 Ossie-Sharon 12 years ago | Hi, yolandepalmer, and welcome. First, rest assured that you can choose whatever you want for your menus in the Menu Planner menu-building application. If you find that the non-grain selection is not adequate for your needs, then just choose one for a placeholder, and swap in your preferred alternative, i.e. buckwheat products, seeds, or nuts, etc. Buckwheat products will be added to the menu in the future.
Second, the Trim Down Club is based on principles that are different from those you followed before. Research indicates that it is important to have carbohydrates be accompanied by a protein source to slow the absorption of sugar into the blood and avoid the insulin spikes that are associated with weight gain.
Some diets out there produce initially good results, but are followed by rebound weight gain (most people cannot follow their restrictive rules forever, and going back to normal eating then reveals the trouble). This program is geared toward slower but more permanent weight loss, which also supports better general health. It sounds like this is what you are after. |
| Ossie-Sharon 12 years ago | Hi, jdjunkie. The five foods are as follows:
1. Regular margarine (better choices: natural butter or organic “smart” butter substitutes”
2. Regular whole wheat bread (better choice: 100% whole grain bread or sprouted whole grain bread)
3. Preserved orange juice (better choice: fresh-squeezed on the spot)
4. Most soy products (better choices: organic, fermented, whole and unprocessed)
5. Artificial sweeteners (better choices: monk fruit, Stevia, coconut sugar/nectar, organic whole evaporated cane juice). |
 yolandepalmer 12 years ago | I am having trouble getting started on this diet and I signed up over a week ago! I have been dieting for 6 weeks and have lost 11 pounds. I have done this through not eating protein and carbohydrates together where possible and cutting down on bread and grains. I have made sure to eat breakfast and lunch as well as dinner. My problem with TDC is the amount of grain. I cannot eat any type of grain at breakfast and yet all the menus seem to include some type. I have been having a hard boiled egg or ham and then some carbs an hour or two later. I am surprised that there is no buckwheat in the menus as I think this would be better than rice etc. I would like to make more progress with my diet but I am scared of putting on what I have already lost. I am 5’6″ and never went above 9st but after my last child 8 years ago I have not been below 11st. I want to be shift at least another 14 lbs so that I am no longer overweight. I like TDC but just can’t seem to use it properly! |
| Ossie-Sharon 12 years ago | Hi, Tigist, and welcome. The best place to start is reading over the mai Program Guide, and then getting into the Menu Planner to build your menus. Start with the foods you have at home, and gradually upgrade to healthier versions if you wish (recommended).
Then you can read the other online guides, followed by the articles, if you wish. If you have any other questions, please repost. |
 Tigist 12 years ago | Hello everyone I’ve just joined the program but I’ve yet to implement it. I feel overwhelmed for some reason. The variety of foods is great but don’t know where to start. Anyone have any suggestions? |
 stewartie26 12 years ago | I am new to the program and also finding it a bit overwhelming and difficult to eat all on the plan, will this get easier as the weeks go by – any tips out there!!
Stewartie26 |
 kydano 12 years ago | Wednesday – Aug 21; Actually created a menu that will work for me and are actual foods I have and can eat. Not bad and quite a bit of food too! |
 Lynne55a 12 years ago | I actually did not do any of the things you listed! By the way casserole came out great. Thanks for the info! |
| Ossie-Sharon 12 years ago | Hi, Lynne55a. Did you use full-fat Greek yogurt? That can make a huge difference. Another option is to add egg whites (we will add that feature).
Regarding the muffins, the following can make a difference: ensuring you use whole brown rice flour, mini-muffin tin, and almonds ground to a flour-like powder. |
| Lynne55a 12 years ago | I just started this diet and made three things from the menu. My first was the chocolate mousse. Well, after spending money on raw milk, dark chocolate and all the other ingredients, it never solidified , it’s in the freezer now, and I’m hoping for the best. Next I made the lemon breakfast muffins, after baking the allotted time, they were still wet inside. I put them back in for another 55 minutes ( lowered the degree to 350) just took them out and their still wet. My potato broccoli cheese casserole is in the oven now, I’m afraid to look at it. Help! What am I doing wrong? These ingredients are to expensive to keep buying, and I promise I’m a pretty good cook! Really frustrated! |
 Tweety425 12 years ago | it’s frustrating at first making the menu’s. I made about 12 of them before I finally said this is the one! Looking at what you will eat & cook relistically when you make out the food list is the key. Don’t give up! keep working on the menu, you will find something soon~ |
| kydano 12 years ago | I’m having trouble creating a menu with something that is what I would call ‘normal’. It looks like you have to live in a grocery store and be a chef to prepare all these things! I’ve edited my food list 3 or 4 times and still can’t get a ‘real life’ menu?? Help. |
| Ossie-Sharon 12 years ago | Hi, Bella10. Congratulations on your results. Regarding your husband, I just want to assure you that this program is based on the principles of diabetes management – so he is in the right place.
As far as his intestines go, it is important to note that this diet tends to be very high in fiber. If someone is not used to that, there can be a period of adjustment. It is important that he drinks plenty of water. If the problem persists to a disturbing degree for weeks more, please repost. |
| Ossie-Sharon 12 years ago | Hi, Kydano. Hopefully with the eating schedule in this program, you may be less tempted to snack at night. Beyond that, a couple of options:
1. Try sipping on something light instead of nibbling – green tea, soda water flavored with fresh lemon and a low-carb sweetener
2. Turn it around and use the time in front of the TV to get some exercise – it doesn’t have to be intense, just walk in place, do leg lifts, anything. It might take a while to get used to the idea, but it is really worth it.
3. Find something else to do while you’re watching TV – just keep yourself busy with something you like just as much as eating. |
 Bella10 12 years ago | My husband and I started this diet 5 days ago. I love eating 6 times a day. I’ve already lost 3 pounds. My husband is complying about feeling a little under the weather, and pooping a lot. Has any one had this problem when first starting this diet? He is Type 2 diabetic, will this mess with his blood sugar level? |
