Hi there,

Does anyone know where I can purchase Optifast (or a similar subsitute) here in Vancouver?

Thanks

What is Optifast? Is it a powder protein?

I believe it's a protein powder/drink that some doctors use both pre and post op.

Hi there,

Does anyone know where I can purchase Optifast (or a similar subsitute) here in Vancouver?

Thanks

Go to a GNC or similar store and tell them what you are doing and that you want a high Protein low carb low sodium low sugar Meal Replacement shake and they should be able to help you... if i remember correctly optifast has to be prescribed by a dr.

Heather

Optifast does have to be purchased through a weight loss doctor but you can order it off Ebay or do as Heather suggested and go into a GNC and ask them for a meal replacement. If you go to the novartis website you can get the nutrional info for each pouch so you know how many carbs, protein, fat and calories you should be aiming for.

innotu,

I'd like to throw out my opinion, and perhaps it'll make sense. I hope this help.

Please, anyone that disagrees with me, please, please, please, post your concerns. I too would love to hear them....

....anyways, here goes.....

I've always had a dislike for complete Meal Replacements, instant breakfasts, soya powder, weight gaining powder,slim fast, etc.

Why?

Because they are awefully expensive and I feel that I'm getting ripped off when I'm paying top dollar for 'calories added'. lets face it, it is extremely easy to find clean and healthy calories to add to you drinks.

Additionaly, in some cases, like slim fast and instant breakfasts, you don't even get enough protien. the average soy powder is only 60% protien.

So here's my suggestion: make your own meal replacements( at least make as many as you can, and save the canned meal replacements for convenience only)

1- start with a protien powder that is 90% pure or better( dont waste your money on the more expesive 'whey isolate'. the main advantage to a whey isolate is that it's supposed to be easily absorbed because it is missing an ensign that is in milk.....I plan on using milk, so I'll be adding that ensign back into the drink. Hence, whey isolate is a waste of money)

2 - add your choice of milk ( mine is skim milk)

3 - add an apropriate quantity of healthy oil ( Omega 3 oils like olive oil or flax oil)

4 - add a health source of carbs like fruit ( I have type 2 diabetes, so I find that strawberries or apples work well for me)

Edited May 30, 200818 yr by Tyler883

That's great Tyler!

I hadn't thought of making my own - it seems easy enough and makes sense giving the cost savings.

I agree that the meal replacement drinks are too expensive however in search of the quick and easy, I neglected to think about making them myself.

innotu,

I'd like to throw out my opinion, and perhaps it'll make sense. I hope this help.

Please, anyone that disagrees with me, please, please, please, post your concerns. I too would love to hear them....

....anyways, here goes.....

I've always had a dislike for complete meal replacements, instant breakfasts, soya powder, weight gaining powder,slim fast, etc.

Why?

Because they are awefully expensive and I feel that I'm getting ripped off when I'm paying top dollar for 'calories added'. lets face it, it is extremely easy to find clean and healthy calories to add to you drinks.

Additionaly, in some cases, like slim fast and instant breakfasts, you don't even get enough protien. the average soy powder is only 60% protien.

So here's my suggestion: make your own meal replacements( at least make as many as you can, and save the canned meal replacements for convenience only)

1- start with a protien powder that is 90% pure or better( dont waste your money on the more expesive 'whey isolate'. the main advantage to a whey isolate is that it's supposed to be easily absorbed because it is missing an ensign that is in milk.....I plan on using milk, so I'll be adding that ensign back into the drink. Hence, whey isolate is a waste of money)

2 - add your choice of milk ( mine is skim milk)

3 - add an apropriate quantity of healthy oil ( Omega 3 oils like olive oil or flax oil)

4 - add a health source of carbs like fruit ( I have type 2 diabetes, so I find that strawberries or apples work well for me)

Also, if you are worried that you might not be getting a balance of vitamins. I'd consider a multivitamin. When you are at the store, you could compare the multivitamin with the vitamin list on a meal replacement. I think you will find that they compare quite well.

Also, I'd like to restate the obvious. An expensive meal replacement is better than not having one. Please don't be shy at buying and using them when its convenient to do so. Some people buy $5 coffee at starbucks, a $5 meal replacement isn't that big of a deal that we need to feel like it's so expensive that we should never buy it......whew!!! sorry about the run-on sentence.