Using Medifast

• How often should I have my Medifast Meals?
  Every 2-3 hours. It is important to start each day with a schedule, allotting specific times for eating your meals. Build six (6) time slots for meals into your daily schedule, and strive to be as consistent with this eating schedule as possible. If you know your schedule will shift a little (perhaps on weekends), make sure to shift your meal times accordingly.
• What happens if I miss a meal?
  If you miss a meal, eat the rest of your meals closer together to make sure you get all the required meals in before the end of the day. Because of the low caloric level of Medifast, skipping meals will put you below the optimal nutrient level your body needs to function. This decrease in your nutrient balance makes your body conserve energy -- causing you to lose weight slower, not faster!
• What if I don’t feel hungry?
  It is important to get all 5 Medifast Meals plus 1 Lean & Green Meal in each day; otherwise, you are not getting all the nutrition and calories required to maximize the 5 & 1 Plan’s effectiveness.
• What if I run out of Medifast?
  If you happen to run out of Medifast Meals prior to the arrival of your next Medifast shipment, please contact our Nutrition Support team at NutritionSupport@ChooseMedifast.com.
• Should I take vitamins?
  Generally speaking, you shouldn’t need to take vitamin supplements along with the program. The Medifast 5 & 1 Plan provides you with all the necessary Recommended Daily Allowances of vitamins and minerals. Address this matter with your physician if you are currently taking additional doctor-prescribed vitamin and/or mineral supplements.
• Can Medifast Meals be consumed after the best-if-used-by date?
  Medifast powdered products have an 18-month best-if-used-by date. Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes and Bars have a 12-month best-if-used-by date. This does not mean that the product will expire, "go bad" or be harmful; it simply means that the vitamin and mineral pre-mix contained in the products may lose some of its potency, potentially rendering the product less effective. For best results, use your Medifast Meals as soon as possible and store them in a cool, dry, clean environment.
• Can you provide mixing instructions for each Medifast Meal?
  Use water for all Medifast Meals that require mixing. For specific information, refer to our complete list of Mixing Instructions.
• Can you mix two Medifast Meals together?
  Yes. This can be a useful technique to get you through a challenging time if you are feeling hungry. Some customers say this helps them to stay on the program successfully. Remember, however, it is most beneficial to spread individual meals out throughout the day.
• Can I mix my Medifast Meals ahead of time?
  Medifast Meals are quick and easy to prepare whenever you're ready to eat them. You may choose to prepare certain Meals (such as the soups) ahead of time and storing them in the refrigerator or a Thermos. We recommend preparing the Meal no more than a few hours before consumption and thoroughly mixing the Meal prior to eating to prevent any settling that may occur.
  
  You might also be interested in Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes, which offer a convenient way to take your shakes with you. These pre-mixed shakes are shelf-stable, can be stored easily and are interchangeable with your other Medifast Meals.
• Will I ever be able to eat fruit, dairy or starches again?
  Absolutely! While on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan for weight loss, we recommend that you avoid fruits, dairy and starches because of their high carbohydrate contents. However, these foods are very healthy for you and we encourage you to re-introduce all fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy products and whole grain products during the Transition and Maintenance phases of your weight loss journey.
• Can I combine other brands of diet foods?
  We recommend that you stay with a single brand of products (such as Medifast products). Each Medifast product is formulated to provide you with the complete nutrition your body requires. Mixing in different product brands may lead to nutrient deficiencies.
• How much water should I drink on this program?
  It is important to drink at least 64 ounces of water per day while on the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan to keep your body hydrated.
• What types of fluids are recommended?
  We recommend drinking 64 ounces of water per day. In addition, you may drink any liquids that are considered non-caloric, which would include Medifast Flavor Infusers. This also includes unsweetened hot or iced tea, coffee or decaf, diet sodas or other calorie-free beverages. As a general rule, Medifast recommends that you try to drink as much water as possible for good health, and limit your intake of other non-caloric liquids when possible.
• Can I drink alcohol?
  Alcoholic beverages are not recommended on the Medifast program. Alcohol provides unneeded calories, can slow your weight loss, stimulates the appetite (encouraging additional food intake) and can deplete your body of needed water. Low carbohydrate versions of beer and other types of alcohol are not recommended because these also provide calories with no nutritional value. Those who choose to drink alcohol tend to feel its effects at lower consumption levels, due to the lower calorie level of the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan.
• Why do the bars contain more carbohydrates than other Medifast Meals?
  The manufacturing of a solid product requires a different processing method for binding the carbohydrates with proteins. This results in a slightly higher carbohydrate level than the powdered Medifast products. Hence, limit your bar intake to one (or less) per day during the weight loss phase of your plan.
• Can I use any seasonings?
  You can season your Medifast Meals and your Lean & Green Meal with most herbs, seasonings or spices. Experiment with different seasonings to find the flavors you enjoy. For general health purposes, we recommend limiting salt intake. For more specific seasoning usage information, refer to our complete list of Condiment Options.
• What are the limitations on the condiments I can use?
  Some condiments are a significant source of additional calories. Of course, we do want you to enjoy your food -– but we recommend limiting condiment use in order to achieve the best weight loss results. For more specific condiment usage information, refer to our complete list of Condiment Options.
• What if I want to eat out at a restaurant?
  Special occasion meals are easier to handle than you may think! Simply rearrange your Medifast Meal routine (if necessary) so that you can enjoy your Lean & Green Meal at your breakfast meeting, family brunch, awards banquet or virtually any special occasion involving food! You should have your typical Lean & Green serving of meat and vegetables as usual. Request that your meat be prepared/served without sauce if possible. If you can't avoid eating something that isn't part of the Lean & Green Meal, it may raise your daily calorie intake -- but you can get back on the 5 & 1 Plan starting with your next meal. It is still best not to skip meals, even when you think you may have over-eaten. Resume your plan as soon as you are able.
  
  As an alternative, you can bring along a Medifast Meal and ask the waiter for hot or cold water (depending on what you are eating) to mix your meal. Then simply prepare your Medifast Meal and eat it with everyone else!
• Can I chew gum?
  Yes, as long as it is sugar-free gum. You can also have sugar-free mints. Make sure to limit these to no more than 3 per day. This will count as your one (1) optional snack for the day.
• Can I have butter substitutes?
  You can use butter substitutes such as Molly McButter®, Butter Buds® and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter® spray as great alternatives to actual butter. For more specific condiment usage information, refer to our complete list of Condiment Options.
• Can I have lattes?
  Medifast offers delicious Cappuccino, Chai Latte and Hot Cocoa! These “hot drinks” can be used as part of your 5 & 1 Plan, and can also be enjoyed throughout Transition and Maintenance.
  
  Coffee shop or other non-Medifast types of lattes are not recommended on the 5 & 1 Plan because they’re made with about 1/2 cup of milk -- and milk adds too many additional carbohydrates to your diet during the weight loss phase. Instead of a latte, try a regular cup of coffee with low fat/fat-free creamer, half & half or skim milk and sugar-free syrups or extracts for flavoring -- refer to our complete list of Condiment Options. Once you transition to the Maintenance phase, you can include low fat dairy products.
• Can I have shirataki noodles?
  Yes. You can have shirataki noodles -- serving size 1-1/2 cups (12 oz). This would be considered the “Green” portion of your Lean & Green Meal.