Which Weight Management Plans Actually Work?

Gained a spare tyre or two over winter? Togs not fitting as well as they should?

Don’t panic - there’s still plenty of time to get in shape before you hit the beach this summer. And we don’t mean with a fad diet! 

If you’ve ever googled ‘fast weight loss’, you’ll know that there are billions of diets and weight management supplements out there. Unfortunately, many of them are unsubstantiated and unrealistic. 

 “Quick fix” diets are rarely successful. They usually promote short-term changes rather than lifelong sustainable goals, which means most people gain back any weight they lose. Worse, these diets tend to restrict many important nutrients that your body needs to function properly, which can impact your overall wellbeing. Even celebrity endorsements don’t mean that a diet is good for you! 

The most effective way to maintain a healthy weight is with a long-term approach: eating a balanced diet and exercising daily.

Easier said than done? We hear you! Life often gets in the way of sticking to a healthy regime, especially when juggling work, family, and other commitments. 

If you struggle with losing weight and eating healthily, a weight management plan could help. But what is that exactly?

Choosing a weight management programme 

A good weight management programme should be about implementing healthy lifestyle habits that support long-term weight management. It should provide ongoing guidance, tips, and support to help you on your journey. This could include:

• A healthy diet plan for reduced-calorie eating that includes real food 
• An exercise programme that you can cater to your needs
• Education and support for making healthy lifestyle changes
• Tips for supporting long-term weight maintenance 

Why we recommend Optifast

The OptiFast programme is a medically prescribed weight-loss programme that’s been clinically proven to assist with weight loss. If you’re an adult with a BMI of 30 or higher, your doctor or weight-loss clinic could prescribe Optifast for you. 

There are four phases to the OptiFast programme: Intensive, Active Two, Active One, and Maintenance. The Intensive phase is only for people with a BMI of 30+ or with health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. 

Active Two is for those with a BMI of 25-30 or involves eating two OptiFast meals and one healthy meal of no more than 350 calories. Active One is best for people with a BMI of 25-30, and involves replacing one meal with one OptiFast product, while your other two meals consist of no more than 350 calories each. 

The OptiFast range includes foods that fill you up while providing the carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids that support good health. And you won’t be disappointed by the choices! From Chicken Soup to Mocha Shakes and Berry Crunch bars, there’s an Optifast product to suit every appetite. OptiFast protein shakes and bars contain extra fibre and protein to help suppress any hunger cravings. Check out Bargain Chemist’s OptiFast range here! 

Healthy eating 

Protein is key to healthy weight loss. Protein supports muscle mass, energy levels, and satiety, and can also assist with healthy metabolism. Good sources of protein include lean meats such as fish, chicken, beef, and tofu. In NZ, the standard recommended protein intake for women is 0.75g per kg of body weight and 0.84g for men. If you’re not quite getting that, a protein powder could be a great option. Try the Vital Proteins Collagen, a vegan protein powder range that helps provide protein necessary for supporting muscle tissues, skin elasticity, and repairing connective tissues.

And don’t forget your greens! We know if can be difficult to get your 5+ servings of veg each day - not to mention probiotics - which is why Lifestream created their Super Greens + Probiotics blend Just add one scoop to water, juice, or your protein shake for an extra boost of veggie-based vitamins and minerals, pre and probiotics, and fibre. Probiotics and fibre are especially helpful for keeping those hunger pangs at bay while supporting gut health. 

HB&Co MRTA Smart Scales

Tracking your weight management journey with your own set of bathroom scales is a great way to stay motivated and on target. A smart scale is the “smart” way to monitor your fitness journey because it provides key insights into your progress, rather than just a number. The HB&Co Smart Scale has a Bluetooth feature that measures key health metrics as well as your weight, including your body fat percentage, muscle mass, BMI, and more. Simply connect to your phone for personalised weight analysis metrics from the comfort of your own home.  

Guilt-free treats

Let’s face it - we all need a treat every now and then! But satisfying your sweet tooth doesn’t have to mean breaking your good habits. The Sugarless Confectionery company produces the world’s largest sugar-free range that includes everything from chocolate to lollipops, hard-boiled candies to marshmallows. These yummy treats are made with natural fruit juice, stevia, and mannitol, so they’re low-carb and tooth-friendly. With all the taste and none of the sugar! Check out the huge range of Sugarless Confectionery goodies and satisfy your cravings without undoing all your good work. 

Magnesium 

Did you know that magnesium can play a role in healthy weight management? Studies suggest that this essential mineral supports metabolic function, the process in which your body converts carbohydrates and fats into energy. Magnesium also supports healthy muscle function and muscle relaxation, which can be very helpful if you’ve been ramping up the exercise! And if stress or lack of sleep is triggering your junk food cravings, magnesium can help by balancing production of cortisol, the stress hormone that wreaks havoc with your mind. 

Nutra-Life® Magnesium Hi Zorb is a high-dose, one-a-day dose of highly bioavailable magnesium to support muscles and nervous system function.

Managing your weight doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. Pop into Bargain Chemist for everything you need to support healthy eating and weight management (and a few guilt-free treats!).

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Weight management products should be used with a balanced diet and exercise.