Medifast Plus (Requires Rx) - Demystified

OK - I have a second date with Fabio someitme soon, I just don't know when. I just did a book (more or less). I am living my dream. Time to look like it.

        850 Calories a Day (When followed)
        4 packets and 1 meal
       
        Removal from the diet is to be gradual - with supplement of food replacing the packets. (Last time they just dropped me off - and I lost control when the hormone imbalance kicked in. I had gone from 166 to 132. This time, I started at 195. (I refuse to be weighed at the moment. I was size 20, now 14-16. Good enough for me. Now for size 12...)
       
        Low carbohydrate - high protein (new version has higher fiber)
        decreased lactose
        increased potassium
             
        Take Shape can be used in the maintenance of weight. (No Rx needed)
       
        Lack of hunger after first 48-72 hours. (Supposed to be. My system doesn't know how to say no.)
       
        Side Effects on start-up:
       
        lightheadedness - not to be confused with exhaustion
        dizziness - avoid rising fast and hazardous activities (gymnastics, saunas, whirlpools, motorcycle driving, scuba diving, platform diving, swimming alone, horseback riding, hot baths). Ok - the hot bath part got me.
        fatigue - - not to be confused with exhaustion
        constipation - not to be confused with a metal mesh abdomen and sleeping abs.
        dry skin - not to be confused with normal 58 year old skin
        mild cold intolerance (in my case - at the extreme, I lose the ability to hold my body temperature. So I take a hot bath.)
        higher risk of gallstones - whoa! (This is because of the lack of carbs supposedly)
       
        Prescribed Meal
        8 ounces cooked lean meat
        2 servings vegetables
       
        Time
        7-8AM 1 supplement (this assumes I get out of the house after 7 or arrive at work before 8)
        11-12 1 supplement (I prefer to walk for an hour first - which ends at 1-1:30
        2-3 1 supplement (that's why I get cranky at 3-4PM!)
        5-6PM meal (this assumes the kid is at home and so am I)
        8-9PM 1 supplement ( drink before going to the campus across town and stiing in the parking lot???)
       
        Medifast Plus and I have this ritual - 45-60 minutes after drinking it, I need a restroom. Period.
       
        Always take 4 per day - even if you have to mix two together. (I will try to remember that)
       
        Drink 64 ounces of non-caloric fluid per day (in addition to the 64 ounces of water mixed with the four supplements). (I need to measure this - I drink decaf, diet soda if the kid left me any, and Crystal Light, if the kid left me any) One-half of the 64 ounces should be water.
       
        NO ALCOHOL! (Ooops! Guess that lets out 2 glasses of wine a day)
       
        Drink as soon after mixing as possible (I will attest to that!)
       
        Don't mix with diet soda instead of water - might be too sweet. (However, mix mocha and combine with a cup of decaf - 16 ounces - fabulous. Just be near the restroom.)
       
        Out of Medifast? Each supplement is replaced by:
       
        Use EITHER 8 ounces of skim milk OR 1 ounce of finfish, chicken, turkey, lean meat, 1/4 Cup cottage cheese (1% lowfat) , or 1/4 Cup egg substitute AND 1/4 Cup fruit juice, unsweatened. Continue the 64 ounces of water.
       
        EXERCISE
        What ever you can do. I work in the yard, walk, sometimes play at lifting weights, and vacuum. When the kid is not at home, I like to dance to fast music. These are all listed activities.
       
        THE MEAL

Meat and Substitute List

        8 servings (8 ounces) of lean meat or substitute
        2 serving vegetables

        1 Tablespoon salad dressing - 15-20 calories/Tablespoon

   No butter, no frying, no cream sauce. Use herbs and spices. Fat-free broth. Lemon/lime juice. Garlic. Mustard.  

Guess that lets out cake, cookies, home baked bread, biscuits,  pizza, chips, crackers, candy, and that hunk of dark chocolate we single older ladies all use once a month in desperation as a sex substitute. I do anyway.
       
   Oh horrors! All this and teach a 3-day class too!