FAQs

General Points
How does it work?
The distribution of menus
Health & Nutrition Questions

Food during a Diet Expert programme
Professional, social and family life during a Diet Expert programme
Practical issues
- Can I exchange products?
- I cannot adjust my weight curve

General Points

How much weight can you lose with a Diet Expert programme?

Depending on your desired weight loss, Diet Expert offers different programmes allowing you to lose up to 3 kg per week. These amount of weight loss is not a commitment by Diet Expert but constitutes the amount of weight loss generally achieved.

Many factors are involved: sex, BMI (body mass index), age, the period of the cycle in women, metabolism, and also your personal history.

You should also be aware that a person who has never followed a diet before will lose weight more easily than someone who has already followed slimming programmes a number of times and may be resistant to weight loss.

How does it work?

Diet Expert programmes are based on high protein meals or preparations together with a conventional diet.
The calorie intake is reduced significantly: starches and sugars are temporarily reduced in the diet.
This low calorie intake triggers a natural physiological mechanism called "Ketosis".

Indeed when the body no longer has its usual source of energy, it will call on other resources: fat reserves. Meanwhile, the major protein intake of our products helps prevent muscle breakdown and facilitate satiation.

You only lose fat and very little muscle, you keep your vitality and have no feeling of fatigue as on other diets.

This mechanism is triggered within 48 hours which is why the results are visible very quickly.
All of this natural process is under the control of your qualified dietitian to help you lose weight quickly and safely.

What are the reasons for slower weight loss?

Repeat dieting especially recently, a low calorie diet normally, age, pregnancy, stress, family and hormonal disorders are factors that can slow weight loss history. You should be aware that taking regular physical exercise increases the body's ability to burn calories, even at rest and also helps shape your figure.

What are the differences between Diet Expert programmes?

Booster
Programme

From £ 4.75 / day

Our most effective solution
High protein products improved by the addition of active slimming agents
Weight loss up to 6.5 lb per week
Products improved by our Starred Chef
Your personal dietitian supports you

Gourmet
Programme

From £ 3.80 / day

Our solution for good food lovers
Ready-to-eat diet meals
Weight loss up to 4.5 lb per week
Delicious dishes improved by our Starred Chef
Your personal dietitian supports you

High protein
Programme

From £ 3.10 / day

Our solution for people on a budget
Classic high protein products
Weight loss up to 4.5 lb per week
Your personal dietitian supports you

How does it work?

The different stages:

Our programmes consists of three stages: the slimming stage (Booster, Gourmet, High protein), the stabilisation stage and the equilibrium stage.

The slimming stage:

It consists of a high protein intake combined with a decreased intake of carbohydrates (sugars) and lipids (fats). The Diet Expert products provide most of the daily protein requirement in addition to the conventional meal. The Diet Expert products are soups, drinks, bars, snacks and ready-made dishes. You can choose from many flavours.

The Diet Expert programmes allow a significant, rapid and lasting weight loss without feeling hungry. You maintain your muscle mass and lose only the fat. Thus, the results are visible quickly and your figure becomes slimmer.
Diet Expert offers a mixed diet: in addition to our products, you will eat conventional foods (vegetables, dairy products ...) and one conventional meal per day (lean meat or fish and vegetables).

Stabilisation stage:

You gradually reintegrate carbohydrate foods eliminated during the slimming stage. This stage is essential to maintaining the weight achieved, the different levels will allow you to rediscover a varied and balanced diet and prevent you from regaining weight.

The Equilibrium stage:

The final stage of your programme is a return to a diversified diet tailored to your lifestyle and habits.
You will rediscover a suitable diet of quality, synonymous with stabilisation and well-being in the long term.

Throughout your programme, you will be supported by a qualified dietitian who will take care of you from the beginning of the programme until the end of the equilibrium stage. This should allow you to adopt effective and sustainable eating habits

It may be that you will feel hungry or tired during the first days of the diet: this is the time needed by the body to trigger "ketosis": the transformation of fat reserves into ketones. It is essential to drink a lot to eliminate these toxins.

Is the stabilisation phase mandatory?

It is especially strongly advised! This is an important step that will allow you to resume a more varied, conventional diet while stabilising your weight.

What should I do when I get cravings?

Depending on your mood, choose a hot drink (tea, infusion, soup ...), a dairy product, your daily fruit, ham or an egg.

What should I do if I deviate from the programme?

Please do not skip meals to compensate but repeat the programme as planned and do not weigh yourself for a few days. Thus, if you have gained weight you will not realise it.

Diet Expert product composition

The Diet Expert products are high in proteins of high biological value and low in carbohydrates. They contain up to 60% protein. The two main sources of proteins used in the composition of the preparations are of dairy and vegetable origin.

You can find the composition and nutritional values of each product on our online store by checking the product pages.

Can I start my programme before my appointment with the dietitian?

It is quite possible you start your programme before your appointment if you are comfortable with how it works. These FAQs should help you get started, you can also use the chat if you need it. At your first appointment with the dietitian, you can clarify any remaining doubts that may persist after you have started.

If you are unsure, wait for your first consultation with the dietitian.

Where can I find the preparation method for my product?

All preparation methods are sent on paper in the box with your order. They are also on each product page of our online store: https://be.diet-expert.com/boutique.html. Simply use the search bar and view the corresponding page.

Can I prepare products in advance?

We do not recommend you do this because you will lose flavour and texture. The majority of our products are very easy to prepare. Products requiring cooking in the oven (conventional or microwave) or frying pan can be prepared a few hours in advance. Bread and cakes can be made the day before.

How does the diet support work?

For more information about your diet support and tools available please visit: https://be.diet-expert.com/informations-generales/le-suivi-dietetique.html

The distribution of menus

What are the types of menus?

	High protein or Booster Stage	Gourmet Stage	Stabilisation Stage 1st week	Stabilisation Stage Weeks 2 & 3	Balance Stage
	Slimming stages		Stage of progressive re-introduction of excluded foods. A stage which is inseparable from a completed slimming stage.		Return to a normal balanced diet
Breakfast	1 Booster or high protein item 1 hot drink 1 dairy product (Depending on your appetite)	1 Booster item 1 hot drink 1 dairy product (Depending on your appetite) Day off: Once a week, replace the Booster item by 1 serving of starch & 1 serving of fat	1 hot drink 1 serving of starch 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product	1 hot drink 1 serving of starch 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product	1 hot drink 1 serving of starch 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product 1 fruit
Lunch or Dinner	1 Booster or high protein item 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product	1 chef dish 2 servings of vegetables(Depending on your appetite)1 dairy product Day off: Once a week, replace the chef dish by 1 serving of meat, fish or eggs & 1 serving of fat	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of fat 1 fruit 1 dairy product	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of starch 1 serving of fat 1 fruit 1 dairy product	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of starch 1 serving of fat 1 fruit 1 dairy product
Snack Morning or afternoon	1 Booster or high protein item 1 fruit (Depending on your appetite)	1 fruit(Depending on your appetite)1 dairy product (Depending on your appetite)	1 Booster or high protein item (except Gourmet) 1 fruit	1 Booster or high protein item (except Gourmet) 1 fruit	1 fruit 1 treat food
Dinner or Lunch	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product(Depending on your appetite)	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product(Depending on your appetite)	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product	1 serving of meat, fish, or eggs 2 servings of vegetables 1 serving of starch 1 serving of fat 1 dairy product

How many Diet Expert products should I have per day?

Booster / High Protein:

You have to consume 3 products during the day (snacks as needed). In your folder you will find tips for using the products and ways of adding variety with your Diet'Color tool.

Gourmet:

You have to consume one Booster item for breakfast and a Chef's dish at lunch or dinner.

Set menus are available to tell you what you should eat and when. In addition, you should have one conventional meal a day without Diet Expert products.

How should I distribute the products throughout the day?

At the first appointment with your dietitian, you will set up your distribution based on your lifestyle.

It is important to spread the products over a number of meals for the diet to be effective and consume all the products included in your menu: the success of the programme depends largely on the protein intake.

Can I swap the dishes in the menus?

What is important in the Diet Expert diet is to consume the foods planned in your daily menu. You can safely swap them.

For example, if you take your breakfast late, the mid-morning snack (fruit) is not necessary. You can take it as dessert or as a snack in the evening.

Lunch and dinner can be swapped depending on your lifestyle. Whether you take the conventional meal (meat, fish, vegetables) for lunch or dinner will not influence in any way the effectiveness of the diet. Your personal dietitian can advise you at any time on this point.

What should i do if I miss my meal (Diet Expert or not) at lunch?

In this case, in the evening, be sure to have a complete meal consisting of Diet Expert product with vegetables. Do not try to compensate by eating an additional product.

Health and nutrition issues

What are the contraindications?

Absolute contraindications:

Children and adolescents
Pregnant or breast-feeding women
Behavioural disorders in particular, eating disorders, alcoholism or drug addiction
Porphyria
Cerebral arteriopathy
Liver and kidney diseases
Diabetes (insulin-dependent)
Non-insulin dependent diabetes treated by oral diabetic medication
Blood disorders, cancers
Electrolyte disturbances
Orthostatic hypotension
Cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases (heart rhythm disorders, recent infarction, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, recent stroke)
Hereditary metabolic disease
Crohn Disease

Relative contraindications:

Gout
Lithiasis
Severe ischemic heart disease

No information on this website is provided as medical advice and should not be considered medical advice. Any information is followed at your own risk. Always seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition, treatment or dietary needs.

Should I get a medical certificate or have a medical check-up before considering a programme?

It is not an obligation, however, it is imperative to ensure that you do not have any of the contraindications listed in the previous question. If you have any doubts, please consult your doctor.

Can I follow a Diet Expert programme if I have thyroid problems?

Thyroid problems are not a contraindication. However, if your condition is not stabilised, it may cause a slowdown in your weight loss.

Can I follow a Diet Expert programme with high cholesterol?

Even if you have high cholesterol, a high protein diet is very appropriate. Weight loss helps you to normalise your cholesterol.

I have reached menopause, can I still follow a Diet Expert programme?

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, mood changes, weight gain, loss of muscle tone and a larger appetite. The Diet Expert programmes respond to your concerns. They will help you to lose your excess weight, tone your body and reduce hot flashes by improving blood circulation and reducing irritability. With proteins, you will have fewer cravings.

I am over 65 years old, can I still follow a Diet Expert programme?

For healthy older people, following this diet has no known risk. However, for people over 65, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor.

I am planning to get pregnant can I start a Diet Expert programme?

Yes. However, you should switch to stabilisation once you discover you are pregnant. If you are following a course of treatment to increase your chances of pregnancy, talk to your gynaecologist first.

Do Diet Expert programmes have an impact on the menstrual cycle?

Why do I lose less weight in the premenstrual period?

This phase is often accompanied by water retention (see "water retention"), bloating, constipation (see "constipation), so it is common to see the weight stabilise during this period of the cycle.

Should I be exercising during a Diet Expert programme?

Exercise is not contraindicated, it is in fact highly recommended. Better to focus on activities that last a long time and that will tap into your fat reserves. In addition, this type of physical activity (walking, swimming, cycling) will allow you to reshape your figure faster.

Walk as much as possible on a daily basis and never take your car for short journeys. Similarly, choose the stairs rather than the lift.

What should I do if I become constipated?

Throughout the day it is important to drink at least 1.5 litres of water. Choose water with a high mineral content that has the advantage of having a laxative effect.

Make sure you chew your food well to aid digestion.

To increase the intake of fibre and fluid in the day you can make homemade soups (only green vegetables) and drink a large bowl ½ hour to an hour before each meal. You should also eat cooked AND raw vegetables.
You can add wheat bran or oat bran to your diet (soups, dairy products, sauces etc ...) to increase fibre intake.

Finally, do not hesitate to use the fruit snack in the morning on an empty stomach: squeeze an orange and dilute the juice in a large glass of water.

What should I do if I suffer from bloating?

If swelling, bloating or discomfort after meals occurs, charcoal can help you fight these inconveniences. Limit raw vegetables which are a little more aggressive and do not drink more than 2 or 3 small glasses of water during the meal. In addition, dairy products containing bifidus can restore the balance of the intestinal flora.

How do I recognise and combat water retention?

If you realise that you are drinking enough (at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day in the slimming stage) but you are not passing enough water and therefore your shoes and rings are less comfortable at night, you have heavy legs, etc ... These are signs of water retention. In this case, it may be advantageous to use a diuretic dietary supplement, walk as much as possible, choose teas / herbal drinks with diuretic properties (diuretic plants: meadowsweet, heather, ash, dandelion, black currant, green tea ...).

Is it normal to have a headache?

In the early days, this type of pain may occur. It is due to ketones, products of the breakdown of your fat reserves.

Headaches during the programme are signs of poor hydration. Be sure to drink enough each day.

What should I do if I get sick?

In some cases (flu, gastroenteritis, ...) the priority becomes healing and not slimming: your body will try to find enough energy to fight against the infection. Thus, we recommend that you suspend the Diet Expert programme until you get well again. However, it is essential to maintain a sufficient level of hydration to fight against fever and promote the elimination of waste (including that resulting from your medication). It is essential to consult your doctor if symptoms persist.

How can I prevent my skin from deteriorating as a result of my weight loss?

Following weight loss, it is possible that the skin becomes loose or loses its elasticity. To prevent this, it is essential to drink well, to maintain a minimum amount of fat (rich in omega 3) and at the same time use treatments tailored to your skin type. Think about Diet Expert cosmetics that will allow you to act on specific areas of your body.

I am gluten intolerant, can I follow a Diet Expert programme?

If you have a gluten intolerance you not have any problems following the Diet Expert diet. You can follow our programme by selecting the products that do not contain gluten. To be sure, check the datasheets available on each of the product pages.

Food during a Diet Expert programme

What foods are allowed?

This list (not exhaustive) aims to reference the maximum number food to help you compose:
- Your shopping list - Menus which are as pleasant and varied as possible.

Dairy products natural yogurt, sheep's milk yogurt, soy yogurt, cottage cheese, cream cheese, etc., fresh or ripened cheese etc ... please consume natural dairy products (0 or 20% no matter) most frequently in the context of this particular diet or flavoured and sweetened or sweetened with pieces of fruit. Vary the pleasures ...

Fruits all. Choose seasonal fruit or homemade compotes without added sugar or fruit juices for example.

Vegetables all vegetables, raw or cooked, pureed, in soup, mixed etc .: artichoke, asparagus, aubergine, celery, mushrooms, cabbage, cucumber, courgettes, endive, spinach, green beans, salad, turnip, leek, pepper, radish, tomato, etc ... some vegetables which are a little more sugar-rich (such as carrots, peas, beets ...) or higher in fat (avocado and olive) should be consumed more sparingly.

Drinks still water, carbonated waters, flavoured waters (check for sugar in the ingredient list), diet sodas, tea, infusions, herbal teas, coffee... without sugar.

Fat unsalted or salted butter, vegetable oils (olive / canola / walnut / sesame etc.), margarine, fresh cream 15%, coconut milk ...

Eggs: Poached, hard-boiled, scrambled, boiled, on toast...

Fish and seafood: All (fresh, frozen, canned in WATER, smoked and dried), such as: catfish, pike, cod, flounder, pollack, conger, bream, haddock, smelt, swordfish, halibut, gudgeon, haddock, plaice, monkfish, bass, whiting, hake, cod, perch, skate, rock fish, shark, red mullet, gurnard, St Pierre, sole, tench, tuna, brown trout, turbot, fresh and smoked salmon, mackerel, oysters, clams, shrimp, crab, rock lobster, prawns, langoustines, lobster, mussels, cockles, squid, cuttlefish, winkles, whelks, scallops.

Meat generally choose lean cuts, white or red meat, for grilling or braising ...

Beef fillet, sirloin, flank, rump steak, roast beef, tournedos, burger 5% fat, neck, shank, flank,steak, air dried beef...
veal escalope, steak, shank, round fillet...
pork steak, tenderloin, lean ham, bacon ...
poultry preferably without the skin: chicken, guinea fowl, turkey, duck, rabbit ...
game wild duck, venison, hare, wild boar, deer, reindeer, bison, partridge, goat, pheasant ...
Offal liver, sweetbreads, kidneys, tripe, tongue ...

What foods are eliminated during the programme?

Predominantly carbohydrate foods (see list below) are eliminated momentarily during the Booster programme. However, these foods are not the cause of all your ills! Do not demonise them overnight, they are essential sources of energy and usually pleasurable. They will be added to the menu again at the end of the programme.

- Sweet products (chocolate, sugar, jam, honey ...)
- Dried fruits (dates, figs, apricots, bananas ...)
- Grains: wheat, rice, semolina, pasta, bread, flour, corn...)
- Legumes or pulses (beans, red beans, split peas, lentils, chickpeas ...)
- Tubers: potatoes, sweet potatoes ...

Why is it so important to drink water?

It is essential to drink throughout your programme. In fact, your body makes compounds it is important to eliminate. The water supply must be at least 1 .5 litres per day and more if you do a physical activity.

You can choose tap water, spring water, mineral water, sparkling water, flavoured sweetened water. Think also of herbal teas, tea and coffee without sugar.

Diet sodas such as Diet Coke and Coke Zero are allowed, but no more than a can a day so that you do not get too accustomed to the sweet taste.

What is a serving for a type of food?

Dairy products: 100 to 125g yogurt / cottage cheese or 150 ml of skim milk. Consult your dietitian if you want to eat cheese.
Fruits: One serving is equal to a product of a normal size: an apple, a pear, an orange, a small banana, 2-3 clementines, apricots or plums, 200 g of strawberries or raspberries, about 10/12 cherries, about 10 / 12 grapes ...
Vegetables they can be eaten to satiety.
Drinks: 1.5L per day approximately
Fats: 10 g = 1 tbsp oil or 10 g butter (pat) or 10 g margarine or 4 tablespoons single cream 15%, etc.
Meat, fish, egg (2) ham: 120g to 150g

During the stabilisation stage you gradually reintegrate starches in your diet, here's what are example of servings of starch:

2-3 small slices of bread (50-60 g) or 1/4 baguette
3-4 biscottes
2-3 small potatoes (size of an egg)
1/4 of a standard plate of rice or pasta or pulses, etc.. already cooked (or 4-5 tablespoons)
2-3 plain pancakes
5-6 pieces of sushi
1/4 of a pizza or quiche...

The programme involves a decrease in starch but I have bread and pasta in my products, how is this possible?

Diet Expert breads and pasta are made from protein and not starch. These products make you feel you are eating starchy foods and avoid feelings of frustration with the restriction.

How can I avoid monotony when I prepare my conventional dishes?

Starting any low calorie diet should never be synonymous with food monotony.

Do not deprive yourself of homemade sauces by using and abusing the following condiments:

Salt
Spices (pepper, chilli powder, curry, paprika, saffron, turmeric, lemongrass, cinnamon, cumin ...)
Herbs (parsley, tarragon, chives, coriander, oregano, savory, mint ...)
Vinegar (wine, balsamic, sherry, cider, raspberry ...)
Mustard (strong, flavoured ...)
Pickled cucumbers, pickled onions, pickles ...
Bouillon cubes
Tomato sauce
Wine to deglaze a pan or simmer meat ...
And of course, fats and dairy products can form the basis of these sauces ...

Almost all cooking methods are possible: Braising, sautéing, steaming, poaching ... Why settle for a grilled steak when you can enjoy a steaming stew, or a mustard tenderloin...

Do not cut yourself off from your social life! It is important not to isolate yourself while dieting. The meal is still a pleasurable occasion for sharing. It is quite feasible to manage family meals, invitations or meals in restaurants including cooking the same things for you and your entourage, or keeping to the "classic" meal for a dinner out ...

Can I use yogurt 0% with fruit?

Preferably choose natural dairy products (0 to 20% fat); it is also possible to add variety with sweetened flavoured yogurt and occasionally sweetened yogurt 0% with fruit.

Can I use soy products?

If you do not like dairy products, if you are allergic or have an intolerance to them or you simply want to add variety to your dishes or desserts, think soy steaks, tofu, light cooking cream and natural soy desserts. Do not hesitate to talk to your dietitian.

Can I use dried or bottled vegetable soups or soups from cubes?

Always check the composition of these products, some may contain a significant amount of potatoes.

Occasionally, if you are short of time, bottled soup or soup cubes can replace your serving of vegetables. However, avoid dehydrated products and those which are low in fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Is it compulsory to take 2 servings of vegetables per meal?

This is not compulsory. To help you with customisation, your menu contains two servings of vegetables: raw vegetables and cooked vegetables.

So you can make up your menu according to your appetite and desires.

Are all fruits are allowed?

All fruits are allowed during your programme, the important thing is to have variety.

Can I replace a fruit with a fruit juice?

You can occasionally replace the fruit with a small glass of pure fruit juice; however, fresh fruit will provide you with more vitamins and fibre.

Can I use cheese as indicated in the recipe?

You can occasionally use cheese in different recipes and thus vary the preparation: vegetable gratins, mixed salads ... A serving of cheese is equivalent to 30 g.

Are sweeteners allowed during a Diet Expert programme?

Sweeteners are allowed because they do not contain sugar. However, be careful not to use too much and too often. Indeed, you will accustom your mouth to the sweet taste and you will be tempted more easily by sweet items.

The same is true for "diet" drinks: accept one when it is offered but avoid drinking them too often.

Can I have sugarless chewing gum during a Diet Expert programme?

You can eat as them as they do not provide calories. However beware of the term "sugar free" as it often means "does not cause tooth decay". Check the list of ingredients to ensure there is no "sugar", "sucrose", "glucose" and "fructose".

I do not eat pork, can I still follow a Diet Expert programme?

The Diet Expert diet offers a variety of products without pork. You can follow our programme by selecting the products that do not contain pork. To be sure, check the datasheets available on each of the product pages.

I am a vegetarian, can I still follow a Diet Expert programme?

The Diet Expert system offers a wide variety of products for vegetarian. You can follow our programme by selecting suitable products. To be sure, check the datasheets available on each of the product pages.

I am a vegan, can I still follow a Diet Expert programme?

Diet Expert diet products are mostly based on milk proteins. These products are not suitable for a vegan diet.

Professional, social and family life during a Diet Expert programme

How can I manage invitations?

If you are invited for dinner, eat your Diet Expert product for lunch and vice versa. Choose raw vegetables as a starter; for the main course, opt for meat or fish with vegetables, for dessert choose a fruit, a fruit salad or a dairy product.

Your dietitian can advise you at any time.

Integrating your diet into your daily life is an essential element. It is important to keep up your moral and enjoyment of life even if you have to control your diet. The programme should not be seen as a constraint but rather a new way of living.

By continuing to have the one conventional meal per day provided for in Diet Expert diets, you can allow yourself meals out while following the "guidelines" as defined in your programme. The Diet'Color tool located in your online customer account gives you lots of suggestions of food or dishes that you can eat in your menu of the day without deviating from the plan.

What can I have as a before dinner drink?

Several choices are possible: cocktail (which will replace the fruit for the day), vegetable juice (tomatoes, carrots), diet soda along with shrimp, vegetable sticks: carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower florets... with a sauce flavored with cream cheese, herbs, garlic ...

How can I combine my diet and meals with my loved ones?

It is quite possible to make the same meal for the whole family. You can take the same base and add starch or make sauces on the side for other members of your family.

How can I manage when I'm travelling?

If your trip is planned during the programme stage, the easiest way is to inform your dietitian so that he / she adjusts the stages (slimming, stabilisation) according to the weeks of travel.

Practical issues

Can I exchange products?

Exchanges are possible within one month from the date of your order. Contact your consultant so that she can confirm the return of the products with you and guide you in this process.

I cannot adjust my weight curve

You can change your curve during the interview with your dietitian.

You don’t have an account yet ?

General Points

How does it work?

The distribution of menus

Health and nutrition issues

Food during a Diet Expert programme

Professional, social and family life during a Diet Expert programme

Practical issues