Do People Keep The Weight Off After Medifast?

I write a lot of articles about this diet, and I have a website on which I share my experiences with it. I'm often asked if people are commonly able to keep the weight off after they go off of it. Common questions are "once I stop eating the medifast foods, will I gain the weight back?" or "will I have to be on medifast for the rest of my life?" I will answer these questions in this article as well as explain the transition and maintenance portions of the diet.

What Happens Once You Reach Your Medifast Goals? How Do People Keep The Weight Off? Introducing The Transition Plan: Most people don't stay on this diet plan for their whole lives. Once you've reached your target weight, you go on what is called the transition plan. This is basically a four week plan wherein you slowly add calories and carbs back into your diet. For example, in week one, you add in additional vegetables and approximately 1,000 calories. In week two, you're allowed to eat fruit again. In week three, you'll add additional dairy products. In the last phase, you're given the green light for whole grains and snacks (I was very happy to see that pizza is mentioned.)

During these four weeks, your body slowly gets used to consuming more calories and making choices again. This allows your metabolism, and you, the time to adjust. The company provides lots of support with this, including recipes and meal plans, so it's really not as hard as many people fear.

Keeping All Of Weight Off In The Medifast Maintenance Plan: Once you've reached your target weight have met your weight loss goals, and have done the four week transition, you'll then go on the maintenance plan. This is really the last phase of the plan. Most people try to keep it at around 1,500 calories per day as part of their maintenance, but the company encourages you to experiment with the amount of calories (and exercise, if you chose) keeps you at your ideal weight. Again, the company is very healthful with tips, plans and recipes. There is a lot of support out there if you need or want it.

Many people are scared of this part of the plan, but most people find that they are more prepared than they think. Remember that you have learned, and likely gotten used to, eating small, frequent, healthful meals – so this is really half the battle. And, by the time many people reach maintenance, they've changed their lifestyles and are ready to move forward.

You do not have to continue to consume the plan's foods if you don't wish to, as long you are making healthy choices that allow you to keep the weight off, but I find that many people have grown to like the convenience and ease of the foods. Many people will still consume a few of the plan's shakes, bars, or meals either daily or weekly. I certainly plan to, but this is not a requirement.

Making Sure You Are Ready: I have so many people contact me and say things like "I just know that once I go off, I'm going to gain the weight back, etc." I understand these concerns, because I have felt them myself. But, I've also spent lots of time on forums and doing extensive research and here is what I have found to be true.

This diet gives you the tools that you need to change your habits and develop a new, more healthy way of living. I have personally found that this diet has helped me to look at food in a whole new way. I'm no longer wakened by chocolate or tempted by salt and fat. I would rather wear a size six than eat any food on earth. Over and over, I'm come to know people who easily transition, because they've used the diet as an opportunity to change the way they live and embrace moving and living in a healthful way.

If you plan to get off of medifast and go back to eating junk or fast food, then don't expect miracles, but if you use what you have learned, I'd be willing to bet that you are going to be just fine and will be able to keep the weight off without many problems.

You can get a free copy of my e book, "Getting The Most Out Of Medifast," (which includes motivation, recipes, and a 2 weeks free coupon) by clicking here. You can also visit my diet review website at http://easiest-diet.com/medifast.

1. Prev:Proven Tips To Find The Fastest Weight Loss Diet
2. Next:A Look At The Medifast Ready Made Shakes