Staying Healthy

How do VLCDs Work? | Your Questions Answered by Our Nutritionist

We know that before starting any diet, especially a VLCD (very low-calorie diets) it is important to get ‘in-the-know’ about what the diet involves, how it works and have your diet questions answered.

In this blog, our in-house nutritionists provide answers to FAQs from our customers about VLCDs, to help you get clued up before starting on this type of diet plan.

Is a VLCD Diet ok for me?

Back to Basics. Understanding calorie deficit

“VLCDs (very low-calorie diets) are designed for people that typically have excess calories stored in the form of fat stores. VLCDs cause you to enter into a significant calorie deficit, which will induce your body into burning through its existing fat stores (a process known as a type of ketosis). Learn more about ketosis here.

These fat stores will provide you with energy so that you can get through the day on a very low-calorie diet. However, we do not recommend a complete meal replacement diet plan for those with a BMI of under 25 and would instead suggest a flexi-dieting option.”

Want to start a VLCD Diet? exante have a wide variety of shakes and soups high-protein and low-carbohydrate. Each serving provides over 17 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre that will make you feel fuller for longer.

Our Shake and Soup Bundle is the perfect option to kick start your weight loss journey.

Is it healthy to replace all your meals?

peanut butter bar in front of mac book in bed

“exante products have a complete nutritional profile of 27 vitamins and minerals, to keep your body healthy while on any of our diet plans*.

These include:

  • Calcium: to support healthy bones & teeth
  • Biotin (Vitamin B7): supports healthy skin, hair, eyes and liver healthy AND helps the body to break down fats
  • Vitamin B1: helps to release energy from food and keeps the nervous system healthy

In addition, all exante meal replacement options have an expertly balanced macro-nutrient profile. This means that – providing you follow a plan that is suitable for you – you will consume all the nutrients you need throughout the day to support your health and wellbeing.

We also advise that, after 12 weeks on our VLCDs, you should begin to incorporate high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals back into your diet.

Explore the exante diet boxes to get started:

Won’t I be hungry on a VLCD?

“We ensure that each of our low-calorie meal replacement options contain high levels of protein and fibre. These are two of the key nutrients that help you to feel fuller for longer.

In addition, our products do not contain added refined sugars, so you shouldn’t get the same cravings that come alongside consuming sugary products.

Sometimes, during the first few days of a VLCD diet, you may experience cravings and hunger pangs. This is due to your body adjusting to the change in calorie intake. To help with this, we it is important to drink lots of water.



Kat Myers

Kat Myers

Writer