Today was my first day and I'm starving...all I could think about all day was when and what I could eat. I'd like to hear ideas of things that helped you stay on the plan....I'm not a big salad person, but can do tomatoes or carrots or cucumbers. When do you use the anytime bars. Can we add things like cottage cheese, sugar free low fat pudding, cheese squares?? If so, where? Thanks!

sugar free jello... for a sweet tooth.
sugar free pudding is a starch exchange.
If I am really hungry and a glass of milk won't do, I have a 1oz string cheese.
you can use a fruit and milk exchange to make a yummy and satisfying smoothie.. 1c of frozen fruit (I like bananas and berries)w/ 1 cup skim milk and a little splenda. This makes a 2 cup smoothie.
I like the caesar dressing on fresh sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
I cook A LOT of veggies, get creative, use chicken stock instead of oil and add whatever seasonings you like. If you feel like spicey, add crushed red peppers of chili sauce. If you like garlic add garlic powder and freshly ground pepper. You can use soy sauce,or low calorie stirfry sauce.
I LOVE carmelized onions and carrots. I use 1 tsp of butter (use as my fat instead of salad dressing)and add the onions and carrots, sprinkle with splenda, and cook over med low heat stiring frequently to carmelize. Then, when they are done, I loosen up the yummy carmelized bits that are stuck to the pan w/ a little chicken broth. You CAN NOT do this w/ a non stick
pan. I add these to the beef and mashed potatoes dinner.... YUM!!!
I am at the end of week 4 and I have learned that eating a lot of veggies w/ my meals really fills me up and it doesn't always have to be a salad! If you want more veg ideas pm me. GOOD LUCK and STICK WITH IT

The first few days are the hardest. It is your body getting use to how we should be eating. I am on day five...I personalized my menu designing it around the weekends when I would normally eat out to the week days when meals are on the go go go. Things that will help are lots of water. Jello!!! I also made the Tuscan soup on the back of the planner (and the rainbow salad-free). After a few days you will adapt to all the vegies/fruits and those desserts (yummm). I normally am not a "sweets" person but they are yummy. Keep focused on where you want to be and you will get through the first few days and I really feel a difference. I feel so healthy. I was shocked at first with the portion sized and at work yesterday I was amazed how I was not hungry when I usually would have lunch (because of the snacks) and how much more foods I had still to eat (ok they were fruits and veggies but still). Hang in there, this is the perfect place to get support!

I know, it's rough at first...your body is freaking out because it's not getting all of what it's use to getting (whatever that may be for you, mine was mainly fast food, and sugary carbs!) I love to chop up like a half a cucumber and one med tomato and put a little bit of salt, some pepper and a small amount (like a capfull or so) of white wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil mix it up in a bowl and enjoy a crunchy, yummy, and satisfying snack! MMMM! Hang in there! I WILL get easier!

Hi Texas~ Welcome to JC. I feel for ya; I know exactly how you feel! My first week was rough, but I stuck with it and now I can actually say it is so EASY to stay on plan. My first week I had a headache for the whole week and I felt like I was starving. I supplemented with a lot of veggies, cooked and raw. I made a 'free soup' with broth, diced tomatoes, chopped spinach and a bunch of seasonings. And I also supplemented with sugar free jello and fruit. I lost 2.6 pounds my first week, and that's not a lot compared to other people on these boards, BUT that's 8,750 calories LESS than my body was used to having in order to lose those 2.6 pounds (it takes a reduction of 3,500 cals for each pound lost)! Thinking about it that way, had a huge impact on me and I just made up my mind to plow through the rough spots and keep going. Hang in there, I'm pullin for ya!

Thank you soooooooooooooo much. It has been hard...I'm on day 5 now and I've had a headache every day...guess it's my body's way of trying to get used to not having sugar and caffine. I do appreciate all the helpful hints. Together we can make it, RIGHT?

I had a headache for the first 4 days on the plan. No idea exactly why but I think it was quite a shock to my system just the same. It did finally pass and I've been fine since. Remember to take Tylenol for the pain.
Welcome to JC. It is all worth it.