The Slim-Fast Optima diet plan is available in a
44-page booklet that can be downloaded from the
Slim-Fast website. The booklet explains that the
Slim-Fast plan is based on the dieter’s present weight
level rather than a one-size-fits-all calorie level or rigid
menu.
The dieter is instructed to substitute Slim-Fast
products for two meals per day, use them for a
between-meals snack if desired, drink plenty of water, and add 30 minutes per day of physical exercise
to their lifestyle. The dieter does not have to give up
coffee, tea, or other low-calorie caffeinated beverages.
The daily meal plans for the four specific weight levels
(for adults) are as follows:
-Up to 140 pounds: 1 Slim-Fast MealOn-the-Go; 1 Slim-
Fast Meal Combination; 1 Sensible Meal; 3 fruits or
vegetables
-141–170 pounds: 1 Slim-FastMeal On-the-Go; 1 Slim-
Fast Meal Combination; 1 Sensible Meal; 4 fruits or
vegetables; 1 snack
-171–200 pounds: 1 Slim-FastMeal On-the-Go; 1 Slim-
Fast Meal Combination; 1 Sensible Meal; 4 fruits or
vegetables; 3 snacks
-Over 200 pounds: 1 Slim-FastMealOn-the-Go; 1 Slim-
Fast Meal Combination; 1 Sensible Meal; 5 fruits or
vegetables; 4 snacks
-Dieters can arrange these meals, snacks, and meal
combinations in any daily pattern that works for
them. The plan defines its various components as
follows:
-Meal-On-the-Go: A Slim-Fast meal replacement
liquid shake or solid bar (180–220 calories)
-Meal combination: A Slim-Fast meal replacement
shake or bar combined with a serving of ‘‘a favorite
healthy food’’ (180–220 calories plus 200 calories;
healthy food suggestions include a cup of lentil
soup; half a roast beef sandwich; cottage cheese
plus a glass of tomato juice)
Sensible meal:Anutritious meal of about 500 calories,
accompanied by a large glass ofwater or other caloriefree
beverage. The booklet contains a diagram of a
plate divided into half with the top half divided in half
again. The dieter is instructed to think of the bottom
half of the plate as filled with vegetables and the two
top segments as filled with lean protein and starch
(preferably whole grains) respectively. Instead of
counting calories or weighing and measuring, the person
is advised to visualize portions as follows: 1 cup=
the size of a softball; 1/2 cup=size of a light bulb or
baseball; 3 ounces (meat or fish) = size of a deck of
cards or the palmof the hand; 2 tablespoons=size of
a ping-pong ball. Thus the sensible meal is about 1/4
protein food, 1/2 vegetables, and 1/4 whole grains.
-Fruits and vegetables: 1 serving = 1 medium-size
whole fruit or 1/2 cup sliced; 1 cup raw vegetables
or 1/2 cup cooked.
-Snacks: Slim-Fast snack bars (120 calories).
-The Optima diet plan allows a daily calorie count
of 1250–1400 calories for a 140-pound dieter and up to
1850 or 1900 for a dieter over 200 pounds.
The Slim-Fast Optima diet plan and the various
Slim-Fast products are intended for weight reduction
(at a moderate rate approved by most health professionals)
or weight maintenance. Some people also use
them as convenient and easily portable meal or snack
substitutes when hiking or traveling.
