A Closer Look at the New You Plan's Food Products
The New You Plan simplifies dieting by providing a specific range of nutritionally complete, single-serving meals and snacks. The core of the plan relies on consuming 4 of these products daily (or 5 if you weigh over 17 stone), which keeps total calories low while delivering 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals. These products are designed to be ketogenic, which helps suppress appetite by burning body fat for energy.
Core Meal Replacement Products
The plan's main food groups cover all mealtimes with a wide variety of flavors:
- Shakes: A staple of the diet, shakes come in a variety of sweet and indulgent flavors, from classic Chocolate and Strawberry to more adventurous options like Red Velvet and Salted Caramel. They are designed to be mixed with water and are an easy, satisfying option for breakfast or a quick lunch.
- Soups: For those craving a savory option, the plan includes hearty soups. These sachets are mixed with hot water and can be prepared quickly in a microwave or on the hob. Flavors often include classics like Country Cottage Pie and vegetable-based options.
- Hot Meals: Offering more variety and a sense of a conventional dinner, the hot meals are another water-mix product. These can be cooked and feel more like a traditional meal, helping to provide normality during the weight loss journey. Options include dishes like Spicy Noodle Nosh and Country Cottage Pie.
- Porridge: Perfect for a warm breakfast, porridges are available in flavors like Maple and Fruit Almond and Banoffee. These provide a comforting and filling start to the day.
Optional Snacks and Supplements
Beyond the four daily meal replacements, the plan also offers optional snacks for flexibility, though consumption is limited to maximize weight loss.
- Meal Bars: A convenient, ready-to-eat option for when you are on the go. The plan recommends limiting intake to one bar per day for faster results, as some varieties can have a laxative effect.
- Protein Crisps and Wafers: These high-protein snacks provide a satisfying crunch for those who miss traditional snacks. Crisps can be had daily, while wafers are limited to 2-3 times per week.
- Water Flavorings and Boosts: To encourage adequate hydration (2.5-4 litres per day), the plan offers water flavorings and special boost products.
The New You Plan's Different Stages
The plan offers a core Total Food Replacement (TFR) stage and a flexible Switch or Maintenance phase.
Total Food Replacement (TFR)
This is the most restrictive and calorie-limited phase, where you consume only the designated New You Plan products. It is intended for rapid weight loss and induces ketosis quickly. Users typically consume 4 (or 5, depending on starting weight) meal replacements daily. During this phase, conventional foods are generally not consumed, although some members might add a small amount of vegetables or salad.
New You Switch and Maintenance
This phase reintroduces conventional foods in a controlled manner, with the support of some New You products. It's designed to help you transition from the intense TFR stage to a more sustainable, calorie-controlled diet. The aim is to help you learn healthy eating habits for long-term weight management.
Comparison of TFR vs. Switch/Maintenance Phase
| Feature | Total Food Replacement (TFR) Phase | Switch/Maintenance Phase |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Rapid initial weight loss | Learning long-term healthy eating habits |
| Caloric Intake | Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD), typically around 600-800 kcal/day | Higher caloric intake, incorporating conventional food |
| Food Sources | Exclusively New You Plan meal replacements (shades, soups, etc.) | A mix of New You Plan products and healthy conventional foods (lean protein, vegetables, fruit) |
| Ketosis | The diet is specifically designed to induce and maintain ketosis | Ketosis is not the primary focus, as carbohydrates are reintroduced |
| Cooking Required | Minimal; just add water and heat | Preparation of conventional meals is required |
| Support | Strong focus on community and support to stay on track | Focus shifts to building sustainable eating patterns |
Making the Most of Your New You Journey
To ensure success on the New You Plan, remember these key elements:
- Hydration is Key: Drink between 2.5 and 4 litres of water daily. This is crucial for flushing toxins, speeding up metabolism, and reducing hunger.
- Plan Your Meals: Knowing which 4 or 5 products you will have each day can help you stick to the plan and prevent impulsive food decisions.
- Add Flavor Wisely: For savory meals, feel free to add herbs, spices, pepper, or garlic for extra flavor without adding significant calories. These can increase satisfaction.
- Embrace the Community: Join the online support groups to connect with others on the same journey. Sharing experiences can be a powerful motivator.
Conclusion
For anyone asking 'what do you eat on the new you plan?', the answer is a simple, structured diet of proprietary meal replacements. The plan is designed to be a total food replacement (TFR) system that leads to ketosis for rapid weight loss. By sticking to the shakes, soups, meals, and controlled snacks, and transitioning to a healthier eating pattern during maintenance, the New You Plan provides a clear path towards achieving weight loss goals with minimal stress over food preparation or calorie counting. This structured approach, combined with robust community support, can be a powerful tool for transformation.
For more general information on healthy eating, you can visit the NHS Eat Well Guide.