Questions regarding the program

[Secretary]

{bouncing} Ok. This is the forum for questions about the program. Customers and guests as well are welcome to ask. Why? What? When ... {grouphug1}

[LC]

Welcome Secretary

{hi}

[IslandGirl]

Please delete my post

[Secretary]

Hello IslandGirl

Bread is not allowed on the first phase of the diet but it is allowed on the re-feeding program, which is the last phase of the diet program. The idea is to control your food intake with measured quantities of carefully selected crackers, which were found to be suitable for the diet.

While the smell of freshly baked bread is hard to resist :drool: I learned the hard way that bread causes bloating, water retention, heartburn, and helps my weight grow back ...

You may decide you never want to eat bread again :thinking: as it has many side effects and especially on your hips :crying:

Bottom line: No bread on first phase of diet but bread is allowed on re-feeding phase.

Recommendation: Limit or avoid bread in life after the diet.

Enjoy your weekend.

[Meemsi]

Hi all,

I am considering signing up to the program and I read in several forums that this program is a saver. I have some 90 lbs to lose and wanted to know how much of this weight I can expect to lose in 12 weeks. Also, would you recommend to start this at this time before Christmas.

Thanks for your help.

Meemsi

[Secretary]

Dear Meemsi

Welcome aboard!!!

People differ in the pace of their weight loss and everyone need to lose a different weight. Also, some people lose weight faster, others slower. As a result, no one can predict how long it will take you to lose this excess weight. The program goes in 12-week units and if you reach your target weight during your 12 weeks program, you may ask for the re-feeding program, which is the last phase of this program.

Starting at this time your 12 weeks program, will take you through the Christmas holiday.
Advantages: Since no support is provided between Dec 15 and Jan 1, customers will receive another 3 weeks added to their program. Therefore, you get a 15 weeks program (no support from 12/15 till 1/1) at the price of 12 weeks.
Disadvantages: Spending the Christmas time while you are on your program. However, you may be better off by being on a diet at that time, even if you cheat.

Happy Thanksgiving.
{wave}

[Unregistered]

Hi, I am new here and not sure if this is the right diet for me. I tried almost any diet and was very dissapointed with all of those. What makes this one different?

[Wilma]

Hi

Most diets are "general" and are intended for the "average" person. Dr Cohen's Program is a "Personal" diet customized for you by Dr Cohen, based on your blood test results. Dr Cohen has 20 years of experience in calculating eating plans based on blood test results and has helped thousands of people over the years.

While we see impressive success stories, people are different in the pace of their weight loss and some lose weight faster than others. Therefore, no promises are given regarding your progress. Please see some of these success stories here: http://www.1stpersonaldiet.com/photo.htm

[Kristie]

Hi,

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Be thankful that your jeans are fitting better, and skip the mash potatoes! :laughing:

Meemsi, you inquired about starting this program right here at the Holiday season... I did the same, and I am so glad that I did. It may be a bit more of a challenge, but how much more exciting is it going to be to hit the Pool and Beaches this Spring looking and feeling great.

I did not want to give up that "head start" by waiting until AFTER the eating feast that are Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is just another day, one meal really. I am going to family dinner today and taking my scale with me! I am going to weigh out my Turkey brest and green salad, and enjoy being with my family and friends.

Looking forward to March! Meemsi, Carpe Diem! Why put off feeling good?

Kristie

[Meemsi]

Thank you, Kristie!
You're so right. I would much rather be able to fit into a bathing suit this summer...
I decided to sign up this week so wish me luck!

[Unregistered]

I was wondering if a person does the diet, then gets to feeling better and are still say 10 or 15 lbs from goal will there refeed still work?
Texas

[LC]

Unregistered,

We are still in "testing mode". The registration process had a loop-hole and has been fixed now to allow only registered customers to sign up as members.

[Wilma]

Texas,

The re-feeding is designed to work when you reach your target weight. It is a 2 - 4 weeks eating plan based on your original diet with quantities and new food types added daily. Taking the re-feed before you are at your target weight may cause you to gain weight because of the added quantities. We therefore suggest that you request your re-feed only when you are 5 lbs from your target.

[Kristie]

Good Luck Meemsi! :laughing This is working extremely well for me, I am sure you will have success too! Here is to Spring!!

[Meemsi]

Thanks Kristie. I sure hope this will work. Not sure about the timing as Chistmas is around the corner but waiting now means another month of munching because tomorrow I will start a diet.
Better cheat on Chistmas day only :laughing: I am not going to eat crackers on Christmas but I'll try to be a good girl :eyebrow:

[Shasha]

Hi Meemsi :)

Have you been for your blood tests yet?

Remember, there's a slim girl inside you just waiting to get out!!!

{boing}

[Meemsi]

Hi Shasha

Taking the blood test tomorrow. Very Excited!

Looking forward to this diet.

I will keep y'all posted.

[Jacaranda]

Hello everyone

I am just about half way and would be happy to chat with other dieters as I know no one else who is on this diet :( Why are there only 30 members here ...:confused: Just has reply about my blood test and I got a listtttttttt of items to read and check ... I hope to reach my target b4 X-mas.




(http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wfRjXvj/)

[Marcia]

Hello All,

I was happy to see that the Cohen team has started a forum. I am alone on my diet and at times I had serious doubts about all this effort. The emailing with the consultants was not great either although I am sure that they are just flooded with emails. I have lost so far only 12 lbs out of the 28 I want to lose but thanksgiving came in the way :)

Why is this forum so quiet? Other forums buzz with activities? Are the same consultants that answer the emails reply here as well? Do they know who is posting what? Just checking ….

[Marcia]

Hey Jacaranda! I'm right here with you!! {bighug}

[Wilma]

Hi Marcia

We are happy as well that this forum was opened. There are many good "Cohen" forums around with nice people that support each other but we feel that it is better to have trained consultants moderating such a forum. Also, most forums have ads to other diets and diet products plus your email may be used for Spam mail. Here, we have none of that and the members can chat the same way they do in all the forums.

Emailing with the consultants has its issues and new customers that will join the diet as of next year will be using an internal messaging system instead of the email. We hope to improve the service this way.
{superman}
Thanksgiving is indeed a hard time for dieters but with some planning you can handle it using turkey breast and vegetables :) If you have any good recipes, please share :chicken:

The forum is still in testing mode while it is fine-tuned and arranged to the official opening in January. Then, a link to this forum will be placed on the home page of the 1stPersonalDiet.com I believe that you will see much more traffic when that happens but meanwhile you may enjoy the peaceful neighborhood until the expressway arrives here soon.
{motorcycle}

[Shasha]

{Hi} Jacaranda

Just wanted to say {congrats} on having lost 16 pounds!

YOU GO GIRL!!! {cheerleader}

[Shasha]

{hi} Marcia

Well done on having lost 12 out of 28 pounds! :clapping:

Are your freinds starting to notice yet?

Please get right back to following your diet plan 100%! No point in stopping now - the diet may be difficult, but when you've lost those last 16 pounds you will be so glad you did!

So, go take out your thin clothes, you'll be needing them soon!

{bouncing}

[Norlita]

Hi There

Just a question. In the Caribbean we eat, flying fish, dolphin fish and King Fish. Are these fish fatty fish? Can these fish be allowed in the programme?

[Shasha]

{hi} Norlita

If no other fish from our list is available on the Caribbean you may eat flying fish, dolphin fish and King Fish but please be aware that we have not conducted tests with this fish in our tests for suitable foods for this diet. :eyebrow:

[rosa]

ok. I hope this is the right forum to use. I started your diet 8 weeks ago with 182 pounds and you recommended me a target weight of 150 that is 32 pounds to lose in just 12 weeks. Is it possible and healthy to lose all this weight in just 12 weeks? I lost 18 pounds so far but in the last week didn't lost any weight. Can I mix with my breakfast yogurt my 2 crackers, fruit and cinnamon? I have not received reply to my last email to the consultants and I am not sure I sent it correctly. Any other address besides consultants@1stPersonalDiet.com. I am using verizon.

[chunkymonkey]

I saw on Google that you have now a forum. I suggest you let your customers know as I found it just because I was looking. This is a great plan and the only problem is the emails back and forth with the consultants seems to go too slow.

[Secretary]

Norlita {uhm}

Actually, Dolphin Fish is on your fish list under MAHI MAHI (Mahi-mahi is a Hawaiian word that means "strong-strong" for dolphin fish).

Since you have this fish in the Caribbean, I suggest you eat it rather than the other fish that are not on the list.

[Secretary]

chunkmonkey

I fully agree that we have a problem on the email side. Very often we receive automatic replies from mail services that our mail was not delivered because it was suspected as spam mail although we never send unsolicited mail. Other times, our emails to customers or emails from customers take hours to arrive.

To resolve this issue we are introducing shortly a web service for our new customers. These customers will receive a link to the Internet with ID and password to a personal page that includes links to their new diet, blood test results, and also a personal message window to their consultant to exchange messages. No installation on your pc will be required.

This new system will eliminate the need to use emails between customers and consultants and hopefully will improve the service level and customer satisfaction rate. We expect to introduce this new system in a few weeks.

Existing customers will continue to use the email system but hopefully the overall effect will ease the burden from the email system as well.

[Wilma]

Sec, you missed rosa’s message :angry:

Hi rosa :flower:

This is the right forum to ask all your questions. Your target weight is calculated based on the parameters you have provided: Gender, age, height and shoe size. However, this just a recommendation and your target weight is up to you to decide. Not all customers can possibly lose all the access weight in just 12 weeks.

The program is marketed in 12-week-units to allow customers to spend a limited amount on this program if they do not need more than 12 weeks. Customers that need more than 12 weeks may renew their 12 weeks program for a reduced rate of $179.

The 12 weeks renewal program includes two blood test screening (after weeks 12 and 16) that are used by Dr Cohen to check your progress and to offer changes to your program in case needed. More often, Dr Cohen identifies the need to check the way you are taking your program if any deviations are identified in your blood test report.

You may mix for breakfast your low-fat plain yogurt with 2 crackers, fruit slices and sprinkle with just a little cinnamon.

The email address we use is consultants@1stPersonalDiet.com. If you do not receive a reply to your email it is probably stopped en-route to you as a suspected spam by your mail service. Please send us an email from another email address – using a different mail service and hopefully this will work.

[rosa]

wilma, thank you

[Shasha]

{hi} Rosa

Just to answer your questions about:

"...32 pounds to lose in just 12 weeks. Is it possible and healthy to lose all this weight in just 12 weeks?"

We do have quiet a few clients who loose 32 or even more pounds in their first 12 week program and, YOU are off to a very good start!!!

Well done on having lost 18 pounds so far!!! {cheerleader}

Bear in mind the 1st Personal Diet Program helps to bring your hormones into a balance. Before the diet your body was producing too much Insulin (your fat storing hormone) and too little Human Growth Hormone (your fat buring hormone). Dr Cohen's program corrects your hormonal imbalances by decreasing Insulin and by increasing Human Growth Hormone production. The result is rapid but healthy fat loss because your body is no longer storing food as fat, but using food (and stored fat) as energy. {bouncing}

You go on to mention: "...but in the last week didn't lost any weight."

This is what Dr Cohen calls a PLATEAU... Plateau's are a normal part of your weight loss program - in fact, they MUST happen!

Dr Cohen suggests the following points:

Only weigh once a month, and note the difference in clothes size.

The body does go through stages during the weight loss where is might seem as if you are not losing actual weight (on the scale), but note the drop in clothes size!

Remember that you are still breaking down fat during these “plateau” periods, but the growth hormone is dissolving the fat in the water so you will weigh water when you get on the scale, and you’ll notice that you are not running to the rest room as often in this period!

If you weigh only once a month, you will focus on the total loss for the month, and the small plateaus in between will not de-motivate you!!!!!

In the light of the above, please don't be discouraged and please continue to follow your eating plan 100%.

Please only weigh yourself once a month... and in the meantime: {goodjob}

[Unregistered]

I have to eat out often, how do I know how much to eat. I
usually can get steamed veggies and grilled chicken or
fish. On the instructions, it states to weigh the food
before cooking. That is not possible in a restaurant.

[Sabrina]

Hello.
I have a question. How accurate this food weight needs to be. I use my kitchen scales which is in ounces and it is not digital. Not sure why you use "grams" as I am not a metric person.

[Shasha]

{hi} Sabrina

On the 1st Personal Diet Program every gram does count - if you are not weighing your food accurately, you are in fact now following Dr Cohen's Program for you.

Please do invest in an accurate scale. Our customers worldwide, including in the USA, are all using electronic kitchen scales that can measure in 1 or 5 gram intervals. The same scales can normally measure in grams and/or ounces and we recommend that you get your electronic kitchen scale at your nearest department store (such as "Linen and Things") or order it through the Internet.

Having the correct scale means having the correct amounts of food, which will result in your having the best results you can ;)

[Secretary]

Hi Sabrina

Just to add that on this diet eating less :chicken: is as bad as eating too much :pig: as this is not a calorie based diet. You need to eat preciesly the quantities *prescribed* to you by Dr Cohen as those quantities were calculated by him based on your blood test results.

Electronic kitchen scales that display weights in both grams and ounces are available now at most department stores and I think you will benefit by getting one of those.

[Unregistered]

I have received now the reply of Dr Cohen for my second follow up test after 12 weeks on the program and renewal and I wanted to ask what does it mean that he was “satisfied” with my results and at the same time suggesting that I read a long check-list to ensure that I am taking the diet correctly. Is it good or is it bad?

[Wilma]

Hello Unregistered

Your personal diet program is made out of the precise food items and weights.

Eating out while you are on this diet is a challenge. But such is life and, as we all know, there will be times where you will find yourself having to dine out alone, with family, or with business colleagues. I probably wouldn't bring the kitchen scales with me to a restaurant (soooo embarassing) but amazingly enough there are customers who do that. Well, I guess it depends on your comfort level, the place, and the people you go with.

Some customers have written me saying they have asked chefs to grill a chicken breast, just at the precise weight they are allowed, and add a green salad with no dressing also at the allowed weight. (I can only assume that they converted the grams weight to ounces .. lol). You may do that and also order fish, like Mahi-Mahi, instead of the chicken.

If you are uncomfortable with asking for a 3.4 ounces fish and 4.1 ounces green salad (just an example), round the numbers and ask the waiter for a 4 Oz grilled chicken breast with no oil and a little green salad on the side with no cheese, croutons or salad dressing. This is a deviation from the program and I do not recommend of doing this often.

If you are eating out often, I strongly suggest that you get the courage to ask for the exact food you need and with the precise quantities (either chicken breast or one of the allowed fish). You can always explain that you are on a special diet and must have those quantities precisely. I would not order steak, as restaurants tend to serve their steaks with some fat.

Last, we had customers who took this diet while travelling a lot and were still very successful. I can only suggest that you ask for the food you need precisely and with no fear!!!

[Secretary]

Hello Unregistered (sorry for noth having a more personal name)

The first blood test on this program is taken before you start your program and Dr Cohen uses this report in order to write your personal diet or eating plan. In order to ensure that you are on the right track, you need to take a follow up blood test after 4 weeks.

Since not all customers are able to reach their target weight in just 12 weeks, they may renew their program for another 12 weeks. The new 12 weeks has also 2 blood tests: After week 12 and after week 16.

Dr Cohen checks the follow up blood test results and compares them to your own previous results, as well as to the results database he manages, in order to see what changes - if at all - are needed to your program and how closely you are following your program. Changes to the program are not frequent but do take place, however, it is more frequent to find that customers deviate somewhat from the "prescribed" foods and quantities.

If the results are found to be precisely matching the expected results, this means the customer followed the diet instructions very closely. Then Dr Cohen informs the customer that he is "satisfied" with the results and instructs the customer to continue the program.

If Dr Cohen finds a very small chance that deviations took place, he assumes that the customer may even be unaware of such deviations (Example: over-the-counter cough mixture that contains sugar or alcohol). In such cases, Dr Cohen writes to the customer that he is "satisfied" with the results but instructs the consultants to send the customer a checklist to enable the customer to find the mistake made, if any.

If Dr Cohen finds bigger traces of deviations from the program, he will respond accordingly up to the point of suggesting that the customer has deviated from the diet.

In all cases, it is highly recommended to pay attention to the message from the doctor as this can help you in achieving your target weight.

Last, I hope you will join our forum as a member and contribute from your own experience.

{grouphug1}

Join our forum ... Join our forum ... Join our forum ... Join our forum ...

[Almost Done]

I will likely reach my goal weight by January 1, and I hear that the consultants take 3 weeks off starting next week. I need to be done with my refeed before I go on an extended vacation in early February.

Should I go ahead and order my bloodwork and refeed now? I heard it can take up to 10 days to get the refeed, and that will not leave enough time for me to complete it before I leave.

What do you suggest?

[Shasha]

{hi} Almost Done

We're thrilled to hear that you are ALMOST DONE! :clapping:

WELL DONE!!! :dance:

Indeed, Dr Cohen and the Consultants will be on leave for 17 days from 15 December until 1 January 2008.

Refeeding should only be requested when you are 5 pounds from your goal weight. From your message we cannot see how close to goal you are and so we recommend that you please write to the Consultants right away, mentioning your current weight and your goal weight and when you will be leaving so that they can give you the best possible advise in order for you to plan your trip and to help you to understand the process involved.

We are very pleased to hear that you will be going on your holiday in your slim new healthy body - WELL DONE!!! {boing}

[Jacaranda]

Hi, I had my follow up blood test last week. When am I going to get a reply about the results? I read that no suppot is available until New Year.

[Meemsi]

Yay! Congrats Almost Done!

[Secretary]

Hi Jacaranda, Almost Done and all

Dr Cohen and the consultants are on vacation until 1/1.

I believe that this was communicated as of September on the website and in the emails sent with the payment link. If you were asked to get a new blood test, please go ahead and arrange it. If your blood test results were sent to Dr Cohen, he will respond at the beginning of January.

The moderators will keep on checking the forum daily.

I would like to use this opportunity and wish everyone here a Happy Holiday Season.
{wave}

[Unregistered]

What can I do if I reach my target weight during the consultants’ vacation time? I am about 7 lbs from my goal now …?

[Wilma]

Hi unregistered and congratulations for reaching 7 lbs from your target weight

{elmo}

In order to ensure that you can receive your re-feeding as soon as possible, I suggest that you inform your consultant no later than 1/1 about this and include in your email, the following details:

Your customer ID
Your current weight
Your target weight

If you had your follow up blood test taken after four weeks of your 12 weeks program, there is usually no need for another blood test at this stage. If you did not take the follow up blood test, you need to do so in order for Dr Cohen to use the results for your re-feeding.

Please register to the forum and share with us your success story.

{bighug}

[Unregistered]

Hello, I'm considering joining your program after new years but want to know why you do not allow all vegetables. My friend told me that I can't eat avocado, carrots and broccoli on this program, which my nutritionist recommended. Also, I need to drink my fresh orange juice in the morning and have my coffee with just a little milk. Surely that little drop of milk is not going to make a difference with hardly any calories in it? Last, can you make an exception and allow me to eat salmon since it is the only fish I eat?

Maxine

[Wilma]

Hi Unregistered

This program is based on the research and more than 20 years of experience of Dr Cohen, who has identified the specific foods that can be used on his program. The key is not eating less calories or the so-called "health" food, but eating the precise weights and food combinations tailored for you by Dr Cohen, based on your blood test results.

The food items you mentioned were not found to be suitable on this program, each for its own reasons. Oranges are allowed on this program but no fruit juices. Milk in every form, type or source is prohibited. Milk is a protein and one of the rules of this program is the separation of proteins.

The second phase of this program is called 're-feeding'. The eating plan you receive on that part of the program will introduce back many of the forbidden foods (including milk).

Please note the difference between healthy food that should be eaten in the regular life outside this diet and the limited choices dictated during the limited course of this program based on research and observation of more than 20 years.

[Shasha]

{hi}Maxine: It's a NEW YEAR!!! Will it be a NEW YOU???

Have you decided to join? and, HOW R U DOING???

The Great thing about the 1st Personal Diet Program is that our clients keep telling us: THIS IS THE ONLY DIET THAT REALLY WORKS!!!

Of course you need to bring your part but, what really helps is having a diet that has been tried and been tested and been successful for over 20 years!!!
{wave} {boing} {wave}
We look forward to seeing your progress too!!!

[iggyjoh40]

Ok, now this may seem like an unusual question, but here it goes. I've been doing great on water, but some days I wonder if I'm drinking too much water. The reason I ask, is because the other day I had like maybe 90 ounces, but the next day my stomach was hurting. Lord knows I've been going to the bathroom plenty. Is it better to stick to just 64 ounces a day, or is it that just everyone is different? I know if I was exercising, etc. that more than the recommended amount would be okay - so help??

As far as Splenda goes, has anyone had problems with taking Splenda? I just wondered if using Equal or Sweet-n-Low would be better. Comments appreciated on this one too.

Thanks and have a great weekend!!

Inger

[Wilma]

Hi Inger

Drinking 68 Oz (2 liters) of water a day, should be sufficient. Drinking more is not required, unless of course you are still thirsty ...

While on the program, you may use the following artificial sweeteners:

Saccharin (Sweet'N Low) or Aspartame (Equal).

Sucralose (Splenda) and / or Stevia – up to five packets of 1 gram each per day

We suggest that you generally try to minimize the use of artificial sweetener.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Inger

INGER: 'Lord knows I've been going to the bathroom plenty.' {rofl}

GOOD NEWS: Every time you go to the toilet to empty your blader you will be flushing away toxins and broken down fat etc...
so, whenever you reach to you flush the chain just give a smile and a little wave and say: 'bye-bye fat cells!!!' {boing}

Added bonus: walking to the toilet increases exercises! {goodjob}

[Bronwyn]

Does anyone know if we are allowed to have Coke Zero? The program specifically lists Sprite Zero but only lists Diet Coke. I prefer the taste of Coke Zero but don't want to do the wrong thing. I'd love to know the answer!

Thanks!
Bronwyn

[Shasha]

{hi} there Bronwyn

YES, :flirt: you are allowed to have COKE ZERO! :flirt: ENJOY!


{boing}

[Bronwyn]

Oh joy oh joy! Thank you Shasha. You are the best!

[Shasha]

{hi} there Bronwyn

Why thank you M'lady :flirt: hope you enjoy the soda...


...But, I want you to realise that THE BEST is yet to come!
...She is currently still hiding INSIDE OF YOU! {cheerleader}

[Bronwyn]

Hi there,

I've got another question. I just finished my 4th week. I thought I had read somewhere on these posts that you only need to take two blood tests. One in the beginning and then one before your refeeding. I also think the program says I should take another one after I have completed the first four weeks. Can someone help to clarify? Should I go in for another blood test now after the 4th week? By the way, I'm down 12.4 pounds, almost two sizes, and many inches!

Bron

[MrsPeel]

Congrats, bronwyn!!! That's such good news! As for the blood tests, the consultants wrote to me and told me when they wanted me to test my blood again (it was after the 1st four weeks).

[Bronwyn]

Thanks Mrs. Peel. I went ahead and wrote to them to see if they want me to. I actually started the diet a few days earlier than they scheduled me to start (I couldn't wait and started the day after they sent it to me!) That could be why I haven't heard from them yet too. Thanksa again for the feedback.

[Wilma]

Bronwyn

Love your ticker with the slogan "Ready for a new wardrobe". Those cute pink shoes match your avatar :jumping2:

[cyberella]

hi, bronwyn!!!
{congrats}!!!
and.... same here, same here, same here.....
i also love the wardrobe-slogan!!!
i also started days ahead, rite after receiving the instructions
and also didnt hear from them till i asked!
just like mrs.peel i had 2 go after 4 weex.

{cheerleader} so, head 4 your new clothes, girl!!!!! {cheerleader}

[Bronwyn]

Thanks guys! I did hear back from the consultants and they do want the 4 week blood test. I've placed my order for it so will do as soon as I get the paperwork. I'm doing so good and haven't deviated at all so I'm anxious to see if my diet is altered at all after the 4 weeks. Thanks for all of your encouraging words. I love having this feedback and support.

[Shasha]

{hi} Everyone

Just POPPING IN HERE TO SAY:


I'm very proud of ALL OF YOU who are following your eating plan's 100%!
:bighug:

PLEASE :praying: keep up the good work! {grouphug2}