Optimal Meal Replacement FAQ
Q: What is Optimal Nutraceutical?
A:
Optimal is a meal replacement program that helps most people lose
weight faster than traditional food-based diet plans. Optimal shakes
come in 15 serving containers that you mix with water to create a
"shake" similar to an instant breakfast drink. Optimal is available in
French Vanilla and Dutch Chocolate flavors.
Q: How does Optimal Work?
A:
The program was carefully designed to create a gap between the calories
you take in and the amount your body needs. Each nutritionally complete
and balanced meal replacement is formulated with a proven combination
of carbohydrates and protein to allow you to successfully lose weight
without losing muscle.
Q: Don't you lose weight on Optimal Meal Replacement Plan because you skip meals?
A:
No. Optimal Meal Replacement's calorie-reduced regimen encourages
participants to eat three meals daily. The user can decide between two
options.
3 and 1 Plan: Two meals are in the form of our
nutritionally-balanced meal replacement drink, and the third meal is a
reasonable meal of your choice eaten 30 minutes after your third "meal
replacement formula", following guidelines offered by the company.
3 for 30 Sole Sourcing:
All three meals are in the form of our nutritionally-balanced meal
replacement drink, for thirty days. This program is followed up with
option 1 listed above and should be done under the supervision of a
physician.
Note: Diets which require people to skip meals are unhealthy and promote binge eating.
Q: Is Optimal a "liquid protein" or starvation diet?
A:
Definitely not! Optimal is NEITHER of these. Our ingredients supply a
balanced and nutritionally complete meal consisting of only 160
calories each. If sole sourcing, our plan consists of only 480 Calories
daily and is nutritionally complete so individuals can lose weight
safely and effectively, and, just as importantly, keep the weight off.
"Liquid protein" diets, which use nutritionally unbalanced
protein-based drinks, or starvation diets which involve skipping meals
and depriving the body, are both extremely unhealthy and have less than
20% long-term success.
Q: Is Optimal "natural"?
A:
The Optimal product is based entirely on nutrition. The product does
not use drugs, medications, hormones or other synthetic agents to
promote weight loss. All ingredients in the Optimal product must
fulfill three important conditions: purity, quality, and stability.
Q: What causes the feeling of increased energy? Is it caffeine?
A:
The weight loss and energy-enhancing effects of Optimal are the result
of its scientifically balanced nutritional formula and are not due to
caffeine or any natural or synthetic stimulant.
Q: Does it contain harmful herbs or additives?
A: No. Optimal does NOT contain any added caffeine, stimulants, ephedrine or other herbs that might be harmful to your body.
Q: Can a Diabetic take Optimal safely?
A:
Yes they can, but anyone under a Dr.'s care should always take the
product to their physician first and ask specifically "Is there
anything in here that will hurt me"? They must get their Dr.'s
permission before starting this program. If there are blood sugar
concerns, here is the schedule for implementing the program: Your first
week you are going to take (1) half shake/day (that is 1 scoop in 5-7
ounces of water). Your second week you are going to simply add a second
half shake, so it is now (2) half shakes/day NOT (1) full shake. Your
third week you will now add a third 1/2 shake (total 3) half
shakes/day. In week #4 you will have (1) full shake in the morning and
then (2) half shakes per day. Week #5 you have (2) full shakes and (1)
half shake per day. Finally in week #6 you will be taking (3) full
shakes per day (that is 2 scoops in 10-15 ounces of water). It is very
important that they get Dr. approval first and also to monitor
themselves closely with their doctor.
Q: What are the Optimal Meal Replacement weight loss plan options?
A:
The 3 and 1 plan is recommended for most individuals who have a
moderate amount of weight to lose. Typically participants will maintain
a weight loss of 2 to 5 pounds per week while on this program. Two
meals are in the form of our nutritionally-balanced meal replacement
drink, and the third is a reasonable meal of your choice eaten 30
minutes after drinking your third meal replacement shake, following
guidelines offered by the company. For those who have a significant
amount of weight to lose, we offer the 3 for 30 sole sourcing plan
which is a lower calorie complete program that should be used only
under the supervision of a physician. All three meals are in the form
of our nutritionally-balanced meal replacement drink, for thirty days.
This program is followed up with option 1 listed above. This low
calorie diet requires physician monitoring to minimize the potential
for health risks. A regular or certified Health Advisor is not a
substitute for a physician or a qualified medical practitioner for
monitoring patients using the 3 for 30 sole sourcing plans.
Q: What type of meal should I eat in the 3 and 1 program?
A:
Your daily meal should consist of three things: a serving of lean meat,
a serving of low glycemic carbohydrates, and either a green spinach
salad or a serving of low-starch vegetables. For the meat serving,
females should have between 4 to 5 ounces; males should have 6 to 7
ounces.
Q: Do I need to see a doctor?
We strongly
recommends that you see your doctor for a general exam and blood test
panel before you begin any exercise or weight loss program.
Q: How often should I see my doctor?
A:
Your physician's professional recommendation of visitation should be
followed. However, it is thought generally believed that follow-up
visits with your physician should be done from once a month to once
every three months. At each visit, you should have a CBC and a
chemistry profile that tests electrolytes, blood sugar, etc. Monthly
visits are recommended if you any health issues.
Q: Can I use Optimal if I'm on prescription medications?
A:Normally
Yes. Most medications for chronic conditions such as depression,
thyroid or hormone deficiency, etc. may be continued while you are
on our product. However, again, you should check with your physician
prior to starting any exercise or weight loss program.
Q: How do I get started on Optimal?
A:
We recommends that you consult with your physician before starting a
any program. Decide whether you want to do a 3 and 1 plan with a meal
once a day or the complete 3 for 30 plan (no food). That helps you
determine how much product you will need. If you are unsure about the
flavors, you might consider ordering both French Vanilla and
Chocolate.. Start with at least a two-week supply so that you don't run
out of products. Each contains 15 servings. You can order in 6 can (90
servings) cases.
Q: Should I wait until the weekend or start during the week?
A:
You can do either one, depending on what fits best for you. The first
three days on our program are critical to your success, so plan your
start-up carefully. You might look for a time when you don't anticipate
any big events that involve food.
Q: How long can I stay on the 3 and 1 or 3 for 30 plans?
A:
As long as you are doing well and making progress, you should be able
to stay on our Optimal shakes for as long as it takes to reach your
desired goal weight. We recommend taking a break from the 3 for 30 plan
after 30 days. At which time the 3 and 1 plan should be followed for 15
days before reassuming the 3 for 30 plan. To lose a lot of weight, such
as more than 100 pounds, you may need to be on the program for a longer
period of time.
Q: Why am I told to drink my meal replacement formula on an empty stomach and wait 30 minutes before eating a meal?
A:
You should always drink your formula on an empty stomach (no food for
at least 2 hours) in order to maximize your absorption of nutrients.
You wait the 30 minute period to allow your stomach to signal your
brain that you have eaten and are not as hungry anymore. This little
step will allow you to comfortably eat about 1/3 of your normal meal
and could easily save you 500 - 1,000 calories per meal. Eliminating
3,500 calories is the equivalent to losing 1lb. so pay attention to
your body and eat when you are hungry, not simply out of boredom...it
is much easier than working out in the gym!
Q: How should I space the drinks?
A: Space your shakes throughout the day rather than saving them up for evening.
Q: How do I mix the shakes?
A:
To mix the cold shakes, put 10 to 20 oz. of water in shaker jar. Add
ice if desired. Add 2 scoops of the Optimal shake mix. Then shake 4 or
5 times until smooth. A blender will not be necessary. Dissolvability
is enhanced and mixing is improved if shake mix is added after water
and ice.
Q: Can I mix them with milk or fruit juice?
A:
For best results, our answer is No. These will add extra calories and
change the total program balance. Also, fruit juices contain added
carbohydrates so they will alter the critical ration of the Optimal
plan.
Q: Can I add flavorings to the supplements?
A: For variety, you may add a few drops of flavoring extract, such as vanilla or mint or stir into a cup of coffee.
Q: Can I mix the product ahead of time?
A: Supplements may be mixed ahead and stored in a thermos or refrigerator for up to 12 hours.
Q: Can I mix the chocolate and vanilla together?
A: Yes. Some find the combined flavor to be more of a milk chocolate flavor.
Q: What happens if I miss a meal?
A:
If you miss a shake or meal, drink the rest of the your meals closer
together to make sure you get all the required nutrients in before the
end of the day. Because of the low calorie level of Optimal, skipping
shakes will put you below the Optimal nutrient level your body needs to
function. This decrease in your nutrient balance will make your body
conserve energy and cause you to lose weight slower, not faster!
Q: Do I need to drink a lot of fluids?
A:
Drinking fluids helps your body be more efficient at eliminating the
by-products of fat metabolism, keeping with more consistent weight loss.
Q: What kinds of fluids are OK?
A:
We recommend water only. Fruit juices are ok, but they dramatically
increase your caloric intake, and thus, slow your weight loss. We
strongly promote the removing of soft-drinks, both regular and diet,
from your daily intake.
Q: Can I have coffee or caffeinated sodas?
A:
Although they will not affect the quality of our product, we strongly
recommend removing these harmful products from your daily intake.
Q: What can I do about my desire to chew something?
A:
You can munch on celery-up to three stalks per day is acceptable.
Celery is a high-water vegetable with minimal carbohydrates.
Q: Can I eat fruit?
A:
No, fruits contain high levels of carbohydrates that affect your
calorie intake and metabolism level and slow your weight loss.
Q: Can I chew gum?
A:
You may use sugar-free gum or mints but limit these to five per day.
These products contain sorbitol, which can cause gastric distress as
well as stimulate appetite.
Q: Should I take vitamins?
A: Optimal
regimen is designed to provide you with all of your required vitamins
and minerals. Provided you consume 3 shakes per day, you will not need
a multivitamin.
Q: Can I exercise when I'm on Optimal product?
A:
Yes, you can, but we suggest limiting the amount of exercise,
especially in the beginning. It takes three to four weeks for the body
to adapt to the 3 for 30 plan and use the fat stores for energy. During
this time, too much exercise can cause dehydration as well as decrease
your weight loss and harm your muscle tissue.
Q: What type of exercise (and how much) is recommended?
A:
If you haven't been exercising at all, wait three to four weeks until
you have adapted to the Optimal program. Then start your exercise plan
very slowly. Begin with gentle walking, 10 to 20 minutes per day, and
then gradually increase the amount. If you have been exercising prior
to starting this program, cut your current plan by half during the
first three weeks, then gradually build it back up.
Q: What is the maximum amount of exercise I can do?
A:
While you are on Optimal, limit intense exercise such as running,
biking or swimming to a total of 45 minutes a day. Over exercising will
actually slow your weight-loss progress.
Q: Why did the scale go up?
A:
The amount of weight you lose will fluctuate from week to week. Often
the scale will be affected by things that cause you to retain fluids,
such as PMS, not drinking enough water, illness, stress, too much
exercise and even temperature extremes. Don't panic if the scale
doesn't move for several days or even goes up. If you stay solid on
your program, the scale will eventually show results.
Q: Will I gain all the weight back?
A:
You will maintain your success by making long-term changes in your
lifestyle such as healthy eating and consistent exercise. You may also
need to work on how you cope with life so that you don't reach for food
when you are experiencing stress, depression or other emotional needs.
Q: Can I go back on the program if I gain back some weight?
A:
Absolutely. If you gain back more than 5 to 10 pounds, we recommend
that you immediately return to the program for a brief period. This
will help your body adjust to staying at a lower weight.
Q: Can I use Optimal as part of a food plan or as a supplement to my current routine?
A:
Yes, you can. In fact, many people use one or two Optimal shakes a day
as part of a maintenance plan. This provides structure while allowing
flexibility in your meal plan.
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