Hi, So I've been taking the alli pills and tracking fat/calories for a week.  I'm having a hard time following the program because I'm finding it difficult to log my own meals online.  I'm a vegan and don't really find that any of the meal plans suite me, plus even when they are vegan, I can't really afford the food listed (i've already spent a lot on the pills).  I do keep track of what i'm eating with pencil/paper but have found the website impossible to navigate.   I'm having a very hard time reaching my fat targets.  Any suggestions?  I've been eating peanut butter every day for lunch but bfast and dinner is really tough-even with adding flaxseeds to my oatmeal.  Also, does the program discourage strenous exercise?  I exercise 5days a week for over an hour at a time and at pretty good pace but don't seem to be able to find the activities/intensity on the program.  I do it to loose weight but also because i like the endorphins i get from aerobic exercise.  I've also started incorporating strength training again as the program suggested.  I'm just wondering why the program doesn't include this?  On the good side, I have lost weight.  On the bad side, I had a major slip-up tonight, ate a huge brownie.  How long should i expect there to be treatment effects?  Thanks in advance

Like learning any new activity, the alli Program takes a little practice -- and then it becomes second nature.  This is true for vegans as well.  So be patient and it will all fall into place.

First, I'd suggest that you add vegans to your alli Circle so you can connect with others that have the same eating preferences.  It will be helpful to share notes on how to get started and get into a regular routine.  It's fine to plan your own menus - and use your own recipes.  It's essential that you have the recommended amount of calories and fat for best results; as well as a variety of foods for good health.

Feel free to substitute your regular vegan food items for those that you don't eat on the alli menus.  (The Sample Menus for each level can be helpful because they're a nice guide for how to distribute calories and fat throughout the day.)  You can add some extra fat to meals by sprinkling walnuts and flaxseeds to your oatmeal; or using a little more oil on your salads, etc.

Many people (vegan or not) find the have to add food items in their Nutrition Log.  Use the "define food" icon at the bottom of the page in the Nutrition Log, enter the information, and it will be permanently saved in your record.

As for the exercise:  because alli is indicated only for use by those who are significantly overweight the assumption is that few are doing strenuous exercise.  So the Program is geared toward encouraging activity, and bringing it up as weight loss occurs (and it's more practical and easier).  The Fitness Specialists will be happy to help you with programming the activities etc. into your Activity Log.

TE's will depend on how much fat was in the brownie, and how much fat you had in the meal (or within 2 to 3 hours of eating the brownie).  People are more or less sensitive because everybody's body is different.  If TE's occur they'll generally happen within a few hours -- but if someone has a very slow digestive tract, it could be longer.

I hope this helps.  Please let me know if you need anything else.

Pat Baird, MA, RD, registered dietitian

Thanks for the advice but I have a follow-up question.  How do I add vegans to my alli Circle?

Look at the top of this page, on the left, for "my circle"; click on it and look to the right/middle of the screen and click on "edit my circle".  You can add any information you like.

I hope thiat helps.

Pat