Milly Gaines
Medifast is a health and wellness company that offers weight-loss programs. Its diet plan is low-calorie and low-carb, including five small snacks and one full meal per day. The diet is supplemented with 'fuelings'—low-carb, high-protein foods that include bars, cookies, shakes, and puddings. The Medifast 5-1 plan discourages alcohol consumption and includes one optional, plan-approved snack per day. Medifast has now been replaced by the company's new brand, OPTAVIA, which offers similar scientifically-developed products and clinically-proven plans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet Type | Low-calorie, reduced-carb |
| Meals | 5 small snacks ("fuelings") and 1 full meal per day |
| Fuelings | Over 60 items: bars, cookies, shakes, puddings, cereals, soups, pastas |
| Calorie Intake | 800–1,000 calories per day |
| Weight Loss | Up to 12 pounds (5.4 kg) in 12 weeks |
| Lean and Green Meals | High in protein, low in carbs |
| Lean Protein | 5–7 ounces (150–200 grams) cooked |
| Non-Starchy Vegetables | 3 servings |
| Healthy Fats | Up to 2 servings |
| Alcohol | Strongly discouraged |
| Snacks | 1 per day, approved by a coach (e.g. celery sticks, sugar-free gelatin, nuts) |
| Coaching | OPTAVIA Coach support |
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What You'll Learn
Medifast is a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet
Fuelings are designed to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein and probiotic cultures, which contain friendly bacteria that may boost gut health. These include bars, cookies, shakes, puddings, cereals, soups, and pastas. While these foods may seem high in carbohydrates, they are formulated to be lower in carbs and sugar than their traditional counterparts. This is achieved through the use of sugar substitutes and small portion sizes.
The one full meal included in the Medifast plan is designed to be high in protein and low in carbs, offering 5-7 ounces (150-200 grams) of cooked lean protein, 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables, and up to 2 servings of healthy fats. Alcohol is strongly discouraged on the Medifast 5-1 plan, and an optional snack may be included with the approval of a coach.
Medifast has been in the health and wellness industry for nearly 40 years, and their research has shown that people are more successful in their weight loss journeys when they incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyle and have a support system.
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It includes small snacks, or 'fuelings'
The Medifast diet is a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet designed to encourage weight loss. It is a holistic health and wellness approach that has been clinically proven and scientifically designed by physicians, dietitians, and scientists. The Medifast 5-1 plan includes one full meal and five small snacks, or "fuelings", throughout the day.
The full meal, known as the "Lean and Green" meal, is designed to be high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It consists of 5-7 ounces (150-200 grams) of cooked lean protein, three servings of non-starchy vegetables, and up to two servings of healthy fats.
The five small snacks, or "fuelings", are an integral part of the Medifast diet. These fuelings are designed to be low in carbs but high in protein and probiotic cultures, containing friendly bacteria that may boost gut health. There are over 60 different fueling options to choose from, including bars, cookies, shakes, puddings, cereals, soups, and pasta. Despite appearing to be high in carbohydrates, these fuelings are designed to be lower in carbs and sugar than traditional versions of similar foods. This is achieved through the use of sugar substitutes and small portion sizes.
Some examples of approved snacks, or fuelings, include 3 celery sticks, 1/2 cup (60 grams) of sugar-free gelatin, or 1/2 ounce (14 grams) of nuts. It is important to note that alcohol is strongly discouraged in the Medifast 5-1 plan, and any additional snacks beyond the approved fuelings should be approved by a Medifast coach.
Medifast's approach to weight loss is not just about the food but also about incorporating healthy habits into one's lifestyle and having a support system. Clinical research has shown that meaningful weight loss is best achieved when a person is supported by an independent coach, such as the OPTAVIA Coach offered by Medifast. This holistic approach to health and wellness has impacted nearly two million lives, helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.
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One full meal a day, called 'lean and green'
Medifast is a weight-loss program that primarily uses pre-packaged meals to help people lose weight. However, the program also includes one full meal a day, called Lean and Green, which is made at home with fresh ingredients.
The Lean and Green meal is a vital component of the Medifast program. It is designed to help integrate healthy eating habits into your life by using fresh and delicious ingredients to make easy-to-prepare dishes. Each Lean and Green meal is made up of a lean protein, a variety of vegetables, and healthy fats. The meal is designed to be high in protein and low in carbohydrates, with each meal offering 5-7 ounces (150-200 grams) of cooked lean protein and three servings of non-starchy vegetables. You can choose any three servings of vegetables from a list provided by Medifast, and examples of a single serving include 1 cup of lettuce or raw spinach, or half a cup of raw sprouts, jicama, cooked asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or turnips. For protein, you can have 5 to 7 ounces of fish, chicken, eggs, pork, or ground turkey.
The Lean and Green meal also includes zero to two servings of healthy fats, such as walnut oil, salad dressing, or flaxseed oil. Additionally, you can have up to three servings of condiments and seasonings each day from an approved list. Examples of approved condiments and seasonings include a quarter to half a teaspoon of dried herbs or spices, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, half a teaspoon of barbecue sauce, or 1 tablespoon of chopped onions, soy milk, or fresh herbs.
Medifast offers a library of over 200 plan-approved Lean and Green recipes on their OPTAVIA App, available for download on Apple and Android devices. The recipes are developed by professional chefs and a dedicated nutrition team, offering a wide variety of simple and tasty options to suit every palate.
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Medifast discourages alcohol
Medifast is a health and wellness company that has been in business for nearly 40 years. It offers a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet to encourage weight loss. The Medifast 5-1 plan includes five small snacks, also known as "fuelings", and one full meal throughout the day. The fuelings comprise over 60 items that are low in carbs but high in protein and probiotic cultures, which contain friendly bacteria that may boost gut health.
While on the Medifast plan, alcohol is strongly discouraged. The carbs in alcohol can take the body out of ketosis, the fat-burning state that is the goal of Medifast and other low-carb, high-protein diets. When an individual consumes alcohol, the body prioritizes breaking down alcohol instead of burning fat for energy. This can slow down the weight loss process. Additionally, alcohol can hinder an individual's ability to make healthy food choices and stick to their diet plan.
Some people on the Medifast plan may choose to consume alcohol in moderation, opting for low-carb beverages like a Bloody Mary or limiting themselves to one or two ounces of wine or spirits. However, it is important to note that the impact of alcohol on weight loss can vary from person to person. While some may be able to lose weight even while consuming alcohol, others may find that their progress stalls.
If an individual finds that their weight loss has plateaued while consuming alcohol, they may consider foregoing it to see if that makes a difference. Substituting alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages like hot tea or ice water can help continue the weight loss journey. While Medifast discourages alcohol consumption, it emphasizes the importance of incorporating healthy habits into one's lifestyle and having a support system, such as an OPTAVIA Coach, to achieve successful and meaningful weight loss.
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The company offers coaching for health and wellness
Medifast is a health and wellness company that offers a habit-based and coach-guided lifestyle solution called OPTAVIA®. This solution provides a simple yet comprehensive approach to help people achieve optimal health and wellbeing. The company has been in operation for nearly 40 years and has found that people are more successful in their weight loss journeys when they incorporate healthy habits into their lifestyles and have a support system.
OPTAVIA offers clinically proven plans and scientifically developed products that have been recommended by thousands of healthcare providers. The plans include Fuelings, which are formulated with 24 vitamins and minerals, high-quality protein, and probiotic cultures. OPTAVIA's products are designed to be low in carbs and sugar, and the brand offers a variety of benefits not available through Medifast, such as support from an Independent OPTAVIA Coach.
The role of these coaches is to guide clients through their weight loss journeys, providing them with tailored nutrition plans and helping them develop healthy habits. Coaches also approve optional snacks for clients on the Medifast 5-1 plan, which includes one full course meal and five small snacks throughout the day. The Medifast 5-1 plan discourages alcohol consumption and encourages the consumption of lean protein, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats.
Medifast's coaching program has impacted the lives of over two million people, and the company has been recognised as one of the nation's "Best Companies to Work For" in the food and drink industry by U.S. News & World Report. Medifast offers a range of career opportunities, including positions for health coaches, and the company values recognition as an essential part of its culture.
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Frequently asked questions
Medifast is a low-calorie, reduced-carb diet to encourage weight loss.
The Medifast 5-1 plan includes 5 small snacks, also known as fuelings, and one full meal throughout the day.
Fuelings comprise over 60 items that are low in carbs but high in protein and probiotic cultures. These include bars, cookies, shakes, puddings, cereals, soups, and pastas.
The Medifast Optimal Weight 5&1 Plan is an 800–1,000 calorie regimen said to help you lose 12 pounds (5.4 kg) over 12 weeks.
Medifast meals are designed to be high in protein and low in carbs. A typical 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.
