The Daily Value for sodium is 2400 milligrams.  However, if you have high blood pressure or salt sensitivity, your doctor may recommend consuming even less.

As for calories, if you are not under physician supervision, you really should be eating at least 1200 calories.  If not, you may end up with nutrient deficiencies, and it can also hinder weight loss.  If you really feel too full and bloated when you eat 1200 calories, you may want to see a doctor to see if there are certain foods that are causing you to feel this way.  You may also want to talk to your doctor regarding your seizure medication, as certain medications may make weight loss more difficult.  Perhaps there is an alternative medication without those side effects?

When it comes to snacks, I would focus on veggies and lean protein such as unsalted nuts, non-fat Greek yogurt, or edamame (soybeans). 

Sincerely,

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

Hi Ali, thanks for getting back to me.

Believe me, I am counting the calories of everything that goes in my mouth. In the cups of tea I drink, I use fat free coffeemate and I know that it is 10 calories per serving. I know that the V8 Fusion juices I drink are 120 calories per 8oz.  I keep a log of everything, calories and fat grams. The V8 Fusion juices (I get the 100% juice ones) are supposed to be a full serving of fruit and vegetables per serving (so the bottle says). 

How many grams of sodium are recommended daily?  I will keep a sharp eye on that and add it to my log to keep track of how much I take in in a day.

I am 5' 5" tall and currently weigh 164lbs.

If I am going to eat every 2 to 3 hours, I will have to come up with some low calorie foods to eat, to be able to eat that often.  Or I can just cut my veggie burger in half and eat the other half in 2 to 3 hours....something like that.  Would that be better? 

Yeah, the exercise.  I bought a mini trampoline but found that my balance is so horrible, it's gonna take me awhile to be able to do the exercises on it.  I take seizure medication and either my seizure meds or the actual seizures ruined my once perfect balance.

I do get some good walking in and I did buy a pedometer but it just won't work. My husband and I walk for an hour and a half, and the thing will show that I've walked 16 steps.  I paid $18.00 for it so one would think that it would be of better quality than it is.  I had a hysterectomy  9 years ago and since then, I seem unable to drop those nagging extra pounds. Could the surgery be hindering my weight loss attempts?

If I eat 1200 calories in a day, I feet too full and bloated. It's just too much food.  I can eat 800 to 900 calories and be just fine. But, I don't want my body to panic and hoard calories.  It's a very delicate balance and it seems no matter what I try,  it never works.

Any additional advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Also, please tell me how much sodium I should be having/not be having.

Kindest regards,

ChloeMarie

ChloeMarie,

If you are just looking at pure weight loss, then a calorie is a calorie, and it doesn't matter where it comes from.  However, I do recommend trying to consume a balanced diet for your health.  I know you said you don't like fruit, but you're also low on vegetables in your diet. 

A few things to watch out for:

1.  Are you including your beverages in your calorie count? Fruit juices contain calories, and if you're adding any honey or sugar to your tea, that can add up as well.

2.  Watch your sodium intake.  Frozen entrees and canned soups can contain lots of sodium.  Sodium leads to water retention, which can keep your weight from decreasing on the scale.

3.  Eat enough.  Be sure to eat at least 1200 calories per day.  Eating too little can actually hinder weight loss.  You may even find you need more than 1200 calories per day.  If you're not sure, you can either reply to this post with your weight and height, or email me at rd.slimfast@unilever.com.

4.  Eat frequently.  We recommend eating every 2-3 hours.  This helps prevent hunger and overeating later on, but it also helps keep your metabolism moving.

5.  Exercise.  We recommend engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (i.e. brisk walking) on most days of the week.  Walking with your husband can definitely count.  Perhaps a step counter could help you see just how much walking you are doing.

If you have additional questions, feel free to email me at rd.slimfast@unilever.com.

Sincerely,

Ali Auerbach, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian

Hello. I am not following the Slim Fast diet because I am a vegetarian and I don't like fruits (except frozen strawberries) and I don't cook. I drink V8 fusion to get my fruit and veg intake on some days. My question is, is it still okay if I eat basically the wrong foods but still take in the required number of calories per day? I eat:

A Zone bar for breakfast (190 calories)

A veggie burger with minimal condiments (I add up their calories too...and fat grams) with 15 to 20 fat free Lays chips (75 calories tops) The veggie burgers are between 80 calories and 140 calories.

Dinner is usually a Lean Cuisine or a boiled egg sandwich or a Progresso soup. The buns I eat are whole wheat and 100 calories each and 1 gram of fat.

If I eat a snack at all, it's a Lite and Fit yogurt or a half of a Fiber 1 bar. (80 calories and 70 calories)

Is this diet okay? I keep my daily calories between 1100 and 1200 calories.

How many grams of fat should I have a day?

If this diet is okay, then why am I not losing weight? I don't exercise but I do a lot of walking when my husband and I shop.

Thank you.  ChloeMarie  ps: I drink big mugs of hot tea all day so I am getting fluids.