Frequently Asked Questions About the Program 


Getting Started:

How does it work?

The three phases of the program are designed to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. Phase 1 is about resetting the body to burn fat and lose weight by restricting carbohydrate intake. Phase 2 is about resetting your mind to maintain a healthy weight and build healthy habits. Phase 3 is about stabilization, as you continue to meet with your health coaches and receive support with your new, healthier lifestyle. 

How do I get started?

Contact us to speak with a health coach to find out if Transformations Medical Weight Loss Program is right for you.

Why should I meet with a health coach weekly?

Research has shown that meeting with your coach weekly greatly improves your success in reaching your goal weight and also keeping the weight off after you have completed the program.


Nutrition:

How does "being hungry" affect my weight loss?

Try to think of “being hungry” as a good thing. When we feel those hunger pains that means our body is definitely in fat-burning mode. To help lessen those pains try to drink more water and make sure your meals are no more than 4 hours apart.

I only had one piece of cake, but I didn't cheat the rest of the week. Why didn't I lose weight?

Your body best burns fat when it is in ketosis. When you feed your body carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates paired with fats your body will not burn fat. Eating the cake is a prime culprit of the “no-no” combination of high carb, high fat with little-to-no essential nutrients. The best thing we can do in this situation is getting back on track right away with your phase 1 diet.

Can I drink alcohol while on the program?

It’s important to not consume alcohol while on Phase 1 of the program. The process of burning ketones takes place in your liver. When there is alcohol in your system, the liver will process that first and stop processing ketones until the alcohol is removed from your system. Alcohol also causes your blood sugar to drop. Since you already have low amounts of sugar in your system this could cause dizziness or fainting.

When should I take the supplements?

It is best to take the supplements with your meals, preferably with breakfast. If you realize you cannot do the supplements in the morning, you can move them to another meal of the day or take them before bedtime. If your stomach is not tolerating the supplements, please talk to your health coach immediately.

Does this diet provide too much protein?

It provides the right amount of protein to maintain muscle mass, keeps you energetic, and supplies you with all of the essential amino acids in the best way possible- the least amount of calories with high biological value protein and good taste!

Can I eat fruit?

Fruit is not permitted in Phase 1 of the program. Fruit can slow down weight loss and even prevent you from losing pounds.

Will I ever be able to eat "regular" food again?

Yes, you will have ‘regular” food again, keeping in mind you will be practicing portion control and serving sizes. You will need to adopt a healthy lifestyle to become more aware of unneeded calories, carbs, fats, and sugars and identify any emotional eating patterns.

Can I go out to eat while I'm on the program?

As we know not all restaurants list their nutrition facts on their menus, but many of them do list their nutrition facts online. So if you are going out to eat it would be best to look up the nutrition information ahead of time. Many restaurants prepare their food with extra fat. If the nutrition information is not available, try to order a meal with meat and vegetables, or a salad with meat and some vegetables on it.

Do the products taste good?

The Ideal Protein products really do taste good! The delicious meals and snacks will fill you up and taste amazing.

Is there aspartame in the Ideal Protein products?

No, there is no aspartame in our products. Many of the products do contain sucralose which is an artificial sweetener that sweetens the puddings, shakes, and some restricted snacks. You may also do the program without doing sucralose too. Even someone who is lactose intolerant or ingests milk products can also the program. This is one of the reasons that Ideal Protein has created so many different products.

 Exercise:

Should I exercise?

It is important for your overall health to keep moving, but it is also important that your heart rate does not become too high during exercise while on phase 1 of the program because you risk burning muscle mass. We recommend walking and light strength training at an intensity that you can still carry on a conversation. Maintaining your lean muscle mass will help you keep the weight off once you reach maintenance because your resting metabolism, is in large part impacted by your muscle mass. Ask your health coach about some of the strength training programs that are appropriate for phase 1: weight loss. If you experience pain while exercising, consult with your primary care provider.

What kind of toning exercises should I do?

Yoga and Pilates are safe choices, along with exercises using light weights, a stability ball, resistance bands, and your own body weight. Focusing on core strength can often help with chronic back pain. Talk to your health coach for specific exercises.

I've been taking high-intensity workout classes; do I have to stop?

We would advise you to take a break from high-intensity workouts while on Phase 1 of the program. Try replacing this with something less intense, like a yoga class or lower-intensity bike ride.

Invest in You:

How much does the Transformations Medical Weight Loss Program cost?

The value of the program is really the impact on your health and wellness. We have an initial start-up fee of $150 (that covers your consultation and health profile review by our medical team. The average cost of the food is between $90-$120 per week and your supplements average around $100/per month.  

What does the initial start-up fee include?

The initial start-up fee, is a one-time charge that includes joining the program, the ability to purchase products on an ongoing basis, and the ability to meet with your health coach weekly to establish your progress. You’ll work with your health coach to help you reach your goal through the maintenance stage of the program. In the maintenance stage, you’ll meet your health coach on a monthly basis, but that visit is not a charged visit.

Are the products covered under the LINK card?

No, unfortunately, the food products are not covered under the LINK card.

Will my insurance cover the cost of the program?

No, Transformations Medical Weight Loss Program is not covered under your insurance. Some clients are eligible for discounts based on employer or health insurance provider; talk to your health coach to see if you qualify.

Send us an email at weightloss@winspirationdayvancouver.com or call us at (217) 366-2632 if you have any other questions.