Frequently Asked Questions
How effective is the prescription appetite suppressant?
This FDA approved medication has been proven safe and effective – it’s been in use for decades and it works. Even people who are 300 pounds overweight and have fully developed addictions to food report having little to no interest in food at all.
How can I overcome an emotional attachment to food?
The key is to use this time on prescription medication as your window of opportunity. If food was your way of simply passing time or having fun, then start looking right away for other fun and productive activities. Work in the yard, clean out the garage or start taking care of other tasks on your “to do” list.
If food was your way of dealing with uncomfortable emotions, the key is to deal more directly with those issues instead of using food as an escape or distraction. One thing is for sure – eating will never solve the root problem – it will simply make your overall situation worse. For example, if your roof was leaking, would you escape the problem by putting a bucket on the floor and emptying it constantly? Or would you just fix the roof?
Can I consume foods or drinks that are not on the food lists?
There are certain foods that simply must be avoided. Junk food, fast foods, and other processed foods which are high in calories and carbs are not your friend right now. But remember, this is only for a time. You have plenty of delicious foods and drinks to choose from – once you’ve arrived at your goal weight you’ll be so much happier and you’ll have no regrets. Just ask anyone who’s lost a significant amount of weight if their efforts were worth the outcome!
The food lists provided are intended to provide the best possible choices that offer the most nutrition with the fewest number of calories and carbs. These foods are the “best recommendations” but you can certainly add other low-carb foods or drinks as long as you stay within the calorie and carb guidelines.
What if I stumble?
First of all, we’re all human beings, none of us is perfect. Improving one’s eating habits and relationship with food can be very challenging at the core level. It’s not uncommon for us to stumble here and there, especially as we’re just getting started.
If you feel yourself slipping, first of all reach out to your Higher Power for support. Then make a nice big salad with iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green pepper, green olives, and feta cheese. Add a sprinkle of parmesaen cheese a drizzle of olive oil, some spices, and vinegar. Drink a bottle of water while eating your salad VERY SLOWLY. That should be enough to get you through – it’s very filling and very low in calories and carbs!
If you happen to stumble and fall into your “old ways”, the key is not staying down. If you stumble in the morning, that’s no reason to “write off” the entire day. If you stumble on Monday, that’s no reason to “write off” the entire week. Just pull yourself up, dust yourself off and IMMEDIATELY get right back on track.
What if I stumble to the point that I come out of ketosis?
We understand that this can happen. In this case, the key is to get back into ketosis as quickly as possible. Reduce the calories and carbs as much as possible – increase your walking or other exercise – and before you know it, you’ll be back on your way again.
Should I expect any changes in bowel movements?
If you eat plenty of vegetables you’ll be consuming enough fiber to keep things “running smoothly”. There should not be any changes with respect to urgency. If you eat plenty of vegetables there should not be any significant changes in volume or frequency.
On the other hand, if you do not eat plenty of vegetables you could experience mild constipation along with a decrease in volume and frequency. So make sure you’re eating plenty of veggies.
How should I handle going to a wedding or other special event?
We all know that weddings and other special events are overflowing with all types of rich foods. The key is to simply make wise choices and enjoy yourself while you’re there. All sorts of meats and vegetables will be there, along with everything else.
It helps to do some extra walking and cut back a little in the week leading up to the event. For example, starting a week prior to the event, you might cut back 100 calories per day and add 15 minutes of walking – that would “save up” about 1,000 calories that you could use at the event. If you stay away from the sweets and carbs you’ll be able to stay on track for your next weekly check in.
At the bottom line, you simply have to decide which is more important to you. Losing weight, getting healthier, reducing your risk of numerous diseases and gaining a “new lease on life” – or – the few minutes of pleasure you might get from some wedding cake and ice cream.
Is it possible to hit a “plateau”?
The short answer is yes, but each of us are different and unique. There are many variables such as age, weight, lean muscle mass and physical activity levels. Typically, the more weight you have to lose, the faster it will melt away in the beginning.
For example, consider a person who is 100 pounds overweight. Carrying that extra 100 pounds burns a lot of extra calories. If we took a person who’s at a normal weight and made them carry a 100 pound back pack around all day – they would barely be able to move. They would struggle to even stand up or walk up a flight of stairs. In reality, a person who is 100 pounds overweight has much more muscle than the average person.
So once you’ve lost 30 pounds or so, your body will use fewer calories on a daily basis. The best approach to avoiding a “plateau” is to gradually increase your walking or other exercise as you lose weight. This way, the extra physical activity will make up for those calories that you are no longer burning on a daily basis.
If you do find that you reach a “plateau” at some point, the key is to just stick to the plan. At times, when the body senses a rapid decrease in weight, it somehow slows the weight loss as a protective measure. After a time, the weight loss will resume again. The physical laws of nature are on your side.
If you want to push through a “plateau” quickly, the best approach is to reduce your calorie and carbs while increasing your walking or other exercise at the same time. Just stick with it and nature will take its course!
