Is Medifast A Good Diet?

by J on March 23, 2012

Many people have asked if Medifast is a good diet program. One way to answer that question is to look at some facts and information about the program and any positive reviews from people that have used it. There has been an enormous number of studies done to show that the plan is effective but is it manageable? If you buy don’t forget to use a Medifast coupon code as well to save money.

Medifast is one of several diets programs that incorporate liquid meal replacement shakes with regular food to help dieters lower their calorie intake while maintaining their nutritional needs. Many dieters do not get adequate nutrition in the food they eat and the meal replacements help to fulfill the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals.

To lose weight you must limit your consumption of fat and calories by restricting the amount of food you consume per day. The average person should consume 1,200 to 1,800 calories per day to lose weight. One way to ensure that you get good nutrition while keeping your calories low is to combine real food with meal replacements like those on the Medifast diet program. Here are a few facts about the program:

Pros:

1. The program consists of five meal replacements and one regular meal per day.
2. You are not required to count calories or keep track of what you eat throughout the day.
3. Choose from shakes, soups and meal replacement bars for your 5 replacements and lean chicken, beef or fish plus vegetables or green salad for your one real food meal. Other allowed foods include sugar-free popsicles, jello, low calorie beverages, coffee and tea.
4. Exercise in moderation three to five times per week.

Cons:

1. Calories are restricted to 1,200 per day with no alcohol allowed.
2. Caffeinated beverages are limited to three cups per day.
3. Limited variety of foods.
4. Very low in carbohydrates during the initial phase, no starches allowed. Only vegetables with a low carbohydrate count are allowed. Potatoes, noodles and rice are limited during the weight loss phase but allowed back during transition to the maintenance plan.

Results:

Medifast was developed and approved by physicians as a healthy way to lose weight because it includes the vitamins and minerals needed to be healthy. It follows the suggestions of six small meals per day instead of three larger meals to avoid the body moving into starvation mode and storing fat. Moderate exercise is also recommended for weight loss and improving muscle tone. Many people who have tried the diet reported successful results.

Starting a regular and structured exercise regimen is always recommended and advised. Most people do not exercise enough however some people take it to another level and become work out fanatics. Compulsive fitness training has its disadvantages and it must be addressed. Below you will find a list of most concerning reasons:

1. High risk of injury is related to excessive exercise routine. Constant strain on the joints and muscles creates a danger of frequent fractures and ligament afflictions. Prolonged and ignored may lead to permanent bone and muscle damage.

2. Constant dehydration for long periods of time on a continuous basis will lead to risk of early osteoporosis and further bone damage. Age, lifestyle and medical conditions may accelerate the process if exercise is not applied in moderation.

3. Hormonal balance may be affected by intense overtraining. Women may experience disruptions in their menstrual cycle and face reproductive issues. Mental and emotional state will most likely be influenced and may become a serious concern.

4. Immune system may be compromised leading to unexpected infections and additional health concerns. Protection against disease is lowered and will hinder proper functions of the body. Immune mechanisms have to be in perfect balance in order to provide defense but excessive overtraining will most likely lead to immune suppression.

5. Extremely fast weight loss is also a sign of intense exercising and it is not beneficial to obtain. As with any diet and fitness program several steps have to be taken into consideration and followed religiously in order to avoid physical harm and provide advantageous and long lasting results.

When approached correctly with the help of professionals exercise is one of the most advised venues to stay healthy and fit. Reasonable and modest program can be tailored to the specific needs of any person with their health history, eating habits and lifestyles in mind. When signs of compulsion are noticed they should be immediately adjusted and addressed. Chronic exercise may become too much of a good thing and guide the fitness enthusiast toward the ill decision making. Support of the family and friends becomes of the utmost importance and should always be taken into consideration. Contacting medical expert is highly advisable before starting any fitness program to ensure achieving most desirable results.

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