The MediFast diet plan has joined the huge number of available weight loss programs which aim to satisfy the needs of those who want to lose weight. It is sometimes difficult to figure out which programs use accurate advertising or inflated claims, which are dangerous and which really work. Sifting through these plans can sometimes be frustrating and overwhelming.
The premise behind the MediFast diet plan is fairly simple. But, any diet plan should be simple for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that weight loss is actually fairly simple. Weight loss is a result of negative calorie balance – you must eat less calories than you burn.
The premise behind the MediFast diet program is eating frequent small meals with high levels of protein and low levels of carbohydrates. Eating in this manner puts the body into a state of ketoacidosis or ketosis. In this metabolic state the body uses its own fat stores for energy. By eating frequent meals (usually six times each day) the diet plan helps to keep you from feeling hungry, so there is less of a chance of eating foods which are not on the plan.
Originally, the program was only available through physicians. Today it is now available through local and online distributors. Their most popular plan is called the five and one plan. Basically, this involves eating one meal replacement daily and then 
having one main “lean and green” meal that you prepare for yourself once a day. The meal should be high in protein with lots of vegetables and could contain a juicy cheeseburger.
The MediFast program also has three phases. The first phase is the five and one where the individual takes five meal replacements and has one meal he’s made at home. The second phase is transition where the individual gradually reintroduces regular food into the diet. The third phase, maintenance, is a long-term eating program in which participants learn to eat no more calories than they expand each day. The theory is that by the time the participant has reached the maintenance phase taste buds have become accustomed to eating healthier foods and poor eating habits have been replaced.
The meal plan also has a comprehensive and helpful support structure. If the MediFast diet program is one you wish to attempt it is very important that you seek the advice of your primary care physician in order to determine if this program will interfere with any medications you might already be taking or any underlying medical condition.
The concept of using ketoacidosis or ketosis in order to encourage the body to lose weight is one that is also used in the South Beach Diet and other high protein low carbohydrate diet plans. Unfortunately, this process also places a high degree of stress on the body’s kidneys and is not the best plan for individuals who also suffer from diabetes or may be prediabetic.
The MediFast diet plan can work for men and women. They have specific diet plans that are prepared for men, women and diabetics. Each program appears to meet the needs of the individual and help them to lose weight.
However, no matter how much weight you need to lose or how desperate you are to take it off it is important to recognize that any diet plan should never be a diet but actually a new way of learning to eat healthier foods. A healthier thinner you is waiting around the corner when you learn to eat no more calories than you expend and to incorporate a moderate exercise program into your daily routine.
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