Cohen's Lifestyle Anyone from the United States?

Prefix for Cohen's Lifestyle
How's It Going

I'm not officially on the program but I'm gearing up. I to live in northeast and have registered for Cohen's and had my bloodwork. I'm currently waiting for the results of my bloodwork followed by my program. I suspect I'll have it by Wednesay and I can start on Thurday.

How's it going fo my fellow Americans? Is the program harder or easier than you thought? Are you progressing well?

I'm looking forward to chatting with you guys on this journey.

Take it easy! :)
 
Hi bubblin,

i gotta say that I becoming like a reformed smoker. I am ready to shout to the world how great this program is.

Make no bones about it, it is hard to do initially. But, I know we americans like our instant gratification and this diet does that. I don't want to have to plan, plan, plan, prep, prep, prep, and only lose 1 or 2 pounds a week. That turns me off.

The first 2 weeks I lost a pound a day! the 2nd two weeks I slowed down or went back up one or 2 pounds, so my average for the first 4 weeks was 5 lbs/wk. Yesterday I started my 5th week and I am down 21 pounds.:D

I wonder how you guys find the email version of this diet to be? How long does it take you to get responses from them? I've noticed that it is not the same person responding to your emails. I wish we had better support from a consultant, but they will answer your questions eventually.

One thing I've found is that our food lists are not universal, so if you see something on the boards, ask your consultant first before you try it. For example, I've seen that some people have Tofu on their list of approved food. I do not have that.

I have fat free cream cheese on my list, and others do not. Always clarify!
 
My Experience

Ididit4me said:
The first 2 weeks I lost a pound a day! the 2nd two weeks I slowed down or went back up one or 2 pounds, so my average for the first 4 weeks was 5 lbs/wk. Yesterday I started my 5th week and I am down 21 pounds.:D

I wonder how you guys find the email version of this diet to be? How long does it take you to get responses from them? I've noticed that it is not the same person responding to your emails. I wish we had better support from a consultant, but they will answer your questions eventually.

One thing I've found is that our food lists are not universal, so if you see something on the boards, ask your consultant first before you try it. For example, I've seen that some people have Tofu on their list of approved food. I do not have that.

I have fat free cream cheese on my list, and others do not. Always clarify!
Click to expand...

Congratualtions on the weight loss!!!! Twenty one pounds in 4 weeks is awesome! I can't wait to get started. I did LA Weightloss and was successful but the program was SSSSSSSSSOOOOOOO expensive! Cohen's is pretty cheap compared to what I've paid for diets in the past. I know the first few days will be tough, but I know I can do it.

It took quite a bit of time to get my link to pay for the program. Like 3 days. So I paid and I got the link for the blood work the next day. I paid for the blood work and got the referral the same day. I took the blood test on 3/2 and have yet to receive the results. They say 48-72 hours so I'm guessing the results will be sent to me and cohen's today or tomorrow.

Once you get the results of the blood test, how quickly did you receive your program?

I haven't had any interaction with the councelors excpet for getting the links and all so I can't say how long the response time is. But so far the process has taken me almost two weeks and like I said I am waiting for my blood work and program.

I really look forward to chatting with you. I'll let you know how it goes.
 
Welcome Bubblinb!

I received my blood work results via email on the same day I received the Diet from Dr. Cohen. A few hours in between. I was shocked as I expected it to take a couple of days after receiving the email from the Lab people. I'm not sure if everyone else received theirs on the same day, but it was a pleasant surprise.

Ididit4me - hi again!

I usually hear back from the Consultants w/in 24 hours of sending my email. I don't count the weekends, so if I email them on Friday, I pretty much expect to receive a reply on Monday and so far, they do. Congrats on your weight loss! That's great!!
 
Hiya Kath and Bubblin.

I think the whole process from registration to actually getting the diet took almost 4 weeks. When they sent me the referral letter to get the blood test, the lab wouldn't take it cause it needed a signature. So that was time wasted.

Then, my liver function test came back a tad high so I had to speak with my dr about it and tell them we would be monitoring it. Once that happened, it took close to 4 days to get my program. I have to say though, I never received the full results of the blood test from them. Just the part about my liver. Luckily, I had had a full blood test for my physical about 2 weeks earlier which I went over with my dr.

I am now waiting to see if Cohen's will send me another referral or notice regarding taking a second blood test. I've seen other people on these boards talk about the tests showing whether or not the HGH has been triggered. I'm thinking I might just go and get it done anyway and let Cohen's know via email that they will be getting something.

Good luck to you both!;)
 
Ididit,

I emailed Dr. Cohen's regarding my 4 week results and then received an email from them asking me how I was doing, so it looks like they should email you to ask you about your first 4 weeks on the program. In that email, they mention and I believe provide the link to order your next blood test. Also, I received an email w/my results on both the first and fourth week results so I'm sure if you wanted to see the entire work up that they would send it to you. I mean, you did pay for them, they by all rights should send them to you.
 
No Plan Yet

Hi guys -

Direct labs sent my results to Dr. Cohen and his team on Monday (3/5). I checked my email this morning and still no plan. Maybe I'll get it later today or tomorrow.

Once you recieved your plan, how soon did you start? The next day? On the weekend? I won't be able to start the day I recieve it because I'll need to food shop. In the emails I've recieved, they stated the my 12 weeks would start the day I recieve my plan. So I'm concerned I'll lose a day or two.

How it work out for you guys?

One meal at a time!!!
 
I got my 4 week email from them this morning, ironically. But I didn't see a link in there for another blood test. I did ask them about that though. We'll see.

I got my results on the friday or a saturday before Superbowl. I "started" it loosely on Superbowl sunday because I was sick and didn't go to the party we were supposed to go to, but my official day was that Monday.

Depending on how much weight you have to lose, I wouldn't worry too much about the one or 2 day lapse from when you receive it to when you start it. If I can keep going the way I have - 20 pounds a month, I will ask for the refeed in the 10th or 11th week.

Their goal for me is 130-135. Originally I was shooting for 135, but now I'm wondering what 125 might look like. I guess I'll have to determine that in April.

The question remains though - what kind of support do we get for the maintenance part?

I have also been really craving bad stuff. :mad: I wanted popcorn last night at the movies. I was so ready to give in but luckily my husband stopped us both from making that bad move. Then after the movie, i wanted a chocolate cream filled donut from Dunkin donuts. Didn't do that. But my real struggle has been Cadbury eggs. That seasonal candy is my favorite and Easter is the worst temptation candy for me - worse than Halloween.:(

I found myself thinking yesterday - just buy one egg. It won't kill you. Somehow, my body did not move towards that aisle, but my mind was thinking it. I keep trying to think of the bigger picture but I am waiting for that weak moment when I eat something really bad and hate myself for it.
 
bubblinb said:
Hi guys -

Direct labs sent my results to Dr. Cohen and his team on Monday (3/5). I checked my email this morning and still no plan. Maybe I'll get it later today or tomorrow.

Once you recieved your plan, how soon did you start? The next day? On the weekend? I won't be able to start the day I recieve it because I'll need to food shop. In the emails I've recieved, they stated the my 12 weeks would start the day I recieve my plan. So I'm concerned I'll lose a day or two.

How it work out for you guys?

One meal at a time!!!
Click to expand...


Hi,

I received my plan on a Thursday, but did not begin until that following Monday. I still had some food I wanted to say good-bye too. :) The support from Cohen's begins on the day you receive the plan so your 12 weeks would be up 12 weeks from that date. I knew that I'd be signing up for an additional 12, so I figured what was 3 more days!

I would assume it would take a few days for Dr. Cohen to review your blood test and get your diet plan ready to send you so hopefully you'll hear from him today or tomorrow. I had my blood drawn on a Saturday and received everything that following Thursday.

Good luck!!
 
Ididit4me,

I would love to have just a Hershey Kiss, but I know once I have 1, I'll want the bag. Also, in reading about this diet everyone talked about deviating and how it would set you back. Well, I don't want to go back and want to get this diet over with as quickly and successfully as possible so even though I may dream of a chicken parm sub or a candy bar, I'll leave it there for now.:(
Easter will be difficult for me too, but I'll be just completing my 11th week at that time and will know it's not worth it for me.

We'll have to steal the motto: "Just Say NO" for now. :)
 
:) I have to say I am lucky that I work from home now as the temptation of the vending machine would be too great. It's funny how the mind remembers things too. I haven't eaten "saltine" crackers since I was 6 or 7 years old. For this diet, I bought them and now all I want is to slather peanut butter on them like I did when I was a kid. That is another treat I'll be looking forward to when I'm done with this diet.

But, remember, Bathing suit season is coming up! bathing suits, bathing suits, bathing suits. I have to keep chanting that to get rid of thoughts of food!;)
 
Anxiously Waiting....

ididit4me - you are losing weight so well :) I can't wait to get to 130-135. I haven't been that small since before I had my son. I'm sure the goal weight they assign me will be somewhere in that arena. I've decided that if I get my plan tomorrow or Friday, I'll wait until Sunday to start. That will give me Friday to food shop and Saturday to set my game plan and get organized. I'll probably be posting like crazy come Saturday!

Kathy0529 - My husband wants to take me to a nice dinner before I start the program so as I mentioned, I won't start until Sunday, provided I get the plan tomorrow or Friday. I'm hoping that I won't have to do more than 12 weeks, but I will if it's necessary. I want to get started, and done! Thanks for sharing with me!

ALL - My biggest fear with this plan is the lack of supplements, like bars or treats. What I mean is, when I was on LA Weight Loss, I didn't eat ice cream (although it was allowed) or sugar free candy or whatever. I stuck to my two a day bar allowance and that got me through the cravings for chocolate - I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!! But on this plan I realize it's comprised only of protiens, fruits, and veggies. So my fear is that I'll get a craving for chocolate and fall off the wagon. Moreover, the LA Weight Loss plan allowed me to eat frozen meals like Weight Watchers or Healthy Choice for variety. I know that Cohens has nothing of the sort. I plan to post each time I feel like I want to eat something I shouldn't. I hope that helps!

I'll just have to take it one day at a time, one meal at a time. I have two kids and a husband and rarely do anything for myself. Cohens is the one thing I plan to do for ME!!!

Thanks so much for sharing and the inspiration!!! I can DO THIS!! :D

Take it easy!
 
Thanks bubblin. The true test of whether I'm really losing weight will be at the end of this month. I deviated tonight for dinner. I had 2 extra crackers and about 15 grams of extra cheese! :mad: I only have myself to blame as I was itching to snack on something. I guess its better than caving in to a Cadbury egg though!;)

I did LA weightloss too a few years ago, and yes, I would have to agree with you that it was nice to be able to have that "snack". But, even those bars contained too much sugar and carbs. That's why we can't have stuff like that on Cohens. And, that's why the loss of fat and inches is greater on this plan.

As I just told my friend, I like the fact that this diet is restrictive because for me, if you give me an inch, I'll take a mile. If I can have one "protein" bar, I'll have two because they taste good. This diet definitely takes some gettng used to in that department.

I was like you too and couldn't wait to get the program. Eventually it will be here. After you do your food shopping, definitely use saturday to measure out all your meat portions for the week. Make sure you have at least 6 or 7 meal 2's and 3's and you'll be set.

Another suggestion - if you are cooking differently for your family, it's gonna be harder to not cave in, so get their buy in right away. Have your kids and your husband help you with the measure/packing of your foods. For that matter, why not measure out portions for them as well - everyone needs to learn what a true portion size is, other wise they will wind up in the same boat as you (and me and everyone on these boards!). I measure about 10-15 grams more for my husband.
 
Dust Yourself Off...Keep Moving

Ididit4me said:
Thanks bubblin. The true test of whether I'm really losing weight will be at the end of this month. I deviated tonight for dinner. I had 2 extra crackers and about 15 grams of extra cheese! :mad: I only have myself to blame as I was itching to snack on something. I guess its better than caving in to a Cadbury egg though!;)

As I just told my friend, I like the fact that this diet is restrictive because for me, if you give me an inch, I'll take a mile. This diet definitely takes some gettng used to in that department.

After you do your food shopping, definitely use saturday to measure out all your meat portions for the week. Make sure you have at least 6 or 7 meal 2's and 3's and you'll be set.

Another suggestion - if you are cooking differently for your family, it's gonna be harder to not cave in, so get their buy in right away. Have your kids and your husband help you with the measure/packing of your foods. For that matter, why not measure out portions for them as well - everyone needs to learn what a true portion size is, other wise they will wind up in the same boat as you (and me and everyone on these boards!). I measure about 10-15 grams more for my husband.
Click to expand...


Don't stress yourself about the deviation. Dust yourself off and keep it moving. You're right...it's better than the cadbury eggs! For me it would have been a Twix or a Mr. Goodbar!!!

I probably need restrictive as well. I tried LA Weightloss a 2nd time and it did not go as well because I cheated so much. I thought I could get by since I knew the program so well. I did well when i was on LA Weight Loss, my family ate what they ate (my husband prepared their meals) and I ate before they did so I wouldn't be tempted. There was always tempting foods in the house but it didn't bother me. I am hoping I can deal with Cohen's the same. My family is pretty supportive and respect my programs so I don't think I'll have a problem there.

Thanks for the tips, I've been reading the posts in the forum since November and one of the recurring themes is planning and lots of it. So I'll make sure I am prepared so that I won't fall off the wagon, and if I do - hopefully it won't be hard. The weekdays won't be difficult because we don't eat breakfast at home. Lunch is normally at my desk, so that'll be cool. Dinner will be tougher because now that my husband works late, I'll have to prepare the meals for the family. I'll have to avoid "dipping" into their meals and tasting as I go along. What I'm going to try to do is prepare the same meals for them or eat before they do.

Thanks so much for sharing. It means a great deal to me.

Take it easy!
 
I Got It....But, I'm Nervous!!!!

I just received my program this evening. I probably won't officially start until Saturday or Sunday. I won't be able to go food shopping until Friday so I know I won't start before then.

I'm SSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOO nervous. I don't know why though. Ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhh boy!!!! I think it's the limited amount of food choices. What I mean is the veggies and fruits. No salad dressing is going to be tough for me. I LOVE ranch dressing.

My printer is not working so I'll have to print everything when I get to work tomorrow. I know I can do this because so many of you have.

Thanks for the inspiration, it's because of THIS forum that I purchased the program.

One meal at a time!
 
Welcome

Dear Bubblinb,

Congratulations...and good luck on starting Cohen... but if you follow this plan..you won't need the luck.. They give you 48 hrs from when they email you the diet to go shopping, etc.

And... you are like everyone who starts...NERVOUS... I had thought about this diet for months and month... I even had my Personal Guide for 2 weeks before they had sent me my diet.. and then had the diet for 5 days before I started it and was as anxious as all hell. I too had some foods I needed to say good bye to also. Everyone who starts ...says the same thing...they are soooo nervous. I think its because of all the mental energy and hope we have placed in this diet and we all hope it will work for us!

It gets easier and easier and soon becomes automatic. In the beginning you aren't sure if you are doing it right or if you are blowing it. I was also concerned if the food choices I made would hold me till my next meal...I guzzled and guzzled water so much because I was afraid I would get super hungry and didn't want to cave.

I think its easy..... because its so black and white and it doesn't allow deviating or the opportunity to cheat... I too, am a give me an inch or a protein bar.. or a weight watchers cake and I have to eat the whole thing... I'm a all or none type of person. Although... I have cheated like others..i have had breakdowns... ate extra cheese or extra crackers.

I started Nov. 13th...lost 20 lbs in my first 4 weeks... I knew and accepted that the first 4 weeks are the biggest lost ..so I didn't have disappointment when it was less the next month.. that first week and month gave me a great motivation and start.

I have lost 59 lbs to date and 61 more to go...So, I will be here for awhile...
Come visit us on the US site at -- Denise-Excoboard.com

DD
 
slimny said:
Dear Bubblinb,

Congratulations...and good luck on starting Cohen... but if you follow this plan..you won't need the luck.. They give you 48 hrs from when they email you the diet to go shopping, etc.

And... you are like everyone who starts...NERVOUS... I had thought about this diet for months and month... I even had my Personal Guide for 2 weeks before they had sent me my diet.. and then had the diet for 5 days before I started it and was as anxious as all hell. I too had some foods I needed to say good bye to also. Everyone who starts ...says the same thing...they are soooo nervous. I think its because of all the mental energy and hope we have placed in this diet and we all hope it will work for us!

It gets easier and easier and soon becomes automatic. In the beginning you aren't sure if you are doing it right or if you are blowing it. I was also concerned if the food choices I made would hold me till my next meal...I guzzled and guzzled water so much because I was afraid I would get super hungry and didn't want to cave.

I think its easy..... because its so black and white and it doesn't allow deviating or the opportunity to cheat... I too, am a give me an inch or a protein bar.. or a weight watchers cake and I have to eat the whole thing... I'm a all or none type of person. Although... I have cheated like others..i have had breakdowns... ate extra cheese or extra crackers.

I started Nov. 13th...lost 20 lbs in my first 4 weeks... I knew and accepted that the first 4 weeks are the biggest lost ..so I didn't have disappointment when it was less the next month.. that first week and month gave me a great motivation and start.

I have lost 59 lbs to date and 61 more to go...So, I will be here for awhile...
Come visit us on the US site at -- Denise-Excoboard.com

DD
Click to expand...

Hi slimny-

Can I tell you something???? I am almost through day one and it's really tough!!! My head has been hurting, I got pretty tired at one point and had a ton of food to prepare for the week. I just kept praying and telling myself that I've done stuff way more difficult than this. After I laid down a little while I decided to get online and found your note. It gave me a burst of energy so thank you!

I did not use any of the recipes for the few meals I prepared for today. I'm gonig to have to when i prepare more food on Tuesday because I don't have much variety which is bad when the plan is so limited to begin with. My saving grace has been the fruit and my diet sodas. Had I not had those I would have lost it.

Congratulations on the weightloss!!! I can't wait to be one of the people who say that I've lost "x" amount of pounds. Right now I'm at zero, but at week 4 I hope I'm at least 10-15 pounds down!

I'm hoping it gets easier as you suggested. Most people seem to have done well and like it. Once I get past the 1st two or three days I'm sure I'll be fine.

Again, I appreciate the support and will check out the site you mentioned.

Oh, and thanks for the 48 hour tip, I was worried I had lost like 3 days!!! All the weighing is driving me nuts, and tips? What about salad dressing? Come up with anything good for the vinegar?

Thanks so much - I REALLY needed the motivation!

One meal at a TIME.

B
 
Whew...I made it!

Friends -

I am getting ready for bed and wanted to share my Day 1 success. I made it through the day without deviating. I'm proud of that because my family had crablegs, squash, and baked potatoes for dinner. Now the only problem there for me was the potatoes. I LOVE baked potatoes. For dessert, they baked cookies. Now, most of you are probably thinking I should prohibit those things from my kitchen, but I have two small children and can't take those goodies away from them. Besides, I see it as a way for me to exercise self control. I left the room when the enjoyed the cookies ;)

The toughest thing for me today was the weighing and preparing the meals. It was overwhelming. I'm sure as the weeks pass, it'll be come more habitual and I'll pick up some easier ways to prepare 10-15 meals at once, but today it was tough. Tomorrow I'll try to spend some time searching the forum for tips.

I got a headache and got really tired today. I had to lay down for a bit. I was so foul and grumpy which is really uncharacteristic of me. I'm positive my body was going through sugar withdrawal, but I got through it.

I did weight myself this morning but did not take any measurements. I'm going to do that then it's off to bed. It's been an exhausting day. Tomorrow is a work day so hopefully I'll keep occupied and not think about food so much. I just keep praying for strength.

On to day two....:eek: :eek:

B
 
Well done, tomorrow will not be a "walk in the park" either, get lots of rest, drink lots of water, space out your meals, fruit and crackers.

Being in the kitchen maybe is not the best place for your tomorrow. Sitting a spa or Jacuzzi drinking soda water and getting a nice full body massage would be much better :D
 
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