Medifast Diet - Does it Work?

Medifast came about in the early 1980s and were prescribed by doctors to their patients. Now the 5 & 1 plan consisting of five shakes a day plus a lean and green meal is available to anyone and offered as the answer to overweight individuals wanting to lose weight.

Like similar weightloss plans you can choose to use the plan through a Medifast Weight Control Center where you can get support and personal counceling during your weightloss journey, however, this can be expensive. If you feel you have the willpower to go it alone, you can simply order the products online.

The medifast diet has broadened it's horizons by adding soups, bars, pudding, oatmeal, and desserts to their menu. Instead of having five shakes a day you can alter your routine with these other items so that you do not get burned out on shakes. However, everyone has their likes and dislikes when it comes to the flavor and consistency of the products.

Types of Shakes
The Chocolate shakes are probably the most popular, in addition to Vanilla, Strawberry, Orange Creme, Swiss Mocha, and Banana Creme.

Not all shakes are created equal. There are three different types of shakes. The 55 Shake is formulated for women, while the 70 Shake is better suited for the men. There is also a diabetic line of Medifast to help those with diabetes. They've now added Antioxidant Shakes, Shakes for Joint Health, and an Appetite Suppression Shake. These shakes are mixed with 3/4 to 1 cup of water and shaken or can be blended with ice.

Exercise
Most diet out there says you can lose weight, but you must also exercise. Medifast actually does not recommend exercise in the first two weeks unless you are already used to more activity. The significant drop in calories can cause you to feel weak and you should take at least two weeks to get adjusted to the new diet.

Does It Work?
The Medifast diet works in many ways. It cuts your calorie intake to nearly 1000 calories a day, it turns your body into a fat burning machine, and it is full of vitamins you probably were not getting before. This diet does work, as long as you can commit to it. It is demanding, as you must eat a Medifast meal every two hours and your lean and green meal can be any meal of the day.

Week One
The first three days are said to be the hardest, although I found those days to be the easiest, day five was my toughest. But I can tell you that my results in the first week were great. In three days I had lost six pounds, by day six another. You certainly need to keep yourself occupied or food could become the only thing you think about at this point. Getting on the scale is inspiration to keep going because the pounds do tend to fall off in the first week. The average weekly weightloss is 2-5 pounds. Potentially you could lose anywhere from 8-20 pounds a month depending on your size, metabolism, and commitment to the diet.

Tthe Lean & Green Meal
The 5 & 1 Plan consists of five shakes and one lean and green meal. You can select from a list what type of meat you want aswell as a selection of recommended vegetables. Types of meat include fish, ground turkey, chicken, lean beef such as steak roast or ground beef. There are also meatless options like egg whites or tofu.
Vegetables do contain carbohydrates, and the Medifast plan provides a list of low carb veggies. On the lower end of carbs you can select items such as lettuce, spinach, celery, cucumbers, mushrooms and turnip greens. I was surprised to find the broccoli and green peppers were in the higher carb selection, as those are my favorites.

Success
I have personally seen the success that Medifast can bring. My sister-in-law and mother-in-law have both been extremely successful with this diet. They have been my inspiration however, my willpower is not as strong as theirs. This will be the third time I have put my mind to Medifast, and I am hoping that I can see the same success they have been able to achieve.

If you have had success with this diet, please leave your comments of how you overcame the willpower barrier to inspire us all!