Medifast diet plans are structured meal replacement programs designed to help you lose weight faster than traditional diet programs. The Medifast diet plans work by creating a healthy calorie deficit without restricting carbohydrates and protein, which are macronutrients often avoided in fad diets. Medifast foods are low-calorie, portion-controlled and formulated to meet your daily nutritional requirements if used correctly. Medifast diet plans vary depending on your gender and health status, so consulting a Medifast Health Coach may help you decide which plan to choose.
Who Can Use Medifast
According to the Medifast website, Medifast diet plans are designed for men, women and diabetics. Medifast does not specify ages within those groups, but strongly encourages individuals under age 18 and over age 70 to consult a physician before starting. Medifast also recommends that seniors over age 70 remain under a physician's supervision throughout the program. Individuals with medical conditions such as severe kidney disease, active cancers, recent strokes, pregnancy and clotting disorders should not use Medifast diet plans.
Meal Plan Options
Meal plan options include a standard 28-day meal plan or an enhanced meal package. Enhanced meal packages contain all items included in the standard package plus three bonus meals and supplements designed to improve overall health. A daily meal plan consists of consuming five pre-packaged Medifast meals and one Lean & Green meal which you prepare. The Lean & Green meal is 5 to 7 oz. of lean meat protein or meatless protein and three servings of green vegetables.
Special Needs Products
Medifast offers a line of supplemental products for individuals with special health needs. The Women's Plus health shake contains black cohosh and is formulated to help alleviate menopause symptoms. There are also shakes for coronary health, joint health, appetite suppression and essential antioxidants. Dietary supplement capsules and pills are also available in heart health, digestive health and sleep health varieties. For coffee lovers, there is a calorie-burn cappuccino drink which contains 100 mg of caffeine per serving.
Weight Loss
The number of pounds you lose depend on how strictly you follow the eating plan, the amount of exercise you get, your current medical condition and if you are taking any medications. Medifast reports that on average individuals lose 2 to 5 lbs. per week, but should not base their success solely on a scale's number. Waistline measurements, how well your clothing fits and medical test results should also be considered when measuring weight loss success.
Medifast Weight Control Centers
Medifast has 55 weight control centers in nine states including Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Texas and Virginia. There is an additional charge to join the weight control center, so discuss the membership options with your health coach. Visiting a weight loss center can offer benefits such as weekly face-to-face counseling, body composition testing and ongoing support with Medifast dieters in your city.
Cost & Payment
The 28-day meal program costs $299.50 which equates to $10 per day, as of 2010. You can also purchase a 14-day program for $154.50 or about $11 per day. Additional snack items such as shakes, puddings, pancakes, pretzels, meal bars and brownies can be purchased separately. Those items average $15.50 per seven-serving box and can be used to enhance the standard meal packages. VIP members receive free shipping for orders over $225 and non-VIP members receive half-priced shipping rates for orders of at least $275.
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