What Exactly is a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD)?
A VLCD is a rapid weight loss program that dramatically reduces your daily calorie intake, typically to around 800 calories per day, significantly lower than most diets’ average daily calorie intake. The primary goal of a VLCD is to induce rapid weight loss by creating a substantial calorie deficit.
Who Are VLCD Diets Recommended For?
VLCDs are often recommended for people who need rapid weight loss or people with specific medical conditions. These diets are generally recommended for the following reasons:
Obesity
VLCDs are recommended for people with a high body mass index (BMI) who need to lose a significant amount of weight quickly, especially if they have obesity-related health issues.
Morbid Obesity
People with morbid obesity, for whom excess weight poses significant health risks, may consider VLCDs if other weight loss methods have proven ineffective.
Specific Medical Conditions
VLCDs may be recommended for people with certain medical conditions, like obesity-related type 2 diabetes. For these conditions, VLCDs are usually administered under medical supervision.
Bariatric Surgery
VLCDs are recommended before bariatric surgery to shrink abdominal size and to facilitate safer and more successful surgery. This may also help with postoperative recovery and reduce any potential complications.
Weight Loss for Special Events
VLCD Meals can also be effective for short-term, rapid weight loss when there’s a need to prepare for specific events, athletic competitions, weddings or social functions.
**VLCDs should only be undertaken under the guidance and supervision of healthcare professionals. These diets can have potential health risks and are not suitable for everyone. Individuals considering a VLCD should consult their healthcare provider to determine if it’s safe and appropriate for their situation.
How Do Optislim VLCD Meal Replacements Work?
Optislim’s VLCD meal replacements provide a low-calorie alternative to regular meals. These meal replacements are formulated to contain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs while keeping the calorie count low. By replacing one or two meals daily with Optislim’s VLCD shakes or bars, you can easily manage your calorie intake and create a calorie deficit, leading to weight loss.
10 Benefits of a Very Low-Calorie Diet
Following a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) can have many benefits. Here are ten direct benefits of following a VLCD:
1. Rapid Weight Loss
VLCDs can lead to quick and significant weight loss, which can prove a great motivator if you are trying to lose weight. Often, seeing fast results is an encouragement to keep going with the weight loss plan.
2. Reduction in Risk of Obesity-Related Health Conditions
Weight loss through a VLCD can reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
3. Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
VLCDs may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.
4. Reduced Joint Pain
Weight loss can result in alleviating joint pain and improving mobility.
5. Lower Blood Pressure
VLCDs can lead to a decrease in blood pressure, reducing the risk of hypertension.
6. Improved Metabolic Rate & Increased Energy
VLCDs can help metabolic rate, increasing calorie burning and improving energy.
7. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Rapid weight loss lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can improve your cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease.
8. Increased Self-Confidence
Successful weight loss on a VLCD can boost your self-esteem and mental health.
9. Kickstart to Healthier Lifestyle
Quick initial results achieved through a VLCD can serve as motivation to stay with a weight loss program and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
10. Improved Sleep
Weight loss from a VLCD can lead to better sleep quality and reduced sleep apnea symptoms.
What are Macronutrients (Macros) and Their Connection with Weight Loss?
Macronutrients are the essential nutrients that comprise the bulk of our daily calorie intake. There are three primary macronutrients:
1. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. They include sugars, starches, and fibre and are found in foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
2. Proteins
Proteins are essential for the growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues in your body. They are found in meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and legumes.
3. Fats
Not all fats are bad. In fact, good fats are an energy source and are necessary for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). They are found in foods like oils, nuts, seeds, and fatty cuts of meat.
Balancing the intake of these macronutrients is important for overall health and well-being, and it can vary based on individual dietary needs and goals.
Why Macros Are Essential for Weight Loss
Macronutrients are important in a VLCD (Very Low-Calorie Diet) because they provide essential nutrients and energy for vital bodily functions, even when calorie intake is severely restricted. Protein, fats, and carbohydrates are crucial in maintaining health, muscle mass, and overall well-being during a VLCD.
Balanced VLCD macros are crucial for meeting your body’s nutritional needs, and Optislim’s program offers meal replacement shakes with the ideal macros to support weight loss while ensuring adequate nutrition.
Which VLCD Diet is the Best?
Optislim’s VLCD Formulation for Weight Loss
Optislim ticks all the boxes when it comes to weight loss. An Optislim diet plan is scientifically formulated to be low in carbohydrates, promoting ketosis for fat-burning and preserving lean muscle mass with its high protein content. They also have low-fat content to encourage the use of stored fat for energy, ensuring an ideal VLCD nutrient balance for effective weight loss.
Why Optislim’s Shakes are the Best VLCD Shakes in New Zealand
✓ High Protein Content
The high protein content in Optislim products can help preserve lean muscle mass and promote a feeling of fullness, which can be essential for successful weight loss.
✓ Convenience
Optislim products are easy to prepare and can be a convenient option for people with busy lifestyles, making it simpler to manage calorie intake.
✓ Nutrient Rich
Optislim meal replacements are formulated to provide essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, to help maintain nutritional balance while reducing calorie intake.
✓ Variety of VLCD Products
Optislim offers a range of meal replacement products, including shakes, soups, and bars, providing variety so you never get bored.
✓ Calorie & Portion Controlled
Optislim’s VLCD range are designed to support weight loss by providing a controlled calorie intake, which can be especially helpful for those seeking to manage their weight.
✓ Variety of Flavours
Optislim often offers a range of flavours, allowing you to choose options that are more appealing to your taste buds.
✓ High Success Rate
Optislim has shared thousands of VLCD success stories from consumers who have used Optislim products.
Optislim’s VLCD Range
Optislim’s VLCD range includes a delicious range of shakes, bars and soups. The diet shakes include classic flavours like chocolate and vanilla and more unique options like cookies and cream and salted caramel. The bars also come in tasty flavours like choc berry crunch and cappuccino crunch. The soups provide a comforting, warming meal to be consumed in conjunction with or as an alternative to Optislim’s shakes and bars.
VLCD Meal Replacement Shakes
Choose from our classic, premium or premium plus range of VLCD Meal Replacement Shakes. With flavours including salted caramel, espresso, strawberry and chocolate, you’ll surely find a flavour you like.
VLCD Bars
Optislim’s VLCD bars make a tasty addition to our VLCD diet shakes, perfect for satisfying your craving for a tasty treat or something with a crunch and texture. These delicious, very low-calorie bars are available in a variety of flavours, including.
● Very Low Cal Cookies and Cream
● Very Low Cal Choc Berry Fudge
● Very Low Cal Choc Fudge
● Very Low Cal Cappuccino Crunch
● Very Low Cal Peanut Butter
● Very Low Cal Yogurt Cereal
VLCD Soups
These warming soups come in 4 tasty varieties:
● Creamy Chicken
● Pumpkin
● Tomato
● Pumpkin, Lentil & Sweet Potato
Alongside meal replacement shakes, bars, and soups, Optislim offers a comprehensive VLCD meal plan that provides structured weight loss guidance, specifying meal choices and timing. The meal plan features a variety of low-calorie, low-fat, high-protein, and nutrient-rich options.
Tips to Maximise Results on Optislim’s VLCD Plan
While VLCDs can be highly effective for weight loss, certain tips and strategies can help maximise your results. Here are some tips to consider when following a VLCD diet:
Always Consult a Healthcare Professional
Before starting a VLCD, consult a doctor or dietitian to ensure it suits your health and weight loss goals. They can provide personalised guidance.
Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated while on a VLCD. Drinking water throughout the day can help curb hunger and support weight loss.
Incorporate Exercise
Adding regular physical activity to your high-protein VLCD diet can enhance weight loss and improve overall fitness.
Seek Support
Joining a support group or seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can provide valuable support and motivation during your weight loss journey.
Replace Only One or Two Meals a Day to Begin With
Start by replacing one or two meals daily with Optislim’s VLCD meal replacements. This will help you create a calorie deficit while providing your body with the necessary nutrients.
Include Fibre and Nutrient-Rich Foods on Your VLCD
If your VLCD allows some food, include fibre-rich vegetables and nutrient-dense options to ensure you get essential vitamins and minerals.
Optislim’s VLCD meal replacements provide a convenient and effective way to kickstart your weight loss journey. With balanced nutrition, satisfying flavours, and a variety of options, they are valuable for achieving your weight loss goals.
Click here to read Optislim’s VLCD success stories, where thousands of satisfied Kiwis have achieved significant weight loss on the VLCD program.
So why wait? Start your weight loss journey today and discover the benefits of Optislim’s VLCD meal replacements for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Replace All of My Daily Meals with VLCDs?
VLCD (Very Low-Calorie Diet) meal replacements are designed to temporarily replace some or all of your daily meals, typically as part of a structured and supervised weight loss program. Whether they can replace all your daily meals depends on the specific VLCD plan and your individual health needs.
Do I Need a Doctor’s Prescription to Use VLCD Meal Replacements?
You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to use VLCD (Very Low-Calorie Diet) meal replacements. These products are often available over-the-counter or online. However, consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or dietitian, is highly recommended before starting a VLCD or any significant dietary change, especially if you have underlying health conditions or specific weight loss goals.
Are VLCD Meals Safe for Long-Term Use?
Very Low-Calorie Diets (VLCDs) are not generally considered safe for long-term use without close medical supervision. They are typically designed for short-term use, usually up to 12 weeks, to achieve rapid weight loss for specific medical reasons or before bariatric surgery.
How Much Weight Loss on VLCD Diet Plan Can I Expect to Lose with Optislim?
You can expect to lose 1-1.5 kg a week on the VLCD plan.
How Many Calories Are in Each VLCD Meal Replacement Shake?
Each sachet contains approximately 201 calories while providing 20g protein and 28 essential daily vitamins and minerals.
Are Optislim VLCD Meal Replacements Suitable for Vegetarians or Vegans?
Yes, Optislim offers a range of tasty vegetarian and vegan options to fit your dietary requirements.
How Quickly Can I Expect to See Any Results on a Very Low-Calorie Diet?
Weight loss results can vary; however, as VLCDs provide rapid weight loss, you should see initial results within the first few weeks.
Can I Exercise While Using VLCD Meal Replacements?
Yes, light exercise is encouraged; however, consult your healthcare provider to assess what level of physical activity will be right for you.
Can I Eat Regular Meals While on the VLCD Meal Replacement Plan?
It all depends on which plan you are following. With Optislim., you can replace one, two or all meals with VLCDs.
Are VLCDs Suitable for Everyone?
VLCDs require medical supervision and are not suitable for pregnant/nursing women, children/adolescents, individuals with specific medical conditions, a history of eating disorders, or uncontrolled diabetes. Consult your healthcare professional for suitability.
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