PROVIDA SUPPORT COMMUNITY

From time to time folks wonder about some foods and why they are not included in the 6 Week Body Makeover. Your Infinite Menu Planner and the Additions to the Infinite Menu Planner (found on page 3 of the 6WBMO FAQ) is a pretty inclusive document listing the foods that are recommended for use with this program. Unless you think up a fairly obscure food, it is probably not a mistake that the food you are wanting or asking about is missing. Some reasons are cut and dry, others a bit vaguer but still not included in this plan. The reasons may seem strange or obscure to us, however bear in mind that this program is based on Michael Thurmond’s years of experience and success with helping people to lose weight for over 30 years now. All foods on this program are healthy, but not all healthy foods are necessarily a part of this program.

• Avocados and nuts – Both contain healthful forms of fat, but added fats are not part of this program

• Wheat, wheat berries, wheat flour, cream of wheat – Whole grains have shown to be healthful complex carbohydrates, however, it is Michael’s experience that wheat does not work well for many wanting to lose weight. Many other whole grains are included and you are encouraged to explore those that you may not have previously tried.

• Dairy – Michael is fond of saying that milk is for baby cows. Although this may sound a little cheeky it is, in fact, very true. Indeed, humans are the only species that consume the milk of another species. Despite the fact that many of us grew up drinking and eating all manner of dairy products, it simply is not part of this program.

• Oils – This includes olive, canola or any other type plus oil sprays. The exception to this rule is the use of fish oils or flaxseed oil as a supplement to help with dry hair, skin or nails and even to help prevent constipation. If you would prefer, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of flaxseed oil instead of the supplements.

• Pre-prepared Condiments – This includes sauces, ketchup, mustard, dressings and even salad spritzer dressings. If you read the ingredients to any of the above you will find one or more of the following: salt, salt substitutes, sugar (in some form), oils. In my signature is a link to the 6WBMO FAQ. There you will find a link to the Recipe Exchange. Scroll down and find the forum for Condiments. At the top of the condiments recipes you’ll find a handy index which will link you to any on plan condiment that you can make yourself.

• Air popped popcorn – Since corn is considered a carb C and not recommended for use while on the losing phase, that would include popcorn. I'm sorry. No, really, I am sorry...I LOVE popcorn!

• Cocoa powder – Unsweetened or not, cocoa powder is not recommended for use with this program. This can be a hidden blessing because often it triggers the desire for chocolate in many people. This includes carob powder too, by the way.

• Butter subs – This includes Butter Buds, Molly McButter, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter or any other form of butter. The exception to this is butter extract which you may use if desired.

• Coffee Creamers – Despite that some claim to have ‘zero everything’ once you read the ingredients you’ll discover why they are not included. All will have some form of added fat (typically the dreaded trans fats, in fact!), some form of sugar, lots of chemicals and preservatives. Trust us on this, you will not find one that is recommended.

• Flours – This includes any manner of flours (wheat, rye, spelt, rice), even those you may grind yourself or find in a health food store. Some have opted to experiment with grinding their own oats, but you are strongly recommended to closely monitor your results to see how well this works for you.

• Pre-prepared meats – This includes any meats cooked in stores or deli meats. Some say they are reduced sodium, but reading the ingredients ensures that there is still added salt. Be careful, not recommended.

• Beverages other than water - This program asks you simply to use water for your daily 100 oz. Not Crystal Lite, not iced tea...water. You can dress your water up with a squeeze of lemon or lime, some have floated a slice of cucumber in it too, but no added sugar subs at all. Your body simply does not metabolize it the same as it does pure water. The tiny exception is that one may use up to 1/3 their water intake (that will be about one liter) of unsweetened herbal tea, and this is only IF you simply cannot drink another glass of water.