Atkins Shakes vs. Optifast

Hi Everyone,

Can you get basically the same results drinking Atkins 4 times a day similar to drinking Optifast?  I can't afford Optifast.

Does one drink  4 Atkins shakes a day while eating veggies such as cucumber and lettuce with some protein?

Thank you for your advice!

I don't know of anyone pre-surgery who was on Atkins shakes. Do the math, add up the cost of 4 Atkins shakes a day...may not be that far off!

Hi,

I had RNY surgery about 4 years ago.  Just wanted to jump start some weight loss

I have heard that there isn't more protein like we need in any other shakes. Can you make you own protein shakes? Or get the Premier protein drinks?

An Atkins shake provides 15 grams of protein per shake, 160 calories.  Drinking 4 per day would give you 60 grams of protein, for 640 calories. 

I would recommend that perhaps you drink two shakes (morning and lunch) with a dinner of 3 oz of protein (chicken, steak or pork) and a serving of veggies.  Then you could have another shake in the evening as a snack.  That would provide you with a bit more nutrition than just 4 shakes per day.

Personally, I would prefer the Premier Protein shakes where for the 160 calories, you get 30 grams of protein.  They are sold at Costco for approx $26 for a case of 18 - which works out to $1.44 per serving.  I am not sure how much a pack (4) the Atkins drinks cost.

Good luck in your attempt to kick start your weight loss!

Judy

cant afford opti ..

dont forget the cost of vitamins and supplements you will need for the rest of your live.  there will be a cost

The cost of Opti is no more than the cost of a week's groceries. I argued the same point with myself for a year. Finally I put my priorities in order and decided I couldn't put a cost on my life.

When I had my gastric sleeve done at the Cleveland Clinic in Jan 2010 I had a choice of several different kinds of shakes to purchase and Atkins was one of them.   I did 4 Atkins Shakes for two weeks prior to surgery.  I was also allowed chicken and beef broth and sugar free jello and popsicles.

Here's the nutrition information from the Canadian version of Optfast available only through medical clinics here in Canada. Multiply by four (the recommended daily consumption) and you will determine the equivalent daily values that the Canadian doctors expect you to receive when on a six month Optifast Diet. You can theoretically apply these same values to your everyday nutritional requirements no matter how you are absorbing your food.

Now here's the American version of the the Optifast shake right off the box. This is the same supplement you would receive if you ordered online through eBay. I presume the values are less because they expect you to also consuming one of their bars or soups which are not generally available here in Canada.

You should be able to compare the Canadian version with any liquid or powdered diet available through drugstores or online to determine what supplements you may need to top up with to achieve your cumulative daily recommended allowances. If you are missing some nutrients, don't stay on your favored poison too long without supplementation. I tend to consume only two Optifast packets per day but take all kinds of supplements to compensate.