Newbies

Just trying to get organized for my Jan. 2 start date on this plan…I’m exploring my menu options and set up under the quick menu and it generated a good 8 week plan but I would like to investigate the semi custom plan and the fully custom plan too…How do I I change over to the semi custom meal plan?? Please help!

Hi, Gezi. You may find the connections you’re looking for in the Group Forums – most people in this program are just like you!
As for the soups, please do take advantage of our recipe collection – see link here https://www.trimdownclub.com/recipe_type/soups/.

Hi, jetpilot, and welcome! Sourdough bread is indeed an excellent choice, especially if it is the whole grain type – whole grain bread is in the Menu Planner lists, and you can use that entry for sourdough as well.
Regarding beverages, anything without significant amounts of major nutrients (protein, fat, carb) is “free,” and so doesn’t need to be counted in the menu. Items such as milk and fruit juice are counted as foods. We of course recommend water, still or carbonated, plain or or flavored with cut up fruit peels (just steep like tea). We also recommend teas and coffee – just be wise about what you add to it, avoiding artificial creamers and sweeteners. If you like soda, we recommend you make your own rather than relying on readymade products with excessive sugar or artificial sweeteners that can work against your goals here; just dress up plain soda water with natural flavor extracts (yes, “cola” is available!) or citrus peels and a natural no-carb sweetener (such as Stevia, monk fruit, and/or erythritol). Other beverages, such as fresh-squeezed juices and milks, are considered foods.

Hi, auragasm, and welcome! You can use small amounts of coffee creamer, but we do encourage you to use “real” options, such as half-and-half, full cream, or milky vegan beverages.

Hi, gcole. You can “trick” the Menu Planner application into giving you a little less food if you change the weight in your profile to 158.8. You can also use exercise to improve your metabolic rate, which is very important if you have been on such a restrictive diet in the past. s you lose weight here, the amount of food will decrease until it reaches something closer to what you are used to – but until then, over-restricting at your current weight may lead to long-term plateauing.

Hi, Ms. Bollinger. Yes, this program is based on an exchange system. Regarding BBQ sauce, it is a “sweet” exchange, meaning it is an extra allowed in small amounts to keep the menu enjoyable. It can’t be swapped in for something nutritious. Having written that, we do encourage the best choice for the sauce, i.e., make from all-natural ingredients, with minimal sugar.

Hi, cmhaskew. Fish oil is a supplement of omega-3 fatty acids from fish, particularly “DHA” and “EPA,” which make important contributions to health. They are often greatly inadequate in the typical American diet.