Do you remember your mum or auntie doing SlimFast when you were younger? You may remember them drinking shakes and not much else, as there wasn’t much to choose from. Have you tried it in the past but found it limiting? I once tried it and the only flavour shake I liked was vanilla; having that twice a day and then an evening meal didn’t last long. Now they have much more variety, I would last a little longer!
Over the years, the brand has moved with the times and has introduced various products and flavours, meaning users of the plan can have more choice over the products they purchase and eat.
In this blog post, I will tell you how SlimFast works, its pros and cons and where SlimFast products can be purchased.
What Is the SlimFast Diet?
The SlimFast diet is a well-known weight loss plan that involves replacing two daily meals with SlimFast shakes or bars, enjoying a balanced meal for the third, and incorporating three snacks in between. The plan promises to help you shed those extra pounds by managing your calorie intake while offering balanced nutrition.
This concept was created back in 1977 by S. Daniel Abraham, an American businessman, to provide a convenient and straightforward way for people to manage their weight effectively.
How Does the SlimFast Diet Work?
The SlimFast diet follows a straightforward principle: swap two daily meals (typically breakfast and lunch) with SlimFast shakes or meal bars and eat a balanced 500-calorie meal for the third. You can also indulge in three 100-calorie snacks throughout the day. This calorie-controlled approach helps you establish the necessary calorie deficit for weight loss.
SlimFast offers a range of meal replacement products, including shakes – both in powdered and premade form, meal bars, and snacks. These products are designed to keep you feeling satisfied and energised throughout the day.
Meal Replacements
You swap two of your daily meals, usually breakfast and lunch, with either SlimFast shakes or meal bars.
Sensible Dinner
For your third meal, you should eat a sensible and balanced dinner. Think lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains. SlimFast even offers guidelines and recipe ideas to make healthier choices easier. The recipes on my site are all healthy and balanced so these should also fit well into the Slim Fast diet.
Snacks
Between meals, you can enjoy SlimFast snacks or opt for fresh fruits and vegetables. This helps curb hunger and prevent overindulging during main meals.
Exercise
While exercise isn’t a mandatory part of the SlimFast Diet, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help with your weight loss results and overall health.
How Much Does the SlimFast Diet Cost?
The cost of SlimFast varies depending on the products you choose and where you purchase. On average, a week’s supply of SlimFast shakes, meal bars, and snacks can range from £20 to £35.
It can be more or less if you buy tins of powder rather than the premade drinks and choose Non-SlimFast branded snacks over the SlimFast ones.
Your evening meal ingredients will also add to the overall cost, but you can probably offset this cost, especially if you are making the same meal for the rest of your household.
That being said, SlimFast can be a more cost-effective option than other weight loss plans involving membership fees, specific foods, or subscription-based meal plans.
The Pros and Cons of Slim Fast
SlimFast, like any weight loss plan/method, has pros and cons. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experiences are individual, and no two people will get the same results.
The pros
Convenience – SlimFast offers an easy way to manage portion sizes and calorie intake. The products are user-friendly and require minimal preparation.
Structure – SlimFast is a reasonably well-planned diet; it has clear guidelines on when to eat but gives you the choice of a shake or meal bar (you can also choose which flavour you have). This may be advantageous for people who want to lose weight gradually.
Calorie Control – SlimFast products are calorie-counted and portion-controlled, which might be useful for those who struggle with portion control
Nutrition – SlimFast products are formulated to provide essential vitamins and minerals, preventing nutrient deficiencies during weight loss.
Variety – The SlimFast product line includes a range of flavours and options, including shakes, meal bars, and snacks, which can prevent monotony and make the diet more sustainable.
The cons
Limited Food Variety – SlimFast primarily relies on shakes and bars, and while there is a variety of flavours, it can become monotonous over time and make long-term following challenging.
Not Long-Term Sustainable – While SlimFast can be successful for quick weight loss, it might not be a long-term sustainable solution for maintaining a healthy weight.
Nutrient Gaps – Relying solely on SlimFast products can result in nutrient gaps, as whole foods are generally more nutritionally dense. It’s important to incorporate balanced meals when using SlimFast.
Cost – SlimFast products can be pricier than regular food and meals.
Artificial Ingredients – Some SlimFast products may contain artificial flavours, sweeteners, and preservatives, which some people prefer to avoid.
Potential for Overeating – Reliance on meal replacement products may fail to establish sensible eating habits and portion management over time, which could result in overeating once you stop using SlimFast.
Potential Side Effects – Some people who use meal replacement products might suffer side effects such as wind, bloating, or diarrhoea.
Where Can You Buy SlimFast Products?
You can purchase SlimFast shakes, ready-made shakes, meal bars, or snacks from your local supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailers like Amazon and the official SlimFast website. Different retailers may have offers available, and they may also sell certain limited-edition products. So make sure you shop around to get the best deals and variety.
In conclusion, while SlimFast can be useful to help you lose weight and reach short-term weight loss goals, if you’ve not used the products before, always speak with a healthcare provider before starting or changing what you eat. They can provide you with advice and recommendations that will cater to your health needs and goals.
