Medifast
You stand to lose up to 5 pounds a week from Medifast
BACKGROUND
Don't miss the guest blog series by Medifast's Medical Director, Dr. Wayne Andersen, as well as other Meal Based diet news
Stop shopping, counting nutrition facts, and even cooking. Let Medifast do all the work for you. Medifast is a meal-delivery service that offers all the benefits of a personal chef, shopper and nutritionist, freeing you to pay more attention to your life. This meal replacement plan (similar to Slim-Fast) is high in protein and brought directly to your home. With Medifast, you can expect to lose up to 20 pounds the first month.
The Medifast Plan is much like other soft diets, in that the menu consists of shakes, bars, soups, pudding and more. Don't worry about giving up choice - Medifast boasts a menu of 70 meal choices that will compliment your unique tastes and dietary requirements. If it's kosher, low glycemic, lactose-free or even vegetarian, the Medifast plan has you covered. Medifast has specific plans that cater to the unique needs of women, men and diabetics.
Medifast has been proven in multiple clinical studies and if that's not enough, the dozens of real-life testimonials it shares on its site should be. Real people, losing real weight and celebrating that success on Medifast. The diet and weight loss program even has more than 15,000 doctors who recommend it to their patients.
A John Hopkins University study suggests that the Medifast plan helps participants quickly and safely lose weight by decreasing the amount of calories consumed. The study also suggests that participants with Type 2 Diabetes lost 2x that of individuals adhering to the American Diabetes Association's recommendation. Additionally, Medifast shows results in participants with other illnesses, like hypertension.
PRO
- Convenient pre-packaged foods
- Reasonably priced
- Variety of foods to choose from
- Supports exercise
- Clinically proven to help you lose 2-5 pounds per week
- Doctor recommended
- Provides detailed maintenance plan
- Plans made for diabetics
- Quick Start Guide available at TrustMedifast.com
CON
- May be tough transitioning back to regular foods
- Will have to cut some carbs
- Low-calorie diet has its critics
DIET and NUTRITION
You'll have five prepared meals and one "Lean and Green Meal." This is known as the Medifast 5 & 1 plan. Your L&GM will consist of a lean protein (a seven-ounce serving of chicken, turkey or fish; a five ounce serving of beef, pork or lamb) with at tablespoon of your favorite condiment like barbecue sauce, ketchup or mustard. You'll also have your choice of side item, including salad greens, raw or cooked vegetables. You'll eat at least three servings of vegetables with your L&GM.
The Medifast program encourages you to avoid hunger by eating every three hours drink your choice of calorie-free beverage, no less than 64 ounces (water is recommended). When you're not eating your Lean and Green Meal and snacking throughout the day, you'll choose from the dozens of puddings, oatmeal, shakes, scrambled eggs, and other low-calorie, nutritious meal-replacement items that Medifast delivers directly to you.
At the beginning, you'll remove vegetables with a higher carbohydrate count, like corn and carrots, to help boost your weight loss efforts. You'll slowly reintroduce these to your diet and they can be a part of your diet in the maintenance phase.
EXERCISE
The Medifast website offers an exercise guideline document. While there is no specific or personalized exercise plan, Medifast recommends you find time for exercise daily. This can be running, jogging, swimming, dancing or walking, which is their suggestion. They just advise that your exercise program should involve an activity that you enjoy so that you're more likely to stick with it and you find at least 10 minutes a day to get up and move. You should also listen to your body and not do more than your body can.
CONCLUSION
For more than 20 years, Medifast has been a weight loss answer to more than one million people. It’s also helped people with pre-existing conditions, like diabetes and hypertension, lose weight healthfully. The meals have gotten generally positive feedback, so if you need convenience Medifast may be for you. You'll learn how to eat again with this portion controlled, balanced nutrition approach. Many diet pills, supplements and programs can't celebrate the doctor recommendations, clinical research and positive testimonials that Medifast can. It's worth a look if you have weight to lose, are ready to change your lifestyle, and looking for a convenient approach to eating.
Common Misspellings
Medi Fast, Media Fast, Medfast, Mediafast, Medifast diet, Medifast.com, TrustMedifast.com
Related Diets: Slim-Fast, Bistro MD, DineWise, NutriSystem, Vitalicious
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I have been on Medifast for two weeks now and already lost 7 lbs and feel great. The routine of meals is perfect and just what I needed. I just need to get out and exercise more now (ugh).
I used medifast and lost 12 pounds in a few weeks. Having routine and convenience are half the battle.
My doctor prescribed this prior to my gastric bypass last year. I couldn't imagine doing that long term... but definitely helped before/after.
i am a female that weighs 178 and i am 5'5. i want to get down to 145. is medifast right for me. i am in the military and i need to loose at leat 30 pounds.everytime i diet i can never seem to get past 171 pounds.
Just completed 5 weeks, down 18 lbs., 40 more to go. I haven't felt this good in years. I'm in my early 50s, menopausal (natural roadblock for women losing weight), and the weight is just melting off of me. I've tried almost every other diet there is, with phentermine 12 yrs ago being the only thing that gave me similar results (but I hated the side effects and gained back all +). The benefit of losing weight and feeling great outweighs my desire for "bad foods". I can see MF being a part of my "lifestyle" to never regain any of this weight, ever! Thank you Medifast!
Just completed 5 weeks, down 18 lbs., 40 more to go. I haven't felt this good in years. I'm in my early 50s, menopausal (natural roadblock for women losing weight), and the weight is just melting off of me. I've tried almost every other diet there is, with phentermine 12 yrs ago being the only thing that gave me similar results (but I hated the side effects and gained back all +). The benefit of losing weight and feeling great outweighs my desire for "bad foods". I can see MF being a part of my "lifestyle" to never regain any of this weight, ever! Thank you Medifast!
Has anyone managed transitioning off of this diet yet? Sounds like most of the people are just starting. What happens when you start eating "real" food again?
I lost 35 pounds on MF 2 years ago. I lost 3 lbs a week like clock work. It has been 2 years & I need to loose 15 again, but at least I know how. The food is not that great, but it is easy to follow and I kept the packets in my purse, desk and in the car so I won't have to cheat. I am starting back on the plan on monday. I should be able to loose my weight in 5 weeks... But my problem has been getting my mind in gear to start and stay on it because I know it is important to follow the diet strickly. It is hard in social situations to skip a yummy meal and eat something out of a little packet. Meals are very social. I hate all of the questions from others.
I did this diet many years ago and I'm back on it. As others have said, the first 3 days are hard but it is very easy after that. When I did Medifast the first time it was doctor supervised and that's the only way you could get it. There was no "lean and green" meal involved then. I lost weight painlessly and very quickly. Unfortunately (15 years later) I've gain most of the weight back. I think I lost about 45 lbs at the time. Medifast has all the vitamins and protein you need to stay healthy and it really controls your hunger. Its a great program if you stick to it. You will definitely lose. I don't like the soups but the shakes are great.
Wish I had never started this plan. Chose because I thought it was doctor supervised. After 1 month still waiting for blood work to return. In the meantime, the food is terrible, prisoners of war would receive better. Even my dog won't touch it. Losing weight, but only because I have a hugh bill to pay of nearly $1000 to enter program and only 1 month's worth of food. Consumer beware.
Medifast is very expensive. I would not recommend trying this diet..Any diet where you lose more than 2 pounds a week is dangerous for your body.
Hi Joy, First of all you should request a health coach to encourage and guide you at no additional cost (comes free with Medifast directed through the bionetwork of Take Shape for Life health coaches). I've lost 47 lbs on Medifast and I'm now a health coach myself. Couple suggestions to ensure your success: If you're already exercising I would keep your current schedule; if not, wait 2-3 weeks as you begin the 5 & 1 (5 Medifast meal replacements + 1 ‘Lean & Green’) and then start with light exercise. Your weight loss will be anywhere from 2-5 lbs per week, so it is very possible to lose 20 lbs in a month! But the real test is whether the program affords you the ability to keep your weight off once you take the time & effort to lose your weight. And this is where Take Shape shines above all other programs as it includes (and emphasizes) a transition and maintenance component. I’m excited for you! I’ve had the opportunity to help many people finally gain back their health while losing their weight. Make sure to request a health coach as soon as possible…and simply follow the program for amazing results.
Hello, I had just ordered Medifast this morning and have yet to receive it sometime next week. I'm extremely stoked to get started considering of the many positive testimonials I've heard from just about everyone! I'm hoping someone can help me answer my question. I know that Medifast is ideal for those who wants to lose 50+pounds however, I'm 5'0ft tall and weighs 128 lbs. For someone my height, that is overweight and my ideal goal is to lose at least 15-20lbs (back to the way i was before.) According to everyone's experience, do you think I'll be able to achieve that weight loss with the Medifast 4-wk program along with exercise? I'd love to hear from those who had been in the same situation and have tried MF. Thanks!
Yo yo dieting with counting points, carbs and calories left me returning to the same 213 on the scale. With the aid of a health coach and Medifast I'm currently at 164 and dropping. Visit my sight to see how my husband and I can encourage you through the "dark hours" of weight loss.
Medifast is an effective diet for the motivated. I ordered the variety 4 week pack the first month and decided I didnt like any of the soups, certain flavor shakes, nor any of the chocolate bars. I love the puddings, oatmeal and caramel nut bars, eggs (to make omelettes), and certain drinks. I can customize to order only the things that I enjoy So far I have lost 40lbs in 7 weeks and have 5 weeks to go. I plan to get off at least another 20-25 lbs. I feel better able to control my eating and plan to stick to low to moderate carbs once I am off the plan. I feel great!
I lost 130 pounds, kept 110 of it off for 12 years. Battled to get the 20 back off and Medifast helped me do it. I am an author, Awaken the Diet Within, The Vice Busting Diet (that one got endorsed by Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. David Katz!!) and I promote Medifast to my readers for quick results, high protein and a great maintainence tool! learn about me, or my Medifast site, if you order Medifast there, I will be your personal health coach for free! My readers pay $250 per month for private coaching sessions w/ me, as a Medifast customer, you get ME for free! Julia Havey!
I've tried Medifast and it works great. I lost 22 lbs in 6 weeks last year, but gained it all back to some poor choices. I'm starting over again and can't wait to see the pounds fall off again!! The food really isn't terrible, it just takes some time to adjust and figure out what you like.
I'm female at 175/5'9 and would like to get back to 140 (pre-hubby and baby). I'm 28, and healthy...just want to cut the chub. Any idea how long it might take me or if this is a good idea for me?
I started 9 weeks ago and am down 55lbs!!!! This diet does work you just have to stay on plan, drink lots of water, and exercise.
starting medifast because i need to lose 20 lbs. and i have serious knee issues that required surgery and more to follow. Anyone out there in a similar fix? I did JC for 10 years on and off and lost 40 lbs. with 6 mile runs and 2 hour workouts everyday. When my knee went I blew up.
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