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StrongerNutrition.com Coupon Code

2010-11-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

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NEW! Medifast Brownies

2010-02-12T17:32:00.000-08:00

If you like the taste of fresh-baked brownies warm from the oven, you'll love this new Medifast Meal. Just empty one packet into the tray provided, add 3 tablespoons of water, and mix. Pop the tray into the microwave and you have a rich, chocolaty experience fortified with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Medifast Brownies are a delightful way to help you reach a healthier weight!

Start Exercising Today!

2009-08-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

Today's a good day to get moving! The more you move and exercise, the better the results you achieve when it comes to weight loss. So how can you begin working out? Make a plan and start. Decide exactly what your fitness program is and find a way to make it part of your weekly schedule. Pick something you like and begin by doing it for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. Try different things: walking, swimming, biking, weight training, dancing or any type of exercise that feels right for you. You can gradually build up your time. And one day you'll be surprised to find how much you enjoy it!

Crave-able crunch AND convenience!

2009-07-17T18:25:00.000-07:00

If you like crispy treats AND want fast, safe weight-loss results, you are going to love the newest Medifast Meals: Pretzels and Puffs. Announced first at National Convention 2009, these great new products will be available on Monday, July 20th, in the Shopping Cart!

Though these sweet and savory new products will tempt your taste buds, they are NOT snacks: Each bag contains a complete, fully fortified Medifast Meal that’s ready to go-and ready to eat-wherever you are!

Be sure to add all four mouth-watering flavors to your order starting July 20th:

Parmesan Cheese Puffs

Chili Nacho Cheese Puffs

Cinnamon Pretzel Sticks

Honey Mustard Pretzel Sticks

Like Medifast shakes, soups, eggs, oatmeal, bars, and other Meals, our new Pretzels and Puffs provide just the right balance of fiber and high-quality protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied, plus your daily requirement of 24 vitamins and minerals!

NEW Medifast Pretzels and Puffs are the perfect addition to your (and your Clients’) daily Medifast 5 & 1 Plan, especially when you’re on the go. And they’re priced just like most other Medifast Meals: $15.50 for seven servings.

Journaling

2009-06-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Keeping a journal can help you learn a lot about yourself in terms of what you eat, how much you exercise and why you engage in various activities.

Journaling the meals that you eat helps you to avoid "unconscious eating" - eating that leads to consumption of excess calories, beyond what you may have ever intended to consume. In fact, research actually shows that keeping a food journal will help you lose weight! In addition, journaling your meals will help you keep the weight off once it's gone. Use the My Plan section of your Support In Motion page to log your meals, then view a complete nutritional breakdown of the foods you've eaten each day - including calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat and more.

In addition to keeping track of your foods, journaling your moods, such as stress, boredom or anger, can help you pinpoint problem areas during your day, which in some cases may serve as triggers to overeating. Once you understand the problem, you can find a solution that does not involve opening the box of cookies or the jar of jellybeans.

And last but certainly not least, remember to log your exercise. The more often you log your exercise, the clearer it will be to see how exercise affects the bottom line when it comes to weight loss. Remember to view the Daily Nutrition Score in the My Plan section to see the net result of the food and exercise events that you've logged.

Eat Out On Plan

2009-06-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Dining out can be challenging when you are on a weight-loss program. Regardless of the cuisine, the majority of the selections offered by restaurants are higher in fat and calories (and larger in portion size) than you would make for yourself at home.

The good news is that eating outside of your home can be as healthy as you want it to be! Remember, you are still in control of what you put in your mouth – even if you cannot control the environment around you. You just need to be creative and mindful when choosing menu items.

Here are a few tips to help you while dining out:

1) Get a copy of the menu online before you go, and call and ask questions about how the restaurant can accommodate your desire for healthy fare.

2) Choose grilled, broiled, or baked main dishes such as fish or poultry. These are usually the leanest protein foods on the menu, and the leanest ways to prepare them.

3) You can always alter a dish by requesting steamed vegetables on the side instead of mashed potatoes or fries, or by asking the chef to hold the sauce on the entrée.

You Snooze, You Lose

2009-06-15T14:16:00.001-07:00

Women who sleep at least seven hours a night not only benefit from beauty sleep, they’re also less at risk for weight gain over time, according to research. And those who sleep only five hours or less a night are at risk for major weight gain - 33 pounds or more. (Studies on men have been conducted with similar outcomes.)

Previous research has shown that lack of sleep has crucial metabolic effects that can lead to weight gain. For example, if people are sleep-deprived, altered hormones may increase hunger (think about that 4:00 p.m. candy bar attack). They may also feel more fatigued, and in turn, exercise less. Just another reason to prioritize sleep.

Let Sunscreen Sink In

2009-06-15T14:15:00.001-07:00

If your workout is outdoors, don't wait for that minute before you leave to put on the sunscreen. Apply it to your face 15 to 20 minutes before you go outside. This gives the ingredients a chance to sink into your skin and provide better sun protection. Pay special attention to sensitive areas like your lips and use a protective balm.

You're Not Alone

2009-06-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

Dieting can be a difficult and lonely experience. It’s often more difficult in social situations, when others are free to eat and drink whatever (and whenever) they please.

Technological advancements now allow people to connect virtually.

Support in Motion is the online community utilized by Take Shape For Life members. Within this community, people from all over the world are able to connect and communicate similar experiences and interests – all from the privacy of their own homes. Communication is the key, and you always have somebody to communicate with through an online community.

Online communities provide members with many valuable communication tools and areas of interest, including:

Discussion Boards – organized conversations by topic.
Chats – real-time conversations among users.
Tips and Techniques – helpful suggestions for achieving success on the Take Shape For Life program.
Information – recipes, member insight, program help and more.

So, if you can’t physically be there -- don’t despair! Support in Motion members are virtually able to share the ups and downs, the successes and struggles – all the trials and tribulations inherent to the process of losing weight. And always remember your Health Coach. He or she is there to help guide you through the program and to provide the knowledge, care and support you need to succeed.

With your Take Shape For Life Health Coach and Support in Motion, you’ll never again have to feel alone. Like the old adage says, “there’s safety in numbers” – and thousands of heads are always better than one!

It's OK to Take a Break

2009-06-03T09:46:00.001-07:00

If you miss a workout, don't despair. It's okay to take a “break” from time to time. In fact, experts say that missing one workout won’t radically change your weight loss results. The key is to make physical activity and routine workouts a habit. Getting email reminders or having an exercise buddy can definitely help.

Eat Every 2-3 Hours

2009-05-31T15:28:00.001-07:00

Skipping meals is NOT a weight-loss technique. In order for your body to get the fuel it needs, you should eat regular, nutritionally-balanced meals (like those provided by Medifast and Take Shape For Life) every 2-3 hours; strive to never go more than 4-5 hours without giving your body some fuel!

Oh! Omega-3s

2009-05-30T16:50:00.001-07:00

Here are the facts: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in food and are not produced by our bodies. Though not definitive, much research links these acids as contributing to heart health; consumption of fish high in these fatty acids has also been shown to help the risk of death from cardio vascular disease. So how can you add it to your diet? By eating fish like trout and salmon (fatty fish), taking supplements - such as Medifast/Take Shape For Life's Super Omega-3 - using canola cooking oil or eating one ounce of walnuts twice a week (for those in maintenance only).

Healthy Snacking

2009-05-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

Snacking is more popular than ever before. According to current research, consumers eat an average of 2.3 snacks each day. But aside from being popular sources of energy, snacks play an important role in our weight-loss program. Specifically, snacking gives the body energy boosts when needed, and is also beneficial for weight control. Research also shows that snacking lowers both total and LDL (or "bad" cholesterol).

The BeSlim™ philosophy recommends low fat meals five to six times a day. While in the weight-loss phase of your Take Shape For Life program, your snacks will be your Medifast Meals. You will eat 5 small meals a day and one Lean & Green meal, so you’ll get all the energy (and essential vitamins and minerals) you need from these sources.

During Maintenance, healthy snacking is essential to keeping your metabolism going and your energy up. Good snacks include: fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurts, crackers with low-fat cheese, cereals, and small handfuls of raisins and nuts.

Here are some guidelines on how to maximize the health benefits of your snacks:

1) Select a snack with a combination of protein, carbohydrates and fat.

2) Pick a snack that is a good source of vitamins and minerals that you wouldn’t otherwise get from foods.

3) To help control your weight, choose snacks that are fewer than 200 calories.

4) Eat every two to three hours.

Slow Down!

2009-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Our fast-paced lifestyles include fast foods and fast eating. But research shows that eating too fast may cause overeating and more belly fat. What to do? Slow down. When you eat more slowly you can savor your food, enjoying it more and eating less. You will feel fuller and this may lower cortisol (known as the stress hormone) levels in the blood.

Emotional Eating

2009-05-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Do you hear yourself saying, "I can't stop eating for emotional reasons!"

Emotions are not singly responsible for the behaviors we are trying to change; emotions are connected to thoughts. In many cases, our thoughts control our emotions and behavior. When we successfully change our thinking we can successfully change emotions and behaviors.

Why is this important? Because it teaches us that in the end, our thoughts can cause us to overeat and feel sorry later. Negative thoughts can lead to negative behaviors, whether it's overeating, smoking or drinking. But if we rephrase any negative or "toxic" thoughts that come into our heads into more positive ones, we can think in a more pleasant state of mind and avoid what may be a trigger to overeating.

Take a look at the following "negative" thoughts which serve as triggers to overeating, and how we can turn them into "nourishing" ones:

Negative Thought: I only lost 5 pounds. I will never make it.Nourishing Thought: If I can lose 5 pounds, I can and will lose 5 more.

Negative Thought: I hate being on a weight-loss program.Nourishing Thought: Changing my lifestyle is not easy, but it will help me reach my Optimal Health goals.

The skills of positive thinking can be learned. Thoughts can be changed. Internal happiness and how we feel about ourselves is essential for Optimal Health – and it must start from within. Changing negative thoughts can be the key to a healthy mind and ultimately changing your whole life. Food is a powerful resource, satisfying our hunger and nutrition needs. It can also help heighten positive emotions – and buffer the pain of negative ones. Hopefully it won't be your first (or only) option. The less you rely on food to meet your emotional needs, the more successful you’ll be in your quest to achieve Optimal Health.

Be a Biker

2009-05-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

If your bike is used as a coat rack more than an awesome way to get around, dump your stuff elsewhere! This month is Bike Month so check it out: Bike Month at the League of American Bicyclists site. Get into the spirit by getting some extra exercise and enjoying the prime days of spring. You may find biking to be a great way to clear your mind, and avoid waiting in traffic.Just be sure to wear a well-fitting helmet and clothes for safety, and take your bike in for a tune-up before you head out. Happy riding!

Bitter is Better

2009-05-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Spring is the perfect time to give your salads a health boost by adding dark, bitter greens alongside the usual romaine and iceberg. Readily available in supermarkets (look for prewashed greens for convenience), turnip greens, kale, and watercress are incredibly nutritious, and are especially beneficial for healthy digestive function.

Eat at Set Times

2009-05-18T10:33:00.001-07:00

Studies show that it's really good for you to eat your meals at the same time everyday. Regular mealtime eaters keep their waistlines and are less likely to develop insulin resistance. Another important meal rule: don't skip meals, since this can cause higher risk for metabolic disease.

Progress Not Perfection

2009-05-17T13:03:00.001-07:00

Whether you're looking at fitness, nutrition or other aspects of a healthy lifestyle, it's a good idea to seek progress and not perfection. Set out doable goals for yourself that are realistic and achievable. And be happy with all progress that you make. Remember, striving for perfection almost always sets you up for disappointing failure. Focusing on progress helps you see the movement on your wellness journey.

Banish Bathing Suit Panic

2009-05-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

As tank tops and shorts take the place of bulky sweaters, you might wish that you could melt off your winter weight in a hurry! Don’t let yourself get caught up in the panic, though. The Take Shape For Life approach to weight loss - 2 to 5 pounds steadily per week - is a healthy way to lose weight. Focus on getting fit and feeling your best, not conforming to the latest fashions. Go ahead and put on that bathing suit this summer... and jump in the pool for a refreshing swim while you’re at it!

Banish Bathing Suit Panic

2009-05-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

As tank tops and shorts take the place of bulky sweaters, you might wish that you could melt off your winter weight in a hurry!Don’t let yourself get caught up in the panic, though. The Take Shape For Life approach to weight loss - 2 to 5 pounds steadily per week - is a healthy way to lose weight. Focus on getting fit and feeling your best, not conforming to the latest fashions. Go ahead and put on that bathing suit this summer... and jump in the pool for a refreshing swim while you’re at it!

Shop Smart

2009-05-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

Supermarkets are designed to make us buy a lot. From the music, to the shelf placements and the special offers, everything there is shouting: Buy! Buy! Buy! So when you go to the supermarket, be prepared with a list. And stick to it! Also never shop hungry, because that can be a costly mistake. Look carefully for items and go for generic store brands. Often they are the same as name brands without the fancy packaging. Read special offers carefully. They aren't always what they seem to be!

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter

2009-05-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

PB2 by Bell Plantations is made with USA grown peanuts that are slow-roasted and pressed to remove fat. They are all natural with no additives. PB2 has the same consistency as regular peanut butter with all of the natural roasted peanut flavor but with 75% less fat calories!
Since PB2 has only 55 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates per a 2 tablespoon serving, it easily falls into the range of an approved Medifast snack.

Here is a direct quote from Jessica, a registered dietitian with Medifast. "Although PB2 is not something Medifast typically recommends as one of the "optional snacks", if a person has room in their daily calorie and carbohydrate budget, they may choose to have up to 2 tablespoons (prepared amount, measured and leveled) as an optional snack choice. As a reminder: Medifast recommends no more than 1 snack option per day (i.e. 3 celery sticks or 2 dill pickle spears or 1/2 cup of sugar-free gelatin, etc). Additionally, if weight loss tends to slow or seems to be hindered it may be a good idea to incorporate the snack less frequently or re-evaluate one's snack choice."

Treadmill Mix

2009-05-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

If you want a workout boost, try mixing your treadmill workout. Keep some runs short and fast, others long and steady. Change your pace and your incline often. For example, try this 20 minute 100-calorie burner: Start with an easy 5 minute walk on 0 incline, move to an 8 to 10% incline for 10 minutes then back to the easy 5 minute walk on no incline.

Summer Splash Package

2009-05-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

Get ready for those warm summer days right around the corner, with Medifast's NEW Summer Splash Package. Includes 1 box each

Raspberry Iced Tea
Cranberry Mango Fruit Drink
Tropical Punch Fruit Drink

That's 21 cold drinks in all!

And remember, these aren't just "drinks." They're fully fortified, complete Medifast Meals that are really refreshing on warm days when you're on the go.

Price $35.00

Vacationing Tip

2009-05-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a vacation this summer, try for a trip that includes plenty of physical activity. Amusement parks offer up a chance for lots of walking - just plan ahead for healthy snacks. If you’ll be heading far from home, look into nature reserves with trails for hiking; a biking excursion; a place near water for swimming. If you own a pedometer take it with you - you may be surprised how close to those 10,000 recommended daily steps you can get!

Sugar Crazy!

2009-05-07T18:15:00.000-07:00

A Medifast Caramel Bar has 2 grams of sugar, which is equal to 1/2 of a sugar cube. Look what a Blizzard has in it!

Dairy Queen Butterfinger Blizzard

16 oz medium

Sugars, total: 86g

Calories, total: 740

Calories from sugar: 344

Let Go of Evening Grazing

2009-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself snacking in the evening? You may be doing so out of boredom, stress or plain hunger. Here are some tips to minimize the grazing:Eat a Medifast Meal at Breakfast: Skip this crucial meal and you’re setting yourself up for bingeing later in the day, especially at night. Even if you did binge the night before, eating breakfast will help get you back on track. Kitchen’s Closed: Choose a time to get out of the kitchen, say after you’re done with the dishes, and stay out. Don’t allow yourself to go back in even if you want a snack while watching television. This will help you control mindless eating.

Jazz Up Your Workouts!

2009-05-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

When you find that your fitness routine is becoming just "the same old thing" try making some simple changes to jazz things up. You can turn your workout around, changing the order or your routine or try some new machines in the gym. Take a new exercise or dance class. Whatever you choose, jazzing things up will help you ensure that your workouts are fresh and fun!

Watch the Road

2009-05-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is nice, you're probably eager to get outside to walk, bike, and jog. However, be aware of the new potholes and cracks in the roads and sidewalks. The wrong step could leave you with a twisted ankle. It might not hurt to drive your chosen path first to check for potential hazards. You could also choose a path that you know to be safe, such as a dirt trail or a track.

Wade in the Water

2009-04-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

If you have trouble with your knees or other joints, exercising in the water may very well be your solution. Swimming is a non-weight bearing exercise so there is no pressure on your joints. You can swim, participate in a water aerobics class, or just walk back and forth in the pool. Check out your local health clubs to see if they have a pool, or scout out YMCAs or other community centers with pools, which may be more affordable.

Springtime Safety

2009-04-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air and so are wonderful outdoor activities. Let's consider some basic safety precautions. Make sure that bike tires are properly inflated and chains are working properly. Training wheels for children should be thoroughly checked. Look at the soles of your exercise shoes - it may be time to trade them in for a new pair! If you have a pool, be sure that gates and locks have been properly maintained. Look around your yard and driveway for bumps or holes that could be tripping hazards for little ones. A few easy tips for a happy start to the spring and summer season!

Focus on Eating

2009-04-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Do you watch TV or read while you're eating? Do you eat while you are working at the computer? What about eating standing over the sink? If these are habits you're familiar with, you may not be aware that this kind of eating can actually cause you to eat more because you aren't fully aware of what you're putting in your mouth and your focus is elsewhere. Practice by sitting down at the table to eat. Be with your food. Pay attention what goes in your mouth. And when you're done you'll have plenty of time for the important tasks ahead.

The FITT Principle

2009-04-22T23:39:00.000-07:00

Have you stopped seeing results from your workouts? If so, use the FITT principle to kick your exercise routine into a higher gear. Increase the frequency of your workouts by adding an extra day.Increase the intensity by moving more quickly (for example, going from a brisk walk to a jog) or by heading to more challenging terrain (for example, walking over hills instead of on a flat surface). Increase the time you spend working out by adding 5-10 minutes to each workout.Change the type of exercise that you do - if you’re a walker, try riding your bike or taking a Spinning class.

Program Your Walk

2009-04-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Studies show that having the confidence that you can complete your workout actually helps fight fatigue and discomfort. If you believe that you can walk the distance, you can! Program yourself with positive thinking, such as: "I am proud of myself," or "I know I can do this," or "Every step I take empowers me." This will help you complete your walk and feel great at the same time!

Food and Negative Emotions

2009-04-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

Food can be comforting sometimes when we're feeling down. Unfortunately its effects are extremely short-lived and may even leave an aftermath of guilt and pain over the eating. So instead of turning to food in stressful or emotionally trying situations, try deep breathing, meditation, talking to a friend or going for a brisk walk. Once you master these techniques and use them to help you instead of eating, you will find that you start using them automatically.

Just 40 Minutes a Day

2009-04-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

In a recent study, women who completed a weight-loss program and kept exercising enough to burn off 1835 calories a week, had kept their weight off 2 years later. Try brisk walking 40 minutes a day to reach 1835 calories burnt per week.