Our live chat didn’t work quite as planned the other day, but we wanted to answer some of the questions that were submitted prior to the chat. We’re working on scheduling another chat! Click through to read some of the questions and replies!
Colleen asked: I had VBG surgery 13 years ago and still have a half-size pouch. I have a hard time getting above 950 calories a day.
Colleen, the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan® provides 800-1000 calories, so if you are taking in around 900 calories, that is adequate. Some tips for a small “pouch” is to split up the Lean & Green meal and drink fluids throughout the day to decrease one-time volume.
Ellie asked: How do I get back on plan? It’s so hard to start all over again.
Ellie, restarting after a “break” is challenging for many people. Some tips are to spend time addressing any barriers that may be preventing you from getting started. Weigh the pros and cons of starting now and brainstorm possible solutions to overcome the barriers you identified. Set some goals for yourself. Get a buddy or some type of support for the program. Keep a journal—write down your thoughts, feelings and food intake as you get started. Restart the program on a day that you have fewer distractions. Good luck!
Bunnie asked: I’m on vacation and am running out of Medifast-friendly snacks. Help!
Bunnie, if you are on the 5 & 1 Plan®, you can follow a 4 & 2 Plan or a modified 3 & 3 Plan until you obtain more Medifast Meals. The 4 & 2 Plan will help keep you in fat burning. Each Medifast Meal is around 90-110 calories, so any nutrient-rich food that provides that amount of calories would work in a pinch (i.e. medium piece of fruit, 1-1/2 oz. low fat string cheese, 14 almonds, 6 oz. non-fat yogurt, 2 cups raw vegetables with 1-2 Tbsp. low fat dip). Keep in mind these items are not carbohydrate controlled and may kick you out of fat burning.
Anna asked: Would it be healthy to drink all shakes for a month?
Anna, all of the Medifast meals are interchangeable, so it is safe to drink shakes for an entire month. You may want to switch it up for variety, though!
Monique asked: Can I do a fast while on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan®?
Monique, when you’re on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan®, it is recommended to eat every 2-3 hours to maintain blood sugar levels, prevent hunger and keep metabolism going. A fast is not recommended while on the program. It would be a personal choice and one you should discuss with your health care provider.
Karen asked: Does the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan® need to be modified for someone who has had their gall bladder removed?
Karen, the program does not need to be modified if you have had your gall bladder removed, as it is low in fat.
Nancy asked: Please discuss the use (and program impact) of various ‘zero calorie’ food items like Stevia, Splenda, sugar-free syrups, etc.
Nancy, sugar-free items like Splenda and sugar-free syrups are typically counted as condiment choices. Stevia actually contains 3g of carbohydrates per packet and therefore would count as 3 condiment choices. Check out the Condiment List for more information.
Randy asked: What do you recommend for someone who has an allergy to sucralose artificial sweetener?
Randy, some of our Medifast meals do contain sucralose as an ingredient. The majority of the meals contain acesulfame potassium, which is another artificial sweetener. For more information about the specific foods that contain sucralose, please call Nutrition Support at 1-800-509-1281.
Thank you for posting. Are these all the questions asked or were there more? If so, where can I find them?
I personally appreciated the questions and responses to restarting the program and sugar-free items being counted as condiments.
Thank you for providing these!
What is the main ingredient of the garlic mashed potatoes? They are delicious!
Potatoes!