Optifast Versus Slimfast, Which One Will You Benefit from More?

Before this holiday season even ends, there will be millions of diet products to entice you. Some of these diet plans may consist only of shakes, such as Slimfast or Optifast. The principle idea when drinking any shake in a diet plan is the same, lose weight by drinking shakes. Actually, it is more of a factor of reducing you caloric intake.

Speaking from experience, I have tried many diets. In my article, "Does the Optifast Diet Really Work", I shared my personal experience with Optifast, and how the diet helped me with my weight loss. I have also tried Slimfast, which is a diet shake that you can buy at your local supermarket. I want to review the pros and cons of each.

Optifast shakes are obtained more often through a doctor's medical program, or a weight loss program in your local area. Although that is the preferred way to follow this plan, there are options to purchase the shakes online on auction sites such as Ebay.

If you have completed an Optifast program before and you know the protocol, you may be able to go out and purchase these shakes on your own. However, a doctor's supervision is highly recommended if you choose to consume Optifast shakes only, and not eat regular food. Even though your health insurance may cover the doctor's visits or the program classes, it will not cover the cost of the Optifast shakes. You will have to pay out of pocket for the shakes either way, because your health insurance company considers the shakes as groceries. If you can find a health insurance company who covers your grocery bill, let me know!

If you're one of the millions who do not have health insurance, but are interested in the Optifast program, you can check around for independent sales of Optifast in your area, or an online auction site. Start off slow and work your way up to 4 or 5 shakes a day with a light meal at night. Limiting your caloric intake is the key with this approach. You have to take into consideration the cost of this plan either way. If you decide to commit to an Optifast program with your doctor or hospital, you will not only have to pay for co-pays, lab work, time and gas but also for the shakes. You may even need to take time off from work to visit the doctor.

The Optifast shakes average about 160 calories per shake, and the cost of a single serving is around $1.50- $2.00. They come in a variety of flavors. Optifast also offers a variety of approved snacks with the program. The only way to purchase these shakes is in bulk. Once you start this plan, you will then have enough Optifast shakes to last you until you receive another shipment by mail, or when you pick some up at your local weight loss clinic. There are online resources for Optifast programs that offer recipes, lifestyle and exercise tips, but not much for support.

Slimfast has been around since 1977. Slimfast shakes are available for purchase online, or you can purchase Slimfast shakes in your local grocery store. Which makes the Slimfast shakes more accessible than the Optifast shakes. Slimfast shakes range between 180 to 220 calories per shake, which is slightly higher than Optifast. Slimfast shakes also come in a variety of flavors. Slimfast offers a support program online. Slimfast has a variety of low calorie snacks. Slimfast shakes range in price from $1.50- $2.50 per shake, and are usually purchased in bulk, unless you can purchase single servings of Slimfast at your grocers. Slimfast does not require you to join a medically approved weight loss program through your doctor, nor is there a need for lab work, which may be necessary with the Optifast diet. However, you should consult with your doctor. before attempting any weight loss program.

The object of losing weight with Slimfast is the same as Optifast, although with Slimfast you will be drinking low calorie shakes and having one healthy meal a day. Eating one meal a day is an option on the Optifast, though it really depends on the individual. Slimfast can offer the same results for a lesser price and more convenience. A Slimfast diet may not be as strict as the Optifast.

On average, whichever weight loss product you choose, Slimfast or Optifast, if you follow the recommendations, you can usually lose 2 to 5 pounds a week. Depending on your calorie intake, exercise, and if you chose to have a meal, will determine how much you will lose on Slimfast or Optifast. Take time to think about the cost of each program, the availability of each product and the requirements of each diet plan before jumping into a program. This may help determine your weight loss outcome before you even begin.

Side effects of either the Slimfast or Optifast diet can depend on the individual. If you have any concerns, seek medical attention immediately or prior to beginning a weight loss program. As we have seen all the different weight loss products ranging from prepared meals at your door to exercise equipment, the choice is yours in whichever product you think you would benefit from more. The ultimate necessity in losing weight is that one must have the desire, determination, and the will power to do so.