I have been talking to a friend who is starting Alli, but I was wondering if anyone has had success on this plan with a situation similar to mine. My biggest part of any plan I've tried in the past, is that they are not condusive to my family. I cook for a family of 6, plus I run an in-home daycare, so lunch is cooked for all those children also. I get tired of cooking 2 different meals for me and my family/daycare. It makes food prep become a chore more than something I enjoy. I love to cook, but it gets difficult with my husband and kids not eating what I'm eating. I need something that is mroe family friendly. We don't eat unhealthy to begin with, compared to most families. My husband and children are all good, healthy weights, but I seem to have trouble losing.

So, Question #1, is this plan family-friendly for preparing large meals?

Question #2, am I going to have to purchase separate groceries for myself and my family?

Question #3, any other busy moms got suggestions, advise, tips, anything that will help my decision to try Alli?

I think the answer to your all questions is portion control.  If you prepare one meal, but limit how much you eat, you should do alright.  And if you eat less of a (somewhat) fatty main dish and more of a low fat side dish like plain veggies, that would also help a lot.   I think a lot of people find when they start the diet that it isn't nearly as low fat as they expected.  Newbies often have to work at meeting their fat goal.  I would call it a low-cal balanced diet, not a low fat diet.  You just have to watch it that you don't eat too much fat. 

I'd also suggest just making one meal and using low fat techniques that meet your needs.  I have to use low fat cheese and salad dressings, for example.  Or add more veggies and beans to a soup or cassorele and less meat and cheese.  Even if your family doesn't have weight problems, it won't hurt them to eat your diet, and probably would be healthier for them.  This truly is a 'diet' that you can keep for the rest of your life.  Keep it simple and you ought to be able to manage.  Good luck!

Caroline

 Cooking well balanced healthy meals is a family friendly.  We teach our children dietary habits by what we are feeding them.  If they start eating well from the beginning, they will continue to do so. The food is real, you are not looking for specialty ingredients just whole, natural and unprocessed.

Sophia De Monte RPh

 Wow... I was looking at your results!! That is great! I'm new to this and wondered how the Alli plan is working for you and how long it took you to get where you are? Congrats... your doing great!