Diet Reviews - Medifast Weight Loss Program OverviewThe Medifast weight loss program features nutritionally balanced, soy-based meal replacements that you order online or over the phone. A variety of program options are available including plans specifically for men, women, those over 70, Type II diabetics, and teenagers. Founded in 1980 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:MED), the company was recently featured by Forbes magazine as number 28 in its list of the Top 200 Small Companies in America. Program Overview
Medifast products were developed by physicians and clinically-proven safe and effective for healthy weight loss by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the National Institutes of Health. This program has been recommended by over 20,000 physicians throughout the United States and used by over 1,000,000 customers. How the Program Works The weight loss phase of the program is called the 5&1 Plan where you eat 5 meal replacements per day and one “Lean & Green” meal that you prepare yourself. A main premise of this program is that you should eat 5-6 times per day whether on the 5&1 Plan or in maintenance. Eating smaller portions frequently throughout the day will increase your energy, boost metabolism, and lessen cravings by keeping your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. The Lean & Green meal consists of a lean protein source such as meat, poultry or fish and non-starchy vegetables, which are lower in carbohydrates than starchy vegetables. If you are vegetarian, you can instead choose from a variety of vegetarian protein sources such as eggs, tofu, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, meatless burger patties, etc. The 5&1 Plan is very well defined and provides clear guidelines for how to plan your meals throughout the day, including several pre-defined example daily menus and recipes. There are over 70 choices of meal replacements to choose from including shakes, soups, stew, chili, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, fruit drinks, iced teas, hot drinks, bars, and puddings. Many of the meal choices are vegetarian-friendly, kosher, or soy-based. You order your meal replacement products directly from the Medifast website or by phone. The Medifast weight loss program offers options to the 5&1 Plan specific to Men, Women, Seniors (over age 70), Teens, and those with Type II diabetes. The 5&1 Plan provides between 800-1500 calories per day depending on which plan option you choose. The company reports typical weight loss results of 2-5lbs per week during the weight loss phase of the program. The transition phase of the program provides a structured and clearly defined plan to transition to maintaining your weight loss results once you reach your goal weight. The duration of the transition plan depends on how much weight you have lost. This phase is where you re-introduce foods that you have avoided during the weight loss phase such as grains, certain dairy products and fruits. Finally, the maintenance phase of the program is where you employ the healthy lifestyle habits that you have learned during the weight loss and transition phases of the program for life-long weight and health maintenance. Exercise How to Get Started
Program Costs Conclusion The relative affordability of this program when compared to other popular weight loss programs also makes it attractive to many people. There are no contracts or hidden fees to drive up the cost. Preparing your own Lean & Green meal one time per day on the 5&1 Plan is a very important aspect of this program. This daily food selection and preparation provides daily reinforcement of what healthy eating choices you need to learn and adopt for life-long healthy behaviors. This greatly contributes to the long-term success of this program. If you choose the Medifast weight loss program, I recommend that you take advantage of the FREE services of a personal Take Shape for Life Health Advisor. You get the same medically-designed and clinically-proven Medifast program, but with the additional support of a certified Health Advisor to further ensure your success!
Return from Medifast Overview to List of Weight Loss Programs
|
Most of the meals are formulated with heart healthy soy protein, which may reduce the risk of heart disease according to some research studies. Soy’s naturally occurring isoflavones may also help reduce the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. Soy is a complete protein, providing all of the essential amino acids. The company also manufactures a product line formulated with whey protein for customers who have an allergy to soy or prefer a non-soy product.
