Welcome Newbies! Helpful info for week 1.

[AnnK]

Originally Posted by Nannyhooch

I got for my first consultation Friday 1/14/11, just reading thru the forum it looks like the first week is just meat and broth? And water?

Hi Shell ~ The 1st week is all protein, virtually NO carbs. I was on 500 calories the 1st 7 days & actually did not get hungry after the 1st day or so. I was allowed a cup of chicken broth if I felt light headed. The purpose is to get your body to start burning its fat. After this "kick start," you gradually re-introduce vegetables, fruits & finally starches, to your diet.
!!

[Nannyhooch]

All protein the first week, so I guess alot of eggs and meat!? I am wanting to lose this weight bad enough I CAN DO IT!

I have also read that I am to consume 500 protein calories, what is the difference between 500 calories and 500 protein calories?

Sorry for all the questions, just want to cover all the bases hopefully!

Thanks for the help!

[Fit2010]

Your selections will be protein, not carbs. But some proteins have a few carbs and fats in them. You are to have 500 calories. Not 500 protein calories, believe me, there is no way you could eat 500 protein calories!

[Nannyhooch]

Thank you Fit2010! Have done the Low Carb a few times with success once, I lost 50 lbs.! I've just got to get out of the LC way of thinking and learn the Medi Way! From what I've read on here it works!

[dani1428]

I'm thinking of joining MWL, but I'm a bit concerned about the program. Medi recommends 500 cal of protein and then 2 servings of veg or 1 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit. At then end of the day, a person on Medi would be eating 700-800 total calories.

Every fitness book or magazine recommends that women should eat a minimum of 1,200 calories to stay healthy.

So how is MWL healthy? Aren't you basically starving yourself?

Also, how does exercise then factor in? What happens if I burn 400 calories doing an hour on the elliptical? Do I need to make up for those calories I just burned? If not, then I'm basically only eating 300-400 calories a day.

Please help! I'm confused....

[suzanna1]

Welcome, Dani!

You absolutely aren't starving yourself. You will be getting the nutrient your body needs to maintain lean body mass (muscle) while getting rid of excess fat. This is done under the supervision of a doctor and nurses and is not something that should be tried alone.

Every week you will get a body composition analysis that will show that the weight being lost is not lean body mass. If you are losing muscle, your program will be altered to increase fat loss.

Each person has an individualized program for their exercise and activity level.

It really works. I have been maintaining my weight +/- 3 pounds for almost 9 months!

[MaggieMayhem]

Hello All, I have my first appointment on Monday Jan 17th. Looking forward to learning more about this program and excited to get started. I am getting married in May and want to lose about 20-30 lbs. After reading a lot posts on this board I can see there is a lot of success.

Question: My appointment is at 11AM ideally I would like to start on Monday and not wait until Tues. Can someone tell me what would be the right breakfast for me?

[AnnK]

Originally Posted by dani1428

I'm thinking of joining MWL, but I'm a bit concerned about the program. Medi recommends 500 cal of protein and then 2 servings of veg or 1 serving of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit. At then end of the day, a person on Medi would be eating 700-800 total calories.

Every fitness book or magazine recommends that women should eat a minimum of 1,200 calories to stay healthy.

So how is MWL healthy? Aren't you basically starving yourself?

Also, how does exercise then factor in? What happens if I burn 400 calories doing an hour on the elliptical? Do I need to make up for those calories I just burned? If not, then I'm basically only eating 300-400 calories a day.
Please help! I'm confused....

Hi Dani! I've been on the program for 6 months & have been maintaining my weight goal with around 1,200 calories a day for the past 2 months. I had your same concerns before starting & had a negative feeling about "low carb" diets. You have good questions! I did start at 500 protein cals the first week ~ this kick starts your body into burning fat. Some people may require more calories; that's something you decide with your clinic staff. They may suggest that you not exercise the first week due to the low caloric intake. The fruits, veggies & eventually limited starches are gradually added back in. The calories move up each step of the way, and exercise is definitely encouraged. My clinic (medical) staff have been wonderfully supportive. I went from seeing them weekly to bi-weekly, to (now) monthly. They are also just a phone call away if there are questions between appointments. Keep us informed if you decide to pursue the Medi program ~ this forum has been greatly helpful for a lot of us!

[bocajrednaxela]

Oh my goodness, this has helped me so much! You have no idea how great this thread is, I think the prices are ridiculous for the program in my area, it's around two hundred a month and I just can't afford it. This is so helpful, thanks!

[Deshaye70]

Hi everyone! I am halfway through week 1...and can't believe I haven't been hungry on this program. I found your site two weeks ago when I was thinking about doing it as a friend recommended the program. I wasn't sure about the shots and the calorie count. The success stories and all the tips here helped me to make my decision. I am SO glad I found it! I am on the road to being a healthier - and lighter - person. Updates to follow!

[MaggieMayhem]

Today is the day, I made this appointment back in mid DEC wanting to make it through the holidays first. Now it is time and I am ready. This board has been so helpful in getting me really excited to do this. All of the successes posted here is very motivating...more to come

[Nannyhooch]

So glad to see all the new members, that are at the same stage I am! Today is my third day! Going great so far! I really feel good and didn't think I would, having to make myself eat the required 500 calories/protein!

Looking forward to Friday, my first weigh-in!

Good Luck!

[presh]

Yeah! I have completed my first week of MWL and lost 9 pounds! I can now add vegetables and up my calories to 1000/day. Does anyone have advise for this week? I am scared to eat vegetables!

[presh]

You will do great! I have just weighed in for my first week and lost 9 pounds! This is definitely doable. Just stay focused and do what they say to do and you will succeed!

[Deshaye70]

Tomorrow is my weigh-in after the first week. I actually can't wait to get on the scales! I feel so much better...alot of energy...and like others I couldn't believe that I had to force myself to eat all the protein! I'll let you all know tomorrow night what the results are!

[ktbug283]

Hello All! I have been viewing this forum for a couple weeks and am now going to be an active participant since I took the plunge and had my first Medi appt Monday. This is my second day and the headache is starting and I have to say I am really hungry. I have been drinking a ton of water and taking the AS as perscribed. I want to lose this weight so bad that I know I can hang in there. Thank you all for posting such wonderful tips and offering support!

[Nannyhooch]

Originally Posted by ktbug283

Hello All! I have been viewing this forum for a couple weeks and am now going to be an active participant since I took the plunge and had my first Medi appt Monday. This is my second day and the headache is starting and I have to say I am really hungry. I have been drinking a ton of water and taking the AS as perscribed. I want to lose this weight so bad that I know I can hang in there. Thank you all for posting such wonderful tips and offering support!

I never had the headache, thank goodness! But I didn't give up morning coffee either or I would have. Hang in there! We can do this!

[valarie]

I join Medi on Jan 13th and this Saturday the 22nd is my first weigh in. So far so good. They told to eat between 500-800 calories at my center so I have been around 650 alittle more or less at times. I have been eating lots of shrimp, egg beaters, white meat turkey and chicken breast fresh not deli, and canadian bacon. Have not used appetite supressants yet no need not hungry. Been feeling a little tired though.

[Junebaby]

Hi! Today is my second day. I'm trying to keep my mind off eating, but I'm not having much luck. I really want a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup! Any sage advice? I know the first week is supposed to be the hardest...well, it is. Thanks!

[MaggieMayhem]

Originally Posted by Junebaby

Hi! Today is my second day. I'm trying to keep my mind off eating, but I'm not having much luck. I really want a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup! Any sage advice? I know the first week is supposed to be the hardest...well, it is. Thanks!

Hey Junebaby, I am on day 3 and so far I found on day 2 I felt the hungriest but made it through, day 3 wasn't as bad. So I am hoping it keeps getting better. Just say NO to the Reeses

[Fit2010]

Junebaby - If you've been to the MWL clinic and paid all that $, do you really want a less than $1 or so Reeses Peanut Butter cup, which will just be an instaneous satisfaction but a huge wallet disatisfaction?! It's not worth it....

[cheryl64]

Hi.

My name is Cheryl. I also went in Monday to start the program. So far so good. The hardest thing for me so far is drinking enough water.

[Junebaby]

Hiya! Day 3: Woke up with a much better attitude! Thank you to Fit2010, mMaggieMayhem, and Cheryl64 for your encouraging words. I know today will be better!

(Also, Fit and Cheryl, I'm from Valley Center!)

[valarie]

Originally Posted by cheryl64

Hi.

My name is Cheryl. I also went in Monday to start the program. So far so good. The hardest thing for me so far is drinking enough water.

My probelm also is drinking enough water. But I have a solution I am diluting the water with Powerade Zero. Cheryl try the grape it tastes great and so far have been drinking between 64-70 oz of water. Its strange but I am not hungry at all no cravings whatsoever just a bit overtired but am sleeping much better.

[cheryl64]

Originally Posted by valarie

My probelm also is drinking enough water. But I have a solution I am diluting the water with Powerade Zero. Cheryl try the grape it tastes great and so far have been drinking between 64-70 oz of water. Its strange but I am not hungry at all no cravings whatsoever just a bit overtired but am sleeping much better.

Thanks. I will try that and hopefully can get at 64 in today. I was short 8 ounces yesterday. They sure have had wonderful results at the Andover Clinic.

[Fit2010]

Cheryl64 - A suggestion is to make herb tea (I like hot with this cold weather, esp decaf). Lots of times I don't even add sweetener (I like the Celestial Chai). First thing I do every AM, before my coffee or anything goes in my mouth, is downing a 12 oz glass of tap water. If I'm home, I try to do that before every meal, just to make sure I get that extra full feeling before I eat, and it gets the water in. That has worked for me anyways! And I concur with the clinic praises!

[Junebaby]

Half my water comes from taking all the pills!

[Fit2010]

Junebaby - "Stats: SO not tellin'!/not tellin' this either/160"....cute! We don't judge....but we DO celebrate with you, so if you ever change your mind please post 'em!

[mommy2princesses]

Cheryl - I used to struggle with the water too...but, it really does make a difference. On weeks when I knew I slacked off on water my weight loss was much less than weeks when drank 100+ oz/day. It eventually becomes more of a habit, just always have some with you.

Good luck!

[Junebaby]

What happens if I slip? Do I just go back on plan and get back into ketosis? Will it be just like starting over?