ColorFUEL Basics
ColorFUEL Program
Allergies/Specialty
ColorFUEL Family
Can my children do this?
How to do I know what to serve my family?
ColorFUEL Cooking/Food
What is Greek yogurt
What do I look for when purchasing whole wheat bread products?
Where do I find protein powder?
What is a low sugar granola?
Can I drink coffee?
Aren't carbs bad for you?
Can I have a dessert?
I feel bloated?
I can't eat early in the morning?
Why are you using honey vs. agave nectar?
ColorFUEL Substitutions and Satiation
What if I want to eat something else?
What do I eat if I go out to dinner?
How do I curb cravings?
Can I substitute things?
I am eating all my meals and am STILL hungry!
I woke up in the middle of the night starving!
Q: Why we don't provide calories of each meal?
A: At ColorFUEL we take the guess work out of calorie counting and allow you the freedom to cook and prepare meals that are specific to your weight management goals or lifestyle needs. We put the simplicity back into your meal planning and remove the time consuming and daunting task of calorie calculating. The ColorFUEL concept focuses on providing the skills and knowledge to learn what your body needs to perform at its top level.
Q: What if I want to eat something else?
A: ColorFUEL was designed to give its members the freedom to choose. We recommend that you eat all of your colors every day to speed progress and continue to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to effectively get you through your busy day.
Q: What do I eat if I go out to dinner?
A: ColorFUEL partners suggest that when dining out you replicate one of your ColorFuel meals and be sure to request a similar portion size and are careful to select menu items that include lean meats, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. We encourage you to stay away from items such as: fried, creamy sauces, breaded, sautéed, dressings, mayo and butter. Instead look for: steamed, broiled, grilled and dress your salad w/ vinegar. Remember, you are the one paying for your meal. Don’t be afraid to take ownership or your health. You CAN order how you would like and make special requests. For those in the Treasure Valley marketplace, be sure to visit our ColorFUEL restaurant partners: Jenny's Lunch Line, Zen Bento and coming soon, Moon's Kitchen Cafe. These partners have ColorFUEL menu options available just for you!
Q: Can I have a dessert?
A: ColorFUEL recommends that you eat all five colors every day to optimize and speed your weight management goals, and sustain optimal energy levels. How your choose to follow ColorFUEL is your choice. Be sure to check out our a la FUEL sweets package for some healthy options for an occasional sweet treat!
Q: How to do I know what to serve my family?
A: ColorFUEL partners understand that all families have different needs. ColorFUEL offers the ability to make and prepare meals that everyone and anyone can enjoy. It is your choice to serve the meals to your family. Be mindful that the portion sizes are individually set forth for your needs and may or may not meet the requirements of another member of your family.
Q: What if I'm not hungry?
A: ColorFUEL wants you to succeed with your weight management, therefore, we strongly urge you to enjoy all five meals each day to meet that goal. Eating all of your meals is imperative to sustaining your energy level throughout the day. As your body needs change, you will soon find that your appetite does as well.
Q: I can't eat early in the morning?
A: Not to worry, ColorFUEL has a solution for you. If you find it difficult to eat a large meal early in the morning you may choose to eat one of the green or blue colors to start your day. Just be sure to work towards enjoying all five colors every day, you choose when and what colors to eat.
Q: How many servings are in each recipe?
A: ColorFUEL has simplified this in every one of our menus. Each individual plan recipe includes a suggested serving size of 2 per recipe.
Q: Are the measurements cooked or raw for the protein?
A: ColorFUEL measurements for protein are indicated on each recipe color sheet and are clearly defined in your color recipe.
Q: I feel bloated?
A: Many individuals experience changes to their digestive system when beginning a new nutrition program. As your body adjusts to breaking down more fibrous complex carbohydrates and vegetables you will soon experience relief from any digestive irregularities and bloating.
Q: Can I drink coffee?
A: Yes. We encourage you to enjoy black coffee vs. specialty coffee drinks. if you desire a sweetener in your coffee, try cinnamon. Tea is also a great alternative!
Q: How do I curb cravings?
A: Your ColorFUEL partners would recommend finding a sugar free gum that provides you with a sweet taste that you enjoy. Some other suggestions would be removing yourself from a “craving” situation. Take a quick walk, meditate, pet your dog, send an email to a friend, pick up a magazine and more. Some of these cravings will decrease as your palate for real food changes. Herbal tea is another great option of a treat to enjoy when cravings hit!
Q: How much should I expect my grocery bill to be?
A: Your first month may be a little higher than subsequent months as your ColorFUEL partners will have you purchase some “pantry items” that will be used for months to follow. Once you have stocked your pantry, you can estimate to make your meals for less than $3/meal.
Q: What is a low sugar granola?
A: The definition of a ColorFUEL approved low sugar granola is a variety that contains less than 6 grams of sugar per serving. Be sure to read your labels at the grocery store carefully before purchasing the brand that may appear to be the healthiest choice. Often marketing will disguise sugary cereals with nutrition and health claims.
Q: Where do I find protein powder?
A: Protein powder is widely available for purchase in your local grocery store, specialty markets, retail supplement shops and a variety of online sources. ColorFUEL partner’s recommend purchasing a versatile unflavored variety or a simple vanilla flavor. If you are not satisfied with the powder at your local store, we are happy to recommend MRM brand whey protein powder in chocolate or vanilla. This can be purchased online at http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/mrm/pumped.html. ColorFUEL is not associated with bodybuilding.com or MRM brand products.
Q: Can I substitute things?
A: ColorFUEL partner’s recommend that you follow the recipes as indicated, however we also understand that certain individual’s may have different tastes and acknowledge the need for change. ColorFUEL believes it is your choice to make the adjustments to your menu if you feel the need. We have indicated recipe substitutions for items that may be exchanged on some of your recipes. You choose! Some examples of how to “exchange” proteins are as follows:
- White fish = lean turkey breast
- One part white fish = 3/4 part chicken breast
- Salmon = lean red meat
- Tofu = beans, all varieties
Q: Why is it important to eat real food?
A: Eating whole, real food is not a new lesson and it is not a diet but a better way to a healthier lifestyle and body. Fueling your body through real, whole, nutrient dense food from nature is a way to live your life. You can gain energy, look and feel your best by removing preservatives, chemicals and other man made substance’s the body. Fueling our body with the appropriate real food and nutrients is crucial to feeling and looking your best! You eat more often, eat more volume, and feel more satisfied all while improving your energy levels.
Q: Do I have to eat from every color, every day?
A: Our preferred answer? Yes, yes, yes. We at ColorFUEL believe in enjoying any of your five colors every three hours to optimize your results, stay satisfied and stay energized throughout your day. Our "real people, real lives" answer? Here it is:
As your founders, we are focused on "simplifying real food for real people with real lives" and we understand that at times, real life creates obstacles that prevent you from having five meals a day. It's OK! We want our clients to use ColorFUEL as a tool to provide the framework in helping YOU meet your healthy lifestyle goals. When starting out, five meals may seem overwhelming, so start small. Can you do two ColorFUEL meals a day? Or can you eat 3 days of the week, the ColorFUEL way? Eventually, work your way up to the ultimate goal of five meals every day. Long term success begins with taking small steps and following through as consistently as possible. ColorFUEL is the start, where you take it is up to you, but trust us, you'll be so happy you did!
Q: If I skip a color, will I lose weight faster?
A: You can speed your progress and gain all of the full benefits of ColorFUEL by eating all five colors every day. Skipping a color will not speed progress but may instead hinder your weight management goals. Fueling your system consistently throughout the day with real food and our ColorFUEL recipes will speed your results!
Q: Do I have to exercise with ColorFUEL?
A: ColorFUEL partners have designed the program to allow each individual the results they want with or without exercise. Physical exercise is not a necessary component for your weight management goals with ColorFUEL, although with your medical care provider’s approval we at ColorFUEL believe that exercise is a great way to speed your progress and jump-start your new ColorFUEL healthy living lifestyle.
Q: I have food allergies, will CF work for me?
A: ColorFUEL is designed to utilize a wide variety of wholesome seasonal foods that certain individuals may have allergies to. We at ColorFUEL believe that our wide selection of foods offer enough variety for you to choose which colors work within your nutritional guidelines set forth by your medical care provider. If you have a known food allergy ColorFUEL partners recommend that you discuss the program with your medical care provider. For individuals with food allergies who require a more specialized program, ColorFUEL is able to accomodate your needs. We do so by working with you and your allergies and develop a uniquely individualized program, to be created in partnership with our registered dietitian, Joanna Bork. These plans are created using a different pricing model from our standard CF plan. Please contact us at info@colorfuelfitness.com for more information.
Q: Can my children do this?
A: ColorFUEL recipes are for everyone! Children and families can enjoy the recipes in the program just as you do. All of the foods in our colors are wholesome, clean and nutritious food. It is your choice to include your family in your new ColorFUEL lifestyle. We recommend that you choose to adjust the portion sizes to fit your child’s needs, and allow them to enjoy the recipes and the benefits of the ColorFUEL program.
Q: Can I get more meal plans throughout the month?
A: At ColorFUEL we understand the need to offer individual recipes and additional color sets. This is why we have created individual color recipes and color set menu’s or “a la carte” items available for your purchase in addition to your original ColorFUEL program that are specified for your weight management goals.
Q: Can I quit and start up again?
A: Yes, you have the freedom to choose your ColorFUEL program that works best for you. If you start the program and want to enjoy the colors for a few months and then restart your program at any time, we will welcome you back.
Q: Do I have to subscribe to CF for a certain period of time?
A: At ColorFUEL we believe in freedom to choose. You can choose to have ColorFUEL meal plans as frequently as you would like to assist with you individual goals. Whether it is every month or you can choose to use the program at your convenience. It’s all up to you!
Q: Do I have to shop at a bunch of specialty stores?
A: ColorFUEL partners understand the need for convenient quick and inexpensive shopping. This is why you can purchase all of your ColorFUEL ingredients at your regular grocery store. There are suggested “optional” ingredients that your ColorFUEL partners encourage you to consider and are highlighted in specific recipes as just that, options.
Q: I am eating all my meals and am STILL hungry!
A: Congratulations you are re energizing your body just how nature intended! After the initial adjustment period you may experience increased hunger along with a new found energy and vigor. In your next month’s ColorFUEL program you will answer your 5 questions and we will adjust your colors to meet your needs.
Q: I woke up in the middle of the night starving!
A: As your body processes more efficiently, you may begin to experience an increase in appetite.
Q: I don't understand the recipe measurements.
A: Measurements can be confusing and that’s why we STRONGLY encourage you to have a digital food scale to measure all of your portions. This takes the guess work out of the measurement conversions. The recipes will indicate portion sizes, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Unless specified as cooked weight, all measurements are raw or pre-cooked. Please refer to the following for further direction:
Weights and Measures
- 3 tsp = 1 TBSP
- 4 TBSP = 1/4 cup
- 8 TBSP = 1/2 cup
- 16 TBSP = 1 cup
- 1 TBSP = 1/2 ounce
- 1 cup = 8 ounces
- 2 cups = 1 pint
- 4 cups = quart
- 4 quarts = 1 gallon
Q: My weight isn't changing!
A: Not to worry, your body is! In the beginning stages your body composition will adjust more rapidly than your weight. ColorFUEL consistency is key to your long term lifestyle change.
Q: Aren't carbs bad for you?
A: ColorFUEL believes that all nutrients in the body are necessary for optimal results. Our bodies require good complex carbohydrates to fuel us throughout our day and give us the energy to live our best life. At ColorFUEL we utilize complex carbohydrates in our colors that fuel your day with sustained energy.
Q: Do you offer a vegetarian/vegan plan?
A: ColorFUEL is pleased to be able to currently offer a vegetarian plan and has plans to incorporate a vegan plan at a future date.
Q: What do I look for when purchasing whole wheat bread products?
A: Look for products that do not include High Fructose Corn Syrup or have a sugar content of more than 1 gram. Work to keep the calorie count per serving to 100 and the fat grams to 1 gram or lower.
Q. What is Greek yogurt?
A: Greek yogurt has a lower sugar and higher protein content than regular yogurt, which, among other things, makes you feel fuller. Your ColorFUEL partners encourage you to consider trying Greek yogurt in your recipes where indicated. Non-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, mayonnaise and other full fat like ingredients.
Q. How do I access my recipes in my account?
A: Please refer the ColorFUEL tutorial that may be found on your recipes page, as well was emailed to you when you subscribed to ColorFUEL. All of the details on how to access recipes, create your shopping list along with some Tips for Success may be found on this document.
Q: Why are the measurements on my downloaded recipes different then when I view them in my account? For example, I have .33 cups, .66 cups, etc.
A: In order to create an option for our clients to customize their shopping list, we needed to create a universal calculation to allow quantities to calculate. Currently, this is how we are able to do this. Please use the following as a reference for measurements:
- .33 = 1/3 cup, tsp, TBSP, ounce, pound
- .50 = 1/2 cup, tsp, TBSP, ounce, pound
- .66 = 2/3 cup, tsp, TBSP, ounce, pound
- .75 = 3/4 cup, tsp, TBSP, ounce, pound
Q: What happened to the partner plan?
A: To minimize confusion, we have opted to put the partner plan program on hold for the time being. Please check back in the future for any changes. We look forward to being able to work with couples wanting to ColorFUEL together and encourage you to purchase two plans, as each plan is individualized to meet your specific goals.
Q: Do you offer a gluten free plan?
A: Beginning 1/1/11, we plan on having a gluten free plan available. We are excited to be able to work to simplify real food for real people with real lives for people with gluten intolerances.
Q: Do I have to subscribe to ColorFUEL for a certain amount of time?
A: No
Q: Why do I have to submit my credit card if I just want to try the first month free?
A: The first month trial offer is free with the sign up of your ColorFUEL subscription. Although a credit card is required to receive your first month free, there is no obligation as you are free to cancel at anytime. You may cancel during your trial period or anytime following.
Q: What if I don't update my questionnaire each month?
A: If there are no changes to the questionnaire, your ColorFUEL partners will use the previous month's data to determine your plan.
Q: I thought I could tell you the things I don't enjoy and they wouldn't be in my plan?
A: The individualized part of ColorFUEL is that we calculate the appropriate portions for each meal based on the information you provide in your questionnaire. If you would like a more specific meal plan that is based on only foods you would like to eat, we are able to accomadate your needs. This service uses a different pricing model from our standard ColorFUEL plans. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at info@colorfuelfitness.com for more details.
Q: Can I change from basic to vegetarian, or vegetarian to gluten free, etc.?
A: Of course you can! If you would like to change your plan, simply email us at info@colorfuelfitness.com and include your first and last name and the plan type you would like to change to. When the next month recipe plan is due, you will find your changes reflected. If your new plan has a price increase or decrease, you will see that change reflected in your monthly billing.
Q: Why are you using honey vs. agave nectar?
A: There are some conflicting data in regards to the benefits of agave nectar vs. honey. Based on this, we will be using honey in more recent recipes and would encourage you to decide if agave nectar or honey is best suited for you and exchange if appropriate. |
