I couldnt stomach the shakes at first either and just had to get them down as soon as I could. It really threw me on the first day as I had expected that they would taste ok. I panicked and thought "This was my last chance and I can't stand them how am I going to do this???"
I stuck with and day two and day three came and went. The first week was very hard and long and I have always in the past found my willpower flailing. This time I got through week one although on day four I caved and had some cheese.
It was like I was possessed, I had been obsessing about the fact I couldnt eat almost every which is just self destructive and did no good at all.
I felt really bad but thought it happened just carry on. I then had my first weigh in and lost 9lbs. The high feeling from that kept me going and spurred me on. I realised that nothing I have ever done in the past resulted in such a loss and realised I wasnt failing I was succeeding.
Week 2 was still hard but better than week 1. And so on. I now find that I do not obsess about food. I can shop for food without craving it. Sure I still "fancy" something just like anyone else. That feeling when you think "ooooh I could really do with a ham sandwich" but that is just normal and I hear everyone say things like that but you dont have to act on it. Acknowledge it and think it wont be long before you can have that ham sandwich only this time you will savour every mouthful and appreciate the taste.
I now find I love cooking and the smell of food but no longer want to have it all! I can sit with my family and watch them eat seeing them appreciate the flavours and I sit there 23lbs lighter having my shake knowing that every thing I do counts towards my goal.
Its not an easy ride at first. But it does get easier. Very hard to believe at first. Especially when you start out and you cant stand the only thing you are supposed to be living off of.
I can honestly say I really enjoy and savour the chicken soup now and love the vanilla for my breakfast. Still havent tried the flapjacks they were traumatic enough in the begining but I will eventually give them a go.
I have to say the only way I can have the shakes is blitzing them in the blender. It really does make all the difference.
I would say try it for a month but taking each day at a time. Dont obsess about how long you have to do. I did that at first and it just panicked me. It still feels like I only started a few days ago what I mean is it only seems like a couple of days ago I had a meal when in fact it has been 4 weeks.
Good luck and keep on going. xxxx
(sorry its so long, I do get a bit carried away sometimes!!)