If you’re trying to lose weight, healthy eating and being physically active is the key. Although for some, a very low calorie diet (VLCD) could be the right choice.

How do very low calorie diets work? The recommended daily calorie intake for women is 2,000 calories per day and 2,500 for men. Our VLCD provides just 600 calories, which means you are consuming far fewer calories than your body needs to maintain your current weight. Meaning you lose weight at a much faster rate.
What impact will reducing calories have on my body? This causes your body to enter a natural metabolic state called ketosis – which generally happens after 2-4 days. Ketosis occurs once your body has used up its energy reserves of glycogen and instead starts to burn the fats from its fat stores. As a result, you’ll quickly lose weight.
What are the effects of a very low calorie diet on your body? The body’s preferred energy currency is glucose which we get from carbohydrates and store in the liver and muscles as glycogen. Glycogen can be quickly used as fuel. When we have depleted our glycogen stores the body will start to break down fat as an energy source instead.
…this is fat burning.
You may have heard this stage being referred to Ketosis. Read more HERE
Why is weight loss accelerated in the first week of a very low calorie diet? This rapid weight loss is mainly due to the depletion of stored carbohydrates (glucose/glycogen). Basically to store glycogen you need water at a 1:3 ratio, so that’s a lot of stored water. As you start to lose the glycogen the stored water goes with it.
So if we lose the glycogen and water weight – won’t they go back on after the VLCD? Yes, as soon as you come off any plan that involves a big reduction of calories or an exclusion of carbohydrates you will no doubt regain around 4lb of weight. As soon as you start to eat carbohydrates they will convert to glycogen and be stored along with the water.
Remember that the weight you regain is not fat weight. You will gain approximately 4lb in the first week of re-feeding perhaps more as the body remembers the loss and stocks up! This is temporary and will regulate.
What amount of weight can I expect to lose on a very low calorie diet? There are obvious variables to weight loss, such as beginning weight and physical activity levels throughout the plan. Most on a very low calorie diet lose more pounds in the first few weeks. Average numbers are around 4-4.5lbs week for those with a starting BMI of 30+.
Will I feel really hungry on a very low calorie diet? Ordinarily, if you tried eating just 600 calories a day you’d not only feel hungry all the time, you’d also miss out on many of the vitamins and minerals you need to consume as part of a healthy diet.
Our meal replacement products contain lots of protein and fibre to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
What are meal replacements? Designed to replace a conventional meal, meal replacements are highly nutritious, fortified foods that provide the recommended amount of nutrients needed for good health. Each product has at least 25% protein, essential fatty acids and 30% of 23 vitamins and minerals – allowing you to cut calories not nutrition.
How long should I stay on a very low calorie diet? No more than 12 continuous weeks. It is then important to take at least 1-2 weeks interval.
Can anyone start a very low calorie diet? VLCD are suitable for those who are overweight (usually BMI over 30). If you have an existing health condition it’s advisable to speak with your GP before making any changes to your diet. VLCDs are not suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as eating disorders and epilepsy, or if you are taking daily medication.
Can I drink flavoured water on a very low calorie diet? Not if it contains citric acid.Saints & Slimmers Water Flavouring is citric acid free.
Can I drink tea/coffee on a very low calorie diet? Without milk and Green tea is fine. Avoid herbal teas as they may contain citric acid.
Can I have milk on a very low calorie diet? Milk is not recommended.
Can I do any exercise on a very low calorie diet? Daily exercise as part of your normal routine is fine, or some light walking. However, long sessions at the gym are not recommended until you increase calories.
Can I have general food instead, as long as I stick to under 600 calories for the day? We would recommend that you stick with our meal replacement products. This ensures that you will be getting all the nutrients and vitamins from our products, and the protein and fibre will help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Can I have fruit on a very low calorie diet? Fruit is not recommended.
Do I need to take a vitamin supplement on a Saints & Slimmers very low calorie diet? No, the meal replacement products contained within this bundle have 100% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins and minerals.
Can I have sweetener in tea/coffee on my very low calorie diet? We recommend that you use tablet sweeteners, as powdered ones contain extra calories and carbohydrates.
Possible side effects whilst on a very low calorie diet: As with any weight loss programme, some customers may experience side effects, particularly in the beginning. These may include:
Headaches – make sure you are drinking 2-2.5litres of water a day to keep yourself hydrated. Nausea / upset stomach – this may be due to the levels of vitamins and minerals, so try having a glass of water before and after. Constipation – as you are not consuming as much food as normal you can feel constipated as you don’t want to go to the toilet as regularly. Drinking plenty of water may help to relieve these symptoms.
Want to get in shape quicker?
If you want to get into shape even quicker, why not check out our diet plans? Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-follow complete diet, a low calorie diet where you cook a meal yourself, or a faster very low calorie (VLCD) or 5:2 diet, we’ve got a plan for you.
Check out our diets »