VLCD stands for Very Low Calorie Diet, and basically this is any diet programme that is under 800 Calories that provides you with all of the required nutrients to maintain good health while eating minimum calories.
Is it right for me?
VLCD Programmes are not right for everyone, and not suitable for all. If you have a BMI of 25 or more and you are in good health (please see our list of
contra-indications (opens in new window)
Very Low Calorie Diets (LCD's) are an intense and fast way to lose weight providing you have a BMI in excess of 25 or at least 1 stone of weight to lose, but they are not suitable for everyone (see contra-indications link above).
For suitability you should always check with your doctor prior to starting this or any other very low calorie diet.
How Many Items Per Day?
There are two different programmes you can use:
Female
- 3 Items Per Day 400 to 500 Calories + Protein Meal (150 Calories) + Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Required
- 4 Items Per Day 550 to 700 Calories
Male
- 4 Items Per Day 550 to 700 Calories
- 5 Items Per Day 700 to 800 Calories
Calories will vary depending on how you plan your meals, though you need not worry or count calories, simply following the programme will work
How much water do I need to drink and why?
It is very important to consume at least eight glasses of water or other liquid per day. It is very important that we constantly replace our body fluids. Sufficient liquid intake is also necessary to maintain proper kidney function. You should drink 2-3 litres of fluid a day. The main reason for this is a very low calorie diet (VLCD) which produces a natural water loss and this must be replaced. Food is largely composed of water, just like our bodies and while on the programme it is necessary to compensate for the fluid that would otherwise have been taken in through food. It is important to keep the body’s fluid levels topped up to prevent the unpleasant symptoms of dehydration – headache, dizziness, fatigue, irritability and constipation. If you can you should drink 250ml of water before each sachet or bar to dilute the concentration of minerals and to help prevent any possible feeling of nausea. Extra fluid enables the body to get rid of the waste products associated with the breakdown of fats resulting from weight loss.
Can I drink low calorie, diet drinks, coffee, tea or alcohol?
There are no low calorie drinks allowed on the programme, it is possible to whiten tea and coffee using small amounts of vanilla flavoured powder from the daily quota. Leaf herb teas (mint, nettle, etc) can add variety, but avoid fruit and flower teas as they contain carbohydrate which can cause fluid retention and induce a plateau in some dieters. Those who cannot live without tea and coffee with milk can still lose weight with the other programmes available from VLCD. You cannot drink alcohol as it contains seven calories per gram and is of no other significant nutritional value. Consumption of large quantities of coffee is not recommended. If you feel you must drink them, the decaffeinated forms are preferred. Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the body systems and sometimes provides an irritant effect. Herbal teas offer a pleasant alternative.
Will I feel hungry?
Some hunger is experienced during the first one or two days but on the third day it usually disappears completely. This is because your body has adjusted to its new balance of just over 450 kcal per day. If you cheat, you will become very hungry indeed, because eating food only stimulates your hunger more, so it is best to stick to the Diet and do not supplement it, at least for four weeks when you can have a break.
Will I need to take extra vitamins?
If you are taking the Female 3 Items per day you will require a Multi-Vitamin & Mineral supplement, all other vlcd programmes we offer will give adequate nutrition without supplementation.
If I am hungry can I have a fourth/fifth item?
Some people may require additional energy for their activities, such as those involved in heavy physical work and strenuous athletics. An extra shake may be necessary to provide extra energy in balanced form. Its far better to take an extra VLCD item than go off the plan and snack on normal food. Though do remember the more extra's you take the longer it will take you to reach your goal.
Will I get a headache while on Slim & Save VLCD?
Occasionally, during the initial three days a person may experience carbohydrate withdrawal and may develop a headache. This is a temporary effect and should be tolerated. A simple tablet for headaches, for example paracetamol, taken for a day or two will improve the problem. Insufficient fluid intake could also cause a mild dehydration, and ensuing headache. Ensure that the recommended amount of water is drunk.
I have started to get diarrhoea while on Slim & Save VLCD, why?
This is a minor problem and is considered a possible transient effect that will last for only a short time. Some people have systems that are not used to the mineral content in meal replacement diets. It is a good idea to drink an extra glass of water with the shakes, which will dilute the effect of the minerals in the body. A solution to the diarrhoea is to take the shakes in half portions during the day (6 half sachets – by dividing the sachets into 2) initially to slow the mineral intake. Another possible cause of continued diarrhoea is lactose intolerance. Some people cannot digest the lactose in milk products, and diarrhoea can occur.
I am constipated while on Slim & Save VLCD?
VLCD contains enough fibre for most people. When someone goes on any diet, much less bulk is being consumed, and less to be eliminated. As a result, bowel movements are much less frequent. This is normal, and should not cause immediate concern. Most people should use a spoonful of VLCD Fibre daily in a glass of water or their shake to prevent constipation.
I am getting less sleep every night?
It is not uncommon for a person to require less sleep when they lose weight. . There are many cases where people thought that they required 9 or 10 hours of sleep per night, only to find that when they lost weight their sleep requirement dropped considerably. Having an extra hour or two awake each day may be a pleasant side effect of the diet.
I seem to have a bad breath?
A mild ketosis may develop when on any very low calorie diet and this may affect your breath slightly. Simply brush your teeth more often, and use mouth wash, sugar-free chewing gum or breath fresheners.
I feel nausea while on the diet?
Some people have more sensitive stomachs than others and such individuals may sometimes develop nausea when they first start a very low calorie diet. Often a full glass of water following your shake will eliminate this problem. Another solution is to break the shakes down into six per day, and follow each meal with a glass of water to dilute the effect of the minerals.
Why do I feel dizzy?
Dizziness is a possible transient effect of any diet and should only last for a day or so. It is often caused by the diuretic effect that accompanies any low calorie diet. During the first few days of the diet, the body will excrete a considerable amount of water, which then requires readjustment of the fluid content of different parts of the body. It is important to drink the recommended amount of liquid and avoid quick changes in position and extreme exertion during the first few days of the Diet.
I am feeling cold while on the diet?
This is almost certainly due to a reduced thermogenic response to a reduced food intake. Large meals cause the body to generate a lot of body heat, while smaller meals produce less heat. Individuals differ widely in their thermogenic response. Your hands and feet may feel particularly cold – this is a normal response of the body to try to save heat and energy. For those that are affected, the cold feeling is due to the very small number of calories on the VLCD. Other factors that influence body heat production include the slight reduction in metabolic rate which always happens during weight loss, and of course the loss of insulating fat! Those who are sensitive to the cold need to move around more and wrap up warmly – many light layers are more effective than a single heavy layer.
Will my menstrual cycle be affected?
Hormone levels fluctuate when there are changes in weight – particularly in women. For most, the menstrual cycle is not affected, but in some women breakthrough bleeding may occur. Others may find that their periods stop for a while. Fertility may also be changed and unexpected pregnancies do occur, thus even if a woman has been trying unsuccessfully to become pregnant she needs to be wary of the fact that during and after weight loss her fertility may increase. Rapid weight-loss with very low calorie diets may temporarily affect the menstrual cycle patterns; ovulation, however is probably not interrupted. The metabolism of contraceptive pills may be affected during effective weight loss so extra care may be needed.
Can I get cramps while on the diet?
Cramp which occurs in some people while dieting, is almost certainly caused by changes in electrolyte (salts) levels in blood and muscle. It may be relieved by ensuring that you drink the right amount of water or by raising your dietary energy intake level for a day or two (go up a step). If the cramp persists or if you’ve had cramps before see your doctor.
I am experiencing hairloss?
Hair loss, with a generalised thinning of the hair, is usually linked to emotional stress, severe illness, malnutrition, hypothyroidism, other hormonal changes, and in some people is associated with effective weight loss over a sustained period of time whatever the method of weight loss used. Hair does re-grow, usually thicker and glossier than before. If the hair-loss is patchy or there are problems with the skin on other parts of the body please talk to your doctor.
I experience heartburn?
It may be helpful to take six mini meals per day instead of the three regular meals, but the ingredients in the diet will not interfere with ulcers or ulcer medication.
I suffer from gout?
Gout sufferers generally have raised blood levels of uric acid (hyperuricaemia) which can cause crystals of sodium urate to be deposited in the joints – an extremely painful condition. Using a VLCD as your main source of nutrition may raise uric acid levels, so if you are susceptible to gout, you could risk triggering an attack, particularly during the first few days of your diet. Anyone with a history of gout should be warned of this possibility.
I have high blood pressure?
Many people with high blood pressure have experienced blood pressure reductions after weight-loss. Not only has there been a significant drop in blood pressure, but sometimes a decrease in medication has been required. It is very important that these people consult their doctors. A VLCD, taken as a sole source of nutrition, will itself cause water loss. For this reason, medication having a diuretic effect should monitored by the doctor on a regular basis.
Can I use Slim & Save VLCD if I suffer from diverticulitis?
Diverticulosis is the development of diverticula (small sacs) in the bowel. Diverticulitis is a complication produced by inflammation of the diverticula. Symptoms can include pain in the lower abdomen, and changes in bowel Habit, bleeding from the bowel and raised temperature. Lack of fibre may play a part in the development of this condition and a high fibre diet might reduce the incidence of complications. With any change in eating habits a change in bowel habits can follow. Six half portion sachets may be more suitable than three whole ones.
I suffer form high cholesterol, can I use the diet?
There is no problem for people with high cholesterol to use the diet.
I am a diabetic, can I use Slim & Save VLCD?
People with Type 2 diabetes can use Slim & Save VLCD. People with Type 1 diabetes need to have approval from their doctor before they start the VLCD programme. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics need constant monitoring of their mediation as it may need to be adjusted during the diet.
Can I go on the diet if I am pregnant/breast feeding?
No
Will I go into ketosis?
You will experience mild ketosis which can be a benefit to those on weight-loss programmes as it may give a feeling of euphoria in some people while curbing the appetite. When fat is released from fatty (adipose) tissue it travels to the liver where it can be used to make more fat or be ‘burned’ producing energy. The energy production pathway produces ketones. Everyone has some ketones in their blood at all times, but usually at low levels. The levels rise when fasting or while on a low carbohydrate diet designed to induce ‘ketosis’. ‘Ketosis’ is a term applied to a state where the ketone blood levels are high enough to allow ketones to leave the body on the breath or in urine. Physiological ketosis is a normal protectic mechanism reflecting the way in which the body switches its metabolism to ‘burning fat’. The effect of high levels of ketones varies from person to person. Some people feel euphoric, others may not feel hungry. There is little evidence that physiological ketosis is harmful
Can I use the diet after having a heart attack?
You can start the diet only after 6 months since you had the attack. You will also need your doctor to approve you starting the VLCD programme.
What can I take for a cold or cough?
The diet contains all the nutrients required for normal health but when you a fighting an infection you may do this more effectively on a higher energy intake. While you recover you should raise your energy intake to a higher level. Remember that cough and cold remedies often contain sugar so you may want to choose sugar-free versions.
