The Optifast VLCD weightloss program is a very low calorie diet which is clinically proven and recommended for the dietary management of obesity. Optifast has been widely researched and successfully and safely used worldwide by millions of patients since 1974.
Optifast VLCD Milkshake is nutritionally complete with four great flavours to choose from:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Strawberry
- Vanilla
Meals are replaced with Optifast VLCD products, which are designed to restrict energy intake, whilst still maintaining healthy nutrition. Reducing calorie (energy) intake means the body starts to draw energy from its own fat stores. Research has shown that very low calorie diets produce greater initial weight loss than other forms of energy restriction (9-26kg over 4-20 weeks). The Optifast VLCD programme may be more effective when combined with a simple exercise plan. Modifying your lifestyle by adjusting diet and exercise can be simple with the Optifast VLCD programme. In the early stages, Optifast is designed to totally replace normal food intake. As you start to lose weight, normal meals are then gradually re-introduced. There are 11 products in the Optifast range - each of which contains carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and high quality protein (which helps preserve lean body mass). There are four stages to the Optifast VLCD programme: Phase One: Intensive Phase Three Optifast VLCD products (to replace breakfast, lunch and dinner) and 2 cups of low starch (green) vegetables (with 1 tsp of oil per day with vegetables) are the only sources of nutrition in this phase. The total daily calorie intake is <800 Cal per day. Phase Two: Transition Phase The Optifast VLCD products are no longer the only source of nutrition. Transition phase (six weeks): Two Optifast VLCD sachets or bars are consumed along with a low calorie evening meal (500 calories). This increases the total daily calorie intake to 800-880 kcal. Low starch vegetables should also be continued. The evening meal is substituted in this phase, purely for social reasons. You may prefer to tailor this for the individual and substitute the morning meal or lunch meal instead. Phase Three: Maintenance Phase One Optifast VLCD sachet or bar at lunch time. Low calorie meals are prescribed at breakfast (approx. 350 calories) and dinner (approx. 500 calories). This increases the total daily calorie intake to approximately 1000 kcal. Low starch vegetables should also be continued. Continuing to avoid starchy food and vegetables may help prevent water retention and apparent weight regain. Phase Four: Stabilisation Phase The Optifast VLCD products are eliminated. The total calorie intake is approximately 1200 calories; 350 kcal in the morning, 350 kcal at lunchtime and 500 kcal in the evening. The nutrition component of the Stabilisation phase requires ongoing monitoring for meal plan adjustments and education. |
