One way to start your weight loss program is with a few weeks on the Intensive Level, where all 3 meals are replaced with OPTIFAST VLCD products. This will help your body to induce a mild ketosis (fat burning state), and produce fast results that can be motivating for the start of your weight loss journey.
References:
1. Delbridge, E. and J. Proietto, State of the science: VLED (Very Low Energy Diet) for obesity. Asia Pacific Journal Clinical Nutrition, 2006. 15 (Suppl): p. 49-54.
2. Mustajoki, P. and T. Pekkarinen, Very low energy diets in the treatment of obesity. Obesity Reviews, 2001. 2: p. 61-72.
Inducing ketosis with the Intensive Level is an effective way to start your weight loss program
- Designed for rapid, initial, effective weight loss.
- Induces Ketosis.
- Stay on this phase from anywhere up to 12 weeks.
- If, after 12 weeks, you still have significant weight to lose, follow the Transition Phase for a minimum of 2 weeks before repeating the Intensive phase.
- Alternatively, seek advice by a Healthcare Professional on how to stay longer.
You also need to consume the below everyday to ensure a nutritionally balanced diet.
2 Litre Water
1 tsp Vegetable Oil
2 Cups low Starch Vegetables
Additional Food
Additional daily food allowance during the OPTIFAST® VLCD Programme
| ALLOWED | AVOID | |
|---|---|---|
| VEGETABLES All levels - Low Starch and Greens |
ALL LOW STARCH AND GREEN VEGETABLES: ● Alfalfa Sprouts ● Asparagus ● Bean Sprouts ● Bok Choy ● Broccoli ● Brussel Sprouts ● Cabbage ● Capsicum ● Carrots ● Cauliflower ● Celery ● Cucumber ● Eggplant ● Garlic ● French Beans ● Leeks ● Lettuce ● Mushrooms ● Onions ● Radish ● Shallots ● Silver Beet ● Snow Peas ● Spinach ● Squash ● Tomato ● Zucchini |
● Corn ● Green Peas ● Legumes ● Lentils ● Parsnip ● Potato ● Pumpkin ● Sweet Potato ● Turnip |
| FRUIT Active 2 Level onwards only ** (one serve = 50-70 calories) |
● Apple (1 small) ● Lychees (4) ● Plums (2) ● Apricots (2) ● Orange (1) ● Pineapple (2 slices) ● Strawberries (15) ● Cherries (10) ● Passionfruit (4) ● Grapes (1/2 cup) ● Peach (1) ● Prunes (3) ● Pear (1 small) ● Canned fruit in natural juice (120g) |
● Dried Fruit ● Fruit Juice |
| LOW-FAT DAIRY Active 2 Level onwards only ** (one serve = 100 calories) |
● Reduced-fat Hard Cheese (30g) ● Cottage Cheese (1/3 cup) ● Sorbet (1 scoop) ● Low-Fat Milk (250mL) ● Low-Fat Yoghurt (1 small tub ~ 150g) |
● Full-Cream Dairy |
| OTHER All levels |
● Miso and Soups prepared from allowed vegetables listed above ● Sauces and condiments (small amounts) ● Spices and herbs ● Calorie-free fluids (water, tea and diet drinks) |
● Fruit Juice ● Alcohol ● Sugar ● Sweetened Drinks |
IMPORTANT: ** Fruit and low-fat dairy are not allowed during the programme Intensive Level. Vegetables listed in AVOID can be consumed in small quantities
in Levels Active 2, 1 and Maintenance as part of your calorie controlled meal, but not in the Intensive Level.