Is anyone using New Direction products for weight loss?

Hello! My husband just started the New Direction LCD program. I'm trying to plan and prepare his meals. He was given a food exchange list but nothing that explains how to use it. It seems like he is missing something in his binder. Will call the dietitian tomorrow but I do not know what to ask for. Any help will be appreciated.

Every program is slightly different depending on the doctor that you go to. What does the exchange list look like, if it's similar to mine I might be able to help.

I'm about to begin the New Direction program. My initial EKG and blood work are scheduled for July 9th. Behavioral assessment is on the 10th and I begin on Saturday, July 12th.

It has taken about a month to get all of my doctors to approve this weight loss program for me, and I am really looking forward to it. At the same time, I am also a little apprehensive about not eating solid food for who knows how long. I'd love to make some friends who are also doing the New Direction program for information and support!

Oops, I thought this was the One Direction weight loss thread.


*backs out slowly*

samesies(spelling?!?) oh there harmony make me want to lift more weight :noway:

I'm excited to start the New Directions program 8/1. Did blood work, etc already. This type of program isn't for everyone and if you're going to do it...seriously invest yourself emotionally, mentally and physically. Otherwise, the financial investment and time spent is wasteful. Also, as others commented, you don't *need* a weight loss program to lose weight. However, entering a program like this may be most beneficial depending on one's medical circumstances and how the program is administered.

In my local area, there are several businesses who offer 'medically supervised' weight loss programs. I specifically chose one administered through the hospital system my doctor's practice works closely with. Key requirements of this hospital's program are

1. Initial consultation with Doc to determine if you are medically healthy enough to use the program at the time being and to determine if 4 meal replacements are sufficient based on your level of activity. The doctor should be reviewing your full blood panel, EKG, existing medical conditions, medications, exercise plans, etc
2. Monthly: Must see the program's doc w/full blood panels completed (EKG required every 50 lbs lost)
3. Weekly: Must attend all weekly classes w/nurse visits
4. Weekly: Detail any physical probs, med changes, probs adhering to the fast, next wk exercise plans on Review Form
5. Daily: Must log all food/liquid intake, physical activity, extracurricular activities, mood
6. Removed from program if you miss more than 2 weekly meetings. Fee to restart process.

The program coordinator strongly advised patients try making gradual changes in their current daily diet so transition to the program's 4 meal replacements isn't as difficult. This includes weening yourself off caffeinated products (coffee, soda, chocolate, etc), sweets and excessive carb intake. I ***DEF*** recommend at least weening off caffeine. That addiction alone can be awful for some. I had major withdrawal symptoms when quitting caffeine a couple years ago. No idea how I would survive the headaches and other systems while changing to 4 meal replacements daily...all at the same time!!! The other thing she strongly recommended was for patients to get into the habit of drinking 64 oz. of water DAILY (excluding any water used for meals).

Don't waste your time or money if not serious about making a lifestyle change. Food intake usually isn't the issue. Its the emotional and mental problems usually at the root of obesity. If you're not ready to address that side of things, don't expect the physical efforts to happen.

I have started this product on 7/2. I was successful but by the beginning of this week I have eaten regular food almost everyday. I am on 800/calories (4meal replacements a day) and at least 64oz of water. Any tips to stay on track because I am really struggling

Make sure to drink your bullion. Also try some of the recipes with the shakes. Especially the Chicken soup. Make chips or Biscuits. Those can be split up through the day for your snacky habits. Also drink your water.


I don't keep a tracker on here, but just to update. I am now transitioning off the Shakes (realimentation) I lost about 105 lbs on the diet. I feel fantastic.

My wife had our second child just after I started, so I didn't get full sleep and had lots of stress and my MIL just died so there's been a ton of stress and travel as I transitioned off. That has been very difficult, but my good habits are helping.

Just stick to it and remember, if you keep snacking on real food, especially carby food, you will break out of Ketosis and that transition feels horrible. Don't do it.

Also, I recommend Torani's SF syrups to spice up the shakes. Vanilla pudding, One shot SF Toffee, One shot SF Hazelnut, Some brewed Espresso roast coffee (6oz) and Ice in a blender and you have a really solid Toffeenut Frappe'. Just don't over do it on the syrups. My clinic recommends no more than 10 total artificially sweetened products a day and no more than 5 of any specific type (SF Syrups, SF gums, Crystal Light etc.)


Due to all the stress, I wasn't always the best on the diet. I was on 4 shakes and a High Protein low carb lotsa veggies meal. But it's hard to get the veggies in in 1 sitting, so if you're on an option that allows for food, split those veggies up through the day.

Hello, Everyone. I'm in my third week of New Directions. I've lost 9 lbs. and feel great! I cheated this past weekend at a birthday celebration - don't know why, other than the social aspect. I wasn't hungry or craving for anything. I'm on the VLC plan of 4 shakes a day plus 64 oz. of water. My goal is 100 lbs. by January. I look forward to your motivating tips, positive comments, and progress updates.

After having all the medical testing done (EKG, blood tests, etc.), I was medically approved to start this program in June. I've been on only the meal replacements since June 23. I'm down almost 20 lbs already, but those lbs lost are hard fought. This program isn't for everyone, but I have a goal of losing over 100 lbs and this medically supervised program is the smart choice for me. I've lost over a 100 lbs before the "wrong way" on my own with starvation and exercise...kept that weight off for over 10 years before having my two kids. Medical issues and Rx drugs (like steroids) have caused me to keep gaining weight over the years, and this program is a better alternative for me than something more drastic like bariatric surgery. Disappointed to see so many people on MFP not being supportive of the people on the New Direction MEDICALLY SUPERVISED weight loss plan. This is hard work, and we need support not criticism!

I am stating new direction program today. I can use any ideas or hints you have.

I would LOVE to see some recipes, I had no idea they existed! My doc only carries chicken soup, shakes and the cocoa oh and the chocolate pudding. I think this would be much easier to maintain with more variety...Do yall know of anyplace online I can purchase the New Direction food?

badgirllaughing wrote: »

liquids?? .. how can this be sustainable? You have to eat eventually. The best way to go is still just to have a lifestyle change and eat healthy and start to excerise regularly...

You know this person better than her medical professionals do? You know her history, her medical needs, psychological needs? You see a post and feel qualified to tell her "the best way" for HER? Really?

I am about to begin this program. Im glad to see all of the success stories. Ive been very uncertain about the limited food intake. Has anyone been hungry duringn the day?

you people are crazy. I mean, if you can't control your eating this is not going to do anything for you. Take a class and learn how to control yourself, you don't have to drink only liquids from some scam company to do it.