The Profile Plan, formerly known as Profile by Sanford, is a diet and lifestyle change program emphasizing nutrition, activity, and behavioral adjustments to facilitate health and weight loss. It's recognized for its personalized health coaching approach. Developed by physicians and researchers at Sanford Health, the program launched in 2011 and has since expanded through physical stores and virtual access. Profile Plan offers various membership options and a line of prepared foods and snacks to cater to individual preferences.
The Genesis and Evolution of the Profile Plan
Initiated in 2011 by Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, the Profile Plan has experienced substantial growth. The first franchise location appeared in Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2014, marking a significant step in its expansion. Despite facing pandemic-related challenges in 2021, Profile was acquired by Ten Oaks in early 2022, signaling a new chapter for the program.
Core Principles and Personalized Approach
The Profile Plan prides itself on being more than just a diet; it's a comprehensive lifestyle modification program. Alyssa Burnison, director of program and nutrition at Profile, emphasizes the program's focus on personalized strategies for long-term weight management. This includes behavior modification, nutritious eating, physical activity, and stress management.
The Profile Plan is marketed as offering customized meal plans tailored to individual weight loss or health improvement goals. The plan typically starts with a low-carbohydrate diet incorporating packaged foods like protein bars, shakes, entrees, and snacks. Upon signing up, members receive a consultation with a health coach to develop a personalized nutrition, activity, and lifestyle plan.
How the Profile Plan Works
The Profile Plan operates nearly 50 locations across 25 states, with virtual coaching available for those not near a physical center. The meal plan is based on a modified ketogenic diet, featuring high-protein meal replacement shakes and bars. This approach aims for mild ketosis and allows for a more varied diet compared to the traditional ketogenic diet.
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Burnison clarifies that the diet is "modified" to allow more food variety, nutrients, and fiber. However, she advises against the plan for individuals with certain medical conditions, those under 18, pregnant or nursing women, and those with high physical activity levels.
The Role of Coaching in the Profile Plan
Weekly coaching sessions involve discussing progress, challenges, and new skills to enhance motivation and weight loss. The "Journey Mapping" service provides a personal coaching plan to empower members with the knowledge and skills needed for a healthy lifestyle. Topics covered include mindful eating, self-compassion, exercise goal setting, sleep hygiene, stress management, and meal planning.
Profile's coaches undergo a certification process, but a background in nutrition or counseling is not explicitly required. The company emphasizes that coaches come from various wellness backgrounds.
Customization and DNA Testing
Profile Plan offers DNA testing as an additional service to understand how an individual's metabolism handles carbohydrates. This involves collecting a saliva sample to determine the amount of amylase present, which is then used to tailor the diet plan. For example, a diet lower in carbs and rich in fats may be recommended if the body is less efficient at using carbohydrates.
For those near a center, the program begins with a 360-degree body scan to capture measurements, weight, and body fat percentage. This process utilizes a 3D camera and infrared depth sensors for accurate measurements.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Phases of the Profile Plan
The Profile Plan guarantees that users will lose at least 15% of their body weight within one year on the low-calorie diet. The "Reboot" plan, the most popular personalized plan, is divided into three phases:
- Reduce: A structured, low-calorie, and low-carbohydrate nutrition plan utilizing Profile foods and grocery foods to support early weight loss. This phase focuses on developing skills and habits through coaching.
- Adapt: Caloric intake is increased, and carbohydrate-containing foods like fruits, starches, and dairy are added back into the meal plan.
- Sustain: The nutrition plan closely resembles USDA dietary guidelines, focusing on maintaining weight loss through learned behaviors and skills.
In addition to Reboot, Profile Plan offers other nutrition plans like Balance, Mom, Perform, and Coaching+, each designed for different goals, health statuses, lifestyles, and food preferences.
What You Can Eat on the Profile Plan
The strict Reboot plan emphasizes meat, poultry, vegetables, eggs, and some cheese, particularly during the Reduce phase. Healthy fats from avocado, chia seeds, nuts, and olive oil are also encouraged. Alcohol and caffeine consumption are moderately limited. Members are encouraged to consume at least 4 cups of vegetables daily.
During the Reduce phase, carbohydrate-containing grains, fruit, and most milk products are excluded. These foods are gradually reintroduced during the Adapt phase. The final maintenance phase aligns with USDA's MyPlate guidelines, with many members continuing to incorporate Profile foods into their plan.
A significant portion of the food is provided by the company, including shake mixes, soups, and nutritional bars. Fiber drinks are also recommended to supplement fiber intake during the Reduce phase.
Read also: Walnut Keto Guide
Sample Menu
A sample menu for the Reduce phase might include:
- Breakfast: Protein shake.
- Lunch: Profile soup with a side salad.
- Dinner: Lean protein with non-starchy vegetables.
- Snacks: Protein bar or vegetables with a healthy fat source.
Considerations and Potential Issues
Some individuals may face challenges transitioning from the restrictive Reduce phase. The ketogenic diet is not recommended for those with pancreatic disease, liver conditions, thyroid problems, eating disorders, or gallbladder issues. Profile requires users to complete a health questionnaire and encourages meeting with a physician before starting the plan.
Costs Associated with the Profile Plan
The nutrition plan, including food and coaching, starts at $16 per day, varying by location. Individual products like bars and shakes cost around $21.99 for a box of seven. New members receive a kit that includes a smart scale, cookbook, resistance bands, and a shaker bottle.
Profile Fresh offers ready-to-eat meals delivered directly to your door, priced between $9 and $12 per meal.
Healthiness of the Profile Plan
A typical day on the Profile Plan diet provides approximately 1,350 calories. While this can lead to weight loss, some experts express concerns about the low-calorie level, particularly during the Reduce phase. Burnison maintains that Profile meal plans are designed to meet basic nutritional needs.
The saturated fat content of the sample menu may be higher than recommended by some experts. However, Burnison emphasizes that fat is essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and promoting satiety. The carbohydrate content is also low in the early phase.
The Zone Diet: An Alternative Approach
The Zone diet is another approach that focuses on balancing protein, carbohydrates, and fats in each meal. While it was originally designed to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, it can also be moderately effective for weight loss.
The Zone diet emphasizes low-glycemic index carbohydrates, such as vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, and barley. It also encourages the consumption of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Health Risks and Considerations of the Zone Diet
The Zone diet is generally considered safe, but individuals with eating disorders should avoid it. It's also crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
The Portfolio Diet for Cholesterol Reduction
The Portfolio Diet is designed to lower cholesterol levels through the inclusion of soy protein, plant sterols, nuts, and soluble fiber. This diet doesn't focus on weight loss but rather on improving heart health.
Key Components of the Portfolio Diet
- Soy protein: Replace meat and dairy with soy products like tofu and soy milk.
- Plant sterols: Use margarine enriched with plant sterols to reduce cholesterol absorption.
- Nuts: Consume at least one serving of tree nuts per day.
- Soluble fiber: Include foods high in soluble fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, oats, and legumes.
Foods to Eat and Avoid on the Portfolio Diet
The Portfolio Diet encourages nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. While it doesn't eliminate any foods, limiting processed foods, refined carbs, and sweets may maximize the benefits.
Effectiveness of the Portfolio Diet
Research suggests that the components of the Portfolio Diet can significantly lower cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that it can reduce LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Serving Sizes and Balanced Eating
The American Heart Association recommends a healthy dietary pattern tailored to individual preferences, emphasizing a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and low-fat dairy products. Balancing energy intake and output is crucial for maintaining a healthy body weight.