Wednesday, December 31, 2008

5 Questions To Ask Before Starting Any Meal Replacement Diet

By Dorthy Weatherbush

Before undertaking a meal replacement program, you should ask some simple but very important questions. Protect your health and your pocketbook by asking the following five questions:

1. How effective is the program? The first question on your list should obviously be does the program you are going to be doing actually work. Ultimately, your goal in beginning any diet is to lose weight and stay fit. Stay away from programs that do not prove their effectiveness or do not provide guidance and support. Any program that cannot provide examples of successful customers probably doesn't have any. Therefore, you should look elsewhere.

2. Is there any professional supervision? Proper medical supervision should always be considered when undertaking a meal replacement program. As with any weight loss program, and especially a meal replacement program, medical evaluation and emotional support are crucial. If you are spending your time and money in a program, the program should in return offer professional guidance by qualified professionals.

3. What sort of continuous maintenance support do you offer? Losing weight is just the first step. It is only the beginning of a lifelong journey to having a healthy lifestyle and healthy dietary habits. In order to stay on track, you are going to need help. Pick programs that help you stay motivated and connected with continuous support, and that offer help in the event that you should start to regain any weight.

4. How much does the program cost? The key to this question is not that you should choose a "cheap" program, but rather that you should choose a program that gives you your money's worth. You might pay thousands of dollars for food, enrollment fees, and other hidden fees for a badly designed regimen with poor nutrition, and little training and support. Conversely, a program that costs less than a typical person's monthly grocery bill can be highly effective. Sign up for the best available program that fits within your budget.

5. Are there any hidden fees, and do you offer refunds? A true mark of confidence is a weight loss program that offers a money back guarantee. A program that has confidence in its effectiveness and the competence of its support staff will offer your money back if you follow the program and don't get any results. Watch out for hidden fees like additional consultation and supplement fees. Reputable weight loss programs will tell you upfront how much you can expect the program to cost and what you will be paying for.

When considering all of these factors, Medifast stands out against all the rest. Medifast is proven and effective and is backed by qualified medical support. They can help connect you with a physician that is familiar with the program. In addition the cost of the program is affordable - it costs less than what the average person usually spends on groceries each month. Unused and unopened products can be returned for a full refund within 30 days. Help and support is offered online and in person at various Medifast centers across the country. Like many others, discover how Medifast can help you on your journey to weight loss. - 15343

About the Author: