Help - FAQ

General Questions :

• What is Coaching?
  Coaching is a form of guidance given to one person or to an entire team. Its main purpose is to address the needs of an individual and develop his or her potential. Individual and group coaching is a method that allows one to evolve and reach the best of their abilities. We help them by finding the right solutions.
• How does the program work?
  It's simple. The program is designed to help you achieve your goal. We do this by sending you helpful tips, food guidelines, and sessions via e-mail and video every day. As soon as you register, you will have access to a set of tools especially developed to facilitate your progress in the program and your weight loss goal.

  You can take note of your progress day after day by writing in your weight loss blog. You can restart the program any time you want within the year.

• Is the Coaching program restrictive?
  Not at all! The best part about the program is its flexibility. You can easily adjust this according to your needs and availability.
• How/Where do I send my comments and suggestions?
  You can send your specific questions to our team of experts dedicated to the program by clicking on the Contact at the bottom of the page. If you're already a client, you can directly access the "personal questions" space to send your ideas for improvement. Comments are always welcome!
• Can you lose weight without working out?
  Yes! If you've already made changes to your eating habits as well as your relationship with food, then you will see significant changes in your weight, physical activity, and your sleep. It has a positive effect on your mood and keeps you healthy. Although it helps you stay in shape, re-gain energy and regulate your sleep. It is said to affect your mood and helps keep you healthy, so although it helps you lose weight, it is more important to see it as a health benefit.
• What is the weight loss journal?
  The weight loss journal is an online journal where you can track your daily progress. Here, you can write your activities and insights about the program each day. This allows you to take note of your continuing progress, the fulfillment of your objective, and the difficulties that you will eventually encounter.
• What is the purpose of the coaching videos?
  The videos are included in the e-mails that you receive. They help you better understand certain aspects of the program. They motivate you and also provide supplementary information that are not available on the site.
• What is the purpose of the forum?
  The forum is a place where you can exchange ideas with people who are participating in the program at the same time. You can learn from others' experiences, and they, in turn, can learn from yours. It's a place for encouragement, motivation, and respect for others.
• How can I contact the team?
  To consult with your assigned dietitian in the program, simply post a question or message on the "personal questions" page. Write your question in the "question" field, and don't forget to click on "send". You have unlimited number of questions that will allow you to have a permanent line with them whenever you have personal questions concerning the program.

  If you'd like to talk to a customer service representative regarding technical, account, or payment concerns, you can send your message to our support team through the Contact page accessible at the bottom of the page.

• How much is the program?
  If you avail of the 6-month program, there is a one-time payment of only EUR 59.99. You can also receive a discount by availing of the 3-month program at a one-time payment of USD 39.99
• Can I receive a printed copy of the program in the mail?
  The Bon Appétit Diet program is entirely available only on the Internet. All exchanges are carried out through e-mails and messages online. No documents will be sent in the mail.

Specific Questions about the weight loss program:

• Is the program adapted more for women than men?
  The proposed program can be followed both by women and men. Nevertheless, it is true that men have higher energy requirements than women, so it is best to follow the 1,600 kcal program.
• Is the program safe for diabetics?
  The program by Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen is compatible with non-insulin dependent diabetes. Thus, this weight loss program will lead to the improvement of your blood sugar levels. Appropriate advice will be provided during this program to help you in your approach.

  This is not supposed to replace the advice of your physician or a medical check-up, so please consult with your primary health care provider before undergoing the program.

• I have high cholesterol levels, is this program for me?
  The fat content of the proposed meals can raise cholesterol, but the right balance of carbohydrates and no alcohol in the program can increase triglyceride levels. So, the diet program may actually be beneficial in the regulation of cholesterol and / or triglycerides. Appropriate advice will be provided during your program.

  This is not supposed to replace the advice of your physician or a medical check-up, so please consult with your primary health care provider before undergoing the program.

• I am vegetarian. Is there a specific menu for me?
  Vegetarian menus are available in the program. You can edit this in the Preferences tab, found in the Profile settings of your online account.
• Is the program accredited by health professionals?
  This program was designed personally by a physician. It follows dietary rules essential to your health. It has been tested and by many overweight people and its results have exceeded expectations. Doctors, nutritionists, therapists will all agree that the program is effective because it acts on all levels: Rebalancing of diet, energy boost, and maintenance.
• How is it possible to lose 30 pounds in 3 months?
  If you eliminate 30 pounds in three months, you are losing roughly 2.5 llbs per week. It is quite possible especially if you are really overweight. Changing your eating habits and your relationship with food, and adding a moderate amount of physical activity will help speed up the weight loss process.
• Is the program suitable for people with busy lifestyles ?
  This program is designed primarily for busy, stressed and over-worked individuals. When an elaborate recipe is suggested, you can opt to simplify the dish. We also thought about people who eat out a lot when conceptualizing this program.
• What is a BMI calculator ?
  A BMI (body mass index) calculator is a simple program that calculates the BMI of an individual. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing your weight (in pounds), multiplying it with a fixed number (703), and then dividing it by your height (in inches) squared. BMI = [weight (lbs) x 703]) / [height (in) x height (in)].

  For example, a person who is 115 lbs and measures 5 ft. in height has a BMI of: (115 x 703) / (60 x 60) = 22.46 BMI, which corresponds to a healthy weight.

• Can I continue the program after 6 months?
  Yes you can! If you are subscribed to the auto-renewal, the program will simply continue and you will receive new videos, meal plans, and recipes from Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen. Otherwise, simply go back to the payment page to re-enroll. You can choose to continue from when you ended your last enrollment or start anew.

Technical Problems

• How long after signing up does the weight loss program start?
  Upon payment:

  • If you paid via credit card, you will receive your access codes to the program within 24 hours, and you will start your program on the following Monday. (E.g. if you paid on a Sunday, you will start a day later, on Monday. But if you paid on a Monday, you will start on the Monday of the following week.)
  • If you paid using other methods—over-the-counter, online banking, remittance or payment centers, mobile and ATM payments— you will receive your access codes within 2 to 3 banking days, and you will start your program on the following Monday.
• I've received my password for my personal account. How do I access my account?
  To access your weight loss account through your email address and password, please visit the homepage of the site, then at the upper right corner of the page, click on the button "Login".
• How do I change my password?
  You can change your password right now. To do so, go to your profile or account options, click on the Preferences tab and find the mention "Password: Modify" under "Privacy", and then follow the instructions.
• How do I change my email address?
  To change your e-mail address, log in with your personal details, and click on Contact at the bottom of the page. Specify the reasons for changing, write your new e-mail address, and send your request.
• I am not receiving my email program!
  It is likely that your e-mail server or client has activated an anti-spam filter. If you wish to receive our messages and leave your anti-spam filter on, add our e-mail address as an exception to the anti-spam rule. If you are using Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Hotmail, or other web-based mail clients, check your Spam folder if our messages have been redirected to that folder. If it is, mark the message as "NOT SPAM" and transfer it into your Inbox. This should fix the problem, and you should receive subsequent program e-mails.
• What do I do if my payment has been rejected?
  Less than one percent of connection attempts are denied, but this may sometimes occur due to simultaneous attempts from several users. Simply send us your proof of payment in order to identify your transaction and validate your account.

Payment Questions:

• Where do I register for the weight loss program?
  To complete the registration form for the program and make your payment online, you can click the any button that says "sign up now" on every page of the site, or in your e-mails once you've taken the free diet profile. Make sure all fields are filled, and pop-up blockers are disabled to continue registering.
• What payment methods are accepted?
  You can pay for your program by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, JCB) or Over-the-counter deposit in BDO (contact customer service for more details).
• Is the credit card payment method secure?
  We use a secured online payment system to ensure the utmost security of your subscription to the program. By paying via credit card, you are sent to a secure site.
• How can I pay in cash?
  Cash payments can be accepted through a bank deposit in BDO. Please contact the customer service for more information. You will receive instructions, including the account number, via e-mail.
• Can I pay in installments?
  Whatever the chosen plan, 3 months or 6 months, full payment is made at the start of the program. Breaking down the payment across several installments is not accepted.
• Am I going to receive payment confirmation?
  Yes, you will receive through e-mail a confirmation once your payment has been made. The e-mail confirmation includes specific details about your payment.
  If you have chosen to pay through over-the-counter deposit, you will receive the access to your account.
• What useful information do I need when I write about my concerns?
  Whenever you contact our customer support team (by clicking the Contact link at the bottom of the page), it is important to include the following information:

  • the e-mail address with which you subscribed
  • your order number
  • the duration of your program: 3 months or 6 months
• Is my subscription automatically renewed upon agreement?
  Yes, as stated at the time of registration and regardless of the form of subscription chosen: 3 or 6 months. After the initial payment, payment will be on a monthly basis, with the special rate of EUR 9.99 or EUR 12.99, according to the chosen offer. You can stop this at any time, by sending an e-mail to customer support through the "Contact Us"
  
  Subscription is only available for payments made using credit cards. For payment methods other than credit cards, you can go to payment page here and choose whether you want to renew for another 3 or 6 months.
• What should I do if I want to renew my program?
  You can go to the payment page here and choose whether you want to renew for another 3 or 6 months.
• Can I unsubscribe any time?
  Yes, simply send an email to customer support through the "Contact Us" link located at the bottom of the page.
  If you decide to re-enroll after a lapsed period of time, you can choose to continue from when you ended your last enrollment or start anew.
• How can I request for a refund?
  We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, if you are not satisfied with the program within 30 days of purchase.
  
  Simply e-mail us at the Contact Us link and state your e-mail address and the reason for requesting a refund.
  
  Please note that refund processing times will vary, depending on the original payment method and whether payment has been received by Anxa.com.
  
  Credit card: 5 - 10 banking days
  Over the counter banking: 7 - 14 banking days
  Mobile: 1- 2 days
  Remittance: 7 – 14 days
  SM Payment Center: Processed every Friday 12 nn
  Online banking/Megalink ATM: 7-14 banking days + additional days subject to bank processing times

Practical Questions:

• Do I have access to all the meal plans and menus all the time?
  Your personal account allows you to access the menus of the Bon Appétit Diet by clicking on the menu at the top "Nutrition" then "Meal plans".
• How do I update my weight graph?
  Here's how you can update your weight graph every Saturday:

  1. Access your account online. You can do this by going to the e-mails sent to you by Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen, by clicking "Access my personal account" at the bottom of the page (your password is written at the bottom of the e-mail).
  2. Click on the button "Update my weight" on the Graphs & Progress widget of your dashboard.
  3. Type your weight in the field next to "current weight", and save by clicking "Submit".
• How do I update my weight loss journal?
  To access your weight loss journal and update it regularly:

  1. Access your account online. You can do this by going to the e-mails sent to you by Jean-Michel Cohen, by clicking "Access my personal account" at the bottom of the page (your password is written at the bottom of the e-mail).
  2. Click on the button "Add an entry" on the Diet Journal widget of your dashboard.
  3. Then, fill out the fields as specified, and click on "OK".

  If you want to write a blog entry for a date that has already passed (for example, yesterday), you can change the given date before clicking "OK".

• How do I take my measurements and where do I write them down?
  Measure the following:

  • Waist
  • Wrist
  • Thighs
  • Biceps

  To update your measurements, go to your Weight Graph first. You will have the tab to click for each of the measurement. Type your measurement in the field and save by clicking "Submit".

• How many questions can I ask?
  You have unlimited number of questions. You can ask the questions whenever you want.
• Where can I read the answers to my questions?
  An e-mail will be sent to you whenever the team responds to your question. You can read the answer to your question on the page "personal questions" at the top of your archived messages.
• Should I follow the program to the letter?
  Yes, if you want to obtain the best results, it is important to follow the provided meals. You can also customize menus to your taste by using equivalent dishes. To do this, consult the list of food equivalents in the "Practical References" section.
• Are the proposed meals suitable for my entire family?
  Yes, the proposed meals are suitable for everyone in the family. You don't have to prepare separate dishes. Just adjust the serving size according to the age and level of activity of each member of your family.
• Are the quantities listed in the recipes for raw or cooked food?
  The amounts shown in the menus are cooked amounts, unless otherwise indicated. For starches, on average, 100 g of cooked pasta is about 30 g of uncooked pasta. To find the weight of raw starch from the cooked weight, you just apply a factor of 3.
• How do I integrate all the recipes on the site into my daily meals?
  All these recipes are part of the meal plans, so they are easy to find. As you progress in the program, you will learn that it is about the nutritional balance of your meals and that you need to find the same food groups when replacing certain ingredients in your original meal plan. For example, if you have a meal comprised of salmon, broccoli and 2 steamed potatoes, you can replace it with steamed cod, beans and 2 slices of bread. In both cases you have a meat, a starch and a serving of vegetables.
• What exercises can I do, and how often?
  Physical activity is a great way to invigorate the body and increase metabolic rate. To make it even more beneficial, exercising also helps you lose weight, increase energy consumption and stabilize your weight faster. All you need is about 30 minutes a day. To make sure it's effective, it's advisable to work out for at least 40 minutes at a moderate pace three times a week. Choose sports that make you happy, so it's easier to stick to your work outs. Try swimming, water aerobics, fitness, cycling, racket sports, running, dancing, ball sports; take your pick!
• Is there a calorie counter on the site?
  The nutrition information is included in your meal plans. However, at present it is not possible to calculate the calories directly on the site. It is important to give your body all the nutrients necessary and to do this, try to stick as close to the 900 or 1400 calorie programs. Furthermore, you must balance, follow the cooking methods and stick to the suggested portions.

Dietary Questions:

• Am I allowed to snack in between meals?
  Yes, you are allowed a snack in the morning and/ or the afternoon to hold you over until your next meal. I suggest you rearrange your caloric intake so you do not add more to your daily consumption. For instance, if you want to snack on yogurt at 10 am, and a fruit before dinner, then don't drink wine or any alcoholic beverage during dinner.
• Can I eat the same breakfast everyday?
  A balanced breakfast should consist of a beverage such as tea, coffee or water, a low fat dairy product such as skim milk, yogurt, white cheese and a grain like bread and cereal plus possibly a fruit so you can keep the same breakfast every morning. However, try to switch it up once in awhile to keep from getting bored.
• What if I do not like the food in a certain meal?
  You can replace foods that you do not like as long as they are equivalent in calories. We will not force you to eat food that you do not like! To help you, visit the List of Food Equivalences found in the Bonus and Meals on the left side of your navigation bar.
• How can I season my food while in the Bon Appétit Diet program?
  To season your fried or steamed vegetables, meat or fish, you can use:

  • all spices
  • all dry or fresh herbs
  • soy sauce
  • mustard
  • ketchup
  • tomato sauce without added fat
  • veal stock or fish stock: diluted
  • cubes of chicken, beef, vegetable fat
  • vinegar: raspberry, cider, wine, sherry, balsamic
  • occasionally 1 tbsp cream

  To complete your measurements, click on the link "Weight loss journal" on the left navigation bar under "My Community". Simply fill in the fields you want in "Content ", enter all your measurements and click on "Submit". You can always modify or delete data stored for this by clicking on "Edit" or "Delete ", indicated in blue text below each archive.

• I failed to plan and deviated from the program. What do I do?
  You deviated from the plan a little. Do not worry! You can easily recover. For this, we offer sample menus to make up for deviations in the "Bonus and meals" on the left side of your navigation bar.
• I love vegetables, can I eat them anytime I want?
  You can increase your intake of raw vegetables or cooked vegetables if you're hungrier than usual. Just make sure they don't contain any added fat. You will find a "List of vegetables allowed in unlimited quantities" in the "Bonus and meals" on the leftside of your navigation bar.
• Can I replace the fruits and vegetables in the meal plan for those that are in season?
  Yes, you can! Check out the List of Food Equivalences in the Bonus section for tips on how to replace fruits and vegetables offered by those in season or those that you want.
• Can I switch the menus around?
  You can switch menus for lunch and dinner because it does not change the nutritional balance you need for the day. Similarly, you can switch full days of the week without it affecting your diet. But it is better not to pick meals from different days as they might change the calorie count of your daily intake. Check it first to make sure.
• Is it possible to alternate a week of the fast program and a week of comfort?
  If you continuously change the pace of your diet, your body may no longer keep up. It will lose during the week you do the 900 calorie diet and will regain the weight when you go back to 1400 calories.

  The program was created to take as long as it would take to reach your goal. That is why we should not rush and instead take time to ensure that we continue to allow ourselves the little pleasures we enjoy so we don't feel deprived. If you adopt the formula quickly beginning in week 2, you will lose between 4 and 5 pounds per month. If you prefer a comfortable program, you'll lose 3 to 4 pounds.

  It's your choice, but Dr. Jean-Michel Cohen recommends always comfortable package to 1400 calories a day which provides a continuous weight loss, that won't rattle you too much and keep you happy. Switching to 900 calories a day is not recommended for long term weight loss and should only be done when one has reached a plateau.

• What can I drink?
  You can have water, tea, coffee and some light sodas. If you get bored with water, add a sprig of mint or a squirt of lemon to give it a little flavor, without adding any calories.
• Am I allowed to drink sparkling water?
  Sparkling water makes you feel bloated. However the gas content in water is naturally removed. You can continue to drink this. However, be cautious of the salt content because it can cause water retention. We advise you to alternate this with regular water.
• Can I have an alcoholic beverage from time to time?
  Everyone needs a moment of relaxation, and having a drink is a great way to end a hectic day. Do not say no to after-work drinks with friends. You can replace a fruit or a tablespoon of oil for a glass of wine or any other drink. Please visit the List of Food Equivalences in the Bonus and Meals.
• I like eating sweets and sugar-free gum, Can I still do so while on the program?
  From time to time you can treat yourself to candy or chewing gum during the day, but know that even if some are called "sugar-free" it does not mean they don't contain sweeteners. Each piece has about 2-4 calories. It doesn't seem like much, but it would be best to be reasonable when consuming this.
• I love chocolate, Am I allowed to have it?
  Chocolate makes us happy, so this is definitely allowed. Although it is rich in magnesium, you should not use this as an excuse to eat too much of it. Instead, make it a treat and have 3 small squares, which is equivalent to 15g instead of a fruit.
• My weight has reached a plateau, what can I do to resume weight loss?
  If your weight stagnates after several weeks of the 1400 calorie diet, this is because you have reached a good weight and you can skip ahead to the stabilization phase. If you still want to lose a little weight, I would advise you to follow the 900 calorie program for 48 hours to restart weight loss and then go back to the 1400 calorie program after.
• How do I manage my diet while on holiday?
  Keep an eye on what you put on your plate. Vacations don't have to be the enemy of a diet.

  • For breakfast, opt for 30 g starch such as bread, cereal or crackers + a knob of butter (10 g) + a dairy product like milk, yogurt, cream cheese fruit + 100% fresh juice.
  • At lunch and dinner, choose a meal following this structure: a 100-150g of protein such as meat , fish or eggs + 200 g of cooked vegetables + a portion of starch (lunch or dinner) and for dessert, have a fruit and / or a dairy product.

  By adapting your meals according to this structure and by making sure your meals are varied, you can go on vacation without worrying about your diet.

  When ordering ala carte, please pay special attention to seasoning and sauces. Try to ask for sauce on the side, or go for meals that aren't high in fat or salt. Don't worry, though. Above all you must enjoy your holiday. If you deviate, you can always resume the program once your vacation is over.