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HMR® Food Questions

What are HMR weight-loss foods?

HMR weight-loss foods are healthy and delicious "fast" food. Our line of foods includes packaged entrees, shakes, puddings, soup, multigrain cereal and nutrition bars. All HMR weight-loss foods are low-calorie, high-nutrition, and portioned-controlled to support your weight-loss goals. They are used in place of higher-calorie foods, making it easier for you to lower caloric intake while maintaining good nutrition.

Why use meal replacements?

The research is very clear: diets that include packaged, portion-controlled meal replacements—the foundation of HMR diets—are far more effective. In fact, a summary of over 60 studies and references shows that people lose and keep off approximately three times more weight on diets that use meal replacements when compared to other diets.

How are HMR weight-loss foods different from other weight-loss products?

First and foremost, HMR Shakes, Entrees, BeneFit Bars, Multigrain Cereal and HMR Chicken Soup win on taste alone. Ninety percent of the people who use our products LOVE them! We invite you to see for yourself! In addition, HMR foods don't require refrigeration so you can take them anywhere.

They're also incredibly versatile. You can add fruit or vegetables, serve them hot or cold, make a pudding or a shake—the recipes are limited only by your imagination. What's more, HMR products offer you the best nutrition and taste for the lowest calories.

Which HMR weight-loss shake is right for me?

All HMR Shakes are low-calorie, filling, and packed with nutrition. They are available in chocolate and vanilla, but can be combined with low-calorie add-ins to provide an unending variety of flavors. They mix up quickly for delicious thick shakes, fruit smoothies, mousses, puddings, and more! You'll never be bored!

For most HMR newcomers, we recommend our HMR 120 Shake mix, which is available in an economical canister. Vitamins are included in the mix, so you don't need to take an extra vitamin tablet. (120 calories per serving.)

Our HMR 70 Plus Shake/Pudding mix is lactose-free and versatile, letting you create shakes or puddings from the same mix. It comes packaged in convenient, premeasured individual packets and includes HMR vitamin tablets. (110 calories per serving.)

Our HMR 500 is the original HMR Shake used in our medical weight-loss center. It comes packed in convenient, premeasured individual packets and includes HMR vitamin tablets. (100 calories per serving.)

HMR 800 is a slightly richer shake with slightly higher protein. It, too, is packed in individual packets and includes HMR vitamin tablets. (160–170 calories per serving.)

How many HMR Shakes per day should I have?

Any number of HMR Shakes that you drink in place of other foods will help you cut calories. Generally, three or more shakes per day will be effective to help you lose weight. Research shows that the more you use, the more you will lose.

However, you should not use HMR Shakes as your sole source of nutrition without medical supervision. Always consult your physician before beginning any diet.

How do I use HMR Entrees?

HMR Entrees are easy, delicious, and heat up in about a minute! We recommend that you combine your HMR Entrees with 2 or more cups of vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned) for a quick, filling meal. Just one HMR Entree with vegetables instead of a typical lunch or dinner can save you a thousand calories or more and still have you feeling full.

Why don't HMR Entrees have to be refrigerated?

HMR Entrees are heat-sealed in a cooking process that kills bacteria and locks in freshness without artificial preservatives. This provides a long shelf life, while retaining natural juices and flavors. It also allows you to take your entrees wherever you go. Once opened, uneaten HMR Entrees should be refrigerated and used within two days.

How can I get ingredient information about HMR foods?

Click here for a complete list of HMR product ingredients.

Are HMR foods high in carbs?

The amount and type of carbohydrates in HMR foods help people lose and maintain weight in a healthy way. Despite all the media attention on low-carb diets, research shows that people lose weight when they cut calories, not carbs. Low-fat diets that are rich in complex carbohydrates are the healthiest and most effective way to lose weight and become healthier. HMR products have a healthy amount of carbohydrates. They are also low in fat, which is important for weight loss, calorie reduction, and better nutrition.

What are the ideal storage conditions for the entrees?

HMR Entrees are shelf-stable and therefore require no refrigeration. Entrees should be stored at room temperature or in a cool, dark, dry space.

What happens if I leave my entrees in the car during the summer?

HMR Entrees should not be exposed to prolonged high heat for multiple days during the peak summer months. This could cause the entree to spoil. Any entrees that have been exposed to high heat for a prolonged period of time (for example 3 or more days) could have an “off odor” when opened, or the seal may be puffy. This entree has likely spoiled and should be discarded.

What happens if I leave my entrees in the car during the winter?

HMR Entrees can remain in your car in a cold environment. Freezing does not affect the entree, but the tray should be handled carefully so that the seal remains intact. Discard the entree if the seal is open once thawed.

Is there any BPA (Bisphenol A) in the plastic used in the entree lid and tray?

No. The HMR trays and lids are single use items approved for use in food manufacturing.

Which entrees are vegetarian?

Five-Bean Casserole is a vegan item. Mushroom Risotto, Cheese and Basil Ravioli with Tomato Sauce and Pasta Fagioli are also vegetarian but contain either milk, eggs or cheese.

What is the best way to prepare the HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal?

The HMR Multigrain Cereal cooks quickly in the microwave. It can also be cooked on the stovetop. These are the best methods for preparation. In a pinch, the cereal can also be prepared by adding boiling water and allowing to sit for about 5 minutes. This method will not produce as much volume and will not cook the grains as much.

When microwaving, the size of the cooking container, the starting temperature of the water, and the wattage of the microwave will affect cooking time. While the instructions say cook for 60 seconds, it is recommended that you cook for 90 seconds and then adjust cooking time based on the texture you prefer. Do not use less than the recommended amount of water (6 oz.) as this will reduce volume.

Adding fresh, canned, or frozen fruit to the cereal can further increase volume and nutrition.

How is the HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal different from other hot cereals?

Many hot cereals contain just one grain. This cereal combines three grains: oats, corn and wheat. The texture of the cereal is impacted by this and, therefore, is not exactly like oatmeal, grits or instant wheat cereal. People tend to like it much better. Three kinds of dried fruit and nonfat dry milk also make this product different and better tasting than other available cereals. During taste tests, patients who don’t usually eat hot cereal stated they would enjoy using this. In addition, this cereal provides the HMR diet plan with a meal replacement that contains a whole grain. The benefits of whole grains for health are well documented.

Are HMR foods kosher?

HMR Shakes and BeneFit® Bars are kosher and manufactured under the supervision of the Orthodox Union. HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal is kosher and manufactured under the supervision of the Kosher Overseers of America. All kosher products are kosher dairy. HMR Entrees and HMR 500 Chicken Soup are not kosher.

Do you offer products made without Gluten?

Yes, the following products are made without gluten:

HMR 120 Shakes
HMR 500 Shakes
HMR 70 Plus Shakes and Puddings
HMR 800 Shakes
Chicken with Barbecue Sauce Entrée
Chicken Creole Entrée
Turkey Chili Entrée
Savory Chicken Entrée
Mushroom Entrée
PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter
PB2 with Premium Chocolate

These items are not labeled gluten-free as they are made in an environment where gluten and wheat products could be present. For additional product information and purchasing, please visit our Express Shop at http://www.ihmonline.com/products_express_middle.aspx.

This information is not intended to diagnose medical problems or substitute for appropriate medical care. Consult your physician with questions.
Individuals younger than 18 years of age should not use this diet program without consent from their physician. HMR weight loss foods should not be used as a sole source of nutrition without medical approval. These products are not intended for use by infants, children, or pregnant and lactating women. Consult your physician before starting any diet.

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