Losing Weight the Slim Fast Way
Slim Fast has a prominent place in the weight loss market, and its longevity in the marketplace speaks for its popularity. Initially, the product sold as a liquid in cans or as a powder to reconstitute with skim milk. The Slim Fast diet consisted of one daily low-fat meal and two other meals requiring a single six-ounce serving of their drink.
Unilever
owns the line of Slim Fast products since the year 2000. Thompson Medical
Co. created the trade name in 1977, but Unilever developed the variety
of products available on the market today. The Company is dedicated to
improving their products and continues to develop new ones. They claim
their shakes and bars can control hunger for up to four hours.
Slim Fast has introduced the 3-2-1 Plan as an easy and delicious way to
lose weight quickly. The small print boasts that followers can lose 1-2
pounds per week.
The 3-2-1 Plan
The numbers 3-2-1 represent the Slim Fast method of losing weight, which
entails eating throughout the day.
Three is the number of snacks allowed per day, each one being no more than 100 calories. You may eat nuts, fruits, veggies or their 100 calorie snack bar.
Two is the number of Slim Fast products required to replace one meal a day. Replace breakfast, lunch or dinner with a choice of their shakes or meal bars.
One is the number representing the daily well-balanced 500 calorie meal, which should be made from their tested kitchen recipes and enjoyed at home.
Managing your Weight
The Slim Fast website includes a complete daily plan, detailing the program’s
“four keys to success”. Here is a summary:
- A personalized, balanced diet that allows you to mix and match your favorite foods with their products.
- An activity program that is individualized just for you.
- Free professional advice and support from dieticians and weight loss advisors.
- The tracking of food intake and physical activity for a successful outcome.
According to their website, Slim Fast products are the world’s most clinically-tested weight management foods, boasting over 30 published studies. Their research indicates that there are six factors in losing weight and keeping it off:
- Adopting the right mindset
- Adhering to a reduced calorie diet
- Doing physical activity
- Tracking successful progress
- A support system
- Stress management
Pros and Cons
Many dieters praise the benefits of losing weight the Slim Fast way. Planning
their daily intake of food is simple and easy. There is no need to weigh
or measure, or order expensive foods. Products are obtainable in most
grocery stores and pharmacies. Support is available 24 hours a day and
the products are relatively tasty.
However, critics claim that their food products contain unhealthful chemicals. Moreover, their undeniable sweetness is often the downfall of individuals who have difficulty controlling their cravings for sweets; consequently, many typically consume more of the products than that recommended by the plan. Their shakes and bars do not contain valuable fiber, a substance that is not only healthy for the body, but also provides the sense of fullness so necessary to the diet process. Lastly, the Slim Fast diet might not contain enough calories for dieting safely.
Whatever diet you choose, keep in mind the following golden rule: reduce calories by substituting for healthy foods and increase your physical activity. But more important, consult a physician before adopting a diet plan.