I never intended this blog to be a running diary of my progress using these alternative food items to the Medifast meals, but another blogger who calls themselves the "Diet Skeptic" has mentioned my lack of follow up posts on their blog post Diet Skeptic Does Medifast.
I was intending to simply post my own choices of foods that could simulate the nutritional components of the Medifast meals at a considerably lower cost. I figured that I would add to this menu as I discovered more options and I did, briefly. I also intended for those of you out their to use my menu as a launching pad for your own adventures and not rely on my continued presence to make your daily decisions. I spent time doing research about the nutritional components of the foods and I guess I just assumed that the rest of you would as well and not simply take my word for it.
That said, let's get to the point of this post. I found that my substitutions did provide the same weight loss progress that I had seen with "real" Medifast meals, but I stopped following that diet altogether after a few more months and I will explain why. I stand 6 foot 4 inches tall with some muscle and even at an ideal weight of 190-210 lbs(depending on muscle weight), 1200 calories a day was starting to take its toll on my energy level, emotional state and overall well being. My BMR(base metabolic rate) requires 2430 calories a day just so that all things including my thought processes work correctly. I have a career that is in a highly technical field and requires my absolute attention to detail and creative problem solving; both of which were suffering under the continued lack of adequate caloric intake.
I still eat healthy, just under 2000 cals/day and concentrate on the factors that were employed by the Medifast diet which are low fat, low calories, high protein, and low carb/GI multigrain options. I am happier, more emotionally stable and I definitely have more energy.. which brings up another point. Since 1200 cals a day aren't really enough to allow for proper exercise, I was able to start using my treadmill again, working in my yard, doing Tai Chi and other things which simply weren't possible using the Medifast diet plan.
I still think the food choices I posted are applicable, and I use them in my current eating plan when I need a snack, but they are not nearly enough to replace a healthy meal.
That is all. Now go read and research for yourselves and don't wait for me to post again on my progress. I am going to be busy living my life.
