Exercise is not pushed with this plan because the low caloric intake helps the body to lose weight through normal activity. However, exercise would improve your cardiovascular health and eliminate some illnesses as the weight drops.
Increased activity also means that you will get hungry, and it may be harder to stay full and satisfied with the few calories that you are eating. On the other hand, it can burn more calories and force your body into giving up the calories stored as fat.
After you reach your weight loss goal, a phase called transition teaches dieters how to add foods back in that they have not been eating since they started the plan.
The phase emphasizes healthy whole grains, low fat milk and dairy products, and less fat. Pretty soon you will be able to cook all of your meals for yourself instead of ordering the Medifast food.
This program is expensive. You will pay for a month of food at a time which could run around $300 or more. This is in addition to the regular grocery bill for the rest of the household, which can really add up if you are the only one eating Medifast but still having to cook for others.
The program stresses adhering to the eating plan for at least three months to see changes in your body and your eating habits.
The upside is that people do definitely lose weight if they stick to it, and it is certainly convenient for busy people. Look for preservatives in the food, and salt or sodium, which can make it less than heart healthy.
You should do the math, and see if it is worth it for convenience and weight loss depending on your lifestyle. There are other programs like this that you can also try, for instance, Nutrisystem, and zone chefs.
Compare prices, menus and programs. All of them are based on limited portions and calories, and some try to emphasise whole grains and good carbs. Shop around and see which program is right for you.
