I just bought Alli yesterday on my way home from work so of course I won't start the pills for a few days. Now I'm trying to figure out what to eat so I can start my diet before the pills. I have to have 1800 calories, which seems like a lot to me (I'm used to eating only about 700 cals/day). I also have a target of 19 fat grams/meal. I'm really scared of side effects and was hoping I could eat less cals and less fat to avoid side effects but then im afraid alli  wouldn't work. I can add calories but my main concern is getting in that 19 fat. Any suggestions? I've read the books and I know there are recommended menus but I'm kind of a picky eater. I don't like seafood, tuna, any type of lunch meat, etc. I love Special K and chicken, but again that's reduced calories but no fat. How can I get my fat target met? I read something on the boards about a teaspoon of Peanut Butter to meet fat gram targets. Could I do that with each meal to meet my 19 fat gram target? Like if I had 2 waffles and a teaspoon of PB for breakfast?Any suggestions would be appreciated! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.

p.s. I don't have a ton of money to spend on pre-made meals. I typically can only eat breakfast and dinner at my house. Lunch is killing me. I've been eating out because I don't have time to go home- I just live too far away-and there's no place for me to eat lunch at the office. Someone is always in our breakroom and I hate eating in front of people. I'd rather just wait til dinner to eat.

Welcome to alli.  It takes a little practice to get into a regular routine, but you'll find that will happen in a few days.  Just be patient in the beginning.

The best results with alli come with following the recommended amount of calories and fat for your level.  As you lose weight, the calories will automatically be lowered in your check-in at "myalliplan".

It's not essential to follow the Sample Menus precisely, or to purchase special foods.  It's fine to make your own menus -- though the Sample Menus can be a nice guide for how to distribute calories and fat throughout the day.  Eating a variety of foods is also important for good health and nutrition.

A turkey sandwich with some avocado and tomato, some fruit and low-fat or skim milk or yogurt is a fine lunch that won't call any attention from people in the office.

Finally you can add thinks like nuts, nut butters, olives and avocado as a way to boost calories and fat when needed.

I hope this helps. 

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian