Managing Director of Medical Vita Diet
Managing Director of Medical Vita Diet
Charles Dornan is the Managing Director of Gold Coast based family business Medical Vita Diet. A local company selling a range of weight loss shakes, soups and snack bars. The company was founded in 1987 by Charles’ late father Peter Dornan and has been in the family ever since. With Charles taking over the reigns along with his brothers James and Jeremy and mother Marilynne, Vita Diet shakes are run out of Molendiner with the products available locally at Chempro Chemists. A recent expansion into the New Zealand market has been successful in making Vita Diet the number one weight loss shake in the country. We sat down recently with Charles to talk about the company’s success and what’s instore next.
What is Medical Vita Diet and how did it start?
In 1987, Vita Tech introduced the Medical Vita Diet to selected Queensland Medical centres as an aid for combating obesity. The first doctor to implement the Vita Diet was Dr Colin Holloway, who subsequently opened another 5 medical Weight Loss and Nutrition Clinics in Queensland, personally treating thousands of patients with outstanding results.
How does the Vita Diet weight loss program work?
The Vita Diet weight loss program works by controlling the amount of carbohydrates, proteins and fats a person consumes each day. This is achieved by using any of the gluten-free Vita Diet Shakes, Soups, Bars or Desserts to replace two meals per day, usually breakfast or lunch, and a third meal can be made from the Vita Diet food allowance list which includes proteins, unlimited vegetables, low carb fruit and much more. We make the program really easy to follow with our 5 simple steps.
What are the Vita Diet 5 Simple Steps?
Whilst individual results may vary, if you follow these five daily steps with the Vita Diet, you can expect to lose up to 3kgs plus in your first week and at least 1 – 1.5kgs for every other week you stay on the program.
Does it really make you lose weight?
Yes it certainly does. The combination of the Vita Diet supplements and eating forces the body to go into a mild stage of Ketosis and is the reason why the weight loss results are so quick.
What is Ketosis?
Basically, if you ever restrict your carbohydrate intake, your body naturally will go for its backup energy which is your fat stores. This is known as Ketosis. The Vita Diet weight loss program does exactly that safely and effectively. Vita Diet also has ketone sticks available which allows participant to test themselves daily to see if they are burning fat successfully or not.
What are the health benefits of using Vita Diet?
Being overweight or obese can cause many health issues including; backaches, indigestion, heart disease, hypertension, gastric reflux, varicose veins, arthritis and many other illnesses. The major health benefits of doing the Vita Diet weight loss program is it will not only help a person lose excess body weight and burn fat but it will also educate them on healthy eating and exercise which will help them keep the weight off long term.
What’s the difference between a Vita Diet shake and a protein shake?
The first major difference is the Vita Diet supplements are manufactured under the Australian food standards as a “Formulated Supplementary Food/Meal Replacement” where most protein powders or protein shakes are under the Australian food standard “Formulated Supplementary Sports Food”. Basically they are intended to supplement the diet of sports people rather than be the only or main source of nutrition (Meal Replacement) and therefore are not required to have the 16 essential Vitamins & minerals, carbohydrates, fats that a meal replacement product has.
Secondly, the Vita Diet supplements contain 80% Casein and 20% Whey Protein which is ideal for protecting your muscles while in ketosis however most Protein shakes are made up of only Whey Protein which doesn’t protect the muscles as long as Casein Protein.
Finally and most importantly taste. Vita Diet only needs to be mixed with water and tastes amazing!
Where are Vita Diet stocked?
Vita Diet is now available in over 1200 pharmacies in Australia and 340 pharmacies in New Zealand. On the Gold Coast, simply go ask your local Chempro Chemist.
It’s going into winter now… what other options are there if it’s too cold to have a Vita Diet shake?
It’s a fact, your body uses more energy in winter to stay warm therefore winter is perfect time to lose those extra kgs. Why wait for spring to get ready for summer!
The Vita Diet soup range are perfect for work or home. Mix in some vegetables and you have a healthy inexpensive lunch. The Vita Diet shakes can also be enjoyed hot or cold which makes them enjoyable all year round.
Why did you decide to locate Vita Diet’s head office on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is literally the best city in the world in my opinion and I’ve seen most. The weather, beaches, people and business in general is just great.
Do you have any advice for people starting a business on the Gold Coast?
Always be a realist and do your market research. The old saying location, location, location is very important and visualising and doing a realistic business plan which in the end will save you a lot of time and money.
What are the pros and cons of working in a family business?
The pros are working in a family business is you never have to worry about trust etc…
The cons are not all family members have the same drive, work ethics or beliefs, like a 5 day work week haha.
Have the recent events of the virus impacted your business positively or negatively?
Coronavirus has definitely impacted our business due to travel restrictions which is not allowing us to visit our interstate/international stores for general training and merchandising purpose but we are very grateful to be in the pharmacy industry as this has keep the wheels moving.
What is in the works for Vita Diet next?
Definitely more brand awareness. Although we have been helping Australian’s lose weight since 1987, I feel we are also Australia’s best kept secret haha. More education, pharmacies, countries and online is my focus for 2020.
Tell us your favourites on the Coast:
Café for breakfast: Forreal Kitchen, Nobby’s Beach
Coffee spot: Nobby’s Beach, Burleigh Heads
Bar for a nightcap: Bine Bar & Dining
Restaurant for dinner: Northcliffe Surf Club
How does your weekend usually look: I love to do anything involving getting out in the sun or on the water from bike riding from Surfers to Burleigh, boating, surfing it’s all possible on the beautiful Gold Coast.
Hands up if you’re in a toxic relationship with Uber Eats? You want to bite that hand feeding you, even though, technically, that hand is yours. So maybe this is a self-restraint issue? Don’t worry, this isn’t a therapy session- just a list of healthy takeaways that don’t require any restraint at all! Because, well, they’re healthy, obviously?
Here’s your cheat sheet for the best healthy takeaway eats on the Gold Coast.
As wholesome as it gets, Dalas Kitchen is a gourmet salad bar with two Gold Coast locations, online delivery and catering. They’re known for the most deluxe salads, but also serve sangas (on house-made focaccia), bagels and sodas too! Ran out of time to meal prep? Just order’ Dalas At Your Desk’ via their website!
Our pick: the vegan and dairy-free Bangin’ Cauli’ with panko-crusted roasted cauliflower, Asian slaw, mint, coriander, shallots, crushed peanuts and a creamy maple sriracha dressing!
Where: 2247 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach and 6 Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach
Voted Gold Coast’s best healthy vegan eats, Govindas is not just a restaurant, but a mission. They’re a non-profit serving up feel-good, budget-friendly, and ethically made vegetarian fare. Every dish is as soul-nourishing as the next, with curries, salads, sides and more. They also run specials daily!
Our pick: Thursday’s Shepherd’s Pie– a classic!
Where: 20 James St, Burleigh Heads and 72 Griffith St, Coolangatta
This place is a plant-based paradise; every dish is a visual and nutritional masterpiece. If you’re yet to experience the best of vegan cuisine, let Cardamon Pod be your gateway! It’s as decadent and exciting as vegan dishes come- from raw cakes to globally inspired mains.
Our pick: Vegan Madras Chicken Tacos with tamarind popcorn ‘chicken’, bhuja, BBQ corn chat salsa, madras mayo and jalapeño cheese pakoras.
Where: 3/3 Brolga Ave, Brickworks Ferry Road, Southport
Quick, healthy and tasty- Just Fresh Made is your go-to for mouthwatering salads, spuds, wraps and fresh juices. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or a little heartier, Just Fresh Made has you covered every day of the week.
Our pick: Classic Fresh Veg Spud loaded with your choice of protein, smashed avo, tomato salsa, kale mix, sour cream and herb butter.
Where: Shop 1/84 Scarborough Street, Southport
They’re the Asian-inspired salad bar shaking up the fast-food game with zingy Asian bowls and rolls full of flavour and crunch. Banana Blossom is an East Coast favourite, serving in locations from the Sunny Coast to Bondi Beach. Their salads, rice bowls, and rice paper rolls are a fast, healthy and flavourful way to get your takeaway fix.
Our pick: Satay Salad with chicken, tofu or beef, plus pineapple, rice noodles, bean sprouts and a mouthwatering Malay-style dressing.
Where: Shop E117 Oracle East 6 Charles Ave, Broadbeach
Come for the poke, stay for the roti wraps and smoothie bowls. This Mermaid Beach gem dishes up generous, customisable bowls with all the toppings your taste buds could desire. They offer plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options to suit all!
Our pick: Nacho Bowl with chilli con carne, smoked sour cream, guac, habanero jam, and crunchy wonton chips.
Where: 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Plant-based yum cha? What about take-home banquet packs?! Hell yeah! This little vegan restaurant in Mermaid Beach serves up mind-blowing Asian yum cha and meals that are so damn good it’s earned them a 92% recommendation on Facebook! This place is a not-to-miss, with insane hot pots, soups and noodles, and even vegan ‘meat’ and ‘seafood’ dishes.
Our pick: Any noodle dish (seriously, you can’t go wrong)- but don’t skip the entrees.
Where: 90 Market St, Mermaid Waters
Three words, well, dishes; donburi, okonomiyaki and sushi. Does healthy takeaway get much better than Japanese soul food? Okazu does it best- fast, fresh and in two locations. They also do poke bowls, burgers, bento combo meals and plenty of options for the kiddies.
Our pick: Teriyaki Beef Okonomiyaki with a side of miso soup.
Where: 1/2223 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach and 90 Markeri St Mermaid Waters
Don’t let the same put you off because this famed franchise is single-handedly making salads great again! They taste so damn good you forget you’re getting your entire daily intake of veg in one bowl! Build your own or pick from a menu of stacked bowls.
Our pick: The O.G. Chicken with poached chicken, kale, beets, crispy shallots, seaweed salad and roasted sesame dressing.
Where: Soul Boardwalk Shop T120B/4 Esplanade Surfers Paradise, Shop/4252 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina and 2 James Street Burleigh Heads
Your servo snack stop just got a serious glow-up. Fox’s Pantry is a gourmet grocer/café hybrid (also a servo) serving fresh and fab whole eats, including sandwiches, salads, soups and more. Whether you follow a vegan, gluten free, dairy free or, keto lifestyle or diet….they have something ya!
Our pick: whatever you get, just don’t leave without a smoothie!
Where: 468 Golden Four Drive, Tugun
This Currumbin spot is a treasure trove of health-conscious delights. While catering is their main gig, their in-house and takeaway eats are at the next level. They use only the highest quality ingredients to make only the best-tasting eats that will fill your belly and warm your heart.
Our pick: the Organic Handcrafted Tofu Burger
Where: Shop 2 – 30 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
This is the perfect healthy cake for your a Sunday afternoon BBQ or an upcoming birthday celebration.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat the oven to 175 degrees celcius and line the base of two round springform cake tins with baking paper and grease the sides. (I only had one tin so just baked one after the other). In a food processor whizz half of the dried dates and half of the coconut flour until they are finely ground down, add more dates and coconut flour until all of the ingredients are ground down and combined. Add the coconut, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and combine in the food processor. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the mashed banana’s, water, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar and whisk together until there are no lumps. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine with a fork. Add the pineapple and mix through. Place half of the cake mixture in each cake tin and place in the oven for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Once cooked place on a cake wrack and let cool. Place a layer of coconut yogurt on top on one of the cakes and place the second cake on top. Cover the rest of the cake with coconut yogurt, top with crushed walnuts and serve.
For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.
No matter how you’re feeling right now or what you’re current situation is, there’s no doubt we can all use a little bit more health and happiness in our lives. So we’ve collected the five top tips to ensure your week is that little bit healthier from now on in. Take care of yourselves Gold Coasters.
Get up an hour earlier
It doesn’t seem like much but you’d be surprised how much you can fit into an hour. There’s nothing worse for your brain than waking up, going to work, going home, watching TV and going back to bed – where’s the relaxation? Instead of reaching straight for your phone the minute you wake up, roll straight out of bed and into some sort of exercise or stretching routine, play with the dog, cook yourself a healthy breakfast and ease into your day. You’ll soon see that starting your morning in a slower, more relaxed way sets the tone for the rest of your day.
Plan your meals
It sounds a little bit like something your Nanna would do but trust us, planning your meals will make life a million times simpler and healthier. Everyone knows what happens when you go to the supermarket after work, usually on an empty stomach and with very little willpower – you end up with an entrée of cheese and biccies followed by garlic bread and a big old bowl of spaghetti bolognaise. Delicious sure, but not so much on the healthy side. Planning allows you to choose healthy options, buy everything you need at once and not be tempted by the lure of excessive carbs.
Sleep enough
Ahh the ever elusive shut eye. It’s highly likely you aren’t getting enough of it what with work, exercising, eating and those all-important Netflix binges taking up so much of your time. Something’s gotta give though and usually that thing is your health, or your sanity. They say you need at least eight hours but in truth, you need as much as you need. If you’re tired, sleep more, it’s imperative to both your mental and physical health (and the people who have to put up with you). If you need a nap through the day, go for it, this is your permission slip.
Take time out
You’ve been hearing people bang on about the miraculous benefits of meditation for awhile now and those people aren’t lying. It is one of the best ways to calm your mind, find out the answers to life’s big questions and generally just take time out from the chaos of day to day life. Seems overwhelming though right? Sitting down in silence and trying not to think. It can be simple though, start with five minutes of deep breathing and don’t be discouraged if your mind wanders, just stay there and enjoy the serenity, before you know it you’ll crave that time out.
Move your body
Although it’s easier said than done to get up off the couch when it’s cold out, the benefits are about three million fold. Even if you just go for a short walk around the block or do some easy stretching, your body will absolutely thank you. There are plenty of online workouts and yoga classes to choose from too so you don’t need to spend money on exercising to see the benefits. Morning is probably the best time of day to move, it’ll make you feel good all day but anytime will do. You’ll be happy you did.
Words by Kirra Smith
