OPTIFAST OASIS WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM- ONE REASON WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN!
19/4/2008
COURTESY OF THE OPTIFAST OASIS PROGRAM
What is
Optifast VLCDTM?
The Optifast program is a clinically proven, very low calorie diet
recommended for the dietary management of obesity. It has been
widely researched and successfully and safely used worldwide by
millions of patients since 1974.
How does it work?
Optifast is incredibly simple. All food is replaced with the
Optifast products, which are designed to restrict energy intake,
whilst still maintaining healthy nutrition. Reducing calorie
(energy) intake to below 800 calories (3448kJ) per day means the
body starts to draw energy from its own fat stores instead of from
food. Research has shown that very low calorie diets produce
greater initial weight loss than other diets (9-26kg over 4-20
weeks).
What is involved?
In the early stages, Optifast is designed to totally replace normal
food intake. As you start to lose weight, normal meals are then
gradually re-introduced. There are 11
products in our range and each of which contains
carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and high quality protein
(which helps preserve lean body mass). Each product contains all
the daily nutrients, minerals and trace elements the body needs on
a daily basis.
There are four stages to the Optifast program and your health
professional can advise which is the most appropriate phase of the
program for your individual weight loss needs:
Intensive Phase
During this initial phase, Optifast replaces ALL meals and must be
taken in combination with 2 cups of low-starch, green
vegetables and 2 litres of water per day.Click
here to see a list of allowed low starch vegetables.
Transition Phase
One low calorie meal (approximately 300-350 calories) is introduced,
in combination with 2 cups of low starch vegetables, 2 serves
of fruit, 1 serve of dairy (see Allowed Foods List) and 2
litres of water per day.
Maintenance Phase
Once this phase is reached, Optifast
replaces just ONE meal a day in combination with two low
calorie meal (approximately 300-350 calories each), 2 cups of
low starch vegetables, 2 serves of fruit, 1 serve of dairy
(see Allowed Foods List) and 2 litres of water per day.
Stabilisation Phase
Once weight loss goals have been achieved, you should be at a stage
where you no longer require Optifast and you are eating
healthy, low calorie meals. However, it is vital to maintain
weight loss by ensuring calorie intake is restricted to less
than about 1500 calories per day. Your health professional may
advise you to use Optifast intermittently if you go above your
healthy goal weight.
How is it taken?
Optifast comes in bar, shake and soup
formats, in individual portions. To make up a sachet, simply add
the contents to cold or hot water - then stir or shake. In
addition to the sachets, its important to drink two litres of
calorie-free fluid, preferably water, and eat two cups of low
starch vegetables every day. Its also important to start a program
of light exercise increasing to moderate intensity (e.g. brisk
walking) as weight loss accelerates. Before commencing any
exercise program, it is important that you discuss this with your
health professional.
What other foods can be eaten on the program?
The following table outlines the
particular foods that can be included while using Optifast
Additional allowances
Allowed
Avoid
Fruit* and Dairy serves for Transition Phase onwards.
A serve of fruit should contain around 50-70 calories and
10-15g of carbohydrate. A serve of fruit could be one of: 200g
strawberries, 4 lychees, 2 apricots, 200g cooked rhubarb, 2
slices pineapple, 2-3 passion fruit, 100g grapes, 1 small
apple, 10 cherries,1 small orange, 1 peach, 1 small pear, 120g
pear in natural juice, 120g plums or 3 prunes.A serve of dairy
should have around 100 calories. A serve of dairy could be:
one 250ml glass low fat milk, 40g low fat cheese, 1 scoop of
light ice-cream or a 200g tub low fat yoghurt.
Calorie free fluids (at least 2 litres extra per day)
water, tea, diet soft drink
diet cordial, mineral water
fruit juice, alcohol
* Fruit is permitted only during
the Transition, Maintenance and Stabilisation Phases of the program.
Fruit is not allowed during the intensive phase of the program due
to its carbohydrate content.
What support is included?
Anyone using Optifast, or any health
professional who recommends it to patients, can register for the
Oasis support program. This unique program is completely free, and
includes:
24/7 information at your fingertips.
Sound, expert weight loss advice, tailored to the program.
Fact sheets with weight loss tips.
Product updates and promotions.
Weight loss progress charts.
Delicious recipe ideas.
Menu planners and exercise guidelines.
Opportunities to share your success stories with others.
