Food FAQs
What kinds of foods can I eat on the CMWL plan?
Are any foods off-limits at CMWL?
Is snacking allowed on CMWL?
Can I have caffeinated drinks while following CMWL?
Can I still eat out while following the CMWL program?
I think I have a food addiction. How can CMWL help?
Recipes FAQs
How can I access all of the CMWL recipes?
I have a CMWL-friendly recipe I’d love to share! How do I do this?
How do I rate a recipe?
How do I find quick recipes
How do I find vegetarian recipes?
How do I find a high protein, low carb, or high fiber recipe?
Food FAQs
What kinds of foods can I eat on the CMWL plan?
The foods you’ll eat on the CMWL plan depend on what phase of the plan you’re in. On the Quick Start phase, you’ll be eating a nutritionally-balanced low calorie diet prescribed to you by your CMWL physician. Once you enter the Transition phase, you’ll reintroduce foods such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy (and our website features delicious recipes that you’re sure to enjoy!). Since every CMWL plan is personalized, you’ll work with your CMWL physician to determine the foods and calorie level that make the most sense for you and your weight loss goals.
Are any foods off-limits at CMWL?
No specific foods are off-limits on the CMWL plan. What matters most is the number of calories you consume each day. For instance, if you’re in the Transition phase of the CMWL plan, you’ll eat a dinner that’s 550 calories or less. That said, Dr. Kaplan, CMWL founder and chief medical officer, does recommend that you cut down on artificial foods with trans fats as well as sodas, both diet and regular, and other sugary drinks, to help you lose weight and stay healthy. It’s also important to determine your metabolism so that you know your daily and weekly calorie budgets to help support the weight loss and weight maintenance process. Your CMWL physician will determine your caloric budget and work with you to determine meal choices that you like to eat that will fall into your caloric budget. Since CMWL’s goal is to help our patients keep off weight long term, we believe in individualizing our recommendations with all patients. Your food preferences are important to us when we are determining the best individualized strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance on our programs.
Is snacking allowed on CMWL?
Yes, as long as the snacks you choose to eat while following the plan are healthy and/or fall into your daily caloric budget. The best snacks are non-processed foods such as fruits and vegetables. CMWL also offers low-fat, low-calorie crisps that are high in protein to fill you up. Your CMWL physician will work with you to determine an individualized snack strategy that works best for both the program and your individual preferences.
Can I have caffeinated drinks while following CMWL?
A cup or two of coffee or tea (particularly green tea, which is high in antioxidants) are fine on the CMWL plan. However, because caffeine is a mild diuretic and can cause water loss, be sure to balance out any caffeine intake with an equivalent amount of water. Also, if you do choose to drink caffeinated beverages, make sure they don’t contain added ingredients like sugar or whipped cream.
Can I still eat out while following the CMWL program?
Though it’s easiest to control what you’re eating and your portion sizes if you prepare meals at home, it’s fine to eat out on the CMWL Transition plan if you follow a few simple steps: Order foods that are baked, broiled, steamed, or poached, and never fried; ask your server to hold any sauces or bring them on the side; ask to substitute a side of steamed vegetables or a side salad (no dressing) for things like fries or mashed potatoes. See our other tips for eating healthy when eating out as well as some ideas for eating ethnic foods while following a medical weight loss plan. If you must eat out during the Quick Start phase of the plan, your CMWL physician can help you to determine the best dietary modifications. We will always work hard to individualize your care to be certain that the CMWL program continues to work for you over time.
I think I have a food addiction. How can CMWL help?
The CMWL program is geared toward helping individuals conquer their food addictions. CMWL can help by removing you temporarily from your food addiction while providing you with behavioral counseling that teaches you to cope with your emotions and cravings in a healthy way that doesn’t involve turning to food. The CMWL Quick Start’s low-calorie, medically supervised program of nutritionally balanced bars, shakes, and soups can help you stay away from foods that can trigger an eating binge. At the same time, you’ll learn healthier eating habits and gradually reintroduce other foods back into your diet. Your CMWL physician will also be working with you one-on-one to develop strategies to help you with long term weight maintenance – always the focus and goal of all CMWL programs.
Plus: See more FAQs on the CMWL Program
Recipes FAQs
How can I access all of the CMWL recipes?
To see all of CMWL’s healthy and delicious recipes – all perfect for dinners on the Transition plan – you need to register for the CMWL site. It’s free, quick, and easy to do – register here.
I have a CMWL-friendly recipe I’d love to share! How do I do this?
You can share your recipes on the CMWL Message Boards. Simply visit the Food and Recipes Board and the Cooking at Home folder not only to let us know about your favorite recipes, but to see recipes and cooking tips provided by others following the CMWL plan.
How do I rate a recipe?
When you see a CMWL recipe that you like, just click on the stars on the top of the recipe. You can rate each recipe from one to five stars, and see how others have rated it, too. You can also comment on a particular recipe by typing in your comment toward the bottom of the page.
How do I find quick recipes?
All of the CMWL recipes that take 25 minutes or less to prepare are tagged as “quick” recipes. You’ll find this tag toward the bottom of the recipe. Alternately, you can do a Search in the Healthy Recipes section for “Quick” to see all the recipes that don’t take long to prepare.
How do I find vegetarian recipes?
All of CMWL’s vegetarian recipes are tagged as “vegetarian” toward the bottom of the recipe. Alternately, you can do a Search in the Healthy Recipes section for “Vegetarian.”
How do I find a high protein, low carb, or high fiber recipe?
The CMWL recipes that are high protein, low carb, and/or high fiber are tagged as such toward the bottom of the recipe. Alternately, you can do a Search in the Healthy Recipes section for any of these terms.
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