Both our Optifast and Ideal Protein options have found great success with our patients! Both options require commitment to changing your diet, the way you think about food, and some behaviors. They will help you with positive change, which can occur quickly. In addition to losing weight, you may improve your health, learn new improved eating habits, and engage in activities. Our focus is on helping you through the weight-loss, transition, and maintenance stages of your diet so that when you return to self-prepared foods, you are better equipped to manage your weight long term.
In general, patients who don’t like to cook, who travel a lot, or who have busier schedules tend to prefer Optifast because it is “easy” and patients “do not have to think” about what to do for their next meal. This is more of a lifestyle change, as you are not eating your “normal” foods, but rather are only getting your nutrition from shakes, bars, or soups. Optifast is a total meal replacement plan, which means you only eat/drink Optifast products during the plan. With Optifast meal replacements, you don’t have to plan, shop, or prepare. They’re either ready to eat or just require mixing with water, so they’re fast and easy to enjoy even on the go. Some patients feel Optifast is easier at the beginning because the less choices you have, the easier it is to stay on track with your diet. These patients feel the harder part is the transition back to normal foods, since you have more choice in food options and it is harder to reincorporate those choices alongside the product.
In general, patients who like to cook, have many social gatherings surrounding meals, or who do not want to stop eating “normal” foods tend to prefer the Ideal Protein plan. This is less of a lifestyle change, as you are eating Ideal Protein products alongside a more “normal” meal. Ideal Protein is a partial meal replacement plan, which means you eat/drink Ideal Protein products as a main source of nutrition with the addition of one meal, as recommended by your health guide. Ideal Protein allows you to cook one meal (6 ounces of meat or meat substitute and vegetables) per day and has more food product options available to choose from. This allows you to eat more “normal” foods such as bars, shakes, soups, chips, breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals from a selection of over 50 options. Some patients feel Ideal Protein is easier at the end because you never had to completely be off of “normal” food options, so you already know how to stay on track with your diet. These patients feel the harder part of the plan is to stay on track at the beginning, because food moderation is difficult and you continue to eat “normal” foods which does not feel like you are dieting in the first place.
Whichever option you choose, your Healthiness physician, health guide, and dietician are all here to support you as you go through your journey to become a healthier, happier, and better you!