Medifast 5 & 1 Plan Explanation & FAQ

I have received several questions about the Medifast program which I have already answered individually, but thought others may have similar questions.


What is the Medifast 5 & 1 plan?

Basically, you enjoy five Medifast meals and then prepare one “lean and green” meal that consists of a lean protein and 3 non-starchy vegetables (don’t worry about guess work, Medifast has a handy guide that outlines everything for you).

You eat once every 2-3 hours, which equals 6 times per day. The plan puts your body in a mild fat-burning state which allows you to lose weight quickly and safely without taking weight-loss drugs or missing out on nutrition. Also, you must drink 64+ ounces of water per day.

Do I have to eat bars and shakes all day long?

Medifast is NOT just bars and shakes, there are over 70 different foods and flavors to choose from. Now, if you ONLY want to use bars and shakes for your 5 Medifast meals each day, then you can go that route. But, you’d be missing out on hot brownies, soups, puddings, soft serve, cookies, pretzel bites, pancakes, etc.! 🙂

How does the food taste?

I received a wide range of foods to try, some I like and a few I won’t select going forward. But, I have learned to use Medifast food packets in recipes as well as tricks that make certain foods taste more enjoyable (for instance, soaking soups several hours prior to eating). I plan on sharing a list of the foods I like/dislike and various tips in a future post once I have the opportunity to try more.

The food is not bad at all, it definitely exceeded my expectations! I definitely have favorites I will be reordering. Plus, I have adjusted to the foods and look forward to eating or drinking my meals throughout the day. Since there is a variety of foods and textures, I am not opting for the same foods over and over.

Do I have to count calories, points, and/or carbs?

Not at all! Medifast is a simple plan to follow with no guesswork!

Is there a resource to keep you organized while on Medifast?

Yes! There is a site called MyMedifast where you log all your meals, exercise, measurements, weight loss, and connect with others on the program. It is a wonderful resource that I use frequently to stay organized.

I am a busy person, is Medifast a lot of work?

Not at all. The meals are portable and are either ready to eat right out of the package or mix easily with water. It is a convenient weight-loss plan for those with busy lifestyles. Your lean and green meal can be prepared at home or you can order it in a restaurant (just follow the Medifast guidelines if you are going out to eat).

How much does Medifast cost?

The cost for 5 Medifast meals is about $11 per day. We have noticed our grocery bill has decreased as a result of me using Medifast.

Make sure to take advantage of my special offer below to receive 28 free meals!

Medifast recently introduced a new customer savings program. If you use my coupon code, UNEMPMOM56, and sign up for Medifast Advantage when you order $250+, you’ll receive 56 free Medifast Meals and free shipping! Medifast Advantage has a lot of perks, including free customizable meals and a free BlenderBottle® with minimum purchase.

Here are the details: For your first order of $250+, use my code, and enroll in Medifast Advantage to receive 28 free meals. Do the same on your next order and you’ll receive ANOTHER 28 free meals! This offer is only valid if you enroll in Medifast Advantage, and it’s limited to one per customer. It’s not valid with prior purchases, any other promotions or discounts, or for Medifast Ready-to-Drink Shakes. Check out Medifast’s website for complete details on program and discounts.

Does Medifast work?

YES, if you stick to the plan! You can read the success stories on the website and I also encourage you to check out my two blogging buddies, both have had amazing success with Medifast!

  • Stephanie at Goober Monkey – she has kept her weight off successfully for a year!
  • Kelly at The Turnip Farmer – has lost 75 lbs on Medifast and is almost at her goal weight!

You can also follow the progress of these bloggers who also started the Medifast 5&1 program at the beginning of 2012:

Does Medifast have a maintenance program that will help me keep the weight off once I achieve my goal?

YES! Since I am in the weight loss phase, here is information straight from the Medifast website about transitioning into maintenance.

“Up to 85% of people who lose weight on diets regain that weight within a year, often with additional pounds. To counteract this trend, Medifast supports you with a new, comprehensive, multi-focal approach to prevent weight regain once you have reached your healthy weight goal. As you transition out of the Medifast 5 & 1 Plan over several weeks, you’ll gradually reintroduce additional healthy foods and increase your calories to meet your body’s individual calorie requirement for weight maintenance. The Maintenance Plan uses sound principles of proper nutrition and portion control to “retrain” your brain and body to be satisfied with appropriate portions of healthy food choices. That way, you can enjoy the benefits of a healthy weight and improved well-being for months, years – or forever!”

If you have any plan questions, leave a comment here or send me an email! 

 

Disclosure: I receive free product in order to evaluate and comment on my experiences on the MedifastProgram. Medifast products and the Medifast Program are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any medical improvements noted while on the program are related to weight loss in general, and not to Medifast products or programs. 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.