 Ossie-Sharon 7 years ago | Hi, Denise. If you use the personal version of the Menu Planner application (access it by clicking on the “My Food Choices icon in the toolbar above your current menu), you will see some of our recipes in the “Recipes” subcategory of each major food group. For newer recipes that have not yet been added into the system, you can use them to substitute for the main ingredient in your meal. You can also match up the exchanges visible at the end of each recipe and when you click on “Exchange Mode” in the toolbar above your menu. It doesn’t need to be a perfect match to work. |
| Ossie-Sharon 7 years ago | Hi, Kathy, and apologies for the delay. Half-and-half is absolutely fine – particularly if it is full fat or low-fat (we don’t recommend “skim” or “fat free.” Each two tablespoons (30 ml) is a fat exchange – less than that over a whole day would be “free.” |
 kathybruce@bex.net 7 years ago | Hmm, I posted a question 4 days ago and no response. Very disappointing. |
 wanga56 7 years ago | Hi, I just joined last night and am reading over all the information. I feel so overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin. Is this normal for beginners? My menu plan is confusing. It doesn’t allow me to delete a food, only replace it with something. Do I need to eat that food or its replacement? Is there another place to type in the food I want to eat? Sorry for all the questions, but I want to start off the right way and not get frustrated and give up. Thanks for any sugguestions. |
 denisebabinski 7 years ago | Do recipes coordinate with weekly plan?? |
| Ossie-Sharon 7 years ago | Hi, JoBright. You don’t need to cut it out! If you enter “My Food Choices” (link in the toolbar above your menu), you can select wine in the “Beverage” subcategory of the “Carbohydrates” category, and a 4-ounce (1/2 cup or 120 ml) serving will be worked in (usually in the evening). |
 JoBright 7 years ago | I like a glass of red wine with dinner. Should I cut this out and how will it affect my plan if I don’t |
| Ossie-Sharon 7 years ago | Hi, rpenni01, and welcome. It’s great that you are starting with one thing at a time – just ease into things! The best way to determine if a product is OK is to check the ingredients list – if it contains overly processed or artificial items, it’s not what we would recommend. Your go-to product is fine, though something like Earth Balance may be better. |
| Ossie-Sharon 7 years ago | Hi, jxyzobrien. The best way to flavor water is to steep it with citrus peels, cut up fruit, or gently bruised berries. |
 rpenni01 7 years ago | Hi All! I’m new to this and completely overwhelmed thinking about picking healthier foods. It sounds easy until I get to the grocery store and am just overwhelmed by the choices. I’m going to start with margarine, I’ve always used a form of it and for the last several years have used I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter light. It doesn’t say margarine and is much lower in the fat category than butter. Can you help me sort this out??? |
 jxyzobrien 7 years ago | stopped using artificial sweeteners. switch to great value
stevia extract at walmart. is this ok
what should i use to flavor water. i was using great value drink mix
then i realized it contains artificial sweetener. i am switching from whole wheat bread to slices of sweet potato instead
did the cardio weight workout as best i could
hips and shoulders have been replaced. but i can walk fast and lift
some weight |
| Ossie-Sharon 7 years ago | Hi, pamaround. Beans are in the Carbohydrates section of the Menu Planner food lists – each 1/2 cup (120 ml) cooked = 1 carb + 1 protein exchange. |
| Ossie-Sharon 7 years ago | Hi, jxyzobrien. Yes, you can use canola oil, though we do recommend the cold-pressed type (and organic, if possible). You can repeat meals, days, and even whole weeks, if you wish.
The exercises you’re doing look great. You can get additional ideas in our 8-week series (see the link on our home page) – weeks 1, 3, 5, and 7 provide a video at the bottom of the page. |
