Weight Loss Method

The Slim Fast weight loss program focuses on reducing your caloric intake by providing portion control along with solid nutrition. The plan features two daily Slim-Fast Meals (a shake or meal bar) that are nutritionally balanced along with a sensible meal and healthy snacks. The Slim Fast Meal On-The-Go shakes and bars provide 1/3 of most of your daily nutritional needs, including essential vitamins and minerals and 2 to 5 grams of dietary fiber per serving.

The Slim Fast Meal Plan allows the individual to combine their favorite foods with a Slim Fast product to create a meal combination. The intent is for the individual to add 200 calories of their desired food to a Slim Fast Meal On-The-Go shake or bar.

The Slim Fast Portion Size Guide recommends, as a general rule, that a sensible meal should consist of the following:

• 1/2 of your plate contain vegetables
• 1/4 of your plate contain lean protein (i.e.chicken without the skin, turkey, fish or lean beef)
• 1/4 of your plate contain a starch (preferably whole grain)
• A salad on the side
• A serving of fruit or fruit salad for dessert

The Slim Fast weight loss plan allows the individual to consume three meals and three snacks per day. The first two meals are comprised of either a Slim Fast Shake or meal bar combined with approximately 200 calories of healthy, calorie-conscious food. The third meal consists of a sensible meal prepared by the individual. In addition, the Slim Fast weight loss plan allows for 3 Slim Fast snacks per day. The overall recommended caloric intake per day under the Slim Fast weight loss plan is approximately 1,200 to 1,500 calories. The Slim Fast weight loss plan also recommends that each individual drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.

In addition, there are five Slim Fast product lines that the individual can choose from. This allows the individual the ability to choose the product line that best suits their specific needs. For example, individuals that have trouble digesting dairy products can choose the lactose- and gluten-free Slim Fast product line.

Effectiveness

The Slim Fast approach to weight loss has worked safely and effectively for hundreds of thousands of individuals. In the past, one criticism of the Slim Fast product line was that it was high in sugar. The Slim Fast Optima product line has addressed this issue and now provides products that are lower in sugar. This being said, the Slim Fast weight loss plan is a viable approach to weight loss.

Lifestyle Change

The Slim Fast program consists of four daily primary steps: replace, combine, dine and snack. A typical day under the Slim Fast weight loss plan is as follows: a Slim Fast shake or meal bar plus a small healthy meal (~200 calories) for breakfast, a Slim Fast shake or meal bar plus a small healthy meal (~200 calories) for lunch, a sensible, nutritious and healthy dinner, and a couple of healthy snack bars. The Slim Fast program encourages you to eat a couple of snack bars to boost your metabolism and increase energy.

In addition, the Slim Fast weight loss program recommends that each individual participate in some form of exercise throughout the week. The exercises do not have to be strenuous. Instead, the Slim Fast weight loss program simply recommends that each individual choose an activity or two that they enjoy and perform it a couple of times per week (i.e. walking, biking, Yoga, swimming, etc.) In other words, staying active is the key.

Dietary Change

As with any weight loss dietary program, the largest change is always associated with the food that the individual consumes. The Slim Fast weight loss program is no different in that the individual will have to modify their food choices. The major difference between the Slim Fast weight loss plan and other typical weight loss programs is that two of the meals per day will be primarily replaced with a shake or a meal bar. For many individuals, this modification is simple, quick and easy to implement into their lifestyle. However, others may find that they get tired of the Slim Fast shakes and/or meal bars.

Finally, each individual should view the Slim Fast weight loss program, and any other weight loss program, as a means to obtaining their optimum weight. Once an individual achieves their target weight level they should focus on living a healthy, well-balanced and nutritional lifestyle that is free from a specific weight loss program.

Reputation/Safety

Slim Fast has been around for over 30 years and has weathered the test of time. The Slim Fast products are safe, effective, provide nutrition and promote weight loss when combined with a healthy and calorie-conscious dietary plan. In addition, there are countless success stories that support the effectiveness of the Slim Fast products in regards to weight loss.

All of the Slim Fast products are FDA-approved, and there are over 35 clinical studies that support the effectiveness of the Slim Fast products in regards to weight loss. Finally, Slim Fast has put together an entire weight loss program that focuses on promoting an all-around healthy lifestyle.

Support

There are several online support functions provided under the Slim Fast weight loss program. As mentioned previously, Slim Fast has put together an overall weight loss program that focuses on creating a healthy lifestyle. Several of the member support functions are as follows:

• Online advice and counseling from registered dietitians
• Online community
• Online special group communities
• Exercise tools and videos
• Meal planners
• Body Mass Index (BMI) calculators
• Weight loss calculators
• Weight loss progress trackers

Cost Of Product

The Slim Fast weight loss products are products that can be found either online or in local grocery and health stores. While the price for the various Slim Fast products will vary slightly from location to location, you will still find that it is reasonably priced. In addition, it is important to remember that you will be replacing the food that you would have consumed with a Slim Fast product, so your overall monthly food cost will not change significantly.

Registration to the Slim Fast website is free and members will receive a personalized menu plan, a weight loss calculator and other tools, customizable fitness plans, and access to the community board.