Starting Medifast
How do I get started on Medifast?
You should consult with your physician or qualified medical practitioner prior to beginning (and throughout the course of) any weight loss program. You'll want to order at least a 2-week supply (a 4-week supply is ideal) of Medifast Meals before you start, and continue ordering on a monthly basis. Schedule your re-orders at least 1-week in advance, so you don't run out of Medifast Meals.
Can I do the program if I am a vegetarian?
Yes. There are numerous vegetarian options available within the Medifast Meal lineup. The following Medifast Meals and snacks are vegetarian endorsed:
Medifast 55 shakes, Medifast 70 shakes, Medifast Ready-to-Drink shakes, Hot Drinks, Plus for Diabetic shakes, Cream of Tomato soup, puddings, Medifast bars, Oatmeal, Robust Tomato Fast Soup, Appetite Suppression shakes, Plus for Women's Health shakes, Plus for Coronary Health shakes, Iced Teas, Fruit Drinks, Soy Crisps, Crackers.
Below is a list of foods that can be used in place of the meat portion for the Lean & Green Meal:
3/4 - 1 cup low-fat cheese
2 eggs (not more than 3 times a week)
1/2 - 1 cup egg substitute
5 ounces firm tofu
7 ounces soft tofu
1/2 - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
Boca Burger
Morning Star Burger or Chicken Patty
Low carbohydrate vegetables used in conjunction with your Lean & Green Meal can be referenced through our Vegetable List.
When should I start my Medifast program?
The first three days are critical to your success, so pick a start date that makes sense for your schedule. You might want to look for a time when you don't anticipate any family, work-related, or other social-type events that involve food.
What should I do when on vacation?
Medifast recommends planning ahead of time, so you can continue your program while vacationing. If your meals aren't with you, you can't eat them! This may necessitate packing food items in your luggage. Pre-planning can help you continue to lose weight while you travel. Customers that are able to plan and continue the program while traveling or ordering out get the best results.
Traveling presents countless eating temptations, with the availability of food that is not part of the Medifast program. Always keep in mind your end goals -- a healthier weight, and a healthier lifestyle. If you're unable to follow your current plan, you can try a 3 & 2 Plan (3 Medifast Meals and 2 Lean & Green Meals). Remember to limit portion sizes of the Lean & Green Meals - and enjoy your travel!
If your vacation is a ski trip or other strenuous activity, you may wish to contact Nutrition Support to determine how to incorporate additional calories in order to help prevent fatigue.
How long can I stay on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan?
You may stay on the 5 & 1 Plan until:
you've lost your desired amount of weight
your weight loss has slowed to less than 3 lbs in a month
you develop a new contraindication to the program (such as pregnancy)
your physician recommends you transition into Maintenance phase
If you have significant weight to lose and plan to be on the weight loss phase of the program beyond 16 weeks, we recommend that your physician monitor your program.
After you've completed the weight loss phase, you will transition into the Maintenance phase. Nutrition Support at Medifast is available to guide you in this transition if you need assistance.
I'm trying to quit smoking - could this affect my results with Medifast?
For general health, it is recommended that you stop smoking. Most individuals cannot successfully stop smoking and start a weight loss diet at the same time. Once you are no longer smoking, a weight loss program, like Medifast, is highly recommended.
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