Take Shape for Life is a program structured with coaches and health professionals that are devoted to helping you reach your optimal health and weight. Physicians have been using Medifast since the 1980s to help their patients reach healthier weights. Take Shape for Life partners with Medifast to supply an easy, quick, healthy, and proven way to lose weight. Medifast provides the fuel, and Take Shape for Life provides the coaching & support structure necessary to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
The first phase consists of you reaching a healthy BMI, we call it the 5-1. Each day you will choose 5 Medifast Meals. You will eat one every 2-3 hours to keep your body full, control your glycemic levels, and keep your metabolism going. There are approximately 70 different Medifast Meals to choose from & many are portable, so it is even easy for the busiest lifestyle.
You will also choose 1 lean and green meal that you will prepare once a day, at whatever time works for you. The "lean" consists of 5-7 ounces of lean protein & the "green" is three servings of low-glycemic vegetables. Depending on your choice of protein, a healthy fat will be added to keep you full & satisfied & let your body know that it's okay to loose some of the stored stuff :). You can eat out too, several restaurants have healthy choices that work on the 5-1 plan.
After reaching your healthy BMI, the Take Shape for Life first phase is over, & I will help you through the transition phase where you will add healthy fruit, veggies, and protein, and then into the maintenance phase where you will be able to make healthy & good choices that help you maintain your new healthy weight.
How much does it cost?
This is probably my most frequently asked question as a coach. And, the answer is good news! The coaching & support you receive is free :)! While on the weight-loss part of the Take Shape for Life program you will only be paying for your Medifast meals, this will cost you approximately 11 dollars a day for the full 5-1 program. When joining the BeSlim club you will receive 28 free meals with your first 2 months orders, as well as free shipping for the duration of the program (with orders over 150). Keep in mind that your current food will be replaced with these meals, except your once a day lean & green meal, so the program is usually "cost neutral," meaning many don't notice a difference in monthly food costs (some pay a little more & some even end up saving money)! After you have reached your goal I will help you transition into a maintenance phase, where you will continue to get support & light coaching (if you wish) while choosing healthy options at your grocery store :), this part again, is free :).
Will I need to exercise?
This part is one of the best parts of the program. For the first few weeks you will not need any exercise, then as you start to loose the extra weight and feel amazing, you can start to slowly add exercise that is easy for you...like walking or other light exercise. Once you are closer to your goal weight Dr. Andersen's book (& I) can help guide you to an exercise program that is easy & fits best with your life. Exercise is great for your body, but if overweight, it can also harm it. Once you have less fat on your body, exercise will be more enjoyable & effective. I love exercise & before having my kids I would exercise daily...like the 2 hour a day, really pushing yourself stuff :)...I still love to workout, but after having baby #4 I have not been able to get to the gym. This program is the only way I was able to reach my goal weight & not have to work out for long periods of time, It has freed up my valuable time with my children & now my workouts consist of running around with them :).
What benefits other than weight loss does Take Shape For Life have?
There are so many that it's hard to write them all in such a short space! It is amazing how much of our health and lives revolve around weight. The programs helps with health issues as simple as better sleep and lower stress, to those more serious such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, light depression, and high cholesterol. Although we cannot guarantee that you will not have to continue to take medication for health problems, most clients following the problem use a significantly lower amount of medication & some no longer rely on any. Dr. Andersen states..."As a result (of following this program), their blood sugar, cholestrol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and hs-CRP will decrease significantly. Diabetics should lower their hypoglycemic medications and increase blood sugar monitoring as they begin this new eating pattern to avoid hypoglycemia." The long term medical benefits alone may end up saving you thousands of dollars in medical expenses later!
How do the meals taste? What if I don't like them?
Some clients love the food right from the beginning & others take a few days. Our bodies are so used to eating foods that are full of starch, sugar, and salt, that sometimes it takes a few days for our bodies to get used to the new flavors. I didn't ever have a problem with the food & like almost everything that I've tried. After being on the program I have found that I love foods that I didn't before & food is more flavorful now.
How can I still eat with my family while on Take Shape For Life?
As a busy mother of 4 little ones, this is a part of the program that I love. The lean & green portion of the program allows me to cook a dinner that works for me and my family. You will still be able to sit down with the family and eat the same dinner as they are...I usually add some healthy carbs. for the kiddos. Most of the recipes are even more kid friendly than my previous dinners!
What about restaurants? I love to eat out, am I still able to?
Yes! Take Shape for Life has a dine out guide that will help guide you to make healthy decisions for your lean & green meal. Although most restaurants have choices that will work for your lean and green meal, some are definitely more friendly than others & I will give you the guide as well as a list of my favorites when you sign up.
What if I have a hard time sticking to things? What is the support offered?
The first few days that you are on the program are the most difficult & I will contact you daily to make sure that you are doing well & give you tips & suggestions to help you along. After that we will have a weekly celebration check up, where I record your weight & inch loss. I am always available for quick question answering too :). I also know that each person is different & needs/wants a different level of support. I will accommodate your wishes & help you as much or as little as you would like.
Take Shape also has a great support system of doctors and nurses that you can call for any medical questions. We also have Facebook groups and webinars to help you through rough bumps along the way.
Dr. Andersen has written two books: Dr. A's Habits of Health, and Discover your Optimal Health. These books have valuable information on how to reach your goals and maintain your weight & health throughout your life.
What makes Take Shape for Life different than other health and diet programs?
Take Shape for Life is a program that focuses on life-long health. It is not a program that helps you loose weight and then lets you go back to your old habits. TSFL educates you about healthy eating habits & guides you through the process of first reaching a healthy weight, adding exercise & movement, and then transitioning you to a state of maintenance where you can maintain your healthy weight throughout your life & reach optimal health.
Does this program work for teens or seniors?
Yes! However there are specific simple modifications involved. Ask me for more information :)
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