KicStart Very-Low-Calorie-Diet, or VLCD, is a three-phase Australian meal replacement program designed for obese patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease or arthritis. It is meant to be used under a doctor's supervision for rapid weight loss and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels for people with life-threatening diseases linked to obesity. Manufactured by Prima Health Solutions in Sydney, Australia, KicStart can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, but is not yet for sale in the United States.
Step 1
Replace breakfast and lunch with KicStart shakes or soups.The first phase of the KicStart plan lasts six weeks, and is known as "Motivational Weight Loss." During these six weeks, you'll use two KicStart products and eat one meal you prepare, plus snacks. The snacks come from the "Free Food" list and includes non-starchy vegetables, berries, passion fruit and tomato juice. Choose lean protein and high fiber foods for your one meal. The system includes a portion control template that visually demonstrates how much food to eat, as well as a recipe book. The program also requires that you exercise -- at least three, 10-minute walks daily.
Step 2
Move into the second phase, "Consolidation Weight Loss" for weeks seven through 12. In this second phase, replace only one meal with a KicStart product, either breakfast or lunch. You'll now prepare two meals daily, and eat low-glycemic index snacks. Any food that scores below 40 on the glycemic index is a "Free Food" and can be eaten at your own discretion. Low-glycemic foods keep your blood sugar even to help prevent hunger between meals.
Step 3
Continue to use the food template and practice portion control after week 12. Weeks 13 and beyond are phase three, called "Weight Maintenance." You will no longer use the KicStart products and will only eat meals you prepare. The goal of phase three is to make your new eating and exercise patterns a lifelong habit. There is still support available -- coaching and motivation is available online or via telephone.
Tips and Warnings
- Drink at least 2 liters of water per day. The KicStart program also allows you to drink diet soda, tea, coffee and tomato juice, but fruit juices and drinks that contain sugar are not recommended. KicStart products are formulated to include 26 vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber and protein.
- KicStart is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. The protein in KicStart is dairy-based -- if you are lactose intolerant, you may have some gastric discomfort using these products.
Things You'll Need
- KicStart meal replacement shakes and soups
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