Getting started

 Hi
Im just getting started and tried to take in as much information as I could with my first consultation .  The nurse said I could start my journey the next day if I wanted to, but I am now going to start . Christmas is over and a new beginning is about to begin.  So my question is .... With the 1cup of food three times a day I just need some guiedience on what I can eat and what is absolutely a no no?  I know no cheese, caffeine ,diet drinks,or juice, but what are some suggestions.....I want to set myself up for success not failure.

Thanks Mona

Hello.

I would also like information on the one cup diet.  I know that I should eat my protein first but I need help with meal ideas and what I cannot eat.  Starbucks is one of my favourite places so I will morn the loss of my venti caramel machiattos. lol

I assume we are not allowed carbs or if we have carbs we should only have a minimal amount.

I am really worried about this one cup diet thing...I worry about cravings and feeling hungry.  I want the strength to get through this and I know most of it will be mental rather than physical.

One friend on this forum did inform me that you shouldn't drink a half hour before eating and a half hour after so that you don't trick your body into feeling full.  I think.  I think she said that eating slower is required and that a one cup meal should take 20 min to half an hour to finish.  Eat a bite...put fork down...chew chew...two minutes later take another bite.  Can anyone confirm this?

I have always grazed...a snacker.  I will have to teach myself to eat three meals a day.

Mel

Since my first appointment with the clinic and surgery the program has changed a lot and I have no idea about the one cup diet but I bet it will sure give you the jump start that you need to make a success of surgery if you are taking that route. I'm 15 months out from having a sleeve surgery done and I still can't eat a cup of food unless it's straight liquid like broth or tomato soup. I"m thinking this 1 cup diet will mentally prepare you for the days after surgery.
I have never gave up my cheese cause it is a vital protein in my diet as I still don't get the required protein that I should. I have changed from regular cheese to light.  Before surgery I joined weigh****chers to help me lose and cut back my eating out to 1 time a week from probably 10 times. I gave up pop and juice and started wearing a pedometer and jornaling my food intake, emotions and times I would eat. Late evening and nights were my worst times.
Eating wise definitely protein first, fruit and veggies second and carbs third. You really have to find a system that will work for you and keep you satisfied. It is also a little harder to cook a stable meal as you are trying to cut calories, fat, and portion size but with a little time it'll get better.
I don't know if this will help but here are some idea's for breakfast lunch and supper. They are all high protein and great for left overs.

Breakfast- Boiled egg with a piece of cheese, package oatmeal with milk, greek yogurt with fruit,

Lunch-1/2 cup of tuna in a lettuce wrap with chopped celery and green onion with a little mayo
             1/2 cup of chili
              ham or turkey breast sandwich made with lettuce wrap

Supper- Chicken breast with salsa and 1/2 baked potato or green salad
                Grilled fish with veggies
                 Beef with stir fry veggies and 1/4 cup of rice
                 1/4 cup Ground turkey with 1/4 cup of lite Ragu sauce and 1/4 cup of Smart Pasta
                 Bun less Hamburger with saute onion and salad

All the little changes make a different, lower cal butter, salad dressing , mayo's and drink more water. Weight and measure all your foods. Pre package snacks of almonds in snack bags instead of grabbing a handful.

Good Luck and I hope this was helpful.

Kee.

 Thanks so much for the ideas and advice...... This is going to be quite a journey for me, it scares me and excites me at the same time, but 2012 is about me and my health, and I know my family is here for my support.

Mona

Kee,

Thank you for all that great information.  It really helps.  I have my first appointment on Tuesday so this weekend is my farewell to a few things I enjoy to eat that really aren't good for me.  I am so excited for this journey.  2012 will be the year that my life changes forever.  Thank you.