Medifast/Optifast/Slimfast

cownow

cownow

New member
Ok, I am going to do one of the noted diets in the title...I was looking at Optifast (the clinic here is too far away and not at all fexible) Medifast is cheaper than Optifast and you don't need to see your doctor weekly, but then I thought what about Slimfast, I can get to it easily, won't ever run out it is SUPER SUPER cheap. Has anybody really lost on Slimfast? Does it work as well as the other two (I realize I would need to use the low carb version).

All input is appreciated.

cownow
 
I've known at least half a dozen people that have been very dedicated to a slimfast diet. None of them have ever maintained weight loss. If they did lose, they gain it back when they start eating again. But most of them did experience an initial loss.

The worst case I know of is my grandmother. She actually lost cognitive abilities because she was drinking slimfast and not getting proper nutrition. She is now in a nursing home where they feed her properly and her mental abilities have improved greatly. But some damage from the lack of nutrients in the slimfast diet is permanent. She drank it for years and years.
 
Yea, I used to do Slim Fast, but its not a diet you can stick w/ for too long. I would advice just eating better and excersizing more. It will give you better results in the long run.
 
I have been on Optifast modified diet for 1 month now and I have to say, I'm hooked. Granted, it is extremely difficult to drive by fast food places or to watch friends and family munch on little snacks, but I feel like my goal is so attainable on this plan. In 1 month I have lost nearly 12 pounds! By the end of the summer, I am hoping to lose about 30-40 more. My doctor says this is extremely realistic.

The shakes, in my opinion, taste great. I have one for breakfast, one for lunch, and one for a snack. Since I am on modified, I am allowed dinner. I usually do a lean protein, like chicken or steak, with some steamed vegetables. If I'm feeling a lack of excitement, I grill the meat and veggies and use some 0 calorie dressings to spice it up. But overall, it's been pretty easy to follow. I have some fruit as a snack or a part of my lunch, and I really do feel satisfied.

Exercise is limited to light walking, jogging and biking. No weight training. This is tough for me because I want nice toned arms and legs, but that will have to wait! It's easy to do the light exercise though. Just try to walk for a half hour a day, and always take the stairs!

Feel free to personally email me if you want some more advice on this plan. I'd be more than happy to answer your questions.

Good luck!
 
I also forgot to mention the maintenance aspect of the program.
After my time on the 'fast' which will end in August, I still continue to see the doctor for another few months. During these visits, I meet with a nutritionist, who, for the 1st 2 months on food, will create a unique meal plan for me to follow. After that, I am given freedom to create my own meal plan, but still continue to see the doctor and nutrionist. I have this accountability for about 5 months after I finish my program.

I don't know if its hospital specific, but if yours offers this, it's a sure fire way to not gain the weight back.

You get perspective on this plan, and you're constantly being checked on and held accountable for your actions. They re-teach you how to think about food. I swear I can't look at a cheeseburger the same.

Good luck again!
 
jlee- how come you can't weight train while on the program? I'm really not all that familiar with Optifast. But it seems like weight training is always a good idea...?
 
Hi,

You're not supposed to weight train in the initial fasting period because since your body is on such a low-cal diet (800-900 calories a day!), they don't want to risk any over-exertion of the body. That means any kind of extreme exercise or weight lifting. Instead, they tell you to do light-moderate cardio (walking, jogging, biking) and toning. I walk for 40 minutes a day and do a bit of yoga for the toning. Once the fasting period is over, however, they encourage you to amplify your workouts.

Hope this helps!
 
Thanks for all the input all. I just had my consult today, I don't like that they want me to return another 2 times before I can starg...but I will deal with it. I'm so excited!
 
just enjoy your last few weeks while you can haha! then get ready for big changes! a month and a half later, i'm down 18 pounds!
 
Optislim

Howdy. I started OPTISLIM- VLCD (very lo calorie diet) last thursday. I weighd this morn and i am 75.3kg. SO i lost 2.2kg. I am happy. I am not on the flat out diet cos i have issues with low sugar levels but i have shake for brekky, have main meal whether its pasta or something and then a shake for dinner. I do have a handful of chips in the day but when ur day is less then 800cals, i cant see the issue. Esp if im losing weight.

Has anyone found that having their main meal at lunch assists in weight loss?? When i changed from dinner to lunch, i lost. Im not sleeping on full stomach. PLus my tummy issues are easing. Less pain. Tests cant find issue. But, this diet is helping. I hate diets. But i was on Cohens and i lost 30kg. I just cant get into that again so i thought try this. I still have program so i can do it later. I just dont have energy or motivation to cook lately so this helps alot. Shakes take like 30secs.

Im: 5'6, 166ib (75kg- in australia so). I am facing 3rd knee reconstruction in October so i wanted to lose any excess weight so my rehab is easier. My moving around on crutches will be easier. Getting into bed and up outa chairs and stuff will be helped too. My fiance says im not fat and im not. BUT- i am a bit podgy and am on outer healthy weight range for height/weight/age ratieo. Im 27 BMI. Id like to get to 23-24. My aim is 65kg. I am wanting a tummy tuck (skin hasnt shrunk from previous weight loss) and this loss will help me be at optimum. Im doing it for anyone else but ME. Im not happy so if it makes me happy then its all worth it.

Any one else doing this program??
 
I'm doing it. I'm almost 2 months in. 1 to go. I never thought of eating my meal at lunch instead of dinner. Now that I think of it, I almost always eat dinner then lay down to watch tv or a movie --aka no moving aka no calorie burning.

I may try your idea! My next weigh in is Wednesday- maybe I'll try it tomorrow and see how it goes!
 
I'm not to familiar with the slimfast diet, but I drink it whenever I want something light and yummy. After a glass of it I really don't feel hungry anymore. That is how I used it, at least ;D
 
I read an article on optislim

and I really want to go onto it. of course i live in New Zealand and have struggled to find optislim. I have however found optifast.. I just want to know the details about it.

I currently go to the gym wondering if theres a plan for optislim for doing all the weights and the shakes.

cheers
 
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SlimFast diet = 2 shakes a day plus a 'sensible' dinner.

It sucked. I felt deprived all the time and hardly lost any weight - probably because my dinners weren't as sensible as I thought. Also, I didn't like the taste of the shakes much, and only found strawberry drinkable - and that only if it was very very cold. Let it warm up a little and ick.

Might have improved tastewise since then, but it's really hard to NOT feel hungry when most of your meals are liquid.

Dunno about Optifast. A little confused about the no weight lifting part myself, especially if they allow 'toning' and cardio. Unless it's part of a trick because it's less than 3500 calories of deficit to burn a pound of muscle, so maybe if you're lowing muscle then your weight drops faster. But I've never done it myself.
 
I'm on day 6 of Take Shape for Life (Medifast). I need to lose 70 pounds and am pretty excited about the results so far. I've lost 8 pounds in the first 6 days. I know it won't always be like this. I was pretty hungry the first few days but I'm now feeling better and more energetic. I was eating lots of bad foods, but am now only doing the replacement meals and the single regular food meal (lean and green only).


There have been some tough moments but, all in all, not a bad start.


Good luck!
 
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