The most common image of Slim Fast is that of a milk shake designed to aid people in their weight loss goals. However, the popular diet brand has expanded its product line to include soups, pastas, protein bars and snacks.
How The Slim Fast Diet Works
According to WebMd.com, Slim Fast products work by the reliable principle of portion control. By controlling the body's intake of fats and starches, and burning off more calories than an individual eats, weight loss will happen.
Slim Fast claims to make monitoring caloric intake easier by offering a variety of 500-calorie meal plans. An example of this balanced meal would include a protein such as poultry, fish or pork, a vegetable such as green beans, carrots or spinach and a starch such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta, according to Slim-Fast.com. The meal is always divided into one fourth protein, one-fourth starch and one-half vegetable. Protein shakes, as well as snack bars, can provide up to 20 percent or more of necessary daily vitamins and minerals, according to the official website.
The plan advises its users to eat six small meals daily, two of which should be Slim Fast products, and one snack. The other meals are left up to the individual's discretion, but meals that include vegetables, proteins and fruits are recommended. Nothing is off limits, so favorite foods can still be on the menu.
The Slim Fast diet plan has some positive benefits. According to WebMd.com, the plan's weight loss goals of losing 10 percent body weight in six months at a rate of one to two pounds per week are the same as those recommended by the government. In addition, the program is easy to follow, emphasizes exercise, drinking water and provides encouragement through online message boards. The official Slim Fast website also provides medical guidelines to assist doctors who have patients following the plan, as well as professional dietitians that are available to answer questions.
Pros and Cons
However, there are also some downsides to following the program. The plan's focus on eating small, balanced portions can result in an average daily caloric intake of 1200 calories, according to SlimFast-Diet.com. While such a small amount can lead to initial weight loss, it is not good for maintaining it for the long term.
The official website states that the plan can produce long-term weight loss lasting for one to five years, so there is some disagreement on the subject. Some who participate in the plan complain of feeling hungry even with eating the prepared meals. Purchasing the plan's products can also be costly, but are not as expensive as similar diet plans such as Jenny Craig and Nutri-System. The biggest con can be not liking the taste of the products. The more the shakes and meals satisfy a person's taste buds, the more likely it is they will stay with the program.
While the shakes, snack bars and portion meal plans, may not be for everyone, the Slim Fast diet has proven to be a safe and effective way of achieving and maintaining weight loss.
Kevin Neil - Kevin Neil is a freelance writer and a graduate of Northwestern State University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in ...
