Medifast

Medifast has received many good reviews by weight loss professionals and users of the program. The Medifast plan has been recommended by doctors for years now, and it has been proven that it is effective for weight loss. Medifast can be bought in many places, but excellent discounts can be had when it is purchased online.

Medifast has a 5 and 1 plan which is made up of five meal replacements per day - mostly shakes, but there are also soups, puddings, bars, and more. You eat every 3 hours and you have to drink at least 64oz of water per day.

The Medifast Plan

Medifast offer a stable of meal replacement products - all generally formulated to be low-calorie and low-fat, and containing the optimum levels of vitamins. The formula will generally take users into a mild state of ketosis (a more extreme form of ketosis is experienced in the Atkins Diet).

The most popular Medifast plan is called 5 and 1. This plan (800-1000 calories daily) comprises 5 meal replacements and one \"real\" meal containing a lean protein and vegetables and salad. Medifast claim a weight loss of 2-5 pounds per week on this plan.

Protein fasts and low-calorie meal replacements are a drastic solution that are recommended for situations where a large amount of weight needs to be lost. Given the choice between gastric bypass surgery or Medifast, then Medifast must surely be a better answer.

Protein fasts and meal replacements are not effective for long-term weight management. The biggest test of a program such as Medifast is the long-term consequences - and in particular weaning off a program based around shakes and soups. The transition phase should be four to six weeks, and often starts off by introducing some oatmeal at breakfast, and some fruit for snacks. Also exercise must become a part of life (5 days a week). Exercise must be fairly low-key during the restrictive part of Medifast - but once transitioning - it becomes increasingly important.

Cost - The Medifast Plan

The Medifast 5 and 1 plan cost $275 for 4 weeks. However - that\'s the cost of the \"5\" - you will still need to buy your daily \"lean and green\" meal (lean protein plus salad/vegetables).