Whenever we change our dietary habits and eating patterns, our body can take a few days to adjust. Everyone is unique in how their body responds to new eating patterns, and the type and magnitude of the dietary change(s) can impact the degree to which the body needs to adjust. So if you find that your body is going through an adjustment period as you begin your new healthy meal plan, just remember, these adjustments are temporary and there are several things you can do to help manage them.
Gas and/or bloating may be one of those temporary adjustments you experience as you change your eating habits. This can occur for several reasons, one being an increase in your dietary fiber or starch intake. Our bodies do not fully digest and absorb certain sugars, fibers and starches due to a shortage or absence of specific enzymes that aid with digestion. This ultimately results in gas. But don’t let gas intimidate you from adding fiber to your diet! Adequate fiber may help increase satiety after meals helping to promote a healthy weight. It may also help to lower our cholesterol, prevent constipation and hemorrhoids, and keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
Gas and bloating can also be caused by food intolerances, such as a lactose or gluten intolerance, or small amounts of swallowed air which happens when eating and drinking too fast, chewing gum, smoking, or wearing loose-fitting dentures. If you are concerned about the cause of your gas/bloating and/or if it persists, contact your health care provider for further direction.
To help adjust to your new meal plan and reduce bloating/gas, consider these 8 tips:
- Drink plenty of water. This is perhaps one of the best things you can do. Drink water with and in-between meals to help move fiber through your system.
- Try the Medifast Essential1: Digestive Health supplement to help you digest your food more easily. This supplement includes a custom probiotic and enzyme to help promote optimal digestive health.
- Be physically active. Try taking a walk after your meal to help digest your food.
- Limit the amount of higher fiber vegetables you have at first to allow your body to slowly adjust (i.e. broccoli, radishes, cabbage, and cauliflower).
- Avoid whipping up your Medifast Meals in a blender as this adds extra air.
- Chew your food carefully and be sure to eat slowly. Wash your food down with a glass of water.
- Avoid carbonated beverages, drinking with a straw or out of a small-necked bottle, and using water fountains.
- Avoid smoking.
Passing gas around 13 to 21 times a day is considered normal². So if you’re passing gas, you’re not alone. It may just be a sign of your commitment to eating well-balanced, nutrient-rich meals. And if you do get caught in a potentially awkward situation due to a dietary change, you can always just blame it on the dog!
1. http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2002/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Energy-Carbohydrate-Fiber-Fat-Fatty-Acids-Cholesterol-Protein-and-Amino-Acids.aspx
2. Gas-related complaints. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec02/ch008/ch008d.html . Updated October 2007. Accessed June 26, 2012.
Just wondering two things. Can you drink tea and how much weight can you loose in the first month on medifast
Yes, you can drink tea! We recommend plain water first. In addition to the recommended 64 ounces of water each day, you may drink any zero-calorie or calorie-free beverages, including unsweetened hot or iced tea, coffee or decaf, or diet sodas. Be sure to stick within the caffeine guidelines, though.
Typical weight loss on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan® is 2-5 lbs per week for the first 2 weeks and 1-2 lbs per week thereafter.
I have lost 15lbs in 22 days. I love it!
Why does most of the food taste like soy? I am a breast cancer survivor and Very concerned about the estrogen in soy! I was advised by my oncologist to try and stay away from soy products! It is added to too many foods today. I await ur response. Sandra
Hi Sandra, We do use soy protein in many of our products. Please check out our fact page on soy to see why we do that and the many health benefits of soy. If you do want to do Medifast, but eat less soy protein, here is a link to our products that do not contain soy.
I think this is a link to products that DO contain soy.
Disregard…I did not scroll down to see the list.
Hi I am on day two of Medifast and my stomach is beyond bloated! Not sure if this is normal for in the beginning? I’m following the directions completely, drinking at least 64 oz of water and barely had any caffeine. The veggies I chose to eat were salad/spinach this evening and broccoli the last. I did have a bar each day during the afternoon, i’ve heard this may cause it? Please let me know any thoughts!
Hello, Bloating can be normal the first few days as your body adjusts to a new way of eating. Raw vegetables can be the cause, so try steaming your veggies tonight and see if that helps. You can call Nutrition Support at 1-800-509-1281 for more tips on making the program work best for you. Thanks!
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