Medifast Reviews & Coupons for March 2013
Welcome to this thorough review of the Medifast weight loss meal system. I will cover every thing you need to know about this diet plan, and even help you save money with updated coupons codes and promotions.
When looking for weight loss programs that work well, many individuals turn to the Medifast Diet. The diet program works on a delivery system that brings meals directly to an individual’s door. It is a combination of meals, meal replacements shakes/bars and fresh vegetables that form the basis of the diet. Medifast is considered a safe and effective way to lose weight.
Points That Set the Diet Apart
Medifast has a few key points that set it apart from other diets and weight loss programs. Understanding what makes it different helps determine if it is right for personal dietary needs.
The diet plan works on creating a lifestyle change rather than focusing on the yo-yo diet effect. As a diet that was originally developed by a physician for surgery patients, the plan focuses on providing a high level of nutrition with low calorie meal options. It teaches individuals how to plan low-calorie meals and get used to properly portioned meals.
A benefit that pleases many dieters is the avoidance of calorie counting. Medifast brings meals directly to the door. With five meals a day plus one additional meal cooked at home that contains fresh vegetables, the plan is already very low in calories.
Medifast coupons are available to bring down the cost. By using a Medifast coupon code while ordering the meals, it is possible to dramatically reduce the expense of foods and ultimately the diet plan.
The meals are planned to prevent hunger. This is a key part of following any diet and Medifast works with the idea that high protein levels along with separating meals into six per day will result in a feeling of satisfaction and avoid the hunger pangs despite the reduced caloric intake.
Perhaps the best benefit is that the diet plan is healthy. It was developed by a physician and ensures that dieters are getting proper nutrition every day. As a result, it is a safe way to lose between two and five pounds per week.
Company History
The diet plan has a long-lasting history that has allowed it to show short and long-term health related information. The diet was originally designed and created by Dr. William Vitale in 1980. The doctor was working on a diet that would help surgery patients lose weight to reduce the risks that come from excess weight during a surgical procedure.
As he worked out meals that would ensure proper nutrition, reduced hunger and low caloric intake, he discovered that the diet plan worked well for his patients. Years of studies have shown that the weight loss is safe, effective and does not seem to have any long-term health impacts because it focuses on factors like proper portion sizes and weight maintenance after reaching personal goals.
What Exactly Are You Getting?
Diet Food Delivered to Your Home
The diet is based on the meals that are delivered to dieter’s homes. The diet provides five meals per day and one meal is made according to Medifast recipes and recommendations for the lean and green meal. This one meal is made personally and the other five meals are eaten as they came.
The meals come in two main categories: eaten directly out of the box or mixed with water to create a shake or drink. It is not necessary to microwave or heat the meals. A meal is eaten every two to three hours and is broken down into six meals per day.
The result of eating six meals or meal replacements per day is that the body does not end up feeling hungry or uncomfortable. This is the key to dieting success because the meals ensure blood sugar levels remain even throughout the entire day. As a result, the sensation of hunger is eliminated.
As a diet that delivers most of the daily meals to the door, the foods are properly portioned for individuals and have enough variety to avoid feeling bored of the meals. When selecting the meals for the day, it is possible to change around different items for better variety and based on personal tastes. Each item contains a high level of nutrition and is controlled for portions, fat and carbohydrates to ensure weight is lost.
Beyond ensuring that the meals are healthy, portion controlled and ready to eat out of the box, the meals also provide fruits, vegetables and lean proteins that keep the body as healthy as possible. As new science has discovered the health benefits of different fruits and vegetables, slight changes to meals occurred that ensure the best low-sugar fruits and vegetables are included in the meals.
The delivered meals are the main focus of the diet. It removes the guesswork of calorie counting by providing five very low calorie meals so that the final count by the end of the day is usually between 800 and 1000 calories. It makes dieting easy by ensuring the meals are healthy, nutritious and easy to work into daily schedules.
Plan Costs $$$
As a meal delivery diet, the cost is a key consideration to the weight loss program. The cost of the meals depends on factors like gender, the number of weeks and any special dietary needs. While the exact price can differ a little between individuals, the typical price is around 11 to 12 dollars per day. This ultimately costs about $350 per month, plus the additional cost of one meal.
While the cost might seem a little high, calculating grocery and meal costs before starting the diet will often result in finding similar or higher expenses. The cost of meals for adults on a daily basis in many areas usually adds up to more than the 11 to 12 dollars per day.
The cost is reasonable when factoring in the reduced time in the kitchen and the fact that meals are delivered directly to the door.
Coupons and Promo Codes
Save yourself some loot
- Medifast – Free Shipping with $150 initial order and Advantage program signup! Use Coupon Code: SHIPMAR13 good until 3-31-13
- Save $66 & get 28 free meals when you spend $250 or more. Coupon Code: MAR31K good until 3-31-13
- Get 56 Free Meals, Free Shipping and 5% off! Sign up for the Advantage Program.
Variations in Plans
Different Option for Different People
While the original diet plan was designed for anyone who needed to lose weight, variations have developed over the years to include specialty meals and situations. The wide range of meal options ensures that anyone who has special dietary needs will still find meals to help lose weight.
The two most common plans are gender specific. The meals are designed around the nutritional needs of women or men based on the selected gender when buying the diet meals. These are basic weight loss options that are good for those who do not have special dietary needs.
A diabetic plan is available to help those who need to lose weight without the potential drops or increases in blood sugar. This plan is designed to help regulate blood sugar levels so that the individual can lose weight while getting the diabetes under control and avoiding health risks.
Teen Medifast is made for the specific dietary needs of growing teenagers. Teens need more of certain nutrients like calcium to keep up with the body’s continued growth. As a result, the meals for teens are designed to ensure a proper balance of nutrition in growing young men and women.
Senior meals are specialized to the health needs of older adults. Aging adults need changes to nutrition based on their changing bodies. As hormone levels alter, seniors need different levels of nutrients to avoid health problems.
The vegetarian meal planning avoids animal products and focuses on the use of soy, tofu and other vegetable-based protein sources rather than lean meat in the meals.
Other health conditions, such as gluten allergies, anticoagulant foods and foods to combat gout, are also considered in certain plans. It is possible to work around several different problems with health and get the same results by picking the right meal for the situation.
Medifast has a diet plan for several conditions, which makes it ideal when planning a diet around a particular health problem. Carefully constructed meals ensure that problems like gluten allergies, diabetes or nursing a child after pregnancy will not hurt the health of the individual.
Diet Downsides
Wouldn’t be a complete review if we didn’t list the negatives of the diet
While the diet is useful for most individuals who are striving to lose weight, it might not appeal to everyone. The diet is best for those who have extreme weight loss needs for good health and is probably not the best option for those who are trying to lose a small amount of weight.
A key downside of the diet is that every food item except one meal is from a packaged box. The meals are not even warmed up in the microwave and this might not appeal to every individual. While the initial stages of the diet are designed for short-term usage, this can seem challenging to overcome for some individuals.
Another problem is that the diet is extremely low calorie. In some cases, the extreme reduction of calories can result in feeling irritable or even dizzy in the beginning. Some doctors might feel the diet is too calorie restrictive for certain individuals.
Like any diet, mild to moderate exercise is advised for maximum weight loss potential. The plan is not a food-only change and it strives to encourage changes to lifestyle habits.
The diet is a low carbohydrate option. Individuals who do not do well with low-carb options might feel dizzy or uncomfortable with the lack of carbs in the diet.
Positives of the Diet
Lose Weight and Keep It Off!
The positives of the weight loss program are significant. The diet is more than just the basic plan most diets follow and the goal of the program is keeping the weight off.
The weight loss is a key positive of the diet. Most individuals will see between two and five pounds lost per week in the beginning. The exact amount depends on activity level and plateaus can occur, but ultimately the weight is reduced.
The encouragement to keep the weight off is another key positive of the program. The program starts with weight loss, works on transitioning the body back into normal meals and then focuses on maintaining the weight. This sets Medifast apart from other diet plans because it does work on keeping the weight off and maintaining good health after completing the program.
Medifast Reviews & Testimonials
These results can’t be denied…
Seeking Doctor Advice
While the diet is considered a safe and effective way to lose weight, anyone who is planning to start the diet should discuss their personal health with a medical doctor beforehand. Some doctors are not happy with the extremely low calories that come with the diet and suggest only cutting calories back to 1,200 per day. Since Medifast typically results in eating only 800 to 1000 calories per day, it might not be recommended for every individual.
Only a personal doctor understands individual weight problems and health. While many programs are available to help reduce caloric intake and encourage weight loss, some individuals are not recommended to use the diet plan. A doctor will need to look over the plan and ensure that it is appropriate for individual dietary needs or health concerns.
Talking to a doctor is particularly important for those who have health concerns that require a special diet. The doctor will need to establish if the foods fit the dietary requirements or if it is not appropriate for individual health needs based on the condition. The diet does not cover every potential health concern. Only a personal doctor can determine the best options for individual health.
Medifast is a popular weight loss solution because it works, it is safe for most individuals and it follows through for a lifetime of healthy weight. This combination of diet, lifestyle changes and maintaining weight is a key part of the diet plan. Overall, the diet is a great solution to weight problems for most individuals, though it is best to discuss specifics with a medical doctor.
Reviewed by Review That Diet.
Medifast weight loss diet plans!
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Rating: 4.5