The Slim Fast Optima plan was a diet plan centered around Slim Fast Optima meal replacement shakes. Slim Fast is among the top brands of meal replacement shakes, bars and other products. The Optima plan was said to offer a complete balance of carbohydrates, lean proteins and fats. According to Medical News Today, the Optima plan allowed a dieter to "mix and match" meal replacement products with a variety of healthy foods. The Slim Fast website no longer mentions the Optima shakes or diet plan, and it appears that the line of products has been absorbed into the 3-2-1 line of shakes.
History
Slim Fast meal replacement shakes were first introduced in 1977, according to the website for Unilever Global, which acquired the Slim Fast range of products in 2000. The Slim Fast Optima line was launched in 2004. In 2006, the Optima plan was updated to better control hunger through a "unique combination of proteins and fats." The shakes and Optima bars were both advertised to control hunger for four hours.
Diet Plan
The Slim Fast Optima plan was a combination of meal replacement and healthy food selections. According to Medical News Today, the diet featured a customized meal plan, exercise regimen, expert guidance and a variety of motivational and tracking tools. The diet included a combination of meal replacement shakes, bars and smoothies, and also featured hundreds of food options. The diet was focused on each individual's goals, not an unreachable standard of perfection, Medical News Today reports.
Differences in Formula
In addition to the proprietary blend of proteins and fats that were purported to control hunger for four hours, the Slim Fast Optima shakes also contained 55 percent less sugar than original Slim Fast shakes. The shakes contained higher fiber than the Easy To Digest shakes, which were among the five different Slim Fast shake offerings at that time.
The Little Book
As an accompaniment to the Slim Fast Optima shakes and various online and telephone tools, Slim Fast also launched a book called "The Little Book of Weight Loss Success" which was distributed free at various stores. The book was intended to further elucidate the objective of the Optima Diet Plan, and included recipes, advice from experts, additional tracking tools, and tips for dining out and incorporating exercise.
Recall
In 2009, Unilever issued a voluntary recall of all of its canned "ready-to-drink" shakes, including the Optima Plan shakes. The recall was effected due to possible contamination of the products with the microorganism bacillus cereus, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger. Contaminated products could cause contamination, nausea and vomiting. When the canned products were reintroduced, all but the 3-2-1 shakes appeared to have been phased out.
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