Breaking Down the Fast 800 Diet Costs
Determining exactly how much the Fast 800 diet costs can be complex because there are several different pathways to follow the plan, each with its own price tag. The most significant variable is whether you choose the official, guided online programme or opt for a self-guided route using books and free resources. Other variables include your personal grocery habits and the optional purchase of branded supplements like shakes.
The Official Online Programme
The most comprehensive way to follow the Fast 800 is by enrolling in the official online programme, which provides structured meal plans, recipes, exercise videos, and community support. The cost structure is typically split into a main 12-week plan followed by a cheaper, ongoing support membership.
- Initial 12-Week Programme: As of late 2024 and early 2025, the cost for the 12-week program via the website is often split into three monthly payments. For example, a US customer would pay $39.99 USD per month for three months, for a total of approximately $120. This includes a 7-day free trial period before payment begins.
- Graduate Support Membership: After completing the initial 12 weeks, members transition to a less expensive monthly membership, for example, around $15 USD per month. This option is designed for those in the maintenance phase of the diet.
- App Store Variations: It is worth noting that pricing can vary slightly when signing up via the Google Play or Apple App Store compared to the website, sometimes offering different subscription lengths, such as annual plans.
Food and Grocery Expenses
The Fast 800 diet advocates for a moderately low-carb, Mediterranean-style eating pattern, focusing on whole foods rich in protein, fibre, and healthy fats. The cost of groceries will depend on many factors, including where you live, the quality of ingredients you choose, and your current eating habits.
- Initial Phase: During the restrictive 800-calorie phase, grocery costs might initially decrease because you are consuming less food overall. However, focusing on high-quality ingredients like lean protein, oily fish, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables could counteract some savings.
- Maintenance Phase: In the less restrictive phases, food costs may return to a more normal level, depending on your choices. The official programme provides optimized meal plans to help use ingredients across multiple meals, which can help reduce waste and overall spend.
- Cost-Saving Tips: Shopping for seasonal vegetables, buying in bulk, and preparing meals at home from scratch can significantly lower your weekly grocery bill. You can also save money by opting for cheaper sources of protein like eggs and legumes instead of more expensive cuts of meat.
Comparison: Online Programme vs. Self-Guided Approach
| Feature | Official Online Programme | Self-Guided (using books) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 12-week program (~$120 USD), then monthly membership (~$15 USD). | One-time book purchase (e.g., $25-$55 USD per book). |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial available. | No trial, immediate book purchase required. |
| Resources | Over 900 recipes, 250+ workouts, educational articles, behaviour change courses, and more. | Primarily recipes and basic diet principles found in the book. |
| Support | Exclusive community access, forums, and direct access to health coaches. | No dedicated support system outside of the information provided in the book. |
| Flexibility | Multiple approaches are supported, including 'Very Fast 800', 'New 5:2', and 'Way of Life'. | Follows the guidelines as described in the purchased book, less personalized. |
| Additional Costs | Groceries for meals, optional shakes and supplements. | Groceries for meals, optional shakes and supplements. |
Optional Shakes and Supplements
The Fast 800 brand offers its own range of products, including meal replacement shakes, protein bars, and multivitamins, which represent an optional, but potentially significant, additional cost.
- Fast 800 Shakes: These are designed for convenience, especially on 800-calorie fasting days. They are not required, as real food is always the preferred option, but they can be a useful, albeit expensive, crutch for some. A bag of shakes might cost around £22.99 GBP.
- Fast 800 Multivitamins: A specially formulated multivitamin is available to ensure nutrient needs are met during weight loss, adding another potential expense.
Making the Fast 800 Diet More Affordable
Even with the costs involved, it is possible to follow the diet on a budget by making smart choices:
- Leverage Free Resources: The principles of the Fast 800 are well-documented in Dr. Michael Mosley's books and other online summaries. You can find free recipes and exercise ideas on various health websites.
- Embrace Home Cooking: The Mediterranean diet principles are budget-friendly when based on whole foods. Cook meals from scratch using inexpensive ingredients like pulses, grains, eggs, and seasonal vegetables.
- Skip the Supplements: Meal replacement shakes and supplements are not mandatory. You can achieve excellent results simply by sticking to the core dietary principles with whole foods.
- Utilize the Library: Instead of buying multiple recipe books, check your local library for copies. Many of Dr. Mosley's titles are widely available and can provide all the information you need without a purchase.
Conclusion
The question of how much the Fast 800 diet costs has no single answer, as the total varies based on your chosen path. The structured online programme offers significant support for a recurring fee, while a self-guided approach using books or free online information is a much cheaper, one-time expense. The most variable cost comes from food, which can be managed effectively with careful planning and home cooking. Ultimately, the Fast 800 diet can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you make it, with the key principles of intermittent fasting and a Mediterranean-style diet remaining accessible regardless of your financial commitment. For an official overview, see the Fast 800 website.
