I see so many newbies here, I thought it might be helpful if we all share some of the seemingly challenging circumstances in which we have been able to stay on plan... and exactly how we did it..
I'll start....
Tailgate party at a Bills game (Sept 2011).
- Brought a homemade salad with shrimp and Walden Farms dressing. Ate puffs and bites throughout the day. Nobody noticed..
Wine Tasting Trip (October 2011) -.
This was an organized trip from my sweetie's company. It was a bus tour with 6 winery stops - lunch at one of them. There was no on-plan lean available, so I ate salad with Medifast puffs added as croutons and WF dressing. I ate my lean when I got home. I didn't test any wine. I had my glass filled though, and after Bob drank his, we switched glasses and he drank mine. He was pretty tipsy.
Weekend trip to Chicago with my sweetie (Nov 2011).
- Walked the entire city and the museums every day, nonstop. It was exhausting, but I had more energy that I expected to have! Ate pancakes in a bowl every morning in my hotel room. Carried oatmeal muffins and bites in my purse. There was a TGI Fridays right across the street from our hotel and we ate there each night because it's SO easy to stay on plan there..
Thanksgiving (Nov 2011).
- Went to my sweetie's uncle's home for a big family feast. I brought a shrimp cocktail platter to share. For dinner I ate filet mignon, green beans, and mashed cauliflower, which I brought with me - ready to heat in the MW. (I am allergic to poultry so couldn't have the turkey) Everyone at the table wanted what I was having (sorry, I only brought enough for one!) I ate brownies while everyone else ate pie and ice cream..
Christmas (Dec 2011).
- Traveled to NYC to visit family for a week. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I ate roasted pork, steamed green beans, and mashed cauliflower. This time I made enough mashed cauli to share with everyone, since everyone wanted it at Thanksgiving! I ate brownies for dessert. The rest of my trip I spent going into NYC, shopping, museums, shows, and other activities. Carried puffs, bites, and pre-made brownies in my bag..
New Years Eve (Dec 2011).
- Went to a big party. Saved 2 meals for after dinner since I knew I would be up late. I actually ate a 6th Medifast meal that day because I was up so late that night..
Superbowl Sunday (January 2012).
- Went to a big party. Brought a take-out meal from my favorite greek restaurant (grilled fish on salad) while everyone else at pizza and wings..
Passover (April 2012) -.
My family's biggest holiday feast with my favorite foods. My mom made on-plan pot roast and I had steamed green beans. I ignored the potato latkes and noodle kugel - that may have been the hardest temptation to overcome, but I was already down 60+ lbs so I was motivated to stay on plan..
Memorial Weekend (May 2012).
- My sweetie wisked me away for an impromptu weekend getaway in Niagara Falls. I had planned to have microwave pancakes each morning for breakfast but there was not ONE SINGLE MICROWAVE anywhere in the entire hotel. I found a Tim Hortons that was willing to nuke my batter in their microwave. I shared my story and progress pics and they were more than willing to help me stay on plan! Sweetie treated me to Alaskan King Crab legs one night and Filet Mignon the next. This was the first time I felt like my "new normal" and blogged about it - It didn't even phase me that the streets were seemingly lined with ice cream cones. I just felt SO good and it was SO worth it to stay on plan..
Vacation on a private island in Alex Bay (July 2012) -.
We rented a house on a private island with another family - boat access only! I brought all my food with me. Boxes of Medifast meals, measuring spoons, paper bowls, bottled water, MIO. For dinner I ate Boca Cheeseburgers and green beans or spinach every night (I brought it all with me). We went out to eat one night out of the whole week and that was easy - grilled fish and steamed veggies..
Florida vacation (Sept 2012).
- Just got back this past weekend. We ate out for dinner every night, but stuck to the chains - TGI Fridays, Outback, etc. I only had trouble at one local restaurant - they had very little on the menu I could have so I just ordered my backup emergency meal - a plain burger on a salad. The salad wasn't big enough so I ordered a second one. We went to St Augustine on Labor Day, then Busch Gardens (Tampa) and Tarpon Springs later in the week. I think I walked at least 5 miles each day. I carried bites, puffs, and brownies with me..
You are amazing! I saw your new pictures too fantastic! Well I've only been on about two months but have but did survive a long weekend away. Brought spice pancake donuts for breakfast every morning. Ate puffs brownies and bars throught the days and roasted turkey or chicken with salad for dinner..
I've survived lots of parties and get togethers always bringing my own l&g and nf..
My biggest challenge is next month though. I'm going to Ireland(so excited) for a week. Don't know if I'll survive 100% op but will cross that bridge when it gets here..
I've been lucky so far that whenever I've had to go out, I have been able to check out menus ahead of time and prepare. On plan for 6 weeks now:.
1 catered work dinner (I had plain pork, heirloom tomato with basil salad, ignored the mozzarella, also ignored the bar.
).
Out of town for 5 days last week helping my sister renovate her kitchen. I flew with all my Medifast food and double checked what appliances she would have available. For dinners, I had final say on where we would eat (or get carry-out) after checking online menus..
Had a good friend from high school come a couple weeks ago and spend the night (she was en route from vacation to home) I made an on plan meal for us but added appetizers and a side dish for her and my husband. They got ice cream for dessert and I had Medifast soft serve. I did have 4oz white wine, but I planned all my calories & carbs out ahead of time to make sure I would be under 1000 calories and under 100 carbs - I was at 960 calories and 90 carbs, I think..
I have a work trip coming up in October - 2 1/2 days of meetings (continental breakfast, meals I cannot check out in advance, no fridge or microwave in my hotel room) So I ordered hot drinks from Medifast - those are nice in mugs at meetings with strangers (I don't care about in my own office....) and I can have oatmeal or shakes in my hotel room, and I'll also bring bars, puffs & cereal for my ready to eat options. I've identified a mongolian wok restaurant within walking distance of the hotel for meals if needed and have checked the menu online (I can create my own "Bowl" and it will give me the nutrition for it!).
I've always traveled with a water bottle so I'm used to that.....
I also managed to stay OP during the holidays and my birthday..
My 2 biggest pieces of advice:.
1. Remember that you're choosing to do this for YOU, so if you start feeling sad/angry and deprived while watching others eat off-plan foods, remind yourself of your reasons for doing MF..
2. If it's still getting to you, remove yourself from the temptation temporarily. Go out and walk around the block, get in the car and drive for a while, but just GET OUT!.
I'm usually the one that talks incessantly about the Medifast plan, and how well it worked for me. And when there's off-plan foods, I usually say, "oooooh! I can't have that! I've done so well so far! Look how hot I am!",.
(turns sideways).
"You wouldn't want to ruin all of this HOTTness would you?!?!?".
And we laugh, and the "food moment" passes. It's all about not taking food too seriously at those times!.
Party this year, just a week after I started Medifast. I decided that I wouldn't fuss over foods like I'd done in the past. Instead, friends brought over their favorite foods and my hubby ordered carry-out pizza. I, on the other hand, felt like I was enjoying party food because I made cauliflower pizzas (for the first time, many times since!) and the Buffalo Chicken Bites, both from Sandy's Kitchen Adventures website..
BBQs and cookouts.
This summer have been much more manageable than I ever expected. I always bring a BIG green salad and a bottle of my favorite Ken's lite dressing. And I usually bring steamed shrimp platter, so no matter what is being offered, I have my own L&G right there..
Two weeks ago we went the home of good friends to what was supposed to be a "cookout" and found out once we got there that the hosts decided instead to make lasagna.
I had been counting on their usual grilled chicken, but alas, there was none. I ate a plate full of the salad I brought, and had a chicken breast when I got home later. And I felt GREAT about it!.
Wow: those are great tips. I have a question - how long do you put the pancakes in the microwave for? Do you use high power?.
I also travel with the meals which is easy. I travel for work and pleasure and have yet for it to be an issue. At a restaurant, I let them know I want everything "dry", broiled, no fat and dressings always on the side. One of my favorites is Chipotle bowl with only the chicken, tomatoe salsa and lettuce. For eating out at friends / acquaintances, I always let them know I can't have any sauce or gravy on the protein and no fat on the vegetable - I eat the salad dry, generally. Nobody has thought anything of it as yet..
I am leaving to spend Rosh Hashannah at my sister-in-law's house. She's a bit of a difficult person so that may be the test. I am a bit worried about the holdays as that is a typical time to go astray for me..
I've been lucky and haven't had many challenging situations. We went to opening day for UT Labor Day weekend. I drank 3 liters of water, snuck a bar into the stadium with me (had it in my glasses case in my pursethey were none the wiser) for my final meal that day, since it was an evening game. The weirdest one for me, so far, has to have been yesterday. I was out shopping for a little over four hours, and since I figured I would be gone for a while I put three bars in my purse, just to be on the safe side. I ate one of them in the fitting room, since I looked at my phone and realized, "Oh, crap, it's been three hours!" and was in the middle of trying on clothes..
Basically, I just always try to be prepared and make sure I have at least bars in my purse. I haven't done any traveling since I started MF, but the hubby and I are thinking about doing a day trip to Houston in a couple of weekends, so that'll be my first traveling test..
The easiest way to stay on plan is to always be prepared. Always have extra medifast meals with you along with water. If you are invited somewhere ask about the menu or what you can bring in addition. Shrimp cocktail, veggie trays, stuffed mushrooms, a large salad, something to ensure you have something that you can have as well..
Last but not least strength, willpower, dedication, and the desire to make this change..
: Planned ahead, brought all my Medifast meals and planned to split my L&G between lunch and dinner. Had absolutely NO problem finding on-plan foods (even at the sit-down restaurant dinners). Key success factor for this trip was making the decision BEFORE the cruise to stay ON PLAN. Going off plan was not an option. Lost over 3 lbs that week..
2-week trip to Australia.
: Planned ahead, brought all my Medifast meals. Booked a short-stay apartment that had a fully equipped kitchen and a gym/swimming pool in the community center. Cooked several L&Gs at the apartment, and otherwise did really well ordering out at restaurants. Key success factor again was making the decision before my trip to stay on plan. It was really not hard at all! Lost 6.4 lbs over the course of the 2 week trip..
That time of month:.
If you are like me, I crave... everything... the week leading up to that TOM. To combat this, I ramp up my water intake by at least 32oz, and I split my L&G between lunch and dinner. Splitting the L&G is a HUGE success factor for me when I'm "feeling" hungry..
I agree with the others on being prepared. I plan, plan, and then plan some more. To the extent I can..
This past weekend, my DH and I drove to Sandusky, OH, to see an old friend. A large group of us went to a Chinese restaurant, where the server about blew a gasket when I asked if I could have something without the sauce. It wasn't worth the battle, so I ate what I could (which I'm noticing is a lot less these days!.
), and downed a bunch of water..
On the way home, I had some cinnamon pretzels I had stashed in my purse, so I ate those. Then, once home, I had a choice to make: I could figure "what the hell?" since dinner was a relative disaster and eat a bowl of cereal, or I could make sure I at least got my 5 Medifast meals in. I opted for the latter, which was such a great feeling! I had to double up, so I had a pancake and hot cocoa..
So what I am finding motivates me to stay OP is:.
1. The positive payoff from taking and keeping control over my choices (such as Medifast over cereal)..
2. Not freaking out over an unavoidable slip-up. While I could have beaten myself up over having Chinese food that wasn't OP, I just owned it, figuring I did the best I could given the situation, and moved on..
3. And really, pragmatically, the cost of this program and the desire to not repeat week one! I don't want to flush $300+ for the month's worth of food down the toilet, so I stick to it. It's really about getting a decent return on this investment in myself. And I need not say more about not wanting to repeat week 1!.
Go Bills. I live in Redskin country but grew up in East Aurora!. I do miss the Bills games and root for them whenever they show up on TV in DC. Also a huge Sabers fan.
Awesome tips from everyone! I think the only thing I can add is:.
1. Make a commitment daily to be OP today. If I get a craving, I tell myself if I really feel like it, maybe tomorrow I can have it. Then tomorrow, I have the same rule. So it's always tomorrow that I will have something which means today I am ALWAYS OP!.
Don't let the food feelings (like, oh I'm bored or I had a bad day at work or it's someone's birthday) get to you. When you feel like eating more than you should, or eating off-plan, pinch yourself and talk to yourself a bit. WHY do I want to eat? Will it kill me to wait another hour/two hours before my next meal? Reassure yourself that you'll do okay without whatever you're craving. Then drink a bunch of fluids..
I still have to tell myself to calm down, you'll be fine, and don't give up..
I love this and I love Holder's response... It tastes so good to be able to wake up in the morning and breath, feel good and not be as foggy as when I was heaveier (granted I've only lost 6.6) it just makes such a difference at even 4 days I can't wait to see what 40 days will bring.
Hmmmm the fact that I can walk again...breathe again.. I was killing my self softly...literally at over 400 pounds I was blessed to be alive still. I am living again instead of sitting on the sidelines of life and man that tastes so damn good!.
332 days ago
I'll start....
Tailgate party at a Bills game (Sept 2011).
- Brought a homemade salad with shrimp and Walden Farms dressing. Ate puffs and bites throughout the day. Nobody noticed..
Wine Tasting Trip (October 2011) -.
This was an organized trip from my sweetie's company. It was a bus tour with 6 winery stops - lunch at one of them. There was no on-plan lean available, so I ate salad with Medifast puffs added as croutons and WF dressing. I ate my lean when I got home. I didn't test any wine. I had my glass filled though, and after Bob drank his, we switched glasses and he drank mine. He was pretty tipsy.
Weekend trip to Chicago with my sweetie (Nov 2011).
- Walked the entire city and the museums every day, nonstop. It was exhausting, but I had more energy that I expected to have! Ate pancakes in a bowl every morning in my hotel room. Carried oatmeal muffins and bites in my purse. There was a TGI Fridays right across the street from our hotel and we ate there each night because it's SO easy to stay on plan there..
Thanksgiving (Nov 2011).
- Went to my sweetie's uncle's home for a big family feast. I brought a shrimp cocktail platter to share. For dinner I ate filet mignon, green beans, and mashed cauliflower, which I brought with me - ready to heat in the MW. (I am allergic to poultry so couldn't have the turkey) Everyone at the table wanted what I was having (sorry, I only brought enough for one!) I ate brownies while everyone else ate pie and ice cream..
Christmas (Dec 2011).
- Traveled to NYC to visit family for a week. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day I ate roasted pork, steamed green beans, and mashed cauliflower. This time I made enough mashed cauli to share with everyone, since everyone wanted it at Thanksgiving! I ate brownies for dessert. The rest of my trip I spent going into NYC, shopping, museums, shows, and other activities. Carried puffs, bites, and pre-made brownies in my bag..
New Years Eve (Dec 2011).
- Went to a big party. Saved 2 meals for after dinner since I knew I would be up late. I actually ate a 6th Medifast meal that day because I was up so late that night..
Superbowl Sunday (January 2012).
- Went to a big party. Brought a take-out meal from my favorite greek restaurant (grilled fish on salad) while everyone else at pizza and wings..
Passover (April 2012) -.
My family's biggest holiday feast with my favorite foods. My mom made on-plan pot roast and I had steamed green beans. I ignored the potato latkes and noodle kugel - that may have been the hardest temptation to overcome, but I was already down 60+ lbs so I was motivated to stay on plan..
Memorial Weekend (May 2012).
- My sweetie wisked me away for an impromptu weekend getaway in Niagara Falls. I had planned to have microwave pancakes each morning for breakfast but there was not ONE SINGLE MICROWAVE anywhere in the entire hotel. I found a Tim Hortons that was willing to nuke my batter in their microwave. I shared my story and progress pics and they were more than willing to help me stay on plan! Sweetie treated me to Alaskan King Crab legs one night and Filet Mignon the next. This was the first time I felt like my "new normal" and blogged about it - It didn't even phase me that the streets were seemingly lined with ice cream cones. I just felt SO good and it was SO worth it to stay on plan..
Vacation on a private island in Alex Bay (July 2012) -.
We rented a house on a private island with another family - boat access only! I brought all my food with me. Boxes of Medifast meals, measuring spoons, paper bowls, bottled water, MIO. For dinner I ate Boca Cheeseburgers and green beans or spinach every night (I brought it all with me). We went out to eat one night out of the whole week and that was easy - grilled fish and steamed veggies..
Florida vacation (Sept 2012).
- Just got back this past weekend. We ate out for dinner every night, but stuck to the chains - TGI Fridays, Outback, etc. I only had trouble at one local restaurant - they had very little on the menu I could have so I just ordered my backup emergency meal - a plain burger on a salad. The salad wasn't big enough so I ordered a second one. We went to St Augustine on Labor Day, then Busch Gardens (Tampa) and Tarpon Springs later in the week. I think I walked at least 5 miles each day. I carried bites, puffs, and brownies with me..
Ok, who's next??? Please share!!!.
Post Reply
331 days ago
I've survived lots of parties and get togethers always bringing my own l&g and nf..
My biggest challenge is next month though. I'm going to Ireland(so excited) for a week. Don't know if I'll survive 100% op but will cross that bridge when it gets here..
That'it for me who's next? Kathy.
Post Reply
327 days ago
1 catered work dinner (I had plain pork, heirloom tomato with basil salad, ignored the mozzarella, also ignored the bar.
).
Out of town for 5 days last week helping my sister renovate her kitchen. I flew with all my Medifast food and double checked what appliances she would have available. For dinners, I had final say on where we would eat (or get carry-out) after checking online menus..
Had a good friend from high school come a couple weeks ago and spend the night (she was en route from vacation to home) I made an on plan meal for us but added appetizers and a side dish for her and my husband. They got ice cream for dessert and I had Medifast soft serve. I did have 4oz white wine, but I planned all my calories & carbs out ahead of time to make sure I would be under 1000 calories and under 100 carbs - I was at 960 calories and 90 carbs, I think..
I have a work trip coming up in October - 2 1/2 days of meetings (continental breakfast, meals I cannot check out in advance, no fridge or microwave in my hotel room) So I ordered hot drinks from Medifast - those are nice in mugs at meetings with strangers (I don't care about in my own office....) and I can have oatmeal or shakes in my hotel room, and I'll also bring bars, puffs & cereal for my ready to eat options. I've identified a mongolian wok restaurant within walking distance of the hotel for meals if needed and have checked the menu online (I can create my own "Bowl" and it will give me the nutrition for it!).
I've always traveled with a water bottle so I'm used to that.....
Post Reply
322 days ago
Looks like you covered about everything and your amazing journey sure attests to your commitment!.
I am only in my 6th week, so haven't had too many challenges, but do carry Medifast in case..
I will definitely make use of your solutions as the holidays draw near though..
Thanks so much for sharing!.
Post Reply
316 days ago
My 2 biggest pieces of advice:.
1. Remember that you're choosing to do this for YOU, so if you start feeling sad/angry and deprived while watching others eat off-plan foods, remind yourself of your reasons for doing MF..
2. If it's still getting to you, remove yourself from the temptation temporarily. Go out and walk around the block, get in the car and drive for a while, but just GET OUT!.
Post Reply
307 days ago
(turns sideways).
"You wouldn't want to ruin all of this HOTTness would you?!?!?".
And we laugh, and the "food moment" passes. It's all about not taking food too seriously at those times!.
Post Reply
304 days ago
I hosted a.
Super Bowl.
Party this year, just a week after I started Medifast. I decided that I wouldn't fuss over foods like I'd done in the past. Instead, friends brought over their favorite foods and my hubby ordered carry-out pizza. I, on the other hand, felt like I was enjoying party food because I made cauliflower pizzas (for the first time, many times since!) and the Buffalo Chicken Bites, both from Sandy's Kitchen Adventures website..
BBQs and cookouts.
This summer have been much more manageable than I ever expected. I always bring a BIG green salad and a bottle of my favorite Ken's lite dressing. And I usually bring steamed shrimp platter, so no matter what is being offered, I have my own L&G right there..
Two weeks ago we went the home of good friends to what was supposed to be a "cookout" and found out once we got there that the hosts decided instead to make lasagna.
I had been counting on their usual grilled chicken, but alas, there was none. I ate a plate full of the salad I brought, and had a chicken breast when I got home later. And I felt GREAT about it!.
Post Reply
301 days ago
I also travel with the meals which is easy. I travel for work and pleasure and have yet for it to be an issue. At a restaurant, I let them know I want everything "dry", broiled, no fat and dressings always on the side. One of my favorites is Chipotle bowl with only the chicken, tomatoe salsa and lettuce. For eating out at friends / acquaintances, I always let them know I can't have any sauce or gravy on the protein and no fat on the vegetable - I eat the salad dry, generally. Nobody has thought anything of it as yet..
I am leaving to spend Rosh Hashannah at my sister-in-law's house. She's a bit of a difficult person so that may be the test. I am a bit worried about the holdays as that is a typical time to go astray for me..
Thanks!.
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296 days ago
Post Reply
292 days ago
Basically, I just always try to be prepared and make sure I have at least bars in my purse. I haven't done any traveling since I started MF, but the hubby and I are thinking about doing a day trip to Houston in a couple of weekends, so that'll be my first traveling test..
Post Reply
283 days ago
Last but not least strength, willpower, dedication, and the desire to make this change..
Post Reply
280 days ago
1. Temptation is not an option.
2. "Just this once" is not an option.
3. See 1. and 2..
Glenn.
Post Reply
278 days ago
: Planned ahead, brought all my Medifast meals and planned to split my L&G between lunch and dinner. Had absolutely NO problem finding on-plan foods (even at the sit-down restaurant dinners). Key success factor for this trip was making the decision BEFORE the cruise to stay ON PLAN. Going off plan was not an option. Lost over 3 lbs that week..
2-week trip to Australia.
: Planned ahead, brought all my Medifast meals. Booked a short-stay apartment that had a fully equipped kitchen and a gym/swimming pool in the community center. Cooked several L&Gs at the apartment, and otherwise did really well ordering out at restaurants. Key success factor again was making the decision before my trip to stay on plan. It was really not hard at all! Lost 6.4 lbs over the course of the 2 week trip..
That time of month:.
If you are like me, I crave... everything... the week leading up to that TOM. To combat this, I ramp up my water intake by at least 32oz, and I split my L&G between lunch and dinner. Splitting the L&G is a HUGE success factor for me when I'm "feeling" hungry..
Post Reply
272 days ago
This past weekend, my DH and I drove to Sandusky, OH, to see an old friend. A large group of us went to a Chinese restaurant, where the server about blew a gasket when I asked if I could have something without the sauce. It wasn't worth the battle, so I ate what I could (which I'm noticing is a lot less these days!.
), and downed a bunch of water..
On the way home, I had some cinnamon pretzels I had stashed in my purse, so I ate those. Then, once home, I had a choice to make: I could figure "what the hell?" since dinner was a relative disaster and eat a bowl of cereal, or I could make sure I at least got my 5 Medifast meals in. I opted for the latter, which was such a great feeling! I had to double up, so I had a pancake and hot cocoa..
So what I am finding motivates me to stay OP is:.
1. The positive payoff from taking and keeping control over my choices (such as Medifast over cereal)..
2. Not freaking out over an unavoidable slip-up. While I could have beaten myself up over having Chinese food that wasn't OP, I just owned it, figuring I did the best I could given the situation, and moved on..
3. And really, pragmatically, the cost of this program and the desire to not repeat week one! I don't want to flush $300+ for the month's worth of food down the toilet, so I stick to it. It's really about getting a decent return on this investment in myself. And I need not say more about not wanting to repeat week 1!.
Chris.
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267 days ago
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258 days ago
1. Make a commitment daily to be OP today. If I get a craving, I tell myself if I really feel like it, maybe tomorrow I can have it. Then tomorrow, I have the same rule. So it's always tomorrow that I will have something which means today I am ALWAYS OP!.
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251 days ago
68 pounds lost is encouragement enough..
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243 days ago
I still have to tell myself to calm down, you'll be fine, and don't give up..
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240 days ago
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240 days ago
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240 days ago
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