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Hello, future skinny viewers! Today we are going to talk about the weight loss program,
Medifast. Stay tuned for the advantages and disadvantages of this program and hopefully
by the end of this overview you will know whether or not Medifast is for you.
What is Medifast? Medifast is a clinically proven rapid weight
loss system developed by a physician. Created in 1980, the brand has been recommended by
more than 20,000 doctors. The Medifast meals are low-fat, low glycemic index, making them
great for anyone, including those with type 2 diabetes.
Instead of the typical 3 large meals, the Medifast program is based on six small meals
a day. It's called the 5 & 1 plan, comprised of five specially formulated meals and one
"Lean & Green" meal of your own. Using this system, you should lose 2 to 5 pounds a week
for the first two weeks and 1 to 2 pounds per week thereafter.
After the weight loss period using the 5 & 1 plan, Medifast uses a transition period of
six weeks to help you transition to a lifetime of healthy eating. This is followed by the
maintenance period, which teaches you to balance your food intake with the calories you burn.
What is so great about it? Number 1: It's easy to follow. Using Medifast,
you eat five meal replacements a day and 1 lean and green meal of your choice which will
include 5 to 7 oz. of lean protein, three servings of vegetables, and two servings of
healthy fats. It doesn't get much more foolproof than that.
Number 2: There are a lot of options. Medifast has over 70 meal replacement options, including
the peanut butter crunch bar, macaroni and cheese, and a Dutch chocolate shake. Also,
you can eat whatever you want for your lean and green meal, provided it follows the protein,
vegetables, and healthy fats formula. Number 3: You can eat your meals in whatever
order you choose at any time of day. The same goes for your lean and green meal, it can
be consumed at any time of the day or even broken up into two meals if you so choose.
In other words, this plan is perfect for control freaks everywhere!
Number 4: The program helps you transition by adding food and calories to your diet for
a period of six weeks after you've reached your ideal weight. For example, in week one,
you will add back a cup of vegetables a day. In week two, you will add back a cup of vegetables
AND two medium sized pieces of fruit, and so on and so forth.
Number 5: After the transition period, there is a maintenance period to help you keep the
weight off. Medifast will help you calculate your daily caloric needs to build a maintenance
program based on your height, weight, gender, age, and activity level.
Why isn't it great? Number 1: Meal replacements are not great
tasting. If you've never had a meal replacement bar, let me save you the trouble -- they are
really, really gross. While the program has been successful for so many people, you are
sacrificing taste for results. You can cook healthy, delicious food that allows you to
lose weight as well, the program is just easier. Number 2: There is nothing balanced about
meal replacements. Packaged chemicals are foolproof, but that doesn't mean they are
necessarily great for you. True, they are low in fat, but that doesn't mean that they
are really part of a balanced diet. Personally, I would prefer cooking good tasting, healthy
food even though it requires more effort. How much is it?
Each box of meal replacements contains 7 servings and costs $16.95. If you order five boxes
a week, your weekly meal replacement costs $84.75. Keep in mind, you will also have to
buy the ingredients for seven lean and green meals.
Now that you know what Medifast is all about, I hope that you can decide for yourself whether
or not it is the best weight loss program for you. Please let us know in the comments
if you have ever used Medifast or any other diet program and what you thought of it. Have
a great day!