Frequently Asked Questions

First and foremost, HMR^® Shakes, HMR Entrees, HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal, HMR Chicken Soup, and HMR BeneFit^® Bars win on taste alone. Dieters 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 fruits 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.

HMR weight-loss foods are made from the highest quality, natural ingredients. They are low in calories and highly nutritious. By contrast, most of today's prepared foods and fast foods are high calorie, high fat, high sodium and often lacking in nutrition. It's no coincidence that, in our convenience culture, most Americans are now overweight or obese. Today's food environment makes it difficult to be thin and healthy! HMR weight-loss foods make it easy to prepare delicious, filling meals that support your weight and health goals.

First and foremost, HMR Shakes, HMR Entrees,  HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal, HMR Chicken Soup, and  HMR BeneFit Bars 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 fruits 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.

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.) HMR 500 is the original HMR Shake used in our medical weight-loss clinics. It is packaged 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.)

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. HMR at Home^® Diet Kits provide specific guidance regarding how you can use HMR Shakes as a part of a total weight-loss plan.  Always consult your physician before beginning any diet.

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 in that meal while still feeling full.

The potential shelf life of the HMR Entrees is indefinite as long as the seal has not been tampered with. However, the quality of the food is ideal when eaten before the “Best By Date” on the side of the box. Safe food handling practices should be followed with any HMR Entree which has been opened. The food should be heated and eaten immediately or refrigerated for up to 2 days. If, for any reason, the seal on the tray has been broken, the contents of the entree should be discarded.

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

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.

All HMR Shakes and the Multivitamin/Mineral Tablet are made without gluten. There are 5 entrees that are made without gluten ingredients associated with celiac disease. These include: Savory Chicken, Chicken with Barbecue Sauce with Rice and Beans, Turkey Chili with Beans, Mushroom Risotto and Chicken Creole. These items are not labeled gluten-free as they are made in an environment where gluten and wheat products could be present. The remaining 9 entrees, HMR 500 Chicken Soup and all HMR BeneFit bars contain gluten.

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.

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.

The best way to reheat the entrees is to release a corner of the lid so that the tray “breathes”. Put the entree back inside the box after you have vented the corner. If the sauce splatters, it will stay in the box and not on the sides of the oven.

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

Many hot cereals contain just one grain. This cereal combines three grains: oats, corn, and wheat. This impacts the texture of the cereal 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, dieters who don’t usually eat hot cereal stated they would enjoy using this. Additionally, HMR's Multigrain Hot Cereal has a higher nutritional profile than other cereals, with 10 grams of protein and 25% of the Daily Value for most vitamins and minerals in each serving. 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.

HMR Shakes and HMR 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 Chicken Soup are not kosher.

Click here for a complete list of HMR product ingredients.

PB2 is an all natural flour made from peanuts with 85% of the fat calories removed. It's available in peanut butter and chocolate peanut butter flavors. At just 22 calories per tablespoon, PB2 is now on the approved list of “in the box” flavorings for Phase 1 or Phase 2. HMR dieters who have tried it say that the added variety and amazing shake combinations that are possible with PB2 has actually helped them stay on the diet longer!

The HMR recommended serving size is one tablespoon per meal replacement. This is half the serving size on the facts panel listed on the jar.

We do not recommend premixing PB2. If you do premix, only premix what you will use within 48 hours and be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator.

Only if it has been premixed. Otherwise store it with the lid firmly sealed in a cool, dry place.

Yes, PB2 was certified as kosher by the Orthodox Union in December 2007. Visit www.OUKosher.org for more information.

PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter includes: Roasted peanuts, salt and sugar (no preservatives or artificial sweeteners).

PB2 with Premium Chocolate includes: Roasted peanuts, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt (no preservatives or artificial sweeteners).
 

Unopened, your PB2 is good for 10 to 12 months. Once opened, please consume within 4-6 months and store in a cool, dry place.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.

Orders are shipped via UPS. For standard shipping, the order delivery date depends on what part of the country you live in. Generally, orders arrive in 3-10 business days. Rush orders arrive in 3-5 business days regardless of where you live. Allow 7-14 business days for delivery to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. Territories, and APO/FPO boxes. For more details on shipping, click here.

1. If you are a registered user, simply log in to your account at the top of the page. You can access your recent order history and view the status of any pending order.

2. If you are not a registered user or prefer to talk to one of our Customer Relations Specialists, click here for contact information.

UPS requires a street address for deliveries. If this is an issue, you might consider having your shipment sent to a work address or to a family member.

Yes. When placing your order online, you can select a separate shipping address.

HMR foods are superior to any other weight-loss foods and are backed by a 100% guarantee. If you are not satisfied with any item purchased from this site for any reason, we will gladly exchange, or refund your order. (Please note shipping costs are non-refundable.) To return an order, click here, or call one of our Customer Relations Specialists Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET for further assistance.

The HMR at Home Program allows people who don't live near an HMR clinic, or who want to lose weight on their own, to benefit from HMR's state-of-the-art weight-loss approach. You diet entirely on your own using comprehensive HMR Program materials and HMR weight-loss foods delivered to your door. Your Healthy Solutions Quick Start^® Diet Kit includes a free CD with invaluable tips on how to lose the most weight. It also includes a free support call with a trained Health Educator to answer any questions you may have about the diet and help you maximize your weight loss.

HMR at Home Program participants using the Healthy Solutions Diet lose an average of 15-20 pounds when they diet on their own (from studies conducted at the University of Kansas). Some dieters lose significantly more.

To join HMR at Home and begin losing weight right away, simply order a Healthy Solutions Quick Start^® Diet Kit and select the auto delivery plan. You'll receive all your HMR foods and complete program materials to get a Quick Start on your diet. With auto delivery of your weight-loss foods, you'll receive 10% off all your orders, free shipping, and you'll never have to worry about running out of food and interrupting your weight loss. You can cancel or change orders at any time. It's easy to get started. Click here to sign up online, or call one of our Customer Relations Specialists Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET.

The HMR at Home auto delivery program is a convenient way to save money and lose more weight. When you sign-up for HMR at Home, you receive automatic delivery of your HMR Shakes and HMR Entrees every two weeks—enough to follow the Healthy Solutions^® Diet. You never have to worry about running out of food or remembering to place your order. As a result, our research shows that people lose about 2½ times more weight! Plus, you enjoy HMR at Home Program members-only savings, including a 10% discount and free shipping, which adds up to big savings. Of course, you can cancel or change your order at any time. 

You receive 10% off, plus free shipping on all your HMR at Home Auto Delivery orders. Auto Delivery orders are shipped every other week and are billed automatically to your credit card. They must include enough HMR foods for two weeks on the Healthy Solutions^® Diet (4 cans of HMR 120 or 2-3 boxes of HMR 70 Plus, and 28 HMR Entrees). Click here to read complete terms and conditions.

Your ongoing automatic orders are designed to provide you the HMR Shakes and HMR Entrees you need for two weeks of dieting on the Healthy Solutions Diet. The minimum order includes 28 entrees (2 per day for 14 days) and 4 canisters of HMR 120 Shakes for standard orders (enough for 3 shakes per day). Lactose-free minimum orders are 2-3 boxes of HMR 70 Plus Shakes. You receive an order every 2 weeks. You can change or cancel your orders at any time. Click here to read complete terms and conditions.

The shipping schedule for your HMR at Home re-orders is established when you sign up. Orders are shipped Monday through Friday. Generally, the date is two weeks from the date of your initial purchase of a three-week Healthy Solutions Quick Start^® Diet Kit.

After you sign up for the HMR at Home Program, we’ll create your two-week re-order based on your original choices. Your re-order will include a mix of HMR Vanilla and Chocolate Shakes and a variety of HMR Entrees. However, you may customize your re-order as you wish, as long as you include the minimum number of shakes and entrees. When you establish an online account and sign-up for the HMR at Home Program, you can make changes to your re-orders any time online.

You can change your HMR at Home re-order before 11:00 p.m. ET the day before your order is scheduled to be processed. To change your order, simply log in to My Account at the top of the page or call one of our Customer Relations Specialists Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. ET.

The HMR at Home Auto Delivery is designed to provide a constant supply of HMR weight-loss foods so you don’t run out while you’re on the Healthy Solutions Diet. However, there is some flexibility if a situation requires that you suspend or postpone an order. You may change your ship date up to two times (non-consecutive re-orders) while in the HMR at Home Program. HMR at Home members should log in to My Account and go to Manage My HMR at Home, then Processing Schedule. Or, you can call one of our Customer Relations Specialists for assistance Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET.

Yes. There is no minimum length of membership in HMR at Home. You can cancel at any time, although you are responsible for any orders that have already been shipped at the time you cancel. To cancel, simply log in to My Account at the top of the page and select "Customer Service" or call one of our Customer Relations Specialists Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. ET.

Since HMR at Home is an auto delivery program, it is necessary to have a credit card on file to receive your shipments. If you want to purchase a Healthy Solutions Quick Start Diet Kit without a credit card, call one of our Customer Relations Specialists Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET.

To join the HMR at Home Auto Delivery Program, simply order a Healthy Solutions Quick Start^® Diet Kit. Click here to sign-up online or call one of our Customer Relations Specialists Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ET.

This is an optional, free phone call that's offered to anyone who purchases a Healthy Solutions Quick Start Diet Kit. It is a 15-minute individual call led by a certified HMR Health Educator that occurs about 3 or 4 days after you start the diet. The goal of the call is to answer any questions you may have and to help you get a really strong start to your diet so you can lose the most weight possible.

It's easy. Just call us as soon as you purchase your Healthy Solutions Quick Start Diet Kit to schedule the time that works best for you.

The diet in the HMR at Home Program includes approximately 1,200 calories or more per day. Combined with regular physical activity, this calorie level allows you to lose weight quickly, so you'll stay motivated.

Yes. While the Healthy Solutions diet offers the most structure and greatest weight loss, we also offer a diet option for people who want to prepare more of their own foods. The HMR Healthy Shakes Diet Kit follows a 3+5+1 structure: 3 HMR Shakes or Puddings + 5 servings of fruits and vegetables + 1 healthy meal of your choice each day. The HMR Healthy Shakes Diet Kit includes two weeks of HMR Shakes and Puddings, plus complete program materials. On the HMR Healthy Shakes Diet, you can lose about 1-3 pounds per week, depending on your weight and the other foods incorporated into the diet plan.

 

The program offers structure, education, and coaching to get you to your weight-loss goals. More people succeed in the HMR Program because we focus on the key skills that are most predictive of your success—using HMR weight-loss foods with fruits and vegetables to reduce calories and engaging in physical activity to burn calories. Clinic program participants make two commitments: to attend their weight-loss group weekly and to keep simple records to track their progress. Trained healthcare professionals work with you to provide training, perspective, and support, helping you make practical, realistic changes that won’t stop when you go off the diet.

The first step is to attend a free information session where you can learn about the program in detail and decide if it is right for you. Call our clinic to schedule a free information session.

We offer two basic diet options in the clinic: Our Decision-Free^® Diet is the most structured diet and produces the greatest amount of weight loss. People on the Decision-Free Diet eat only HMR meal replacements—shakes, entrees, multigrain hot cereal and nutrition bars. Diet options include using either 5 HMR Shakes per day, or 3 HMR Shakes + 2 HMR Entrees. This diet includes medical supervision. The Healthy Solutions^® Diet follows a “3+2+5” structure: 3 HMR Shakes + 2 HMR Entrees + 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Medical supervision is generally not required because the calories are higher. (Patients taking diabetes medication do require medical supervision.) Both diets are nutritionally complete and provide plenty of delicious food so you can feel full while you lose weight. In fact, you can eat as many HMR foods as you need to feel satisfied and still lose weight. These are NOT deprivation diets!

Medically supervised HMR Decision-Free Diets range from approximately 500–800 calories per day or more. The HMR Healthy Solutions Diet is approximately 1,200–1,600 calories per day or more.

Generally, people on our Decision-Free Diet lose 2–4 pounds per week, or more. People on our Healthy Solutions Diet lose about 2–3 pounds per week. Again, many people lose more. In either case, HMR has the best-published weight-loss results of any ongoing treatment program (based on HMR data published or presented at medical conferences). Clinic program participants using our Decision-Free Diet with medical supervision lose an average of 55–60 pounds. Some people lose over 100 pounds in this program. Clinic program participants using our Healthy Solutions diet lose an average of 35–40 pounds. Again, some dieters lose significantly more.

Both HMR diet options are effective. Generally speaking, people with 40 pounds or more to lose will achieve their weight-loss goal more quickly with the Decision-Free Diet. However, many people also lose 40, 50, or even 100 or more pounds on the Healthy Solutions Diet. HMR clinics offer free, in-depth program orientations to help you make an informed choice without any obligation.

All HMR Program participants receive a professional screening upon joining. Depending on the diet you choose, your body mass index, and your medical history, the medical staff will determine whether you require medical supervision. Most participants on the Healthy Solutions Diet do not require medical supervision.

Costs for the HMR Program vary depending on your needs. Costs include your weekly weight-loss classes, medical supervision if applicable, and your HMR weight-loss foods. Classes cost $20.00 per week, and the cost of weight-loss foods averages between $10.00 and $13.50 per day. Many HMR Program participants report actually saving money because they're buying HMR weight-loss foods in place of other grocery foods, fast foods, and dining out. You will receive detailed cost information when you attend our free, no-obligation information session. Call our center to schedule a free information session.

Some insurance companies do provide coverage for the medical portion of the HMR clinic program. The clinic staff can provide advice on how to contact your insurance company.

The HMR at Home^® Program allows you to benefit from the same high-quality program we provide in our clinic, regardless of where you live. You can do the program on your own and your HMR weight-loss foods and materials are delivered to your doorstep. To order a Healthy Solutions Quick Start^® Diet Kit, click here.

People lose more weight and keep more weight off with HMR^® than with any other ongoing weight management program (based on published weight-loss results). That’s why HMR is the country’s leading provider of medical weight-loss programs, offered by more hospitals and medical centers than any other medical weight-loss program. In addition, HMR has been trusted by physicians and dieters alike for 25 years.

The HMR Program does not involve fads, gimmicks, or theories about what “might” work. We focus on research-tested strategies and our programs are staffed by trained healthcare professionals. Unlike other companies whose biggest expense is often marketing, HMR invests most of its dollars in developing high-quality programs so that participants can do better. Nearly 80% of people in HMR programs have been referred by dieters who have been through our programs or by medical professionals who trust the quality of our work.

Each of HMR's program options results in better outcomes than any comparable program. If you are looking to lose a lot of weight, the clinic program provides the highest level of structure and support. However, if you travel a lot or want the flexibility of HMR at Home, you can also achieve significant results.

The goal of the program is to help you incorporate simple lifestyle changes to lose weight and keep it off for a lifetime of better health. Our program diets are highly structured to make it easier for you to lose weight. The diets use HMR Shakes, HMR Entrees, HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal, HMR Chicken Soup, and HMR BeneFit^® Bars, which are used in place of meals and snacks. Research shows that structured diets using meal replacements are the most successful for weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. Trained HMR professionals provide practical support through weekly group sessions and individual phone contact.

HMR has the best weight-loss results of any ongoing weight-loss program (based on HMR data published or presented at medical conferences).

Clinic program participants using our Decision-Free^® Diet with medical supervision lose an average of 50–60 pounds. Some people lose over 100 pounds in this program (based on HMR's published results).

Clinic program participants using our Healthy Solutions^® Diet lose an average of 35–40 pounds. Some dieters lose significantly more.

HMR at Home^® program participants using the Healthy Solutions diet lose an average of 15-20 pounds when they diet on their own. Some dieters lose significantly more.
 

Furthermore, many HMR patients achieve major reductions in medical risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugars, etc. Click here to read HMR research.

Yes. HMR is a pioneer in long-term weight maintenance. HMR's approach to weight maintenance produces unparalled results. HMR's maintenance participants are among the most successful anywhere. Why? Because they begin learning long-term weight control skills on their first day in the program. In fact, HMR has an unusually high percentage of weight-loss participants who continue in the weight-maintenance program because they find it is extremely useful in surmounting day-to-day weight challenges.

Yes. Adolescents age 13 and over are able to participate in our adult clinic programs. Because teenagers are still physically maturing, it is important to take a careful approach to any adolescent weight-loss effort. HMR’s medically based programs help adolescents make smart weight-loss plans. In addition, HMR Shakes, HMR Entrees, HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal, HMR Chicken Soup, and HMR BeneFit Bars help adolescents improve their nutrition and avoid the high-calorie foods that have made excess weight such an issue for teens.

Because the HMR Program is delivered through prestigious medical centers across the country, program staff members are highly trained healthcare professionals. Many staff members are formally trained in nursing, nutrition, exercise physiology, etc. All are required to participate in intensive HMR-specific training. This includes a comprehensive initial training program plus continuing education delivered by our national senior training team. No other program can boast a more qualified staff.

Losing weight with HMR can result in dramatic health improvements. That's because excess weight and obesity are risk factors for a number of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, joint problems, sleep apnea, and more. Participants in the HMR Program often find that they are able to reduce or eliminate the medications they are taking for many of these conditions. Furthermore, the lifestyle changes the HMR Program helps you make—increasing physical activity and consuming more fruits and vegetables while decreasing fat in your diet—also contribute to dramatic health improvements. You'll look great and feel better!

Staying well hydrated, especially when you are on a diet, is important. If you do not drink enough fluids, you may experience side effects such as dizziness or headaches. When dieting, you should drink an 8-ounce glass of water or noncaloric beverage eight times per day (for a daily total of 64 fluid ounces or more).

Yes. HMR foods are frequently recommended by doctors for their patients with diabetes because of the foods' nutritional formulation and low calories. However, if you are on medication for diabetes, it is important to check with your physician before starting any diet program.

HMR products are generally well tolerated by most people. Some of our products, however, contain common allergens such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soy and peanuts. HMR lists the common food allergens at the end of the ingredient list on every HMR food. If you need more information on a particular flavor or spice, contact HMR.

Dieters on low- and very low-calorie HMR diets (500-800 calories per day) and those with certain medical conditions need to receive medical supervision. For the most part, if you are on an HMR diet of 1,200 or more calories per day, you do not require medical supervision. Occasionally, people who are on a higher-calorie HMR diet will still require ongoing medical supervision. To be sure, always consult your physician before losing weight or beginning an exercise program.

It's always best to consult with your obstetrician and/or pediatrician regarding any diet questions you may have while breast-feeding. HMR Entrees should present no nutritional concerns and can be enjoyed at any time. HMR Shakes contain artificial sweeteners (acesulfame potassium, aspartame, or saccharin), which some health professionals recommend limiting during breast-feeding. HMR BeneFit^® Bars are vitamin-fortified and should be evaluated if prenatal vitamins are still being used. All HMR meal replacements list common allergens on the packaging.

Most of the HMR Shakes, as well as the HMR Chicken Soup, HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal, HMR BeneFit Bars, and a few of the HMR Entrees contain lactose. However, people who are lactose-intolerant can often enjoy any of the HMR foods by using a Lactaid^® tablet. Because of their lower lactose content, the HMR Entrees, HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal and HMR BeneFit Bars may be tolerated by some people without the need for Lactaid. (This varies with the individual.) For example, there is about the same amount of lactose in the hot cereal as there is in a ½ cup of fat-free milk, even less in many of the BeneFit Bars. Lactose-free HMR foods include the HMR 70 Plus Shakes, and the following HMR Entrees: Bean and Beef Enchiladas, Vegetable Beef Stew, Barbecue Chicken, Chicken Creole, Savory Chicken, Five-Bean Casserole, and Turkey Chili.

The HMR Shakes, HMR Chicken Soup, and HMR Multigrain Hot Cereal are all fortified with vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting, maintaining bone health, and preventing cardiovascular disease. This is important to know if you are taking the blood thinner Coumadin^® (warfarin). You should consult with your treating physician about the amount of vitamin K allowed in your diet while on this medication.

HMR Chocolate Shakes include 9 – 15 mg of caffeine per single serving. The HMR Chocolate and Peanut Butter BeneFit Bars contain 14 – 15 mg per serving.  This amount of caffeine equals about 1/5 the amount of caffeine found in an 8 oz. cup of brewed coffee. Small amounts of caffeine (less than 1 mg) are also contained in the vanilla shakes.