| Medifast is a fast weight loss plan using meal replacements AND real food. The program has been prescribed by doctors for many years (particularly for obese people). The program can be purchased online (ships to US and Canada) - with substantial discounts.
Medifast 5 and 1 Plan
This 5 and 1 plan is made up of 5 meal replacements per day - generally shakes, but there are also bars, soups, oatmeal, and puddings (see below). One meal per day is a "lean and green" meal - a small portion of lean meat (see below), and up to 2 cups of salad or vegetables. This is an excellent addition to the daily routine and makes the diet a whole lot more do-able.
You eat every 2-3 hours, and must drink a minimum of 64oz of fluid (water) per day. Other drinks can be consumed in addition to this. The 5 and 1 plan is a vast improvement on some of their previous programs.
How Fast Is the Weight Loss?
Weight loss is rapid - from 2-5 pounds per week. The Medifast 5 and 1 plan is technically not a VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet), as the caloric levels are above 800 kcal/per day. However calorie levels are still low (depending on your current weight, height, and size).
Maintenance Plan
Once the desired weight is reached, the maintenance plan involves a gradual transition back to 'normal' meals over a period of about 16 days (however a much longer transition period is recommended). Beyond this, Medifast recommend 1-3 packaged meals daily and a moderately intense exercise routine (e.g. 30-45 minutes 5 days per week). This is essential to keep the weight off.
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