I need help with my pyramid days, please.
I'm halfway to goal and due to costs I've had to go this week without the JC food.....leaving me to figure out my food for all 7 days, all by myself. Leaving my consultation I thought I had it under control until I looked at the exchange lists. I'm overwhelmed with figuring out all the starches, meats, veggies, etc. on my own. I think I'm eating too many starches. Help someone. Please!

I am so sorry that no one has responded to your request for help. They probably haven't been in your shoes yet.
I am still working toward my half way mark and have a ways to go, but I am slowely but surely getting there.
I can see why JC recommends that you do 6 days on JC and 1 day on Pyramid Menu. Just looking at it on your own, is overwhelming.
If you cannot get all of the JC food at this time, at least have a Counselor help you to choose whatever JC meals that you can afford and help you with your Pyramid Menu. JC has a Pyramid Menu option on their on-line meal planning menu. I guess you also have the Weight Loss Success Manual Part Two. Page 45 has a Sample Pyramid Menu. Try not to stop following the program now. You worked too hard to get where you are, you do not want to back slide and gain it all back.
Keep us posted as to how you are doing.
Love & Hugs,
~Connie
[ September 16, 2002: Message edited by: ykwcg ]

Hello. I just made my halfway mark on Friday and will be adding two pyramid days this week. I thought I knew quite a bit about this stuff, buts it very intimidating. I can send you some sample (vegetarian) pyramid days once I figure some out, if you'd like. Otherwise, private chat me and maybe we can figure out some vegetarian pyramid days together. I agree with Connie - don't stop now!

Rachel-
Your post has a lot of flailing and not a lot of facts, which makes it hard to answer, but here goes:
If you are on 1200 cals(you don't indicate), your daily exchanges are:
2 fats
3 milks
5 "meats"
2 fruits
3 veggies
5 grains
Some hints for balancing exchanges:
Milks/meats are interchangeable up to a point.
Make sure your major meals incorporate protein of some sort. It is also helpful if you eat a protein rich snack (like soy nuts) in place of a carb rich one like cheese curls or something.
Buy low cal bread, since two slices equal one bread exchange.
Measure cereals/ pastas carefully, and choose ones with a high fiber content.
Adding reduced fat cheese to a green salad is a great way to get more protein in without added carbs.
Please see my response to USNewfie re: meat analogs. They are your friends .
Hope this helps. If you have other questions let me know.
Deedee