Most of us have a food weakness, maybe it’s some delectably crunchy golden fried chicken? A smooth and creamy double brie? Or maybe it’s a midnight run to Macca’s for a double cheeseburger meal (which we’ve definitely never done before…)?

So when most of us think of starting a diet we automatically assume we’re going to have to give up these foods that we love so much, which can stop people in their tracks. So our researchers have come up with the solution: the Flexi Diet. With a day a week to eat the food or drinks you enjoy, the launch of the Flexi Diet this month is set to change the way we diet and lose weight.

Our researchers have found fasting can be an effective way to lose weight and stay healthy, and by alternating three fasting days with meal replacement days, it allows a day each week of no restrictions, allowing any foods you like (yes, even fried chicken!).

Flexibility on the Flexi diet

There’s been a lot of scientific and consumer interest in intermittent fasting recently so we thought it was time to get involved.

In one of the largest and most comprehensive clinical studies on intermittent fasting, our researchers monitored and tested 135 participants over a 16 week period. Trial participants lost an average of 11kg and experienced improvements in cholesterol, insulin, glucose and blood pressure.

“This was the largest study exploring the effects of an intermittent fasting style of diet on weight loss, health and nutrient status,” Research Dietician Dr Jane Bowen said.

“In addition to weight loss and better overall health, we also observed psychological improvements, with participants indicating better control over eating habits.”

A diet backed by science

We worked together with Probiotec to develop the Flexi diet as an alternative solution to weight loss. Past studies, although shorter than ours, showed similar positive results for participants: weight loss and metabolic improvements (including fat mass loss) along with improvements in blood pressure, glycemic control and markers of cardiovascular disease risk.

While more traditional weight loss diets restrict our energy intake each day, the intermittent fasting approach considers energy intake over the entire week as a way to keep us motivated, and reduce food cravings perhaps in anticipation of the approaching flexi day.

We understand however that one dietary pattern isn’t going to suit everyone’s preferences and lifestyle, which is why we’re always exploring and researching nutrition and diet options.

We’re all about providing people with options that are backed by science and acknowledge that other dietary programs we’ve clinically tested such as the Total Wellbeing Diet, Low Carb Diet and Baker IDI Diabetes and Lifestyle plans might suit some people better.

Freedom on the Flexi diet

“Losing weight can be challenging with results often limited by an individual’s ability to stick with a diet,” said Dr Bowen. “The Flexi program offers a flexible alternative to traditional diets, which could help Australians to fit a weight loss diet around their busy, social lifestyles.”

The Flexi program includes a recipe book and a website with personalised meal plans, progress tracking tools and a tailored virtual consultation designed by our dietitians and behavioural scientists. As you progress through the program towards your goals, meal plans can be adjusted to incorporate more whole foods for a long term approach to weight management.

If you’re interested in finding out more you can take a look at the Flexi Diet details through the Impromy program.