desaturate:

Hi I started Alli this morning and only had 1 gram of fat in my meal.  I know I should have had more, but I'm a college student and I didn't have time after the gym to make anything before class so I had a bowl of cheerios with skim milk and an apple.  My stomach is feeling really awful.  I can't decide if I am going to get sick or not.  But I was wondering if taking the alli pill with two few fat grams could have bad side effects like this?

Thank you!!

(sorry if this is in the wrong board, I didn't know the best place to put it)

desaturate:

Hi I started Alli this morning and only had 1 gram of fat in my meal.  I know I should have had more, but I'm a college student and I didn't have time after the gym to make anything before class so I had a bowl of cheerios with skim milk and an apple.  My stomach is feeling really awful.  I can't decide if I am going to get sick or not.  But I was wondering if taking the alli pill with two few fat grams could have bad side effects like this?

Thank you!!

(sorry if this is in the wrong board, I didn't know the best place to put it)

If a meal has 5 grams of fat - or less - you can skip the capsule.  You may have had the nausea because there's wasn't enough fat in the meal (or the milk wasn't fresh!).

However, you shouldn't skip it for more than one meals per day.

I'd say the best way to ask a question is to start your own post on the Dietitians Message Board (this one).  But you can actually open any post and ask a question.  We're all here to help you.

Pat

 I have been stuck at 150 for a few weeks now, my goal is within reach 144.  I cut way back on the fat and ate 1200 calories a day with maybe 15 grams of fat per day - I am going to try and add more fat and stay with in the calories and see if I can shed the last 6 pounds. 

lizbroxton:

 I have been stuck at 150 for a few weeks now, my goal is within reach 144.  I cut way back on the fat and ate 1200 calories a day with maybe 15 grams of fat per day - I am going to try and add more fat and stay with in the calories and see if I can shed the last 6 pounds. 

I'm not sure what your recommended number of calories is but I can say that you're definitely not having enough fat -- and that will hold back progress.  Unlike many other programs, less is NOT better with alli.

I suggest that you read the very top post on this thread, and do the same for "READ FIRST - Why you need to reach your calories" so you have a better idea why each is so important.

Pat

I just started the program today, main thing is to use 30 fat gram for the day and write down what you eat in the journal.

Some meals might fall short on fat but when you are taking alli per meal it should even out. I record what I have ate and look up how much fat grams in each serving, and add the fat calories end of the day, add a dessert end of the day if short on fat grams. I try to allow 400 calories per meal use a low fat diet book, I ordered  The Biggest Loser Cookbook for ideas when I need a idea on something new to eat. List the fat intake, walk 2 miles a day, use hand weights twice a weeks for muscle tone. Not going over the calories and getting all the fat in is going to take some practice. Alli is helping us to learn to be in control and being more aware how much fat is going into our bodies. I think we one starts a new program to loose, we start cutting back severly on fats, on this program we dont have to be deprived as it would shock our system but lower the calories and adding the fat grams will make us aware not to eat high fat again where my weight problems started, not being in control. Hope this helps

cheryltx:

I just started the program today, main thing is to use 30 fat gram for the day and write down what you eat in the journal.

Some meals might fall short on fat but when you are taking alli per meal it should even out. I record what I have ate and look up how much fat grams in each serving, and add the fat calories end of the day, add a dessert end of the day if short on fat grams. I try to allow 400 calories per meal use a low fat diet book, I ordered  The Biggest Loser Cookbook for ideas when I need a idea on something new to eat. List the fat intake, walk 2 miles a day, use hand weights twice a weeks for muscle tone. Not going over the calories and getting all the fat in is going to take some practice. Alli is helping us to learn to be in control and being more aware how much fat is going into our bodies. I think we one starts a new program to loose, we start cutting back severly on fats, on this program we dont have to be deprived as it would shock our system but lower the calories and adding the fat grams will make us aware not to eat high fat again where my weight problems started, not being in control. Hope this helps

You're right that alli helps people to learn more about portion size and how much fat is in different foods, etc.

Just to clarify something about fat:  it's important to follow individual recommendations.  For some people that might be 39 grams of fat per day; for others it might be 60 grams of fat.  It's important to follow individual recommendations for calories and fat for best results with alli.

Pat

I realize this topic has been beaten to death...so what's one more :P

I have been on a low fat diet since I was 14. I went from 208lbs to 140lbs. On a low fat diet (and an hr of excercise a day).

9years later I'm 163. I still eat VERY low fat. I'm talking about 10grams or so a day. Now I realize when you say add fats to your diet for this program to work, you mean good fats and I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but is it better to add a fatty brownie to my usual 2 gram of fat salad than nothing at all? Obviously it would be better to eat a yolk or some cheese, but is the brownie addition better than no fat at all?? That seems CRAZY!!

I'm mainly asking because I'll be going to an amusment park for about 12hrs next wk and was going to eat lemon icees the entire day...but hey, if carnival food is better, then let it be!

kinbau.bi:

I realize this topic has been beaten to death...so what's one more :P

I have been on a low fat diet since I was 14. I went from 208lbs to 140lbs. On a low fat diet (and an hr of excercise a day).

9years later I'm 163. I still eat VERY low fat. I'm talking about 10grams or so a day. Now I realize when you say add fats to your diet for this program to work, you mean good fats and I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but is it better to add a fatty brownie to my usual 2 gram of fat salad than nothing at all? Obviously it would be better to eat a yolk or some cheese, but is the brownie addition better than no fat at all?? That seems CRAZY!!

I'm mainly asking because I'll be going to an amusment park for about 12hrs next wk and was going to eat lemon icees the entire day...but hey, if carnival food is better, then let it be!

Since alli is about health we generally focus on healthier fats like olive or canola oils, nuts and avocado.  We also include menus that have steak and eggs.  Technically speaking, alli capsules work on ALL fats...not a specific type.

Pat

I would be VERY careful eating "carnival food", since it's impossible to know exactly how many fat grams are in it. I can only have 12 fat grams per meal, and I would think the stuff offered at amusement parks would cross that line pretty darn fast. The easiest, healthiest way to add some fat into a salad is to use nuts. One gram of fat per whole nut. HTH

That nut suggestion is awesome!! thanks

I know carnival food is awful for you. I also know I'm going to get ice cream (not a shmorgasboard). So I wanted to check....

Thanks! I'll start adding cheese and nuts in everything and that should make up my 15

Could someone please post a list of foods that would help in increasing the fat needed but keeping the calories in perspective.  I have also been stuck at the same weight for two weeks and I believe I am not getting enough fat but am right on with the calories and exericising portion of the diet.  I see nuts and avocado were suggested, anything else that is low in calorie and have higher fat content?  Should this extra fat be taken as the snack or at the meal to make the difference?   I don't want to mess up the calorie intake, it's a very fine line.  I just don't know what to do now and am frustrated.  I was trying to read all the posts but just couldn't find what I needed which is just a food list.

Thank you for the help.  It is appreciated.

MamaG54:

Could someone please post a list of foods that would help in increasing the fat needed but keeping the calories in perspective.  I have also been stuck at the same weight for two weeks and I believe I am not getting enough fat but am right on with the calories and exericising portion of the diet.  I see nuts and avocado were suggested, anything else that is low in calorie and have higher fat content?  Should this extra fat be taken as the snack or at the meal to make the difference?   I don't want to mess up the calorie intake, it's a very fine line.  I just don't know what to do now and am frustrated.  I was trying to read all the posts but just couldn't find what I needed which is just a food list.

Thank you for the help.  It is appreciated.

Yes, it is a fine line, and it takes a little juggling to get the right balance of calories and fat if you're planning your own menus -- which is fine.  I always suggest taking a look at the Sample Menus for your level to see how the calories and fat are distributed throughout the day.  Then you can take it from there and plug in your own foods.

You can sprinkle nuts over cereals and salads; or add avocado to sandwiches and salads; use more olives in side dishes and entrees; shredded cheese on salads or vegetables is another way to add a little fat.  It may help to use less FF items, and more LF or regular fat items. 

Use the Calorie & Fat Counter included in the Starter Kit to make the adjustments as you add a little fat, and cut a few calories elsewhere.

I hope that helps.

Pat

 I've read this and it makes sense.  However, I am on a 1800 cal but cannot reach this level.  I believe it is due to my change in eating habits.  I am now eating a healthy diet with controlled portions.  Previously I would eat until I was uncomfortable and the wrong foods, very high fat.  Now that I'm on Alli and watching the fat and portions, I feel better, and don't stuff myself, but in doing this I find my calories are between 1200 -1400 daily.  To get to 1800 I will then go back to stuffing myself.  Not sure what to do as I do want to do this the healthy way.  I've only been on the plan for 1 week and it is working as I've lost 7 lbs.  Also, I am not an exerciser.  I have increased activity (like a few hrs cleaning out the garage, or walking rather than driving my daughter to the bus stop) but actual exercise is really a long shot for me (I'm being realistic!)

I suggest you also read through the other post on "Why you need to reach your calories".  Too few calories may actually slow down weight loss - in the long run - and the thread has some great information.

It's great that you've increased your activity.  EVERYTHING counts so don't underestimate the value of cleaning, or walking instead of driving.  That's the point.  This is also good because activity is what will help you keep the weight OFF once goal weight is reached.

I hope this helps.

Pat

 I'm also having a hard time reaching fat and calorie counts.  I am in my first week.  I am averaging about 1200-1300 in calories and 22 grams of fat a day. (supposed to be at 1600/51 fat grams per day)  Even with this, I am noticing a lot of oil in my bowel movements.  Is this normal?  I am counting everything so believe I am far from exceeding my intake.  After reading the posts, I am going to try and up the fat and calories, much against my intuition.

I have to take fish oil to try and bring down my cholesterol so I take this at night.  Could this be what is causing the reaction?

Also, I am not a big breakfast eater but force myself to have at least an English Muffin or toast.  If I only use 3-4 fat grams in the a.m. should I be taking an Alli?

Thanks for any help you can give me.  I really want this to work!

It's not unusual to see an oily discharge or fat in stools the first week or two, and then it disappears as the body gets adjusted to the capsules and the new diet.  No the fish oil supplements are not related, however you should count the fat in the supplements toward your fat allowance.

You can skip the capsule when your breakfast is 5 grams of fat or less, but that shouldn't be for any other meal.

I highly recommend you have the suggested amount of calories and fat for your level for best results with alli.  If you haven't already, read the top post on this thread + a few of the following ones; and the thread on **** READ FIRST: why you need to reach your calorie...  It's great information and will help you understand the reasons it's so important.

Pat