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December 2007

December 29, 2007

Detox Diet? Instead, try Medifast Diet and drink water

Sunday Express ---

If you’re thinking of going on a detox diet to shed the pounds you’ve piled on over Christmas, forget it. You’re better off drinking a glass of water, says an "expert".

Get medifast for weight loss, health, a healthy diet, and a diet plan. Medifast is a product that helps you lose weight. There are benefits to using Medifast in your diet, and can be used for weight loss. Phase 1 - 5 & 1 Program for Weight Loss 5 Medifast Meals per Day Over 50 meals to choose from - shakes, bars, drinks, oatmeals, chili, soups, pudding and more. 1 "Lean and Green" Meal per Day Lean Meat: 7 ounces of chicken, turkey of fish, or 5 ounces of lean beef, pork or lamb. Grill, bake or poach meats using non-stick spray. Salt, pepper, herbs and spices may be added if desired. You may also use 1 - 2 teaspoons of condiments such as ketchup, mustard or barbecue sauce. Salad or Vegetables: Either 2 cups of salad greens (any kind) and up to ½ cups raw vegetables, or up to 1 ½ cups cooked vegetables. You may also use 1 - 2 tablespoons of Media low-fat or non-fat dressing.Phase 2 - BeSlim™ Philosophy of Lifelong Weight Control Once you have reached your healthy weight, your Health Advisor will help transition you to the BeSlim™ philosophy of lifelong weight control. The BeSlim™ philosophy is a part of the Take Shape for Life program that incorporates key behaviors mastered by those who lost significant amounts of weight and kept their weight off for years. These key behaviors include: Breakfast (eating Breakfast every day) - High quality fuel, such as our delicious Medifast oatmeal, cappuccino, or chai latte, is essential to start your day the right way. Exercise - Continued exercise increases metabolism, provides strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Support - Your Health Advisor is here to help you reach and maintain your goals, providing the coaching, tools, education, and caring support you will need along the way. Low-fat meals 5-6 times a day - Eating frequently, controlling portion and total calories, especially those from fat, are critical for success. Individual Plan - Create an individual plan to help you achieve an optimal healthy lifestyle and build the skills and strategies you need to cope with modern life. Monitor your weight - Weigh yourself on a regular basis to maintain optimal weight. Catch it before it becomes a challenge! Join the BeSlim™ Club today and set your life in motion! Introducing the New BeSlim Club & Rewards Program! Optimal Health is its own reward, but how about earning a bonus or two along the way? You’re on a journey to Optimal Health. You’ve made a commitment to lose weight and keep it off! You’ve earned the right to celebrate your success! The new Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is your ticket there. The BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is Take Shape For Life's progressive savings program, offering clients and Health Coaches an easy way to obtain their Medifast Meals at a savings, with exciting rewards you can earn along the way! The longer you are member of the BeSlim™ Club, the more significant your savings are and the more rewards points you’ll earn. When you join the Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program, you: Enjoy your favorite Medifast Meals all month long, with orders conveniently shipped right to your door Save on your meal purchases and enjoy increased savings the longer you’re on the program Earn points towards exclusive rewards that promote healthy living Receive coupons for special savings. Enrich your life as you achieve Optimal Health Available to all, the BeSlim™ Club is a great way for individuals learning and practicing the BeSlim™ philosophy. Every time you order, you earn points towards healthful rewards. Here’s how: There’s no minimum purchase required. Redeem your reward points* for exclusive Take Shape For Life merchandise, including: Apparel, Exercise Equipment, Spa Trips, And more! Join the BeSlim Club today! Simplify Your Life -- — Receive automatic monthly shipments of your favorite Medifast Meals; Save Your Money — Enjoy savings that increase the longer you are a club member; Earn Just Rewards— Select from an array of rewards that promote healthy living and a healthy lifestyle

Juice Plus+ is made by juicing 17 different fruits and vegetables into a vitamin supplement all in a capsule form. A cup of other vitamins and a tablespoon of apples, all for health. When you start with a juice from a fruit or vegetable, and then you add others, you get a healthy mix of nutrients with the water and sugars removed. But when you dry the mix, you are left with the nutrients and that is what goes into a Juice Plus+ Capsule. Like our weight loss plan that is a doctor approved diet plan, this is a healthy choice. A diet and weight loss plan that is endorsed by healthy dieters around the world, you can always lose weight, but are you doing it the healthy way? Oprah's Dr. Mehmet Oz knows that a diet is temporary but a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet plan in place is for good. Even Juice plus+ is made from the juice from an orange, a lot of orange juice, that gives it a lot of nutrition when a cup of results and lemon is added. A Medifast diet with fountain water without some breville and juice fountain, although fruits and other juice is the convenient way to get nutrients but many convenient even if you have apple juice. When I can't have those healthy and fresh products, I use juice plus vitamin, and juice nsa plus is a way to get healthy with juice plus vitamin, so if you are a distributor juice plus, then the gummies juice plus is juice plus supplement. The juice plus scam that we see does not hold much credence, but it is a problem. You may have read a juice plus review that is similar to acai juice plus. If you are interested in any juice plus product and you want to learn if there are any benefits, then look at the juice plus research. Breville fountain juice plus is not one of the things that is available, but the complete juice plus line can be found at www.jpsupplement.com. If you have a complaint juice, then any distributor nsa plus can help you. Juice noni is not something you can find when you try to buy juice plus. All the nutrients plus some fiber from the fruits and veggies can be found in the capsules. Don't get it from ebay because the jp+ you find there is usually expired or you can be sure of the quality. You may use to find inc juice nsa plus for you diet, but don't expect to use a breville fountain. If you look for the capsules or the pills - don't be confused it's not a weight loss plan like Medifast that many people are familiar with. Be sure to consider thins, the vineyard, and even the gummy. If you are pregnant, take juice plus everyday as a perfect alternative to most vitamins on the market. There is a Juice Plus+ study - actually many - that validate the quality and effectiveness of the nutrition that is found in the product. Now we also recommend if you are having trouble getting your diet plan situated, and you need some structure provided by someone else, then you consider using Medifast for your meals and snacks. It is a healthy alternative meal plan, although we don't necessarily recommend that you count on making it a permanent fixture in your life. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a necessary part of a healthy diet and that's what will support your health, and that you won't get from Medifast diet. That is also why we recommend Juice Plus+, which is made by juicing 17 different fruits and vegetables, then with a cup of vitamins and a tablespoon of apples, you get a healthy start. When you start with a juice, and then you add another, you get a healthy combination. Juice plus is made with an orange, a lot of orange juice, that gives it a lot of nutrition when a cup of results and lemon is added. With this supplement, the sugar and water are removed through a drying process that leaves you with the healthy nutrients you need! Try Juice Plus today!

Trendy regimes like detox diets are a complete waste of time, according to government scientist Dr Andrew Wadge. He claimed the best way to beat the bulge is to drink water, take exercise and eat home-cooked food. 

Dr Wadge, of the Food Standards Agency, said hard work and traditional low-fat recipes are the best way to slim down.  He said: “There’s a lot of nonsense talked about ‘detoxing’ and most people seem to forget we are born with a built-in detox mechanism. It’s called the liver.” read on...

Comments: One of the most important recommendations, and usually first, given by HWI is for a dieter to begin drinking more water and start eliminating just about every other beverage. Most contain unneeded calories and unhealthy calories in the form of sugar. Although Dr Wadge may oversimplify things a bit, it is true that a simple diet plan is much more likely to last and be effective than something more complicated which usually requires too much work and too many changes. Medifast is one example of making your life a little easiser as a diet plan is prepared for you. A weight loss plan should be easy enough to start on without agravation or having to overhaul your lifestyle. Water is the best place to start, especially since we see most clients are dehydrating their cells without enough water intake. On another note, don't be afraid to try a detox plan that involves a cleanse. Try the Medifast Diet plan to get started losing weight.

The Health & Wellness Institute, DC PC

December 23, 2007

Medifast Diet to support your Weight Loss Plan

Weight Loss Program
Are you healthy?

A healthy body starts with a healthy weight. When you go on a weight loss program, you're positively setting your life in motion! With each pound you lose, your confidence grows. Now is the time to set your life in motion to achieve Optimal Health! First, let's begin your virtual health assessment by determining your Body Mass Index (BMI). Learn more about the Take Shape For Life 2-phase approach to long-term optimal health: Phase 1 — Safe and fast weight loss with the 5 & 1 Plan and your health coach. Phase 2 — Transition to the BeSlimTM philosophy of lifelong weight control.

Get medifast for weight loss, health, a healthy diet, and a diet plan. Medifast is a product that helps you lose weight. There are benefits to using Medifast in your diet, and can be used for weight loss. Phase 1 - 5 & 1 Program for Weight Loss 5 Medifast Meals per Day Over 50 meals to choose from - shakes, bars, drinks, oatmeals, chili, soups, pudding and more. 1 "Lean and Green" Meal per Day Lean Meat: 7 ounces of chicken, turkey of fish, or 5 ounces of lean beef, pork or lamb. Grill, bake or poach meats using non-stick spray. Salt, pepper, herbs and spices may be added if desired. You may also use 1 - 2 teaspoons of condiments such as ketchup, mustard or barbecue sauce. Salad or Vegetables: Either 2 cups of salad greens (any kind) and up to ½ cups raw vegetables, or up to 1 ½ cups cooked vegetables. You may also use 1 - 2 tablespoons of Media low-fat or non-fat dressing.Phase 2 - BeSlim™ Philosophy of Lifelong Weight Control Once you have reached your healthy weight, your Health Advisor will help transition you to the BeSlim™ philosophy of lifelong weight control. The BeSlim™ philosophy is a part of the Take Shape for Life program that incorporates key behaviors mastered by those who lost significant amounts of weight and kept their weight off for years. These key behaviors include: Breakfast (eating Breakfast every day) - High quality fuel, such as our delicious Medifast oatmeal, cappuccino, or chai latte, is essential to start your day the right way. Exercise - Continued exercise increases metabolism, provides strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Support - Your Health Advisor is here to help you reach and maintain your goals, providing the coaching, tools, education, and caring support you will need along the way. Low-fat meals 5-6 times a day - Eating frequently, controlling portion and total calories, especially those from fat, are critical for success. Individual Plan - Create an individual plan to help you achieve an optimal healthy lifestyle and build the skills and strategies you need to cope with modern life. Monitor your weight - Weigh yourself on a regular basis to maintain optimal weight. Catch it before it becomes a challenge! Join the BeSlim™ Club today and set your life in motion! Introducing the New BeSlim Club & Rewards Program! Optimal Health is its own reward, but how about earning a bonus or two along the way? You’re on a journey to Optimal Health. You’ve made a commitment to lose weight and keep it off! You’ve earned the right to celebrate your success! The new Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is your ticket there. The BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is Take Shape For Life's progressive savings program, offering clients and Health Coaches an easy way to obtain their Medifast Meals at a savings, with exciting rewards you can earn along the way! The longer you are member of the BeSlim™ Club, the more significant your savings are and the more rewards points you’ll earn. When you join the Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program, you: Enjoy your favorite Medifast Meals all month long, with orders conveniently shipped right to your door Save on your meal purchases and enjoy increased savings the longer you’re on the program Earn points towards exclusive rewards that promote healthy living Receive coupons for special savings. Enrich your life as you achieve Optimal Health Available to all, the BeSlim™ Club is a great way for individuals learning and practicing the BeSlim™ philosophy. Every time you order, you earn points towards healthful rewards. Here’s how: There’s no minimum purchase required. Redeem your reward points* for exclusive Take Shape For Life merchandise, including: Apparel, Exercise Equipment, Spa Trips, And more! Join the BeSlim Club today! Simplify Your Life -- — Receive automatic monthly shipments of your favorite Medifast Meals; Save Your Money — Enjoy savings that increase the longer you are a club member; Earn Just Rewards— Select from an array of rewards that promote healthy living and a healthy lifestyle

Our phenomenal program is easy, affordable and available from the comfort of your home.

Weight Loss Program
Phase One: 5 & 1 Plan for Weight Loss

The Take Shape For Life 5 & 1 Plan for Weight Loss is as simple as eating 5 Medifast Meals and 1 Lean & Green Meal every day.
No counting calories and no cooking complicated meals... it's easy!

5 Medifast Meals

Choose from over 60 nutritionally balanced Medifast Meals — shakes, bars, drinks, oatmeals, chili, soups, pudding, scrambled eggs and more. Any combination of 5 Medifast Meals* may be used on your 5 & 1 Plan. *Limit to one bar per day.


1 Lean & Green Meal

Lean: 5-7 ounces of cooked lean meat (e.g., chicken, turkey, fish, beef, pork, lamb, shellfish). Always choose meats that are grilled, baked, broiled or poached (not fried). The serving size will vary depending on the type of meat you choose — see the links below to our helpful tables. Salt, pepper, herbs and spices may be added if desired. You may also use 1-2 teaspoons of condiments such as ketchup, mustard or barbecue sauce.

Green: Any 3 servings from our Vegetable List, such as broccoli, spinach, eggplant, or tomatoes — see the links below for our helpful meal option charts and information.

Weight Loss Program
Value of a Health Coach

Our Health Coaches help you succeed because:

  • each of them has had personal success on the program, and
  • each of them has been trained to provide the guidance and support you need

Take Shape For Life Health Coaches mentor each and every one of their clients with compassion, knowledge and professionalism. These trusted and valued consultants help people restore their health and improve the quality of their lives. Take Shape For Life Health Coaches offer long-term solutions to weight management challenges while providing the informed, caring support their clients require.

Each Health Coach thrives on developing trusting relationships that last a lifetime.

The Take Shape For Life program works for so many clients because of the clinically proven Medifast products, and also because of the guidance provided by our Health Coaches. Our goal is to help people optimize their health — leading to richer and more fulfilling lives.

Read how our Health Coaches have played a dynamic role
in the health and well being of their clients.

Note: Take Shape For Life recommends that you see your physician before starting any diet program. A regular or Certified Health Coach is not a substitute for a physician or qualified medical practitioner for monitoring patients using Medifast low calorie products, but a Health Coach can provide you with support along your weight loss journey.

December 18, 2007

The Science behind Medifast and the Medifast Diet

The Medifast program has been helping people lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle for more than 25 years. Medifast programs and products were developed by a physician and have been clinically proven in numerous studies conducted by major university teaching hospitals. Additionally, third party studies published in leading medical journals have deemed meal replacements as an effective means of weight loss and weight maintenance. Medifast has been recommended by over 15,000 physicians and used by more than 1 million customers.

Medifast Meals are nutritionally complete, low calorie and low fat – providing everything your body needs to lose weight quickly and safely. Medifast Meals contain a medically designed balance of protein and carbohydrates as well as 24 or more essential vitamins and minerals per serving – ensuring your daily nutritional requirements are met while losing weight on the program. Unlike fad diets that restrict a specific macronutrient such as protein or carbohydrates, Medifast is nutritionally balanced —allowing you to maintain lean muscle as you lose weight. This helps you continue to burn fat as you transition and maintain your weight loss long term.

Most Medifast Meals are formulated with heart healthy soy protein, which may reduce the risk of heart disease according to some research studies. Soy’s naturally occurring isoflavones may also help reduce the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis. Soy protein is a complete protein – providing all of the essential amino acids. Medifast also manufactures a product line formulated with whey protein, for customers who have an allergy to soy or prefer a non-soy product.

Clinical Research Using Medifast Products

Study 1

REFERENCE: Crowell, M.D. & Cheskin L.J, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Multicenter Evaluation of Health Benefits and Weight Loss on the Medifast Weight Management Program.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of a medically supervised, protein-supplemented modified fasting program (Medifast) for weight reduction and to evaluate the impact of weight reduction on coexisting health problems.

RESULTS: The results of the study concluded that medically-supervised, protein-sparing modified fasts offer a safe and effective means of weight reduction and are accompanied by significant improvements in coexisting health problems. Of samples taken, males lost an average of 67 lbs and females lost an average of 47 lbs. The study found significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as the normalizing of blood pressure and hypertensive patients.

Study 2

Conducted from 5/1/02-4/30/04 Publication in ADA journal/ADA national meeting, June 2005.

REFERENCE: Cheskin, MD, FACP, Mitchell, MS, Lewis, BA, Jhaveri, MD Yep, BS. Johns Hopkins University School of Bloomberg Public Health. Efficacy of 2 Diet Plans Designed for People with Type 2 Diabetes on Weight and Health Measures (Published at American Diabetes Association’s 65th Annual Scientific Session in San Diego, CA, June 11, 2005. The information was peer reviewed and printed in ADA’s Diabetes Journal as a written published abstract. Dr. Cheskin is currently pursuing publication in a leading medical journal.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the standard ADA (American Diabetic Association) self-selected diet (SD) vs. a portion controlled diabetic food diet (PCD) in obese patients with NIDDM. The study also aims to evaluate not only the metabolic effects in the long term, but also compliance and any consequent medication changes in patients of the two weight loss regimens. (16-34 weeks of active weight loss, 52 weeks of maintenance) The meal replacements (Medifast) used in this study are soy-based products (bars, shakes, soups) that are considerably lower in sugar than their non-diabetic counterparts and other popular diet products on the market.

RESULTS DISCUSSION: Significantly greater results were achieved after the initial 34-weeks of weight loss by participants in the PCD group in pounds and percent weight loss, insulin level and hemoglobin A1c. The PCD group also saw significant improvements within group in BMI, systolic BP, diastolic BP, waist/hip measurements, cholesterol, HDL triglycerides, glucose and percent body fat. Dropout rates were less in the PCD in both weight loss and weight maintenance. During weight loss, participants in the PCD group significantly decreased their use of medications to treat Type 2 DM. Participants in the PCD group also self-reported higher ease of compliance with the diet compared to the SD group (64.2% vs. 56.0%).

It is our recommendation that a PCD be considered for type 2 diabetics desiring weight loss, but that periodic use of SD during weight maintenance will not adversely affect weight loss efforts. Our research supports that using a portion-controlled diet will produce comparable if not better outcomes in type 2 diabetics attempting to control their weight.

Study 3

REFERENCE: National Institutes of Health: Impaired Capacity to Lose Visceral Adipose Tissue During Weight Reduction in Obese Postmenopausal Women With the Trp64Arg B3- Adrenoceptor Gene Variant

PURPOSE: The study examined whether women on a weight loss program who are carriers of a genetic variant (Trp64Arg) lose less visceral fat than women who do not have this gene. Participants entered a medically supervised weight loss program aimed at reducing body weight to less than 120% of ideal value. Food was self selected with dietitian supervision, with or without the inclusion of the TakeShape, a Medifast brand modified fasting supplement.

RESULTS DISCUSSION: Results from the study showed that reductions in body weight, BMI, total fat mass and fat-free mass were not significantly different between carriers and non-carriers of the variant. Both groups experienced weight reduction of 31-36.1 pounds, which the study identified as a significant weight loss effect.

Current Active Research

Efficacy of Parent-Child Dieting Plans Incorporating Medifast Meal Replacements for Weight Loss. Principle Investigator Cheskin, MD, FACP

(18 month study, 6-month weight loss phase, 12-month maintenance phase)
Study examines a joint parent-child dieting approach, as opposed to an individually based approach, to improve weight loss outcomes. Compares diet using Medifast meal replacements to a non-supplemented Food Guide pyramid based diet. Comparative points include, overall weight loss, compliance, palatability, dietary quality and dietary satisfaction. The study also examines whether children who lose weight-using Medifast meal replacements as an adjunct to a Food Guide-pyramid based diet achieve health benefits compared to baseline values and are these health benefits greater than those obtained following the reference diet.

Learn more about Medifast - http://www.drinkchooselive.com/

A Healthy Diet can be supported with Medifast

Medifast helps you manage your Type 2 Diabetes and control your weight. Clinical study results show that people with Type 2 Diabetes, using Medifast Plus for Diabetics, lost twice as much weight as those following the ADA's recommended food guidelines and were twice as likely to stick with the diet. Not only was it easy to lose weight with diabetes for those who used Medifast, but many of the diabetics also decreases or eliminated their diabetes medication.

Click here to view Medifast diet products.

Medifast has convenient, healthy meal plans to help you lose weight with diabetes.* Medifast Plus for Diabetics provides the proper nutrition for people with diabetes, allowing you to easily lose weight with diabetes. It is important to discuss calorie levels with your doctor when beginning a Medifast program for people with Diabetes. To get started, choose from the following options.

December 14, 2007

Medifast Recipes from Medifast Diet success stories

Very Broccoli and Cheese Soup

1 package Medifast Cream of Broccoli Soup
6 ounces hot water
1/2 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
1 ounce shredded or sliced lowfat cheddar cheese

Mix all ingredients in large coffee cup and place in microwave. Cook on high for 1 minute, or until soup is cooked and ready to bubble. Stir and enjoy. For best results, chop only the floret and leave the stalk behind.  Counts as one serving of ‘green’ and one ounce of protein.

Get medifast for weight loss, health, a healthy diet, and a diet plan. Medifast is a product that helps you lose weight. There are benefits to using Medifast in your diet, and can be used for weight loss. Phase 1 - 5 & 1 Program for Weight Loss 5 Medifast Meals per Day Over 50 meals to choose from - shakes, bars, drinks, oatmeals, chili, soups, pudding and more. 1 "Lean and Green" Meal per Day Lean Meat: 7 ounces of chicken, turkey of fish, or 5 ounces of lean beef, pork or lamb. Grill, bake or poach meats using non-stick spray. Salt, pepper, herbs and spices may be added if desired. You may also use 1 - 2 teaspoons of condiments such as ketchup, mustard or barbecue sauce. Salad or Vegetables: Either 2 cups of salad greens (any kind) and up to ½ cups raw vegetables, or up to 1 ½ cups cooked vegetables. You may also use 1 - 2 tablespoons of Media low-fat or non-fat dressing.Phase 2 - BeSlim™ Philosophy of Lifelong Weight Control Once you have reached your healthy weight, your Health Advisor will help transition you to the BeSlim™ philosophy of lifelong weight control. The BeSlim™ philosophy is a part of the Take Shape for Life program that incorporates key behaviors mastered by those who lost significant amounts of weight and kept their weight off for years. These key behaviors include: Breakfast (eating Breakfast every day) - High quality fuel, such as our delicious Medifast oatmeal, cappuccino, or chai latte, is essential to start your day the right way. Exercise - Continued exercise increases metabolism, provides strength, flexibility, and mental clarity. Support - Your Health Advisor is here to help you reach and maintain your goals, providing the coaching, tools, education, and caring support you will need along the way. Low-fat meals 5-6 times a day - Eating frequently, controlling portion and total calories, especially those from fat, are critical for success. Individual Plan - Create an individual plan to help you achieve an optimal healthy lifestyle and build the skills and strategies you need to cope with modern life. Monitor your weight - Weigh yourself on a regular basis to maintain optimal weight. Catch it before it becomes a challenge! Join the BeSlim™ Club today and set your life in motion! Introducing the New BeSlim Club & Rewards Program! Optimal Health is its own reward, but how about earning a bonus or two along the way? You’re on a journey to Optimal Health. You’ve made a commitment to lose weight and keep it off! You’ve earned the right to celebrate your success! The new Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is your ticket there. The BeSlim Club & Rewards Program is Take Shape For Life's progressive savings program, offering clients and Health Coaches an easy way to obtain their Medifast Meals at a savings, with exciting rewards you can earn along the way! The longer you are member of the BeSlim™ Club, the more significant your savings are and the more rewards points you’ll earn. When you join the Take Shape For Life BeSlim Club & Rewards Program, you: Enjoy your favorite Medifast Meals all month long, with orders conveniently shipped right to your door Save on your meal purchases and enjoy increased savings the longer you’re on the program Earn points towards exclusive rewards that promote healthy living Receive coupons for special savings. Enrich your life as you achieve Optimal Health Available to all, the BeSlim™ Club is a great way for individuals learning and practicing the BeSlim™ philosophy. Every time you order, you earn points towards healthful rewards. Here’s how: There’s no minimum purchase required. Redeem your reward points* for exclusive Take Shape For Life merchandise, including: Apparel, Exercise Equipment, Spa Trips, And more! Join the BeSlim Club today! Simplify Your Life -- — Receive automatic monthly shipments of your favorite Medifast Meals; Save Your Money — Enjoy savings that increase the longer you are a club member; Earn Just Rewards— Select from an array of rewards that promote healthy living and a healthy lifestyle

Blueberry Muffins

5 packets Medifast Blueberry oatmeal
1 packet Medifast Pudding, flavor of your choice
3 packets Splenda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
6 ounces Davinci Sugar-Free Blueberry Syrup
6 ounces cold water

Preheat oven to 350*.

Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Slowly add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring, until mixture is muffin batter consistency. Do not let get too thin. Let batter sit for about 5 minutes. Drop by tablespoon into 12 muffin cups which have been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.  Bake for 18 minutes or until inserted toothpick should come out clean. Remove immediately from pan.

Yield: 6 Medifast meals

Keep unused portion refrigerated to prevent mold.

Blueberry Pancakes

1 package of Medifast Eggs
8 oz water
2 packages Blueberry Medifast Oatmeal
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/8 tsp Vanilla

Mix eggs and water very well, with whisk or blender. Add baking powder and vanilla. Stir in Medifast oatmeal, one packet at a time. Make sure it is well mixed and that the oatmeal is evenly dispersed (otherwise you get flat pancakes).  Spray nonstick skillet with Pam. Cook like pancakes. Makes 6 fluffy pancakes - three servings. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 15 seconds.

Top with some non-aerosol butter spray and/or a tad of DaVinci sugar free syrup.

Reece's Pudding

1 package chocolate Medifast pudding
1 TBSP of PB2 (lowfat powdered peanut butter)

Mix pudding according to directions, and add in PB2. If pudding is too thick to suit you, add an extra tablespoon of water. Mmmm!  1 TBSP of PB2 counts as a snack.

Sweet Buns

1 package of Medifast Oatmeal, flavor of your choice (I like brown sugar)
1 package Medifast eggs
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 TBSP ground flax meal
1/8 tsp Splenda
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
4 TBSP water
Optional spices: (any combo)
cinnamon
pumpkin pie spice
apple pie spice
nutmeg

Preheat oven to 35. Mix all dry ingredients, add water and vanilla, and mix thoroughly.Form into 2 small bun shaped mounds on a cookie sheet. Smooth the tops and sprinkle with spice of your choice.  Bake for 10-11 min and then put under broiler for 1-2 min just to barely brown top.  1 “bun” is a meal. Refrigerate the second bun if not eaten on the same day.

The flax meal counts as a condiment.

Maple Chai Muffins

1 package Medifast Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal
1 package Medifast Chai
1/2 t pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup Sugar Free DaVinci Pancake Syrup
2 egg whites
1/4 t vanilla
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 t baking powder

Preheat overn to 350.
Spray a muffin pan with butter flavored Pam and pour batter to make 4 muffins. Sprinkle cinnamon on top (optional) and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

2 muffins makes a meal - don’t forget the egg whites as part of your daily protein.

Cream of Broccoli and Garlic Soup

1 small clove garlic, sliced
1 package of prepared Cream of Broccoli Medifast soup

Put garlic in small saute pan, and cook until fragrant. Add to prepared soup. Place in thermos for flavors to blend, and eat later. You can also refrigerate and reheat later.

Granola Crunch

1 packet of Medifast Oatmeal, any flavor
1 Splenda packet
1 pinch of baking powder

Spice of your choice - I like cinnamon, or apple pie spice.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, and add just enough water to make a dough. You want it very thick and as dry as possible but so it still sticks together - crumbly!  Pinch the pieces of dough and drop on a baking pan sprayed with Pam.

Bake at 400 for approximately 8 min, and then turn granola. Bake a few minutes more until brown and crispy, watching closely to make sure it doesn’t burn.  Works great as a take along snack!

Oatmeal Bread

1 package Medifast oatmeal (any flavor)
1 package Medifast eggs
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tblsp ground flax meal
1/8 tsp Splenda
1/4 tsp lemon or vanilla extract
Spices to taste: pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
4 Tbls water

Mix all ingredients, add water, and form into 2 circles on a cookie sheet. Smooth the tops.
Bake at 375 forapproximately 10 minutes. If you wish for a browner top, you can then put under broiler for 1-2 minutes.

Makes two servings. Spread with some lowfat cream cheese, or Laughing Cow light cheese. Count the topping as a condiment.

Blueberry Lemon Muffins

1 package Medifast Blueberry Oatmeal
1 package Medifast scrambled eggs
2 packages Medifast vanilla pudding
1 1/2 c water
2 packets of Splenda
1/2 t baking powder
pinch of salt
1 Tablespoon grated lemon rind
1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Whisk well and let sit for about 15 minutes. Whisk again and pour into 8 sprayed muffin tins.  Bake in a 350 oven for about 40 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Serves 4. Refrigerate unused portions and eat promptly.

Learn more about Medifast diet products -> http://www.drinkchooselive.com

December 12, 2007

A new weight loss program with Medifast

A new program designed to assist dieters with their weight loss efforts comes from Medifast. The Take Shape for Life diet plan is an easy plan to follow with all of the Medifast diet meals shipped to you. You can try it for 2 weeks or the 4 week program offers a free week with it and that's the best deal. Here's more info:

'Medifast is a portion-controlled, low-calorie weight loss program that helps you lose weight faster and more effectively than traditional diets. The clinically proven, easy-to-follow Medifast 5 & 1 Plan helps your body burn fat and lose weight quickly. There is no calorie counting, no points system, no diet pills and best of all – no confusion!

Remember, Medifast is a lifestyle change, not just a short-term weight loss solution. We won’t abandon you the way fad diets have in the past. Our Transition, Maintenance and Exercise Plans pick up where the 5 & 1 Plan ends – and teach you how to sustain your weight loss results long term!

5 & 1 Plan

With the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, you eat 6 meals a day: 5 Medifast Meals and 1 Lean & Green Meal. You can choose any 5 Medifast Meals including shakes, bars, soups, pudding, oatmeal, scrambled eggs and more. With over 60 Medifast Meals to choose from, your menu will never lack variety! Your daily Lean & Green Meal consists of a balance of lean protein (such as beef, chicken or fish) and salad or vegetables.

With Medifast you eat every 2 to 3 hours, so you won't get hungry. The quick weight loss results you experience will inspire and motivate you to embrace Medifast as an essential part of your new, healthy lifestyle. Complete 5 & 1 Plan information is available for free in the Medifast Quick Start Guide, included with every Medifast order. You can read more about the plan - go.

Transition

You begin Transition after you have reached your goal weight. Transition reintroduces you to foods you previously put on hold – foods such as fruits, low-fat dairy products, whole grains and higher-carbohydrate vegetables. Transition gradually adds calories back into your diet, while giving your body the appropriate time it needs to adjust to the new levels of calories and carbohydrates. The 5 & 1 Plan helped you develop healthful eating habits, such as portion-control and eating 6 times per day. Transition and Maintenance reinforce these patterns of healthy eating to help you maintain your weight loss results.

Maintenance

In Maintenance, you learn how to sustain your weight loss results by making healthy food choices and living an active lifestyle. The ultimate goal of Maintenance is to help you remain at a healthy weight for the rest of your life. The actual number of calories needed to maintain a stable weight long-term is individual – you may need to experiment with different calorie levels during Maintenance to find the level that's right for you. Complete Transition and Maintenance information is available for free in the Medifast Transition & Maintenance Guide.

Exercise

Regular exercise is a necessary part of losing weight and maintaining weight loss. It can also help prevent many chronic diseases and improve your overall mood. Walking is one of the easiest ways to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule. Check the Medifast Exercise Guide for more information on how exercise can conveniently be integrated into the Medifast program.

Get started! --> http://www.MedifastInfo.com

New Diet Plan offers Weight Loss with Medifast

Medifast is now offering a diet plan by the name of Take Shape for Life. If you are on a diet plan, check on Medifast to get a healthy meal plan that will help you take off the weight. Here are some additional Medifast diet plan success stories from people who have used the program --

Cindy C. -- I am still as pumped up about Medifast as I was the first time I ordered.

I just want to let everyone know how much I truly love Medifast! It works so well. I want to give anyone who needs a little support, proof of the wonderful life Medifast is helping me achieve.

I have lost 80 pounds, and it only took me 13 weeks to lose the weight. My goal is to lose 20 additional pounds. I stopped dieting for the summer because of a long family vacation to Florida. I am happy to report that from May to July, I gained no weight. In July, on our trip, I gained 6 pounds, 3 of which I dropped right after we returned home.

I said from the beginning that I was going to go back on Medifast when our 8-year-old went back to school in the fall. Well, he started school on Monday and I started Medifast again on Tuesday. I will keep you updated with a "finished" picture when I reach my goal. I know with Medifast it won’t be long.

I am still as pumped up about Medifast as I was the first time I ordered. It has changed my face, my body, and my life!!!

Brian J. -- My cardiac doctor has cut all my blood pressure meds in half...

I started Medifast Dec 3rd, 2005, stuck to it to the tee and lost 30 pounds in the first month. I'm now in my 6th week and have lost 42 pounds and 6 inches off of my waist. I started at 292 pounds and am now at 250 pounds. The “before” and “during” pictures prove it.

After the first month, I started tweaking the program, cut out the Medifast bars which I felt had too many carbs and sugar and replaced it with smaller amounts of better, low glycemic index carbs and my weight loss has increased since on Medifast only.

My sleep apnea doctor is the one who suggested Medifast. Since my weight loss, they have had to cut the pressure on my CPAP machine in half and my cardiac doctor has cut all my blood pressure meds in half and my blood pressure is still too low. I hope after 30-40 more pounds I will completely be off of my CPAP machine and off blood pressure meds.

Jacqueline J. -- My self-confidence and self-esteem have gone through the roof.

Oh how I wish I had found Medifast years before my weight soared to 225 lbs! At that weight, I hated to go out anywhere because I could never find clothing that fit. The truth was that I could not fit into “my own body.” I was sick and tired of being overweight.

I was also tired of being depressed about not being able to shop for clothes in regular stores. I was sick and tired of having to go to specialty stores to find clothes that fit. I was just plain old sick and tired.

Now at 55-years-old, I weigh 120 pounds at 5’6”. I have never felt better or so young in my entire life. I have lost a total of 105 pounds. Imagine! 105 pounds is a whole other person! I don’t worry about my weight anymore. I am no longer obsessed with food. I live my magnificent life! When I put on a few pounds, I just adjust my food intake and use Medifast again.

Many people say that it is so difficult to lose weight, as you get older. This is not at all true. I cannot believe what a wonderful product Medifast is. It is delicious tasting and I have used it in a variety of ways. I even serve the fruit punch to my guests during the summer.

I have taken on new hobbies and gone back to school. As a schoolteacher, I used to be embarrassed to attend classes and workshops because of my size. Sitting in desks was uncomfortable. Sitting in “my body” was uncomfortable. No one should have to live in a body that they are unhappy with. You only have one body in this life and you should love living in it!

My self-confidence and self-esteem have gone through the roof. Prior to starting Medifast, I had tried every “diet” program. Each attempt to lose weigh left me more miserable than the one before. Each attempt also added weight to my already overweight body. The more programs I tried, the more I became preoccupied with food. It seemed as if living inside my body was more of a curse than a joy.

Now after losing 105 lbs. on the Medifast program, I can finally state that I am euphoric living in my body today. Not only was losing the weight easy to do, but also keeping it off for over 8 years is a sign of true success.

I never realized how unhappy I was with my weight and myself until I lost the weight with Medifast. Now I am living in the body I ought to have and living the life, of which I am worthy. Everyone is entitled to live in a body in which one is content. Everyone is entitled to live a life in which one can fully participate with joy. Medifast can give me that astonishing life, so that I could truly start living the amazing life I deserve!

Try the Medifast diet plan for 4 weeks with the Take Shape for Life weight loss plan. Get started here: http://www.DrinkChooseLive.com

Medifast diet plan success stories

Many success stories are being reported by using the Medifast diet plan. The newest plan is in the 'Take Shape for Life' program. Here are a couple of posted success stories from Medifast users --

Heather R. -- "This past extended weekend was packed with adventures. I had a couple of parties to go to and a long list of errands to do. On Saturday, I left a pool party and headed home to get ready for an evening fund-raiser. I got home and let the dogs out. I wanted to give them some playtime before running off again, so decided to let them go swimming in the bay behind our home. I can’t just tell them “go a head and get in the water for a bit.” So after saying my hellos, still in my bathing suit, I ran down the pier with my dogs in toe and jumped feet first into the water.

I didn’t notice it was low tide and only 3 feet of water (not 5’-6’ like I was expecting.)  I landed and knew instantly that I broke my ankle. I am now in a cast and on crutches for 3-6 weeks. My grandma always told me not jump into shallow water. The good thing is that my long list of errands just got moved over to the “honey-do list.”

I’m not able to carry open drinks or soup without someone’s help. Luckily, at work the small office fridge is right behind me so all I have to do is wheel my chair over, open the fridge and grab a Ready-To-Drink Shake. I brought my remaining supply in my backpack and have a new order being shipped right to my office. If Medifast wasn’t so convenient I would probably starve. I even have a bottle of water in the fridge and have made shakes in my shaker right at my desk.

I surely need Medifast now that I am going to be avoiding moving and lying around as much as possible. Wish me luck…"

Michelle W. --

I am so thankful for Medifast that I want to share my story for any who are struggling with their weight!

1999 was a very stressful year for me. I had a son and a nasty breakup with his father, and with the stress of raising a child on my own and trying to figure out who I was without his dad, I turned to food as a comfort. But it didn’t comfort me back. I gained 50 lbs. that year!

I was 26 years old, 5’5” and went from a size 10 (145 lbs) to a size 16 (over 200 lbs) in about three years and I was horribly miserable. I tried everything I could – exercise and dieting, but nothing seemed to work. In June of 2003 my boss and his wife, who are dear friends, told me about Medifast. My girlfriend had been on Medifast for about four months and had lost more than 50 lbs and it was still coming off! I decided that I would try Medifast. I could see the results that it was having on my friend’s life and I was ready for the change in mine!

In July of 2003 I started Medifast at 210 lbs. and a size 16. By October of 2003, I was down to a size 6/8 and 145 lbs. I was thinner than I had ever been in my whole life. It was amazing! I couldn't believe that I had broken out of the horrible shell that I had been trapped in. Finally, I could be me and could be the mom my son needed. I now had a ton of energy, not a ton of fat. I enjoyed being able to play with my son on his energy level instead of being tired out.

My story gets even better. After I had lost the weight, I felt wonderful about myself. I had the body that I wanted, with the confidence to go with it. It was time to start dating again. Well, with the attitude change that came with the weight loss, after only a few short months, I had fallen in love and was married!

This was all because of the confidence that I gained through being able to succeed in fixing my weight problem. My whole life changed for the better. I am so thankful for Medifast in helping me find an answer to my problem. Whenever somebody asks how I got the weight off and became a happier person, I always tell them my story and refer them to Medifast. YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST, THANK YOU!!!

Comments: If you would like to try the Medifast diet plan - Take Shape for Life - then visit http://www.drinkchooselive.com for more information and getting started.

Medifast diet offers new weight loss program help

Medifast is now offering a diet plan that includes healthy meals for weight loss. Take the guess work out of your weight loss plan by checking out Medifast.  Here is some additional information about the Medifast products --

Why is the Medifast weight loss program special?
Medifast is an effective, healthy weight loss program. Think of Medifast as a lifestyle change, not just a short-term diet or weight loss solution. Medifast is a healthy diet plan, especially when compared to other diets you’ve likely experienced without success. Medifast is a portion-controlled, low-calorie weight loss program that leads to more rapid weight loss than traditional diets. Medifast is special because you can achieve the quick weight loss you want, and, unlike other weight loss programs and diet plans you’ve tried, Medifast is clinically proven to produce quick weight loss, typically 2-5 lbs per week.

How do Medifast weight loss products lead to fast weight loss?
The clinically tested weight loss results of Medifast are designed to create a healthy gap between the calories you take in and the amount your body burns, thus promoting effective and natural weight loss. Many times, dieters on other low-calorie diets do not meet the minimum daily-recommended nutritional requirements. a href="http://www.drinkchooselive.com/" title="Medifast, Diet with Medifast" target="_blank">Medifast Meals provide the optimal combination of carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients necessary to give you the quick weight loss you want and the healthy weight loss you need. The Medifast weight loss program is an extremely effective diet plan to lose weight fast. Medifast fits your busy life because Medifast Meals are quick and easy to prepare, while still being a healthy diet plan.

How easy is the Medifast weight loss program?
With the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, you’ll eat 6 meals a day - 5 Medifast Meals and 1 Lean & Green Meal. You can choose any 5 Medifast Meals from our menu of over 60 Medifast Meals, including Medifast shakes, bars, soups, pudding, oatmeal, scrambled eggs and more. Your daily Lean & Green Meal consists of a balance of lean protein (such as beef, chicken or fish) and vegetables, which you’ll prepare yourself.

How does Medifast help sustain your weight loss results?
Medifast won’t abandon you the way fad diets have in the past. The Medifast Transition, Maintenance, and Exercise Plans pick up where the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan ends – and teach you how to sustain your weight loss results long-term!

Medifast Diabetic weight loss programs
Medifast has special diet programs for those with type 2 diabetes. The Medifast diabetic diet plan can help you manage your type 2 diabetes and control your weight, with your doctor’s supervision.

For your 2-week trial of the Medifast Program, please visit -- http://www.DrinkChooseLive.com

If you have any questions, you can contact Dr. Havey.