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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Is it alright for me to have 2 meal replacement milkshakes then 1 portioned meal of what ever I want?

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    Nutrition
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    Thanks

    Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Absolutely not! I say this as it doesn't teach you how to prepare and cook healthy meals that will help you to lose weight. In general, meal replacement programs are designed to help you lose weight rapidly which many people find attractive, but, are you really losing the weight you want to lose?

    The answer is no. Plans that cause rapid weight loss will generally strip your body of water and muscle mass as the body goes into starvation mode. This will lower your metabolism as we know that people with more lean muscle mass have higher metabolisms. Over time this will make it harder to lose weight long-term.

    I would suggest (if you haven't already) seek the expert advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) who can help you make long-term diet and lifestyle changes to help you lose weight for good. You can find an APD at the Dietitians Assocation of Australias website (www.daa.asn.au)

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  • Gwenny

    HealthShare Member

    Hi Chris, 
               I fully understand what you are telling me but I need to lose some weight fast due to medical reasons.  I am 65kgs overweight and my legs are in serious state. I am having 2 optifast milk shakes a day then 1 small meal evening just until I lose approx 20kgs then I promise to eat healthy as you recommend . 
    Thankyou for your expert advice xx

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  • Chris Fonda

    Dietitian, Nutritionist, Sports Dietitian

    As an Accredited Sports Dietitian, APD and athlete (springboard diver), Chris has both professional and personal experience in sport at the sub-elite and elite level.Chris … View Profile

    Hi Gwenny,

    I took your 1 portioned meal of what ever you wanted as maybe something like a high fat, sugar, salt takeaway meal instead of a healthy meal (a bit presumptuous of me). I do understand your position and it must be incredibly uncomfortable for you. The optifast meal replacement shakes will help you in the short term. You may still like to see a dietitian whilst on optifast to make sure you are getting enough nutrients and not missing out on anything. Good luck with everything

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  • Gwenny

    HealthShare Member

    Hi Chris,
    I want to thank you again for your advice and genuine help. I promise I will do as you ask .
    Thanks again xxx Gwenny
     

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  • Joanna Baker

    Nutritionist, Registered Nurse

    Everyday Nutrition founder Joanna Baker has been working in healthcare for 2o years. As an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and a Registered Nurse, she has seen … View Profile

    Hi Gwenny

    Losing weight safely and long term is a challenging prospect. It takes determination and committment to a long term healthy lifestyle.

    I agree with Chris in that shakes are not a long term solution, for all the reasons he has mentioned. One of the main reasons they don't support long term weight management is that it isn't realistic to eat like this for the rest of oyur life and if you go back to your old lifestyle the weight will come back.

    They can however supply you with appropriate nutrients and help shift weight quickly in the short term. I would recommend this approach under the close supervision of dietitian (see the DAA website for one in oyur area). They ensure your evening meal is well balanced and guide you through the re-introduction of normal eating when the time is right, hopefully setting up some new healthy habits.

    Good luck

    Joanna
    BHSc. divI RN. Gad Cert. human nutr.

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