monitor myself so I can see exactly what I am eating. I worked out yesterday for the first time in like 3 weeks, and I plan on doing it tonight as well. My step mom who is a doctor is prescribing me Meridia (diet pill). I hope with eating right, and exercising, I will be able to lose the weight. I also noticed something else, on Medifast I was having constant headaches, the first week I was throwing up, and the next few weeks (sticking to the plan accordingly) I was still suffering with headaches. Once I started taking in more calories, I am not dealing with them as much. My parents think I have low sugar levels, or maybe am hypoglycemic (did i spell it right?) My dad suggestion that I get blood work done to see because if I am the slightest bit hungry I will get a migraine, feel dizzy, weak, and nauseous. He gets the same way, and my grandma is Anemic. So i don't know. I am going to Fashion Bug today to get myself a thanksgiving outfit, and then i am going to Ruby Tuesdays tonight for some steak and veggies. I love their asparagus and broccoli. Today at work I was cleaning off the 6 burner coffee pot and I got electrocuted right up ,my arm through my chest down to my other arm. It was really scary, and my heart was beating fast. Never want to do that again lol. The burners were off too but i touched metal against metal and I believe their must be a short or fuss problem in the machine. We all tested it out, everyone else got a little shock too lol. Anyway I am going to relax with my boyfriend for a little bit, then shopping tomorrow. Talk to you guys later!!
P.S I went on mypyramid.gov and they recommended me having 2,000 calories to gradually lose weight according to my height and weight. That is what I was following but I know it should be less. That is probably a good intake if I wanted to maintain I guess.
Melissa

[Mike]

Wow, scary... gotta watch them toasters I guess.

Sent you a PM

[melissa07]

I am so excited. It is snowing out! It is such a good feeling to know the holidays are right around the corner. I am down 2lbs, with my own diet and exercise. Woo hoo! I still can't wait for my Meridia, and I can't wait to meet up with my dietitian to see what they have to say. I know I can do this. I have yet to do my work out today. I will be doing it as soon as I am done writing on here. How is everyone doing with Medifast? Keep up the great work! So far today I have a bowl of Quaker oatmeal (instant) and a grilled cheese on whole wheat bread with 2 slices of reduced fat cheese and a bowl of tomato soup. Yum-mo! Nice and warm and cozy feeling lol. I have 2 more classes today, one at 2:00 and then my night class from 6:00-9:00...bummer =/
Well anyway, have a great day everyone!


Melissa

[melissa07]

Hey everyone,
How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Did you stick with the Medifast meals? My Thanksgiving was really fun, and crazy. My dad's side of the family is pretty crazy when we all come together. Gotta love those Greek's lol. I made my famous Sweet Potato Casserole that everyone absolutely loved. I am down another 2lbs which brings me to 189lbs. Definitely not as fast as Medifast loss would be, but as long as it is working, and I don't feel discouraged, then I will be extremely satisfied. I have been exercising every day, and eating healthy. I started Meridia yesterday and I already feel the difference. I am not eating all of my meals, and I am eating a lot less. When I do eat, I am picking healthier choices as usual, so this combined, with exercise, and I am good to go! I just got out of class, and I am having an early dinner because I have my night class tonight at 6:00. So far today I had a 1/2 bowl of oatmeal, a small orange, and a spoonful of sloppy joe on a slice of really thin light whole wheat bread. For dinner, I haven't decided yet. Usually I treat myself to a steak sandwich, when I eat out. I don't really eat out anymore because I am cooking at home, so once and a while I will treat myself. I need the extra calories anyway, I have been busy today and didn't get a chance to get in my normal calories by dinner time. The other night I made steak on the stove, with twice baked potato (skim milk, low fat sour cream, reduced fat cheddar cheese, and garlic) also with a side of broccoli and a side salad. It was really good, and my mom and step dad joined my boyfriend and I. WE ACTUALLY HAD A HOME MADE HOME COOKED MEAL ALL TOGETHER AT MY HOUSE, FOR ONCE, AND I COOKED IT! I was so impressed lol.
Anyway, off to an early dinner, have a good one everyone!
Melissa

[Mike]

Glad you are doing well.

[lifelovinaries]

good to hear you are satisfied with your program!

[melissa07]

hello hello, just checking in with everyone, haven't been on in a while. school is nearing the end of the semester and i couldn't be happier. i don't dorm, and i only go to a community college, so there is nothing to miss. how is everyone doing. Mike, everything ok? I miss your casual private messages lol. I am 187lbs now. I don't know if i mentioned that in my last post. Meridia is working well still, i am getting accustomed to it, as is my body, so my appetite has come back, but still not eating a lot during my meals. this is my day for today:
B: 2 eggs (mostly egg whites), 2 strips bacon dried with napkin, 2 slices thin whole wheat toast
L: made a whole wheat quasadilla and split it with my mom (wheat tortilla made with reduced fat cheese)
S: almonds and raisins
D: baked pork chops, mashed potato (small), string beans

Good news: my boyfriend is buying me a puppy for christmas.
she is a rottweiler, and she is being shipped from Iowa.
DOES ANYONE LIVE IN IOWA???
She should be here around christmas time. i can't wait, very excited!
everything else is going well, still exercising, but haven't in a few days. I am much more happier this way, that is for sure. I feel less stressed, and it helps a lot.
Well anyway, have a good night,
Melissa