I did the Medifast diet about 20 years ago, (under doctors supervision) lost about 25 pounds in short period of time and then my whole system seemed to go into shock !! I got sick at the drop of a hat. Colds, flu, and virus that came down the pike, I ended up with it. So, I went to another physician who ran tests and told me that the Medifast diet weakend my immune system and to get off of it and stay off of it. I don't know if this is general or individual. I got off of it and eventually my body recovered. I tried atkins and lost weight with that, but gained it back as soon as I started to add carbs back in my diet. This time around it is about portion control and excercize. I eat anything I want to, but I weigh and measure every bite that enters my mouth. I don't eat sugar much, but if I do, then it is very infrequently and only a small serving. If I crave something sweet, I will go and buy a fresh pineapple or some fresh oranges or grapefruit. That really satisfies the cravings that seem to come along now and then. And the plus side of that is that they are good for you. I hated to excercise, but once I got into the habit of it, I like doing it now. And since I have lost my first 30 pounds, it is easier than before. I actually had a young man whistle at me the other day. He hadn't seen me for a few months and said he nearly didn't recongnize my new thin frame. That really gave me the boost I needed to continue on my journey. I recommend a Way of life food plan that you can stick with for life. You won't stay of Medifast forever, but if you eat sensibly and keep your body moving, you can eat anything you want to in smaller amounts. No deprivation or boredome there. I have even eaten a serving of Tiramisu and still lost nearly a pound in a weeks time. It is all about common sense and not about lining the pockets of those diet gurus. That's my opinion. There are plenty of websites that have wonderful recipes and journal opportunities. I am not sure if we are allowed to post websites here, but if we are I will be happy to share my favorites with you all. Helen

I have listened to people for years talk about the fact that Weight Watchers is real food that you buy and cook at home, because many of the people I use to go to church with have found it to be the most consistent. I have worked with the diabetics association diets in my profession and know they are well balanced meals/snacks and their menus are available at the library so you don't have to sign-up for the constant advertisements. Balance the two diet menus and you should be able to work out something that will work for the fussy-eater part of you. Most importantly is keep posting here where you can get support because that's what determines, most of the time, whether or not a dieter is successful--SUPPORT! Since you quit smoking you know you've got the will-power (AKA self discipline) and perseverance to lose the weight. Congratulations! now you only have to add water and exercise and you are on your way. We look forward to hearing about your successes and your slips, because none of US are perfect at this so you can't be either. (lots of smiles)

Week II in Hi-Energy (post "Detox"): Yesterday was my "first service" visit to the Gilbert, AZ office. (Btw, the contract states you have until 7 days or within 3 days of the first service date to cancel the program, whichever comes first.) Interviewed by a counselor regarding my first week of "Detox" whom when asked admitted to no credentials relating to nutrition, dieting or any medical field. After explaining the program guide booklet and selecting my food choices for purchase ($148.69--I bought extra boxes to accomadate food choices), she administered a 10-lead electrocardiogram. I learned this is a 5 and 1 program where I eat six (6)times a day. Five (5) times with their "Medifast" food and one (1) time, i.e. dinner from my home refrigerator. Dinner, or "Lean & Green", in one sentence is basically any lean meat, e.g., fish, chicken, pork, turkey, lamb and so on. You can go meatless with eggs. The "Green" is broken down chartwise into a low, moderate and highest carb count listing from their guide. Bottom line: After listening to the counselors about taking the upcoming urine test for Ketones, studying the guide and the Medifast food boxes, the Hi-Energy program offered here in Arizona--is the very same Medifast program offered online, or what is is offered at any Medifast facility (e.g. Texas). Online, you are offered an opportunity to start a franchise or join the program. See the link: http://www.medifast1.com/index.asp and you will know "Hi-Energy." Everything is there to include the program guides and food information. However, the this rabbit hole goes even deeper. These programs work by spilling ketones, or more simply put, changing the body metabolism to primarily burning fat stores in leiu of carbohydrates. At the deepest depth of this rabbit hole--you will find Robert C. Atkins, M.D. He wrote a #1 best seller called: "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution" 2002 latest edition for $7.99. May he rest in peace. I own this book and lost 20 pounds on the Atkins diet serveral months ago. I've kept off the weight because my girl-friend who does the cooking always has presented my dinners with lean and green! Btw, a prevailing media misconception of Atkins is that there are no carbs on this diet. Actually, the first week "limits" carbs to 20 grams to induce ketosis, and thereafter to around 40 grams per day. If you look at carb gram counts in different foods-you will notice this is an abundance of food. It's dark in this hole . . . let me get my flashlight out . . . alias Hi-Energy at $924.00 plus food, or the Atkins book at $7.99 plus the frig and sensible grocery shopping? Here is a link that might be useful: Medifast is Hi-Energy

That looks great. I might try this sambal mariade on tofu cubes (before roasting) or maybe catfish or tilapia as well. I'm always looking for new spicy mixtures. I've never cooked with lemongrass so this sounds like an adventure. I'm on a very very strict diet (e.g. Medifast) right now so won't be able to try it for a while so sorry, I won't be able to report back very soon. (Now ask me why I'm checking in with this forum, LOL) Thanks for posting!