I am going to be changing my RM to lunch time on Thanksgiving. I am wondering, though, what to do about salad cause I know no one in the family will be bringing any in(we all bring in different dishes). They just aren't into that! So, is it okay for me to not have salad all the time at RM's or should I go ahead and take my own?

I may be wrong but I am under the impression that the Salad at RM is mandatory. I am doing Thanksgiving and offering a salad...I always do with all larger meals. Perhaps the hostess will have a salad for you. Otherwise, maybe you can bring one.

Right its confession time folks

since I started CADing 2 weeks ago today - I've probably only had about 4 RM meals with salad before hand.

I just cant eat it twice a day - as I tend to have a salad for one of my CM's.

{Julia hangs her head in shame}

Keep your head up!!! Haha I have skipped the salad before the RM a couple of times; no big deal though...I havent gained any, I guess it means my body can handle it?

well lets hope so anyway.lol

I dont think its a big deal, i think its to help you control what you eat in your RM.

ie. eat some salad before you go filling up on norty carbs.

I could count on one hand the number of times I have had salad before my RM. I have it for lunch sometimes but I just can't be bothered with it for dinner. Bad, bad CAD person!

I haven't been very good about balancing my RM in general. I tend to have whatever the rest of the family is having, which is sometimes fairly balanced, sometimes not. So far, I have been ok with this. I know that I might have better results if I was more careful... but then this has to be a WOE that *I* can live with, right? And the main thing is... no cravings!

Honestly, after reading this thread I took out my handy CAD book and noted that there are 5 CAD plans, only 2 require the salad before RM. The ones that require salad are the fastest loss plans.

IMHO (as always), it really depends upon whether you are following CAD or CALP. CAD has two plans of the five that require salad at RM. CALP has only one plan, and that requires salad at RM.

So, if you are on CALP, yes, eat salad each RM, but also go read up on the place where it says you can substitute vegetables for the salad.

If you on CAD, pick your plan for the week based on your results from the preceding week, and if the plan you pick calls for salad, then it calls for salad. Else not.

Clear?

Thank you all for your help! You are great!

Hey! I discovered something.. the Hellers say that you can substitute other craving reducing foods for the salad, and I've been woofing down 2 large stalks of celery right before dinner while I'm finishing up the cooking. We do have a salad almost every day, but two cups of it is a lot for me to handle. THe celery I can carry around while I finish up and then I can just get to the main meal when I sit down.

Joanie

I too find it hard to eat 2 cups of salad before each RM. Thanks for the suggestion!!