How Does Slim-Fast Work?

Reduction

Slim-Fast reduces calorie intake by promoting portion control. By replacing a meal with a Slim-Fast the calorie intake should be lowered. Slim-Fast recommends replacing two meals with Slim-Fast bars or shakes. The amount of calories reduced by this plan depends on the number of calories in the replaced meals. A Slim-Fast bar or shake has fewer calories than a regular meal. Weight loss is only possible if the amount of calories ingested in one day is fewer than the amount of calories burned. When the Slim-Fast products are used as specified by the Slim-Fast plan, weight loss should be possible. Slim-Fast recommends that a healthy meal consist of 500 calories; Slim-Fast shakes have around 200 calories. If the dieter substitutes shakes for two meals that should result in 600 fewer calories from his daily caloric intake.

Nutrition

Slim-Fast claims that its bars and shakes have as much nutritional value as a meal. A Slim-Fast Meal On-the-Go Shake has one-third of the daily nutritional need of an average person. Since Slim-Fast is milk-based it has a certain amount of protein (protein amount varies depending on product). The protein and fiber in Slim-Fast are supposed to keep a dieter full for four hours. As long as the dieter is choosing healthy eating options for his or her other meals, substituting meals for Slim-Fast shakes can be an easy weight-loss plan for some.

Effectiveness

According to Slim-Fast a dieter can lose 10 percent of his or her body weight in the first six months of use. For Slim-Fast products to function as they should, the dieter needs to adhere to the Slim-Fast diet plan. Slim-Fast also recommends adding exercise to the diet regimen. If the dieter follows the plan and ingests 600 calories less per day and exercises on top of that, weight loss should continue. The dieter should be careful to not overeat during his non-Slim-Fast meals. If the dieter takes in more calories than is recommended during other meals weight loss may not occur. The Slim-Fast website offers tools to guide the dieter through her weight-loss goals. Before starting any diet everyone should check with their physician to make sure that it will not be detrimental to their health.