I'm on day 2 of the Alli Plan but I've been low fat and 1,800 calories per day for 2 weeks. I have no problem reaching the calories but how in the world can I get to 19g of fat per meal!?!?! You add more fat, you add more calories then you end up going over. All of the Alli recipies I've seen are low in fat. How am I supposed to be able to do this?

It's all a matter of learning to balance how many calories and fat grams you need in each meal. If you stick to around 15 grams of fat for the meal you can use the remaining fat grams for your snacks. Also think about what kind of fats you are eating. Try for the healthier, non-saturated fats and reduce some of your carbs in each meal. Play around with different recipes and you'll find you get the hang of it.

Hi Tiffanytashay,

I understand how this can be confusing, but it's really worth the effort to do this. The goal here is to learn to eat a well balanced diet with 30% of your calories from fat. Your calories need to be divided between fat, protein, and carbohydrates. If you are keeping food records online take a look at what percent is coming from fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Most people find that they are consuming too many carbohydrates when they are not reaching the 30% fat. That would mean that you need to cut back on your carbs in order to stay within your calories while consuming enough fat.  I have a post on the beginning of this board about reaching your recommended amount of fat that will explain this in more details.

Take a look at that and let me know if you have any other questions,

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

I have been on one week now and have had some effects.. but all in all am learning what not to eat.. I have tried tracking it in the nutrition log but this morning I put in the one teaspoon of brown sugar I had and it said it was 720 calories ??  Then there is the problem of not finding  common foods in your data base.. and I can't see how to add them ;( it is frustrating but I do like that alli lets you know if you ate something bad.. and so far I am doing good  have not weighed.. but feel good ;)

 I am also on day 2.  what I have noticed, and I have not read this anywhere else, is about 1/2 hour after taking the pill I am getting dizzy and lightheaded.  I have had no other negative symptoms.  Anyone else getting dizzy?

 Nuts, nuts, and more nuts....Great way to EASILY reach that without exceeding calorie limit.  It only takes a tiny handful and it's nutritionally good for you too!

Hi Katie692,

There is no reason why you should be getting dizzy after taking alli. You can post this on the pharmacist's board to see what they have to say. Make sure that you are consuming your recommended amount of calories and fluids. If you are taking any other medications you may want to check with your doctor about side effects-especially when you begin to lose weight.

Let me know if you have any other questions,

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

I am so confused on how to meet the right calories and right fat. It seems like if I eat the right amount of fat and calories I have ate the wrong amount of something else. I am thinking about buying frozen meals. Any advice would be great. Do ya'll think this would help or would this be worse. I was thinking about eating frozen meals for the main three meals and then fruit or whatever for snacks. It seems like this is the only way I can do it right.

Kels

SW: 175

CW: 166.5

GW: 130 or less!!

 Kels,

I've done it every which way, and the frozen meals work best for me.  When I am behaving myself I eat fat-free yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast, (no need to take an alli for that), and a frozen Smart Ones entree for lunch and another one for dinner.  I supplement the lunch one with a piece of fruit and a 100-calorie snack (like Cheez Its).  I supplement the dinner one with a salad or other fresh vegetables, (adding avacadoes or nuts is a great way to get your fat grams up there).  I always have a snack in the evening, (Weight Watchers makes great desserts). Some of the frozen entrees have a lot of sodium in them, but regardless of that, every 3500 calories represents a pound gained or lost, so keep track of the calories and you will lose.

Judy

Thanks so much!! I have been so confused because of the fact that frozen meals are so high in sodium and I have been racking my brain to find a way to eat the right fats and calories and low sodium at the same time!! Thanks!!

Kelsey

SW: 175

CW: 174

GW: 130 or less!!

If one eats normal non-diet food, in most cases the fat is near 30% as an average, save of course fried foods. That means that one can eat like normal eaters, but would just pay attention to the portion size. So if the calories are 300-500, the fats will be at 30% in the vast majority of meals. Reading labels on readily prepared foods as well as calculating the fat content of home prepared gourmet dishes will prove this; just make regular food instead of diet, and then measure everything, so it's nice to treat oneself to some fun portion measuring cups!

i found out from my doctor why it is they/the frozen food people and lots of other groceries have lots of sodium in them is that it is used as a preservative. that way it lasts longer on the shelves or freezer section. think about it - that's how they used to preserve food in the olden days without refrigeration/electricity.

pretty amazing.

if somehow you are able to prepare and freeze your own meals, knowing how much or little sodium is going into them, how cool is that. easier said than done in this hectic, busy day and age.

 No one pays me any mind, but to do some calorie stuff I go here :  http://caloriecount.about.com/

Freezing your own meals is very easy.  Cook whatever it is you like, as much as you like.  Cool it to 70 degrees F, then correctly portion it out in some kind of plastic container with a lid, and if you are concerned of freezer burn, wrap the entire container in very tight plastic wrap or tin foil.  These can keep for up to 6 months, but I wouldn't go that far.  A week or two is much better quality.

Fat v Calorie:  Haven't had issue cos I just eat whatever in 1/2 or less portions to control, and eat avocados and nuts alot.

How do I know this?  I've been a cook/chef for nearly 20 years.

ugh i am on week 2 the first week i lost 3 pounds and i weighed in today and i gained 6 i did everything exactly the same what am i to do im really discouraged now this is why its hard for me to ever stick to a diet.

 yeh but arent nuts high in fat?  Gosh I looked at may package of raw almonds the other day and it saide 20 g's for 1 ounce! That's more than my meal is supposed to be.  I thhought you werent supposed to save up fat grams for another meal or snack?  I am finding it really hard to get in the fat grams too.  Plus i just cant seem to figure out the computer program...Will i ever get it?