Using Medifast
How often should I have my Medifast Meals?
Optimally, you should plan to have your Medifast Meals every 2-3 hours. It is important to start each day with a schedule, and to allot specific times for eating your meals. Build six (6) time slots for meals into your daily schedule, and strive to be as consistent with this eating schedule as possible. If you know your schedule will shift a little (perhaps on weekends), make sure to shift your meal times accordingly.
What happens if I miss a meal?
If you miss a meal, eat the rest of your meals closer together -- making sure you get all the required meals in before the end of the day. Because of the low caloric level of Medifast, skipping meals will put you below the optimal nutrient level your body needs to function. This decrease in your nutrient balance makes your body conserve energy -- causing you to lose weight slower, not faster!
What if I don't feel hungry?
It is important to get all 5 Medifast Meals and the 1 Lean & Green Meal in each day, otherwise you are not getting all the nutrition and calories required to maximize the 5 & 1 Plan's effectiveness.
What if I run out of Medifast?
If you happen to run out of Medifast Meals prior to the arrival of your next Medifast shipment, please contact our Nutrition Support team at nutritionsupport@medifastdiet.com
Should I take vitamins?
Generally speaking, you shouldn't need to take vitamin supplements along with the program. The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan provides you with all the necessary Recommended Daily Allowances of vitamins and minerals. Address this matter with your physician if you are currently taking additional doctor-prescribed vitamin and/or mineral supplements.
Can Medifast Meals be consumed following the expiration date?
Medifast powdered products have an18-month best-if-used-by date. The Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes and Bars have a 12-month best-if-used-by date. This does not mean that the product will "go bad" or be harmful; it simply means that the vitamin and mineral pre-mix contained in the products may lose some of its potency, potentially rendering the product less effective. For best results, the products should be used as soon as possible and stored in a cool, dry, clean environment.
Can you provide mixing instructions for each Medifast Meal?
Use water for all Medifast Meals that require mixing. For specific information, refer to our complete list of Mixing Instructions.
Can you mix two Medifast Meals together?
Yes. This can be a useful technique, helping to get you through a challenging time if you are feeling hungry. Some customers say this helps them to stay on the program successfully. Remember however, it is most beneficial to spread individual meals out throughout the day.
Can I mix the packets ahead of time?
Meals may be prepared ahead and stored in a thermos or refrigerator for up to 12 hours. You might also consider Medifast Ready-to-Drink boxes, which offer a convenient way to take your shakes with you. These pre-mixed shakes (available only in Medifast 55) are shelf-stable, and can be stored easily.
Will I ever be able to eat fruit, dairy, or starches again?
Absolutely! While on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan for weight loss, we recommend that you avoid fruits, dairy, or starches because of their high carbohydrate content. However, these foods are very healthy for you and we encourage you to re-introduce all fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grain products during the Transition and Maintenance phase of your weight loss journey.
Can I combine other brands of diet foods?
We recommend that you stay with a single brand of products (such as Medifast products). Each Medifast product is formulated to provide you with the complete nutrition your body requires. Mixing in different product brands may lead to nutrient deficiencies.
How much water should I have on this program?
It is important to drink at least 64-ounces of water per day while on the Medifast Program to keep your body hydrated.
What types of fluids are recommended?
We recommend plain water first. In addition to the recommended 64-ounces of water per day, you may drink any liquids that are considered non-caloric. This includes unsweetened hot or iced tea, coffee or decaf, diet sodas, or other calorie-free beverages. As a general rule, Medifast recommends that you try to drink as much water as possible for good health and limit your intake of other non-caloric liquids when possible.
Can I drink alcohol?
Alcoholic beverages are not recommended on the Medifast program. Alcohol provides unneeded calories and can slow your weight loss. Low-carbohydrate versions of beer and/or other types of alcohol are not recommended, because they too provide calories with no nutritional value. Alcohol stimulates the appetite (encouraging additional food intake), and it also can deplete your body of needed water. Those who choose to drink alcohol tend to feel its effects at lower consumption levels, due to the lower calorie level of the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan.
Why do the bars contain more carbohydrates than other Medifast Meals?
The manufacturing of a solid product requires a different processing method for binding the carbohydrates with proteins. This results in a slightly higher carbohydrate level than the powdered Medifast products. Hence, limit your bar intake to one a day (or less) during the weight loss phase of your plan.
Can I use any seasonings?
You can season your Medifast Meals and your Lean & Green Meal with any herb, seasoning, or spice. Experiment with different seasonings to see what flavors you enjoy. For general health purposes, we recommend limiting salt intake.
What are the limitations on the condiments I can use?
Some condiments are a significant source of additional calories. Of course, we do want you to enjoy your food - but we recommend limiting condiment use in order to achieve the best weight loss results.
For more specific condiment usage information, refer to our complete list of Condiment Limitationss.
What happens if I would like to go out to eat at a restaurant?
Special occasion meals are easier to handle than you may think! Simply rearrange your Medifast Meal routine (if necessary), so that you can enjoy your Lean & Green Meal at your breakfast meeting, family brunch, awards banquet, or virtually any special occasion involving food!
You should have your typical Lean & Green serving of meat and salad or vegetables as usual. Ask for your meat to be served without sauce if possible. If you can't avoid eating something that isn't part of the Lean & Green Meal, it may raise your daily calorie intake; but you can get back on the 5 & 1 Plan starting with your next meal. It is still best not to skip meals, even when you think you may have over-eaten. Resume your plan as soon as you are able.
As an alternative, you can bring along a Medifast Meal and ask the waiter for hot or cold water (depending on what you are eating) to mix your meal. Then simply prepare your Medifast Meal and eat it with everyone else!
Can I chew gum?
Yes, as long as it is sugar-free gum. You can also have sugar-free mints. Make sure to limit these to no more than 5 per day.
Can I have butter substitutes?
You can use butter substitutes such as Molly McButter™, Butter Buds™, and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter™ spray as great alternatives to actual butter.
Can I Have lattes?
Medifast offers delicious Cappuccino, Chai-Latte, and Hot Cocoa! These beverages can be used as part of your 5 & 1 Meal Plan, and can also be enjoyed throughout Transition and Maintenance.
Coffee shop or other non-Medifast types of lattes are not recommended on the Medifast program because they are made with about 1/2 cup of milk - and milk (whether skim or not) adds too many additional carbohydrates to your diet while in weight loss phase. We recommend limiting skim milk in your coffee to up to 2 tablespoons. As an alternative, you can get a regular cup of coffee with up to 2 tablespoons of low-fat or fat-free creamer, half & half, or skim milk. You can also add sugar-free syrups (4 tbsp/day limit). Once you transition to the Maintenance phase, you can include low fat dairy products.
Can I Have shirataki noodles?
You can have shirataki noodles - serving size 1-1/2 cup (12-oz). This would be considered the "Green" portion of your Lean & Green Meal.
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