Milly Gaines
The Medifast diet is a weight loss plan that involves consuming Medifast meals and lean and green meals. The Medifast meals are designed to be high in protein and low in calories, carbs, and fat, with options such as bars, shakes, and snacks. The lean and green meals consist of lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. The diet also encourages exercise and incorporating healthy habits into one's lifestyle. Medifast has recently rebranded as OPTAVIA, which offers clinically proven plans and scientifically developed products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 800-1,000 calories per day |
| Carbohydrates | Low-carb |
| Sugar | Low-sugar |
| Fats | Low-fat |
| Protein | High-protein |
| Probiotics | Probiotic cultures |
| Meals | 5 small snacks and 1 full course meal per day |
| Coaching | OPTAVIA Coach |
| Results | Lose 12 pounds over 12 weeks |
| Snacks | Celery sticks, sugar-free gelatin, nuts |
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What You'll Learn
Medifast is a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet
The fuelings comprise over 60 items that are low in carbohydrates but high in protein and probiotic cultures, which contain friendly bacteria that may boost your gut health. These foods include bars, cookies, shakes, puddings, cereals, soups, and pasta. Although they may seem quite high in carbohydrates, fuelings are designed to be lower in carbs and sugar than traditional versions of the same foods. To achieve this, it is recommended to use sugar substitutes and keep portion sizes small.
The Medifast plan is not a miracle diet or an easy way to lose weight without exercise. Medifast encourages users to exercise to complement and expedite weight loss. The company also emphasizes that people are more successful on their weight loss journeys when they incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyles and have a support system.
For weight loss, most people start with the Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan, an 800–1,000 calorie regimen said to help drop 12 pounds (5.4 kg) over 12 weeks. Medifast also offers OPTAVIA, a clinically proven plan with scientifically designed products developed by physicians, dietitians, and scientists.
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It includes small snacks and one full meal a day
The Medifast Diet is a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet designed to encourage weight loss. It is not a miracle diet plan, and exercise is recommended to complement the diet and expedite weight loss. The Medifast 5-1 plan includes five small snacks, or "fuelings", and one full course meal throughout the day. The fuelings are designed to be low in carbs and high in protein and probiotic cultures, which contain friendly bacteria that may boost your gut health. These include bars, cookies, shakes, puddings, cereals, soups, and pastas. The one full course meal is called the "lean and green meal" and contains 5–7 ounces (150–200 grams) of cooked lean protein, 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables, and up to 2 servings of healthy fats.
The Medifast plan offers a variety of options and diversity in their meal choices. The meals are designed to be nutritionally similar, with the same calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are all low in fat. This means that you can eat oatmeal for lunch or as a mid-afternoon snack, or a Caramel Crunch Bar if you're craving something sweet.
The lean and green meal does not need to be dinner; it can be eaten for lunch, with one of the Medifast meals being eaten for dinner instead. Some examples of the lean and green meal include chicken and rice or beef stew. The Medifast meals include options like chocolate chip pancakes, cereal, shakes, and ready-to-go drinks, as well as meal options like beef soup, vegetable chilli, and garlic mashed potatoes.
The Medifast 5-1 plan also includes one optional snack per day, which must be approved by a coach. Approved snacks include 3 celery sticks, 1/2 cup (60 grams) of sugar-free gelatin, or 1/2 ounce (14 grams) of nuts. Alcohol is strongly discouraged on the Medifast 5-1 plan.
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Lean and green meals are high in protein and low in carbs
The Medifast Diet is a weight-loss plan that involves consuming Medifast meals and "lean and green" meals. Lean and green meals are designed to be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This combination of nutrients helps promote weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, preserving muscle mass, and boosting metabolism.
A typical lean and green meal on the Medifast plan includes 5-7 ounces (150-200 grams) of cooked lean protein. This can be any type of meat, poultry, or fish that is prepared in a way that minimizes added fats and oils. For example, grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or stir-fried tofu are all excellent sources of lean protein.
In addition to protein, lean and green meals include 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables. These vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre while keeping the carbohydrate content low. Examples of non-starchy vegetables that are commonly included in these meals are leafy greens such as spinach and kale, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, and tomatoes.
Lean and green meals may also include up to 2 servings of healthy fats. Healthy fats are an important part of a balanced diet and can help increase satiety and the absorption of certain nutrients. Examples of healthy fats that can be included in lean and green meals are avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
By following the Medifast plan and incorporating lean and green meals, individuals can effectively manage their weight while still enjoying a diverse and nutritious diet. This approach to weight loss emphasizes the importance of protein and vegetables while moderating carbohydrate intake.
It is worth noting that while the Medifast Diet may be effective for weight loss, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before starting any new diet plan to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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Medifast discourages alcohol
The Medifast diet is a weight-loss plan that involves consuming Medifast meals and "lean and green" meals. Medifast meals are designed to be high in protein and low in calories, carbs, and fat. They come in various forms, including bars, shakes, cereals, and snacks like BBQ bites and cinnamon pretzel sticks. People on the Medifast diet typically eat these meals five times per day.
The "lean and green" meal, which is usually consumed once a day, consists of cooked lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats. This meal can be eaten at lunch or dinner, offering flexibility.
Alcohol is often high in calories and can hinder weight loss efforts. It can also impact the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, making it more challenging to achieve the desired results. Additionally, alcohol can lead to decreased willpower and impaired judgment, making it harder to stick to a healthy eating plan.
The Medifast program emphasizes the importance of incorporating healthy habits into one's lifestyle for successful and sustainable weight loss. This includes not only dietary changes but also incorporating exercise and physical activity. By discouraging alcohol consumption, Medifast helps individuals avoid the potential negative impact on their overall health and fitness goals.
It is worth noting that Medifast also offers support through an Independent OPTAVIA Coach. This additional layer of support can help individuals stay motivated and on track with their weight loss journey, providing guidance and accountability beyond just the dietary recommendations.
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The diet encourages exercise
The Medifast Diet is a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet designed to encourage weight loss. It includes five small snacks, also known as "fuelings", and one full meal throughout the day. The full meal, known as the "lean and green meal", contains 5-7 ounces (150-200 grams) of cooked lean protein, 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables, and up to 2 servings of healthy fats.
Medifast recommends starting slowly if you are new to exercise, with a daily step goal, for example, and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts. This might look like aiming for 6500 steps per day, including a 15-minute jog or HIIT workout, and 5-10 minutes of strength exercises such as planks, push-ups, and side twists.
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise has numerous mental health benefits and can improve overall well-being. It can help to reduce stress, improve mood, increase energy levels, and promote better sleep. Combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet like Medifast can lead to optimal health and well-being.
Medifast also offers a support system through their OPTAVIA program, which includes access to an Independent OPTAVIA Coach. This additional support can help individuals stay motivated and on track with their diet and exercise goals, leading to more successful weight loss and health improvement outcomes.
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Frequently asked questions
The Medifast Diet is a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet designed to encourage weight loss. The diet consists of five small snacks, also known as "fuelings", and one full course "lean and green" meal throughout the day.
Lean and green meals are designed to be high in protein and low in carbs. A typical lean and green meal includes 5–7 ounces (150–200 grams) of cooked lean protein, 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables, and up to 2 servings of healthy fats.
Fuelings comprise over 60 items that are low in carbs but high in protein and probiotic cultures. Fuelings include bars, cookies, shakes, puddings, cereals, soups, and pastas.
The Medifast 5-1 Plan is a weight loss plan that includes 5 small snacks (fuelings) and 1 full course lean and green meal per day. Alcohol is strongly discouraged on this plan, and it includes 1 optional approved snack per day.
