I just started my diet, before the pills, and I have run into a few questions:

1. What is the safest Chineese food to eat? My boyfriend's favorite restaurant is a Chineese seafood buffet. I try to stick to the fresh fruit bar, the veggies and the vegetable rice, but what about the rest?  My favorite dishes are all covered in sauces or deep fried. I don't know what would be the best.

2. Has anyone had any problems with hard liquor? I don't drink a lot but I am a college student and at times I do go out and party with my friends. Do I have to quit drinking on Alli? I read the books that came with the starter pack and it said that acohol has 0 fat, but I would like to hear some feedback before I drink out in public while taking Alli.

Hi there and welcome to the Alli family :)  Drinking doesn't have to be given up - it just has to be counted in your calories for the day.  Also remember - drinkng does tend to "induce" you into eating !!

I'm sure the veggies at a Chinese buffet are cooked in calorie laden, fat/sodium laden oils along with other things we may not be sure of.   As far as the rice goes - I have a feeling it's going to be relatively high in fat AND higher in sodium.

A lot of restaurants now have their nutritional info on-line - you could always check into that.  You could also try www.calorieking.com or www.fitday.com to get a feel of what those foods may be hiding !

GOOD LUCK !!

Hey, good luck with your weight loss goals!  Dining at an all-you-can-eat buffet can be difficult, (and very brave of you, given that you're just starting out) but it is manageable.  Check out the Alli dining out plan on the website--it gives you great tools in learning how to eat your favorite ethnic food wisely. And remember, though alcohol may be fat-free, it is loaded w/calories! I drink low-calorie beer once or twice a week.  I've lost 25 pounds so far, with 10 more to go...so you can imbibe and still reach goals.   Also, alcohol has a tendency to induce hunger and set you off-track!  Remember moderation is key, and count the calories!  Good luck!!   

Sometimes you can order regular dishes at the chinese biffets.  If you can do this at the place you go to, order what you want but have it steamed and ask for any sauce on the side.  I LOVE chicken &/or shrimp w/ broccoli and it's okay aslong as you don't have a ton of oily sauce or too much sodium rich soy suace.