What I learned so far on Optifast.,(A bit long)
Does your centre allow coffee? Do you have to switch to Decaf coffee? Do you even like coffee?
If you centre allow full caffeine coffee then skip the next paragraph.
I switched to decaf over a year ago when they suggested we do that at my orientation. I think that is why I have not had the headaches that some have complained about on Optifast. I would suggest you wean yourself to decaf now so you won't have that to deal with. I did it gradually, quarter decaf for a bit, then half decaf for a bit then finally full decaf over a period of a month.
Optifast is so much better blended with ice that just cold water.
So I made ice cubes with decaf coffee. I used my Magic bullet to blend the coffee cubes along with more cold coffee. It is delicious with either the vanilla or chocolate Opti.
I also bought some sugar free Torani syrups. They are sold in the coffee section at Target and Walmart and some grocery stores in the States. I have raspberry, chocolate, caramel and French vanilla. I found Davinci sugar free Khaluah and Irish Cream at Winners. Apparently you can order sugar free syrups at http://markcol.com/retail-locations and (http://www.thelowcarbgrocery.com).You can also buy sugar free syrup at Starbucks. I had to ask the staff for them since they weren’t on the shelves with the ground coffee. You can also buy flavourings in little bottles at the Bulk Barn. They are near the vanilla. I bought peppermint oil and grape.
The raspberry SF syrup was great in both the chocolate and vanilla.
Be careful with the peppermint oil. It is easy to use too much.
I also bought some MIO water enhancers in the US as we don't have as many flavours here. I used the Orange tangerine in both the vanilla and chocolate Opti. I did not like the chocolate one but if you like orange and chocolate together you might.
I mixed my Opti at home in my Magic bullet and put them is my stainless steel coffee mugs to take to work. I tend to stick to having them at 8, 12, 4 & 8. That way I get them all in. So I take 3 to work.
As for the “Opti trots” I never really had them. I started on 1 Metamucil caplet per shake and move up to two the second day. That seems just right for me. Although Ian says “never trust a fart”, not a single untrustworthy fat to be had so far.
I just finished day 11 of 21. Had my pre-admitting appointment yesterday and I am down 8 pounds, which is 2 BMI points down.
I also mixed all my Opti with decaf coffee granules with lots of ice mixed in the Bullet. It was actually pretty good that way.
Great advice...I'm soooo going out to Winners tomorrow to pick up some sugar free flavours! I'm also glad I have a magic bullet. I officially have 12 days of "normal" food choices until my Opti starts. I guess I best cut the caffeine out now.
I just got a magic bull it from my oldest son for my birthday the other day, I must say as weird as this sounds, I can't wait to use it for my opti, yeah ok, remind me when I am loosing my mind in a few weeks ok? Haha! I tell you this ipad and this site don't mix well, can't seem to correct my spelling mistakes, sorry folks!
Annette