The Slim Fast Diet

For over 30 years, the Slim Fast eating plan has been shown as a healthy, effective weight loss strategy in over 30 published clinical studies. Slim Fast makes eating predictable and easy so that dieters can easily reach for foods that work for them, without the temptations of many other eating plans.

The Plan

The cornerstone of the Slim Fast diet uses meal replacement products for breakfast and lunch along with a "Sensible Meal" to keep dieters satisfied. Slim Fast diet supplements include high protein, nutrient rich shakes and meal bars.

Meal Replacement Shakes and Bars

The trademark replacement shakes and bars carry approximately one-third of average daily nutrition, and range in fiber from 2 grams to 5 grams in each serving. Meal replacements are designed to be eaten anywhere, which fits busy lifestyles and can be attractive to dieters who do not enjoy cooking or do not want to have to do a lot of preplanning to stay on track.

The Sensible Meal

The Slim Fast Sensible Meal includes the following portions on a plate-sized scale:

• 1/2 veggies,
• 1/4 lean protein,
• 1/4 whole grain starch,
• side salad, and
• fruit or fruit salad.

Combining and Snacking

At lunch, Slim Fast dieters may add up to 200 calories of their own food in combination with the meal replacement shake or bar. There are no explicit restrictions on the types of calories dieters can add, although Slim Fast promotes nutrient rich selections.

The Critics Say

The Slim Fast diet draws criticism for not offering variety. When dieters become bored with monotonous meals and a slim selection of foods, they often rebel and eat more of the wrong types of food, regaining any previously shed pounds.