Say Bye Bye to Your Bad Carb Addiction Forever!

Before you start on your Medifast Diet, you have to be smart. You can’t just start something without making the right choices. For example, you can’t quit smoking and have a year’s supply of cigarettes in the closet, can you? Of course not.

Let’s be honest, everyone enjoys rolls, cakes, chips, cookies, pasta and pizza.  What we don’t enjoy is what is does to our waistline.  And that is why you are here – starting the Medifast Diet, so you can make a positive change not just in your waistline, but also to your health. In order to be healthy, and I mean really healthy, you have to eat better day every day; but how? It isn’t about eliminating carbs, it is eliminating the BAD carbs. There is a difference and you will learn these differences while you are on the Medifast Plan. I know, those white flour carbs just seem to beckon you….”Eat me, eat me!”  So how do we control those cravings?

Typically it takes 28 days to cycle off an addictive substance, and yes, bad carbs are addictive.  It will be hard going off them, you need to know that going in. But if you stick with it, you will feel better than you have in years. It’s worth it, trust me! I used to be addicted to bad carbs and the difference is unreal. I want you to feel the same. It is liberating!

Okay, let’s get back to our issue … refined carbs are like toxins to our bodies.  Foods such as chips, pretzels, breads and pastas when made with refined white flour contributes to your visceral fat, you know that fat we get around our midsection.  The worst possible fat!! But the main problem is, this is the most dangerous fat for your health.  It can suppress your body’s ability to produce insulin and also puts you at higher risk for heart disease and cancer as well as diabetes.  And you don’t want any of those.

This week-by-week plan shows you how to kick your bad carb addiction for good, so you won’t have distractions while you are on the Medifast Diet Plan.

Week 1 – The Cleanse

The very first step you must take on this journey is to remove all temptation.  Yes, all of it. That’s right-fill up that trash can with all those unhealthy carbs in your cupboards. Don’t give away the food because it is like poison, and you don’t want to give someone poison, do you? Why are you doing this? Simple. If they aren’t available you can’t eat them.

What to do instead? Replace them with healthy fats.  Before you freak out over taking in fat there is something that you should know. Same with carbs, there are Good Fats and there are Bad Fats. Did you know that when America switched to a low-fat diet obesity rates went UP? That’s right, they went up, not down. Fats can be good for you. Fats like olive oil, nuts, avocados, fatty fish and flax seed.  Do not count calories; that is a waste of time. This week is about getting rid of your cravings by detoxing your body while giving it healthy nutrition from your Medifast Plan.

Why are fats good? Fats satisfy your hunger and helps control your cravings. Do limit your sugar intake this week to the sugar present in the Medifast meals. Do not have any sugar with your Lean and Green meal. Sugar is completely off limits as an additive for you. You will go through some withdrawals too as sugar is as addictive as heroin.

Week 2- Go Brown

Why brown?

Whole grains serve you well in many ways; they are packed with fiber, minerals, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. Whole grains help in regulating blood sugar and keep your tummy full longer.  Diets rich in whole grains prove good for your health by keeping blood pressure lower as well as cholesterol levels.  Whole grains also lower our risks of obesity and diabetes.  Fill your shopping cart with such goodies as, oatmeal, whole wheat breads, whole wheat pasta, brown rice and quinoa. A suggestion is to avoid Gluten when possible.

Week 3-Let’s Talk Portions

Till now we have been focusing on changing what you eat. You have cleaned out your surroundings…the bad is gone and the good stuff is in.  This week you will focus on how much you eat.  No need to waste your money on scales and fancy measuring cups, you were created with all the measuring devices you need already attached.

Carbs - The perfect serving of good carbs is no bigger than your own fist.

Protein - Meats to include fish and fowl should be palm sized, or 4-6 ounces at most. Make sure it is a lean cut per “Lean and Green” meal.

Fats - Use your own thumb to guide you on how much fat is the right amount. Concentrate on healthy fats instead of the bad ones. Always avoid trans fats like the plague.

Fruits and Veggies - The rule is as much as you can grab is the perfect amount. Especially green veggies. Eat as much as you want, but no added sugar or salt!!

Week 4 – You Little Cheater You!

That’s right! By week 4 you have earned your weekly cheat day.  Once a week you can enjoy whatever white flour food you desire, whether it be pizza or bread, it is your choice.  If you pair it with something fiber rich like veggies your body will metabolize the sugar better which helps control your weight.

Be careful with your cheat day, don’t go overboard or you may damage everything that you worked hard to overcome. The cheat day worked for me because, well, I’m human and I need a treat every once in awhile, but unlike years ago when I would eat the entire tray of brownies, now I just have a bite or two and I’m satisfied. It feels great.

Good luck on your Medifast Diet! This will be a great journey for you and you can do it!

When you are considering getting involved with a weight loss program, you are right away going to be bombarded with an extensive amount of questions that you will want answered. It is very important to have all your questions answered, but you may find it is hard to get your questions answered. If this is the case, then you may want to avoid that weight loss program.

With the vast amount of selections available, it is right away hard to make a decision, but at the same time, easy as you have many options available.

The Answers You Need

There are a variety of ways you can understand your weight loss program successfully, and the first step would be asking the right questions.

The following are a few of the questions that you will want to have an answer to:

• Do you offer a meal replacement diet or will I be supplying all the foods?
• What are your recommendations for improving my weight loss?
• What is the support like with your weight loss program?
• Are there any hidden fees/costs?
• Will you help me get off of your weight loss program when I’ve reached my weight loss goal?
• Do I receive free days where I can eat whatever I want in amounts I want?

A weight loss program should have the ability to answer all of these questions for you, and if they can not, then continue on searching for a better option.

A Weight Loss Program That Helps

One program that has the ability to answer all of these questions, plus any other additional questions you may have is the Medifast Diet. They are a diet designed around you, your health and your future. With Medifast, you are NOT going to have any hidden fees or costs, they will help you get off your weight loss program, they will supply you with Medifast meals, they have such an amazing support system behind their program that you’ll never feel alone through your dieting and they will help make the diet work better for you.

Medifast also allows you to eat one Lean and Green meal a day, so you never feel like all you are consuming is diet foods, meaning the likelihood of you wanting that “free day” never happens, especially since a free day is never a proper recommendation for anyone participating in a weight loss program.

When it comes to dieting, you not only want the ability to lose weight, but have all the help you require throughout. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and stressed with your diet, choose something that will help you every step of the way.

It is recommended to discuss with your doctor about your weight loss program before settling with a decision. Your doctor can help you understand your health more thorough and direct you in the right path of losing weight safely. Medifast also recommends that you discuss your weight loss wants with your doctor before starting their diet as well.

Even though it is backed by over 20,000 doctors nationwide, you have to take your health seriously and get the right information before beginning. If your doctor feels Medifast is the right diet for you and your needs, then consider using our Medifast coupon codes to save instantly on your Medifast Diet. It is a great way to lose weight while still saving money.

When it comes to following the Medifast Diet, its users quickly learn how important it is to follow the Medifast 5 & 1 strategy plan. Many worry that the diet is hard to follow, but overall it is not if you take the time to understand exactly what you should be doing and how.

Top Reasons to Follow the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan

There are multiple reasons as to why you should follow the Medifast 5 & 1 meal plan, even after you are off of the Medifast Diet. It is a meal plan that is easy to follow and good for your health, but there are several important reasons to why you should follow the Medifast strategies properly.

Reason #1 – Scheduling Your Body

One of the most important reasons to follow the strategies of the Medifast Diet is for the scheduling of your body. By following the plan perfectly, you are teaching your body a proper meal schedule. This helps minimize hunger throughout your days and also trains your body to be hungry at certain times.

Your body will quickly formulate to the schedule because you will be consuming food 6 different times throughout your day. By doing this, you stop feeling hungry all the time and always feel nourished, preventing you to crave those unnecessary calories.

Reason #2 – Develop a Healthy Lifestyle

The Medifast Diet helps each individual develop a healthy lifestyle. You are not only learning how to lose weight properly, but also learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Each individual should understand how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but there are millions nationwide that do not.

By maintaining a healthy life, an individual increases their chances at a longer, well balanced life. By using the Medifast Diet, you will learn how to do this easily and not be bombarded with frustrating methods and instructions. You will also find yourself not relying on the Medifast Meal Replacements forever, allowing you to maintain a healthy life without the assistance from a diet program forever.

Reason #3 – Lose Weight Properly

One of the biggest issues millions experience with dieting is losing the weight improperly. A lot of diets state that you can lose up to 20lbs in a weeks time, but this is not something you should do. With the Medifast Diet you will be losing weight at a healthy rate, allowing you to lose the weight properly. Losing weight properly also assists in keeping the weight off after you’ve reached your goal.

Instead of becoming apart of a diet program that doesn’t help you learn how to keep weight off and teach you everything you need to know about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, go with the Medifast Diet. Dieters are taught everything they need to know and helps themselves continue on with that healthy lifestyle forever.

By following the strategies laid out by the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, you are setting yourself up for great weight loss success. It is important to do things the right way and Medifast wants to help its users do just that. Nows your chance to become apart of the Medifast Diet Plan! Stop taking part in fad diets and do it the right way, the Medifast way.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Everyone knows this, but millions skip this meal every single day. There has been research done that has proven those that consume breakfast are slimmer than those that do not. The Medifast Diet has taken this research into account and comprehends this concept. Medifast has developed their eating plan around when you should eat to help improve your weight loss.

Your Medifast Breakfast Meals

A healthy, hearty eating plan is very critical to sustain proper energy throughout any day. There are many Medifast breakfast meals available to help improve your mornings and keep you eating each and everyday. Medifast understands the importance of breakfast and wants to ensure that it is a meal you are consuming on a daily basis.

If you are someone that stops off at fast food joints regularly for your mornings breakfast, don’t! It is just as easy to throw together a Medifast breakfast as it is to sit in the morning line up at your local fast food joint. The Medifast scrambled eggs are an easy meal choice that are easy to make. Instead of consuming a high calorie, butter induced meal through a drive thru, Medifast scrambled eggs have you eating healthy and maintaining a proper diet.

Another great breakfast option is the Medifast Oatmeal. There are multiple flavor options available including:

• Apple cinnamon
• Blueberry
• Maple & Brown Sugar
• Peach

Oatmeal is a great addition to any breakfast. It is super wholesome and jam packed full of fibre which helps support proper bowel movements. Medifast Oatmeal is pre-packaged, easy to make and is full of nutritional vitamins and minerals to help promote at proper diet.

Lastly, another great Medifast Breakfast meal is the Medifast Pancakes. Most people wouldn’t think that pancakes could be a diet friendly option, but Medifast has made them so they are. Medifast. Delicious golden pancakes are a great addition from Medifast for their Medifast 5 & 1 Plan. These pancakes are not only good in the morning, but any moment of the day you are craving a delicious, low fat meal. Each serving includes 24 vitamins and minerals that your body needs throughout the day.

These pancakes are a great addition to any Medifast Breakfast. They give you an added treat each day or become a great start to your days, contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed, and we all know pancakes are always a delightful meal to have.

If you are someone wanting to make a change in your health, there is help available for you. The Medifast Diet Plan has gone above and beyond in providing its users with proper meals that assist in weight loss and successful health easily. Why not improve your morning routine and incorporate Medifast Breakfast Meals into your daily routine. With the meals being simplistic and delicious, you will not only enjoy eating them, but making them each and every day!

For those looking for further information on the above Medifast breakfast meals please select one of the following meal options:

1. Medifast Scrambled Eggs
2. Medifast Oatmeal
3. Medifast Pancakes

Save quickly on your Medifast Breakfast meals with our Medifast Coupon Codes. We are regularly offering you discounts and savings so you can continue losing weight at a great rate!

We all hear about these uber famous people losing excessive amounts of weight, but never understand exactly how they’ve done it. Jacqueline Laurita of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, isn’t shy about the subject, and she’s revealed exactly how she lost over 50 lbs.

Last week, Jacqueline celebrated her weight loss success in New York City after reaching her post baby weight loss goal of 50lbs.

How did she do it?

Jacqueline Laurita took it upon herself to become apart of the Medifast Diet Program to help her lose the weight she has wanted too since the birth of her son in June 2009.

With the help of Medifast and regular exercise, Jacqueline was capable of losing over 50lbs and being back to the weight she was before her pregnancy. Jacqueline stated that in the first two weeks she successfully lost 12lbs.

After all this successful weight loss Jacqueline shared with Bravo that she was comfortable now in front of the cameras since losing the extra weight and cannot wait to show off her better-than-ever physique during the new season of Real Housewives which resumes later this year on the network.

Angela, a 39 year old mother of two in Los Angeles, California recently started the Medifast program. Her goal was to lose 25 pounds.

“I bought a 4 week variety pack and I was surprised at the amount of sweet stuff in there and I am so glad because i ADORE sweets. So far I have had the apple and cinnamon oatmeal and the oatmeal raisin bar. I was surprised at how good the raisin bar was. The oatmeal wasn’t bad as long as I didn’t look at it too closely. This will be an interesting experiment.”

Bob, a 43 year old ad executive started the Medifast program last month and he’s been very happy with it. He recommends the Medifast Advantage option as “it gets cheaper over time and every 4 weeks you get a shipment.” One of his favorite things to do is to cook the Medifast brownie and then put 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on it and let it melt a bit. “It is soooo good!”

Tim, a 37 year old school teacher recommends adding just a bit of water to the hot drinks/soups/etc, and then mix them into a paste, and then add the rest of your water. Doing this will eliminate lumps. You should also soak the soups for at least an hour (Chili needs at least 4 hours).

If you’re looking to order Medifast meals, see the following: Medifast Coupons, Medifast Shakes, Medifast Success Stories, Medifast Meals,  Medifast Coupon Codes

Just like everything else in the world that makes changes to your health, there are some Medifast side effects we’d like you to become aware of. Whether you are already using the Medifast Diet or not, you should be aware of the side effects you may experience and have all the knowledge you need behind the diet. Even though there are some side effects, do not worry about Medifast’s weight loss success.

Most of Medifast customers report feeling energized – and better than they did prior to starting a Medifast program. If you are ill or do not feel well, see your doctor. Unless your doctor says otherwise, you should be able to continue on the Medifast diet, as most symptoms experienced are temporary.

Medifast works by creating a daily deficit of calories through its use of controlled portions. Limiting the amount of calories consumed each day causes the body to burn fat for energy while maintaining muscle mass. Medifast attempts to meet the nutritional needs of dieters by ensuring each Medifast meal contains all the required protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals of a standard, higher calorie meal. The rapid weight loss resulting from the caloric restriction required by the Medifast program may cause side effects in some people.

What are the Most Common Side Effects?

Leg Cramps – due to a lack of potassium. Keeping the body well hydrated can also help reduce the occurrence of leg cramps.

Recommendation – According to Medifast, Medifast bouillon soup or cubes can helps dieters improve the level of potassium in their body thus reducing risks of leg cramp discomfort.

Caution – Dieters should note that high levels of potassium can affect the heart’s performance, which is why it is highly recommended to consult your doctor before doing the diet.

Digestive Problems – such as diarrhea, constipation and gas are also common to dieters who have shifted to the Medifast Diet. These problems usually occur during the initial stage of the weight loss program, which indicates the change of diet and adaptation period of the body.

Recommendation – Over the counter medicine is recommended to help relieve these problems. It is once again highly recommended to see a doctor if digestive problems persist. Medifast offers lactose free meals to counter the issue for those who are lactose intolerant causing digestive gas problems.

Other Medifast Side Effects

Dizziness – Caused by change in diet.

Recommendation – Bouillon or Medifast Soup can help resolve dizziness. If the problem still continues dieters should see their doctor for further solution or recommendation.

Hair Loss - not common to all Medifast dieters.

Recommendation – Increase water intake, at least 64 ounces of water is recommended a day. Taking Vitamin B complex, 1-2 tbsp of canola or olive oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil can diminish side effect.

Headaches - results of the body’s fat-burning stage.

Recommendation – Tylenol/aspirin for pain relief. Drinking approximately 64 ounces of water a day recommended.

Note – Headaches should only be experienced during the 1st week. Headaches after this period should be given proper medical attention.

Rash – Can be due to allergic reaction to Medifast ingredients or due to the increased protein intake.

Recommendation – Antihistamine products can be applied or taken orally to help get rid of the rashes. If the problem still continues dieters are advised to consult professionals.

Avoid Medifast if You Have Serious Medical Conditions

The side effects I have mentioned are common to healthy people. However, the case is different for people with medical conditions. Often times weight loss diet programs such as Medifast cause more harm than good to people with serious medical condition.

Kidney Problems – discouraged from using the Medifast Diet. Meals contain high protein that can further damage the kidney. High levels of protein intake results in high levels of uric acid in our body, the bodies then process these waste products through our kidney thus resulting in more work that can worsen its condition.

Pregnant Women – not advised to use the Medifast diet plan. During the diet process the body’s food take is controlled and manipulated to achieve the required weight loss process resulting in malnutrition. Malnutrition can disrupt the development of the baby inside the womb and may even lead to fatal complications.

Conclusion

Weight loss diet programs can only be beneficial if the dieter understands what and how they can affect the body. Without proper understanding and knowledge, any weight loss program cannot succeed or be beneficial.

Don’t let these Medifast side effects scare you away from the product. These side effects don’t happen to everyone and the product really does work for those who can give it a try. By maintaining the diet, following all necessary directions and talking to your doctor or physician about any issues or concerns can help you succeed with your Medifast Diet more easily.

Some people should not use the Medifast weight loss program due to an increased risk of side effects and health complications. Children and those over the age of 70 years are at greatest risk of experiencing side effects while using the program. Anyone with diabetes, hypertension or severe food allergies should begin the Medifast program only while under careful supervision by a doctor. Moreover, those taking medications may find that they require alterations in dosing when using the program.

Denise Giesbers Before

Denise Giesbers had been dieting for about a year when she noticed a reflection in a glass door. Man, that woman behind me looks stunning, she thought.

Giesbers, 32, turned to compliment the woman, but no one was there. That’s when Giesbers realized — that stunning woman must be herself.

Giesbers wasn’t the only one who didn’t recognize the slim new Denise. Her friends thought her husband, Brent, was cheating when they saw him on the town with his wife.

Two years ago, the 5-foot-7 Giesbers weighed more than 300 pounds. Now she weighs 150. The change — thanks to a regimented, professional diet plan — has landed the Forest Grove resident in the pages of this week’s People Magazine. The magazine, which is on newsstands through Jan. 10, will feature Giesbers and four other people in its annual “half their size” issue.

Giesbers, the director of the information center at Pacific University, had struggled with her weight since she was young. She slimmed down in high school, but as a college student at Pacific, the freshman 15 became the freshman 25. Then she had two sons.

“The weight just kept piling on,” Giesbers said.

Even at her heaviest, Giesbers was confident — the kind of woman who asked her husband to marry her. She met Brent Giesbers, 52, after taking her car into the auto-body shop he owns. Brent Giesbers said he has never been the kind of person to judge people because of their weight. He thought Denise was gorgeous the second he saw her, he said.

But he knew his wife’s weight was unhealthy. Her knees hurt all the time. She was often tired. And in 2008, in the middle of a fight, he confessed his worst fear to her.

“I’m worried you’re going to die,” he told her.

Giesbers had tried dieting. She tried doing what her doctor suggested — eating no more than 20 grams of fat a day. But she hated all the math and planning required. She considered gastric bypass surgery, but she didn’t weigh enough, doctors said.

When she heard a woman speak at a university health fair about the “Take Shape for Life” diet, she thought it seemed like a routine she actually could manage.

The diet, which researchers at Johns Hopkins University found to be safe and effective, provides five Medifast “meal replacers” a day for customers. Those range from oatmeal and soups to special vitamin-packed brownies. Dieters eat those during the day then a “lean and green” meal of their choosing at night that includes 5 to 7 cooked ounces of lean meat (or other protein, such as tofu) and three servings of low-carbohydrate, non-starch vegetables.

Giesbers lost eight pounds in her first week on the diet. Gradually, she worked her way down from a size 28 to an 8. She doesn’t go to a gym, but her work at the university keeps her moving most of the day. She’s also a painting instructor, a freelance photographer and a Cub Scout pack committee chairwoman.

She’s still on the diet — she doesn’t feel like her transformation is complete yet, she said — but she can splurge every once in a while with pizza or a beer. Still, she can’t eat everything. Goldfish crackers and french fries are “trigger foods,” she said.

Her knees don’t hurt anymore, she says, and she has more energy. And she no longer is embarrassed to have her photo taken.

“People tell me, ‘You were beautiful before, but now you’re just gorgeous.’ I never felt pretty,” she said, “but I do now.”

Denise Giesbers Now!

The owners of Take Shape for Life were so proud of Giesbers’ transformation that they nominated her for People’s weight-loss issue. The application and interview process took nearly a year.

Giesbers never imagined she’d be a health inspiration, but as she lost weight, others noticed. Eventually, her husband and her co-worker, Jerry Rice, asked for her help in losing weight. Both signed up for the Take Shape for Life diet. Giesbers even serves as Rice’s health coach.

“I was wary at first,” said Rice, who has lost 132 pounds since February 2009 for his current weight of 172. “I didn’t want to have a coach, because I’m an individual. But Denise is special. I felt safe talking to her. It was easy to say when I messed up and had a beer or to tell her when I was doing a good job.”

Though the diet worked for the three of them — in addition to losing weight, Brent Giesbers no longer suffers from acid reflux, he said — Denise Giesbers said choosing to lose weight is different for every person.

“It doesn’t matter what size you are,” she said. “It depends on how you feel about your body. Find something that works for you. I found this, but find what works for you.”

Take Shape for Life!

Today, people are always looking for the “quick fix” when it comes to weight loss. I wanted to share with you, in my view, the secret of Medifast weight loss and why it has been so effective for over one MILLION men and women who have lost weight on the Medifast diet. Yes, you read that right, ONE MILLION. Pretty impressive, isn’t it? What’s more impressive is more than 20,000 doctors have recommended Medifast to safely and effectively lose weight since 1980. So this isn’t some fad diet because real doctors are getting behind it. That says something.

Medifast offers a unique meal replacement program. But if you are one of the tens of millions of folks who have NEVER had success on any other program in the past, it’s probably an option you would be well served to look at. Why? Let me tell you …

How Medifast Works

The basics of this program is a pretty simple one. You want an easy and actionable dieting strategies, and you need foods that are quick to prepare, taste great and are measured AHEAD of time. You also need to CHANGE your cooking habits and learn how to cook and eat more healthy. This is one of the biggest failures is that people are simply too busy to diet completely on their own. They also fail to give themselves the proper nutrition their bodies need and their body goes into “starvation mode”.

The reason why doctors get behind this diet is that it gives the patient all the nutrition they need and it also teaches them how to cook more healthy with the one “lean and green meal” per day.

The Details You’ll Need to Know

There are a total of six (6) meals that you will be eating everyday while on the Medifast diet. Yes, that’s right, six! You will have five (5) Medifast meal replacement meals a day, and one lean and green meal, typically for dinner. The lean and green is going to be YOUR choice of a protein (7 ounces of fish/beef/chicken) and all the green veggies you can eat.

Why so many meals? The goal here is to keep your blood sugar constant and steady. Rapid rises and drops in blood sugar is also a main reason for diet failure.

How Much Weight Should You Expect to Lose?

I hate answering this question because it isn’t the WEIGHT that you want to lose, it is FAT. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what you weight, it matters how you look! If you can, get rid of your scale and get a full length mirror instead. Remember that everyone has a different level of commitment and follow through. Also, everyone’s body make up is different too. The difference between losing fat on Medifast versus a fad diet is pretty dramatic, many on the Medifast diet keep the weight off long term, and radically change their lives and self image to boot! And that’s the REAL secret of Medifast weight loss.

Get a discount with Medifast Coupons.