Okay... I'm just gonna jump into this and put my very simple two cents worth into this discussion.
I really admire those of you who have mapped out such great workout programs to aid your weight loss and increase muscle while on Medifast.
But being basically "simple minded" when it comes to all things having to do with diet and exercise, I found through trial and error that Curves works well for me. I have a shake about 20 minutes before I go to the studio and have another one a 1/2 hour after my workout, plus a couple of 16 ounce bottles of water.
I found through trial and error (and believe me there was a lot of frustrating "error" in this) that I needed those extra calories, otherwise my body would go into "shutdown" mode because my net calories after a Curves workout would put me down below 500 calories a day...which was way too low...
I wish I could be as dedicated as the rest of you when it comes to exercise but like I said, if it gets too complicated, then I'm lost and will probably drop the whole thing. That's what attracted me to Medifast in the first place...the mindless rip open an envelope, add water, either nuke or shake it and you're done. I only needed to obsess over one meal a day, and even that was pretty simple I know Curves is not the best and/or most effective means to add muscle, but it has seemed to work well for me and my needs. So, I feel comfortable in offering it as a substitute for any of you out there who are "exercise-challenged" like myself and are just looking for something to keep them moving and motivated and "toned".
--Carmel