The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[Laramedifast]

Hi all! I have a question. This will be the beginning of my fourth week. I want to start to exercise but don't want to sabbotage any weight loss. I have lost 16 pounds so far, but only one this past week. I'm hoping I'm in that dreaded third week stall. Is there any trick to eating when you start exercising? I know to start out walking about 20 minutes or so, but should I have a bar right before or after or anything? Thanks!
Lara

[dlr2424]

Lara, for me I usually work out right after I eat my MF meal...whether it be a shake or oatmeal and my workout is either a 20 min walk (not to strenuous or 20 min of pilate's......16 lbs so far is awesome!!!!...keep shakin...
Donna..dlr2424

[raederle]

Hi Lara! Nancy posted a recommendation a few weeks ago from Dr. Andersen of Take Shape For Life to "'sandwich' exercise in between Medifast meals. His preference is to have a shake before exercise and a bar after."

You could try that and see how it works for you; if you feel really tired during exercise, you could reverse it and have the bar first; maybe the extra carbs in it would give you a bit more energy to make it through your routine. I personally didn't find that 20 minutes on the treadmill (which I did myself throughout MF-ing, after the first few weeks) was so strenuous that I needed to worry about specially-timed eating... I just hopped on the treadmill when I found time at night, usually some time after my lean & green dinner, and felt fine. I guess if we're eating every three hours, you're almost forced to sandwich the exercise between feedings whether you want to or not!

Just don't forget your water bottle; I always got thirsty even though it was just 20 minutes-- you wanna keep yourself good and hydrated!

[Laramedifast]

thanks women! I'll see how the walking goes. The truth is, I'm really a runner at heart and was one for years before I got married, hurt my back, and subsequently gained 60 pounds back that I had lost. I lost my first 60 just by watching my fats, carbs, and calories and running like a fiend. I really look forward to being that healthy runner, hiker, biker, etc. that I was. I could tell SUCH a huge difference in my moods, self-esteem, outlook, etc. Anyway, my hubby and I have a 4-day backpacking trip coming up the third week of May on a 70 mile hiking trail nearby. I'm so psyched about it because the last time we saw a mamma bear and 3 cubs! My only concern is figuring out how to do the food thing during those days. I started at 201, am now 185, and goal is 135-140. The last 2 times we did the trail (which is very strenous and all uphill (2000 feet elevation) the first 2 days, we averaged 2 miles/hour and did generally 6-9 miles/day. What do you think? Do you think Nancy could help me figure out how to plan what to eat when?? Thanks so much!! And congrats to you, Raederle, not only on reaching goal but your first successful week of transition. You are an inspiration!!!
Lara

[raederle]

Thanks, Lara! I would definitely see what Nancy has to say about MF'ing while hiking, cuz I would certainly think you'd need extra calories while you're trekkin' around all day (heck, you'll have to carry 20 pounds of water on your back, so that alone will give you a great workoout! ). If Nancy doesn't notice this thread, I'd send her an email or PM and solicit her advice (or your health advisor's, if Nancy isn't your HA). Curious to see what the response is, though!

How fun will it be when you are at your "fighting weight" and can start running hardcore again? Think how fast and fleet of foot you'll be then...!

[Unca_Tim]

Hi Goils,
Nancy and Terry are away til next Wed, but may get net access while on the road. I'll mark this post for her, in case she misses it while they're away.

No doubt you'll need extra calories. I'd think about using the Women's Pro Sport drink.

[Laramedifast]

thanks. i actually do have the women's sports pro drink (thinking ahead, very unlike me! I'll look forward to hearing from Nancy.

[Nancy]

Lara, your vacation and hiking adventure sounds like it will be a lot of fun for you and your husband. It will be so beautiful and yet it could be nerve-wracking to come upon a Papa bear but this time, you will be lighter and can run fast if you need to get away!

Are you on the 5 and 1?

Regarding the food thing – Unca T is right-on. The Women’s Pro drink will give you the needed energy you need – I’d start out the day with it. Dutch Chocolate is the recommended flave, IMHO…it has 200 calories, 14 grams of protein – soy and whey both, 1 gram of fat.


I’d take along your regular Medifast food supply with you – if you will have plenty of water, you can prepare a shake in a flash – even have puddin’ at night!

If you take along a butane burner you can prepare Fast Soup, any of the soups for that matter, hot coco, chai latte, oatmeal – your backpack will be lighter than the others in your group as Medifood weighs less than regular foods.

Often on hikes such as you describe, hikers stop and boil water for drinking all the time. Eating the lean and green may not be as easy in terms of trail preparation – the Essential 1 Chicken breast is cinchy and your husband may like it, too – very light weight to carry. The freeze dried chicken or beef patty is so easy to prepare – just add about ½ cup of boiling water and it is ready to scarf. It is a true MRE.

When the other hikers are making S’mores on the campfire with graham crackers and Hershey bars, drag out your Medifast S’more bar – you won’t have to worry about the marshmallows catching on fire and burning your hair while flipping the marshmallow stick around in the air like the other hikers!

Due to the extra energy output you could most likely get by with 2 bars and 1-2 extra shakes, too – Eat more often – every two hours or sooner, if you need to.

Remember, Medifast products are all balanced with the macronutrients in perfect harmony so if you get hungry or feel weary due to the strenuous climb, it will be best to just eat your meals closer together and stick to your MF meals as much as possible.

The Essential 1 tuna salad or the chicken salad would also be perfect. I’d suggest RTD but they are very heavy…I had a few “three bar days” when I was really exerting a lot of energy on a hike and kayak trip.

I’d definitely take some Fast Soup; you’ll need the sodium and potassium.

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