One of the complaints about medifast is that it is too strict.  You are given a range of supplement choices, from shakes to puddings to soup, but then the only real meal you are allotted is limited to 7 oz. of protein and a selection of green vegetables.  You are cautioned about not going off plan and the danger if you do is falling of of the coveted state of ketosis- that state where you are burning fat for energy-- the state of weight loss.  Let's look at the pros and cons of a strict diet.

On the positive side, you can trust that if you follow the plan, it is a plan that is proven to be very, very successful.  Many people have lost 20, 40, 60 or more pounds in a short period of time.  You can be assured that you are giving your body the nutrition it needs because the supplements and "lean and green" meal are proportioned to provide a proper balance of proteins, carbs and fat.  The online tools offered through the Medifast site precisely calculate where you are in your day, allowing you to adjust if necessary to find your daily balance.

However, the dark side of these highly restricted diet is twofold.  First, you are basically punished for going "off plan".  Weight Watchers and some others give you flexibility to recover after a bad day.  With Medifast, a day off the diet can mean three days of re-adjusting to a low-calorie diet, and the adjustment is not easy.  Secondly, when you do go off a diet like this, you tend to overdo it.  You figure you are already in trouble, so better to make the most of it! 

Given the great success and speed of Medifast, it's still a great option, but you need to acknowledge the committment necessary.  Find the appropriate support to make sure you get through the hard times, and don't fall completely off track if you have a little too much food in any one day.  Stick close to the objective and you will stay on the fast track for weight loss.