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.
Takeaway could well be the greatest thing ever invented and if wasn’t so bad for you, you’d probably get it every day right? WELL GUESS WHAT! According to this very article, takeaway food doesn’t have to be bad for you and that could be the greatest news ever not invented.
Here’s a list of the top 9 restaurants offering healthy takeaway options. Happy days.
Raw Energy, Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads
Located on the corner of Marine Parade in Coolangatta is Raw Energy, a healthy food and lifestyle café that started on the Sunshine Coast. Their focus is on fresh food, served fast in a funky environment. Raw Energy’s got you covered, offering anything from healthy smoothies or juices to macadamia and lentil burgers, YUMM!
Where: 110 Marine Pde, Coolangatta
The Pocket
If you haven’t been there yet, put this one on your ‘to do’ list! The Pocket in Burleigh’s Connor Street is an absolute favourite amongst locals and offers a great range of healthy take away options (with an extensive vegetarian/gluten free menu). The Pocket aims to be a conscientious restaurant serving locally sourced, wholesome food, often using produce grown by owners David and Michelle.
Where: 13 Connor St, Burleigh Heads
Marie Anita’s Gluten Free Health Cafe
Marie Anita’s offers a solely gluten free and sugar free menu designed to provide dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and raw alternatives. With the aim to source from local suppliers and to use as much organic produce as possible, Marie Anita’s challenges the image of healthy eating.
Where: 2364 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Greenhouse Canteen & Bar
A personal favorite is Greenhouse Canteen & Bar, the holy grail of all healthy food. With the motto ‘anything you can do, we can do vegan’ they’re onto something, because they are busy every day of the week. But not to worry, they do take away, too! All produce are sourced from trusted suppliers and farmer’s markets – food is medicine and it should nourish the mind, body and soul. Amen!
Where: 1916 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami and 1/140 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
BSKT Cafe
BSKT Cafe (Biscuit) was founded with the belief that people care about their health. They just needed the right place to deliver these health options in an indulgent and accessible manner.
All products are designed to inspire through nutritional quality, taste and a global conscious. Made from high quality plants and free from refined sugar and anything artificial. All products are hand crafted with love using traditional methods busting the myth Vegan and Paleo products can’t be delicious as well as nutritious.
Where: 4 Lavarack Rd, Mermaid Beach
The Shack Superfood Cafe
The name says it all, the Shack Superfood Café in Nobby’s is a health freaks paradise with real and fresh food that tastes great and is nutritious! On offer is quinoa, acai, smoothies and juices, breakfast, takeaway lunch and dinner boxes, plus tea and coffee. If you are looking for a hassle free, convenient and easy takeaway option look no further and go give the team at the Shack a visit.
Where: 2221 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Cardamom Pod
Cardamom Pod in Broadbeach is a vegetarian and plant-based restaurant inspired by the art of creative and tasty cuisine. With an extensive salad bar and delicious hot meal options such as curries or lasagne, Cardamom Pod is the perfect place to get some tasty and healthy takeaway, and word on the street is there are opening one in Brickworks! But be warned, their desserts are out of this world, especially the raw peanut butter cups.
Where: 2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Govindas
Govindas is without a doubt one of the most popular vegetarian, eco-friendly take-away restaurants on the Gold Coast. They offer a variety of pure vegetarian foods (vegan and gluten free options available) including vegetable dishes, basmati rice, dhal, potato bake, samosas and a variety of salads, desserts and drinks. Veggies are sourced locally and all dishes are prepared daily using the freshest produce. The buffet style approach lets customer create their own meal at reasonable prices. YUM.
Where: James St, Burleigh Heads
Giri Kana Cafe
The Giri Kana Cafe is a fresh take on vegan and vegetarian food, with a wide selection of freshly made vegan / vegetarian items (many organic and gluten free options also), including an extensive dessert menu. Their emphasis is on fresh and wholesome foods, which are good for the body, as well as the mind and spirit – and to this end, food is cooked with love and devotion. Try one of their signature tofu or vegie burgers served on turkish bread or as a gluten free option the Open Burger on rice. All so good!
Where: Cnr of Nind St and Gold Coast Highway, Southport
Words by Kirra Smith
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