10 Suitable vegetables Alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, bean sprouts, beetroot (30-40g), Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, capsicum, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, leeks, mushrooms, onions, radish, shallots, silverbeet, snow peas, spinach, squash, tomatoes, watercress, zucchini and Konjac noodles (Slendier/Slim Pasta range). Protein Based on your individual protein requirements, extra protein sources may be recommended, as calculated by your dietitian. This can be added by choosing the Optifast® Protein Plus shakes or through food sources. If using a food, you may add 65-100g meat, 2 eggs or 130g fish. Fats It is advisable to add 1 teaspoon of olive oil (with cooking or salad dressing) in order to reduce the risk of gallstone formation (a common side effect with any weight loss therapy). What Are The Expected Side Effects On This Diet Plan? When you start the Optifast® it is expected to experience headaches, feel hungry, tired, dizzy or even irritable. However, as your body gets used to it and adjusts to the Optifast® plan these symptoms will improve. The ketone production also causes bad breath. You may chew a sugar – free mint or a chewing gum to alleviate this. Optifast® does not have much fibre and it is designed to be absorbed in the small bowel, therefore you may not have regular bowel motions. It is recommended to have 2 cups of your allowed vegetables per day, drink 2 litres of recommended fluids as well as using fibre supplementation such as Benefiber. If any of the symptoms persist, discuss it with your doctor, dietitian or pharmacist. What If You Have Diabetes? The most effective treatment for diabetes is weight loss; therefore it is still suitable for you to be on this meal replacement plan. However, as the carbohydrates in this product are limited, if you are on insulin or medications for your diabetes you need to discuss this with your doctor or endocrinologist before starting this regime. You may need to modify your diabetes treatment to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Monitor your blood sugars very closely and if you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, fast heart rate, lightheadedness etc. Please contact your health professional (GP or Endocrinologist) for advice if you have diabetes. OTHER MEDICATIONS - WARNING To prevent any complications if you are on medications such as: Insulin, Warfarin (or other blood thinning agents) or Lithium, please let your GP know that you are starting the Optifast program so they can monitor your blood test results.
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