So, we have already discussed the damaging effects of Atkins, SlimFast, and Nutrisystem, and today we are going to talk a little bit about Medifast. Please remember that I am not criticizing anyone who decides to use this weight-loss method or who have found it to work for them. On the other hand, I believe that you deserve to know how these weight-loss strategies can effect your body, long-term.
Medifast
This weight-loss program offers much of the same benefits as the others we have read about. Medifast encourages that you continue to use their products long-term as lifelong maintenance. This made me a little wary because your body is not being encouraged to work on its own with whatever food you choose to eat. Usually these weight-loss snacks and meal plans allow you to wean off of them. Your body should be able to work on its own to burn calories, lose weight, or build muscle without constant assistance from "false" foods and ingredients.
Cookie Dough Chewy Bar
Soy protein isolate (highly processed and can cause allergic reactions, thyroid problems and dementia)
Find out more: Wellness Today
Whey protein isolate (highly processed and can cause allergic reactions. It can also contain trace amounts of harmful toxins/heavy metals)
Find out more: LiveStrong
Fractionated palm kernel oil (a saturated [bad] fat that is basically hydrogenated)
Fructose (unless naturally derived from eating a fruit, the chemical version can be poisonous and cause obesity)
Find out more: IIBFY
Canola oil (this oil is usually refined and is high in omega-6 which is highly susceptible to oxidation. This makes it reactive and damaging to the body, both brain and heart)
Find out more: A Dancer's Diary
Sucralose (basically Splenda, this no-calorie sweetener can reduce healthy gut bacteria, releases toxins and can alter your body's natural responses. It has been linked to cancers as well as inflammatory bowel disease)
Find out more: Prevention
Caramel Crunch Bar
Soy protein isolate
Polydextrose (a chemically produced form of false fiber)
Find out more: Slate
Maltitol syrup (can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and digestive issues)
Artificial flavor (chemicals)
Find out more: Naturally Savvy
Milk protein isolate (reacts similarly to whey protein isolate)
Fractionated palm kernel oil
Maltodextrine (a treated starch, it can cause a spike in blood sugar similar to real sugar and any excess not used by the body can be stored as fat)
Find out more: Fitness for Travel
Sucralose
Dextrose (is made of GMO corn and works exactly the same as sugar for example, it raises the blood sugar levels and acts as an empty calorie)
Find out more: Live Strong
Carrageenan (an indigestible thickener that is destructive to the digestive system and causes inflammation. It can also cause cancer)
Find out more: Wellness Mama
Caramel Nut Maintenance Bar
Soy protein isolate
Maltitol syrup
Fractionated palm kernel oil
Calcium caseinate (this protein is separated so many times that it breaks down the natural and healthy effects of whole proteins)
Find out more: Mercola
Whey protein isolate
Ferric othophosphate (banned in Europe because it is artificial and is used in fertilizer and insect killer)
Dl-alpha tocoperol acetate (an artificial, carcinogenic form of vitamin E that can cause skin irritation, allergies, UV sensitivity, and tumor formation)
D-calcium pantothenate (can cause hair loss, acne, exhaustion, diarrhea, nausea, anemia, and infection)
Hydrogenated palm oil
Canola oil
Carrageenan
Maltodextrin
Polydextrose
Artificial flavors
Sucralose
Mannitol (this sweetener has side effects including angina, congestive heart failure, convulsions, fluid/electrolyte imbalance, and can cause severe pulmonary edema and intracranial bleeding)
I didn't have the heart to go through more of their products. Every food item that Medifast sells has the same ingredients. All I kept thinking was that if these people are eating these meals and snacks on a regular basis, they are damaging their bodies more than they know just to lose weight. Every single ingredients mentioned is so destructive that Medifast should NEVER be allowed to lie and say that their program is safe.
I'm appalled at these ingredients and the side effects! How are they able to get away with selling such disgraceful products? I feel so sad for the people who are putting their trust in these companies and are losing weight but also losing their health.
I hope that this information has helped you decide on your own weight-loss journey. There is a better way to lose weight than relying on these programs that we've discussed. If you would like more information on healthy choices for weight-loss, please contact me at amanda.howard@live.com. I am a Personal Fitness Trainer/Health Specialist that works with clients to build a weight-loss program through both fitness and nutrition. I would love to help you along on your journey to repairing your body and helping it work for itself to lose weight and get you healthier.
Best of luck on your journey!
Until next time,
Amanda
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