In Australia, based on research that fasting can be an effective way to lose weight and stay healthy, CSIRO introduced a diet that includes intermittent fasting three days a week. The research combined intermittent fasting with meal replacement shakes and a Flexi day where participants had one day a week to enjoy the food or drinks they love. Participants in the 16-week trial lost an average of 11 kilograms and saw improvements in cholesterol, insulin, glucose and blood pressure.
The new Flexi diet was launched with Probiotec, the creator of the Impromy weight loss program. The Flexi program includes a recipe book and a website with personalized meal plans, progress tracking tools and a virtual consultation designed by CSIRO dietitians and behavioral scientists.
As dieters progress through the program towards their goals, meal plans can be modified to incorporate more whole foods for a long term approach to weight maintenance.