Has anyone used the Mayo Clinic Diet?

Hi @bajjerfan, I did some looking to see if I could find members who have experience with the Mayo Clinic Diet Program.

The Mayo Clinic Diet is a long-term healthy-eating and lifestyle program rather than a short-term restrictive diet. The online program includes meal plans and recipes, habit and weight tracking, educational resources, and support options.

@edsutton previously shared that he lost 42 pounds using the program. He appreciated its focus on healthy eating rather than “dieting” and found it adaptable to his tastes and lifestyle. Ed, if you happen to see this, would you be willing to share more about your experience?

@markheuer also shared that while he was using the Mayo Clinic Diet, it was working well for him and the meals were quite good—although he noted a significant time commitment with “all the chopping.” Mark, did you continue with the program? What was your experience over time?

While we wait to hear from members, I also found a large collection of Mayo Clinic Diet consumer reviews on Trustpilot that may be helpful to browse:
https://www.trustpilot.com/review/diet.mayoclinic.org

Thanks very much! I looked at it a little more and think I will stay with WW for now. I love cooking and want to build my own meals, rather than have them prescribed. But I really appreciate your help!

@jlharsh

I don't recall asking about it.

Hi-
The Mayo Clinic Diet is very adaptable for different tastes and eating styles.
I followed a free style, vegetarian, whole food approach.
I don't need lots of variety and "entertainment" to enjoy eating, and could design some flexible, easy to follow general recipes, keeping cooking and prep to a minimum.
For example: Oatmeal with cottage cheese or yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast, Veggie burger of choice on low-calorie bun or tortilla with various fixings for lunch, Sauteed or steamed veggies of choice with tofu for supper, or salad with mixed fresh veggies and lowfat cheese for supper.
I like eating simple, whole food, so that came easily. Controlling how much I eat, how much I "graze the kitchen" is a bigger problem for me.
The important part was becoming aware of how to control my choices of response to stimulus in the environment. My wife eats a very restricted diet, so we don't co-ordinate or diets.
Participation in community meals is a problem, since they usually have refined carbs, and sugar desserts, which are a bad stimulus for me.
My doctor felt I had lost too much weight and encouraged me to regain 15 pounds. I'm embarrassed to say that has become close to 25 pounds over the last 2 years, so I'm trying to find a set of eating guidelines that will drop at least 10 pounds or more.
I would say the Mayo Diet is the best I've found. Like any diet, it only works well when you follow it!

@edsutton, thank you for coming back and sharing more about your experience! I appreciate how you’ve adapted the Mayo Clinic Diet to your preferences and kept meal preparation simple.

Something you said really caught my attention: “The important part was becoming aware of how to control my choices of response to stimulus in the environment.”

You’ve described some real-life challenges, from different dietary needs at home to community meals and changing weight goals. I’m curious how the Mayo Clinic Diet has helped you navigate those situations and develop habits that fit into everyday life.

And I think your experience with creating your own meals may speak to the flexibility @kathyholmes was looking for when she started this discussion.