Hi all. I really got a lot out of MsFB's thread comparing Medifast and New Lifestyle. I am also in the process of trying out some new products, so I thought I'd share my opinions as well. I am primarily using Medifast, but I am looking to add some more variety to my available foods, cut down a little on my soy intake, and make it easier to keep my carbs at the recommended 85-ish level. (Many of the NLD /WS options have less carbs than the comparable Medifast meal.)
To be clear, I am evaluating these foods as substitutions in the Medifast program. I'm not considering using the WS program exclusively, though those who are might still find this helpful.
Right now, I have a few different varieties from Wonderslim. I'm currently waiting on my NLD order to get here.
Initial observations:
1. In Wonderslim vs NLD, I would pick Wonderslim.
From everything I have read, these are the same products, just different labels. The prices seem comparable (though I have heard people say WS is cheaper), but WS has faster shipping.
2. The Wonderslim foods are not as nutritive as Medifast.
This should not be a shocker since WS advises you take a multivitamin and Medifast does not. Comparing the nutrition labels, it is quite apparent that Medifast meals are vitamin fortified, and Wonderslim is not much. Many places also suggest that tablet multivitamins are not absorbed as well as vitamins in food or liquid vitamins, so something to consider when choosing how you get your vitamins.
3. The Wonderslim foods do not have as much fiber as Medifast.
This is important for dieters. Not just for "fiber quota" reasons, but because fiber, like protein, contributes to feelings of fullness and satisfaction. And protein combined with fiber is more effective than just protein alone. Of course, fiber is a carb, so I believe this may be one of the primary reasons Medifast meals on average have more carbs than Wonderslim. People switching from Medifast to Wonderslim will probably want to take careful note of if they feel hungry sooner, because there is a nutritional explanation for why that might be. Also you can buy tasteless fiber supplements to add to liquid foods. This may be an answer for those concerned about fiber/satisfaction.
For those taking a net carb approach, this fiber supplement is probably the equalizer. For those like myself, following the medifast total carb approach, you would just need to count the added carbs if you used it.
PS I would still appreciate it if someone could answer my question about the 200+ calorie meals from Wonderslim, as I am not going to try these products until I know why they are so high in carbs.
Next up, some food comparisons!