Having a hard time(optifast)

Hey everyone, I'm on the optifast diet and it's my 4th day now. I'm having a hard time!!!. It's not head hunger but actual hunger, don't know what to do. I tried to fill my stomach with diet pop and water but  it just does funny things to it, I actually end up feeling more hungry which is weird!!! I was wondering what I can do, what should i eat. I know lettuce and cucumbers but I have been craving something salty. I have heard people talk about the broth you can have. What brand is it? Anyway I would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance.
Fer

Hi Fernanda,

Optifast is a difficult time. It's especially hard during the firs 3-4 days & then things settle down.

You can have chicken or beef broth/buillon (any brand). You can also have s/f jello, diet pop, coffee & tea with sugar replacement, lettuce with either lemon or vinegar (no oil). I had the Campbell's chicken broth. It was OK - it was a bit salty.

Good luck.

Andrea.

Hey thanks so much for the suggestions i appreciate it a lot!!

I ditto Andrea's comments.  I had the broth and jello etc and SF popsicles---Carroll

Hi, I am on Day 12.  It's really hard, but just stick it out.  I have found that I am existing on SF Jello.  I only used the broth once, for Thanksgiving dinner.  I have lost 13 lbs, and I hope to have a nice tiny liver for Dr Starr on Thurs.
Keep at it. 

Nancy

I had to do this for three weeks and it was hard.  One thing I noticed - if you try and drink it too fast you get this amazing feeling of hunger.  I spoke with the dietician and she said you really have to take time while drinking it.  I was chugging them cause my mind told me they were so terrible.  Once I slowed it down it got much easier.  And I couldn't drink 4 in a day cause I wasn't hungry.

Good luck, it does get easier!

 Hi Fernanda,
I am on day 6 of the Optifast and understand completely what you are going through.  I'm finding it barely tolerable and I'm hungry too.  I can name 500 things I would like to eat right now.  I've been using the SF jello and had a salad today.  Tomorrow I'm going to get some veggies.  Maybe try the broth but I don't want to eat anything salty or I'll just retain fluids.
I noticed you are from Hamlton.  I was born and raised on the Mountain and live in Caledonia now, but still work in Hamilton.  Hi neighbour!
Corinne

Keep up the great work with the Optifast!

We have been blessed to receive a 2nd chance at life.

It is ALL worth it in the end.



j

Today is the beginning of Day 7 for me.  So far, I am down 5 pounds.  I too find that I have that starving feeling but I am starting to remember to have that shake when I feel that.  I know I drink it too fast but it is the only way I can get it down.  One of the ladies on her recommended that I drink it as cold as possible so I mix the water with ice in my Magic Bullet and then add the Optifast.  The vanilla makes me want to throw up but the chocolate is at least bearable.  Since I am only drinking 2 per day, I haven't been touching the vanilla since day 3.  I know that 2 per day is not enough but I am going to try having a 3rd one today.  At the point you are at, I didn't think I could make it but it really does get easier.  But if I see one more ad on TV for pizza or steak, I am gonna scream!!!  I am a meat lover so that has been the hardest.

I have been having one meal per day with broth of some kind.  it seems to help with the meat craving.  I have had to eat out a couple of times and will order a clear soup like vegetable and either asked them to strain it or I just pick the chunks out ( that's hard to do sometimes - it looks sooo good).  I also eat onion soup strained as I find the flavour more appealing than chicken or beef broth.  If I were having the shakes 4 times a day, I would need to be more careful about the type of broth.  I am also having a very small salad of lettuce, celery and cucumber (all veggies I was told we could have) with a little Kraft Italian low cal dressing.  It only has 5 calories per serving and it is clear so I think it is OK to have.

If you want, you can add me as a friend and we can support each other during this pre-op period.  It's tough but I know we can do it. 


Take care
Nancy D

Thanks to all!!!! those were great suggestions I appreciate it tremendoulsy