Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We think that the people aspect of business is really what it is all about. We think of our customers as individuals. We all believe that our business is our customer - not our products or services.
That's why we put all of our "Focus" on YOU. We are constantly working on making sure that our customer service is the best it can possibly be. We strive to give you all the information you need to make the best decisions, and are always looking for new ways to help you. As we have grown the company, we have made sure we hire people who love helping our customers achieve their goals. We're in a "dreams come true" kind of business. That's what gets us up in the morning.
Of course, if you ever have a less-than-delightful experience as you interact with us, or you want us to answer any other question for you, let us know! Please send an email directly to our company founder and president, Mitch Suss, at Mitch@Focus28.com.
General
Where is Focus28 located?
Focus28 Diet, Inc. is located in New York, in the United States.
Focus28
520 White Plains Road
Suite 500Tarrytown, NY 10591
Phone: (877) 824-2828
Fax: (914) 725-3363
Meal Replacements
What do I need to know about these products and plans before I start?
Our goal has been to create a comprehensive weight loss website designed to teach you the skills to lose weight and maintain your weight loss.
Nothing contained on the site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Please consult your Physician before beginning a Focus28 weight loss program. If there is any change in your medical condition, you must immediately notify your health care practitioner.
Medical studies indicate that people whose weight is 20 percent or more above their ideal are at increased risk of many illnesses or diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, strokes, neurological disorders, all forms of arthritis, and many more. It is also important to be aware of certain risks that have been associated with weight loss.
Any weight loss program may cause constipation, muscle cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, dry or cold skin, fatigue, gout, hair loss, headaches, loss of lean body mass, and other possible side effects. Please be sure to eat all the food and supplements that are recommended on the Focus28 weight loss program plans; they have been designed to give you the right balance of nutrients, and, once again, they are designed to be carried out with the assistance of your physician.
Failure to follow the program protocol and eat all the food recommended may result in the risk of developing serious health complications.
Nothing contained on the site is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
Please consult your Physician before beginning a Focus28 weight loss program. If there is any change in your medical condition, you must immediately notify your health care practitioner.
Medical studies indicate that people whose weight is 20 percent or more above their ideal are at increased risk of many illnesses or diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, strokes, neurological disorders, all forms of arthritis, and many more. It is also important to be aware of certain risks that have been associated with weight loss.
Any weight loss program may cause constipation, muscle cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, dry or cold skin, fatigue, gout, hair loss, headaches, loss of lean body mass, and other possible side effects. Please be sure to eat all the food and supplements that are recommended on the Focus28 weight loss program plans; they have been designed to give you the right balance of nutrients, and, once again, they are designed to be carried out with the assistance of your physician.
Failure to follow the program protocol and eat all the food recommended may result in the risk of developing serious health complications.
I'm an emotional eater. How can these foods help me?
All of our foods and plans can change the emotional relationship between you and the food you eat. It helps that the foods taste great, and are filling - because of the high protein content - even though the portions are "just right." It helps that your body will get the nutrition it needs while satisfying your taste buds, and the emotional connection you may have with certain types of food (can anyone say, "Chocolate"? "Snacks"? We can relate!
Just the act of deciding to follow a plan, with the help of your doctor, can set a completely new tone for your emotional relationship with food. In addition, because the Focus28 foods are so satisfying - both from a taste and "fullness" perspective - many of the emotional triggers that drive you to overeat can be eliminated.
One of the keys to success is to consciously incorporate new behaviors into your daily routine. This gives you a new focus, and starts associating "food" with "good behavior." This can be a very satisfying change in your life. Focusing on your "bad" behaviors, or constantly berating yourself about your eating habits, will only amplify the unhelpful associations between emotions and food.
For example, if you feel the need for something comforting or crispy between meals, a cup of Focus 28 hot chocolate or a snack with a berry drink can help you get to the other side of an "emotional moment" in a low-calorie, high-protein way.
Just the act of deciding to follow a plan, with the help of your doctor, can set a completely new tone for your emotional relationship with food. In addition, because the Focus28 foods are so satisfying - both from a taste and "fullness" perspective - many of the emotional triggers that drive you to overeat can be eliminated.
One of the keys to success is to consciously incorporate new behaviors into your daily routine. This gives you a new focus, and starts associating "food" with "good behavior." This can be a very satisfying change in your life. Focusing on your "bad" behaviors, or constantly berating yourself about your eating habits, will only amplify the unhelpful associations between emotions and food.
For example, if you feel the need for something comforting or crispy between meals, a cup of Focus 28 hot chocolate or a snack with a berry drink can help you get to the other side of an "emotional moment" in a low-calorie, high-protein way.
I've never bought "diet foods" before. How do I justify the added expense?
Before starting any of the Focus28 diet programs, take a few days to add up what you spend on food. While doing this make sure to include all money spent on eating out, snacks at convenience stores, in addition to your monthly grocery bill.
Once you have those figures, compare them to the cost of the program you've worked on with your doctor. Note that most of the Focus28 meal replacement diet foods are about $1.43 each serving. When you consider how much protein is in each meal - typically 8 to 12 grams or more - you can see why most people find they actually spend less per month while consuming the diet foods on our plans.
Part of those savings come from the variety of foods available; because of the snacks, drinks, and bars, you'll be less tempted to "break" your diet with a fast-food or junk food binge. And, once you've achieved your desired weight, our maintenance program will help you stay there. You'll spend less on food in the long run while still enjoying your culinary life.
Of course, helping prevent or cure conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are quite commonly associated with weight gain, is in the "priceless" category.
Once you have those figures, compare them to the cost of the program you've worked on with your doctor. Note that most of the Focus28 meal replacement diet foods are about $1.43 each serving. When you consider how much protein is in each meal - typically 8 to 12 grams or more - you can see why most people find they actually spend less per month while consuming the diet foods on our plans.
Part of those savings come from the variety of foods available; because of the snacks, drinks, and bars, you'll be less tempted to "break" your diet with a fast-food or junk food binge. And, once you've achieved your desired weight, our maintenance program will help you stay there. You'll spend less on food in the long run while still enjoying your culinary life.
Of course, helping prevent or cure conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are quite commonly associated with weight gain, is in the "priceless" category.
What makes this program different from other diet programs?
Focus28 plans and diet foods are based on scientific research, as well as what works and what doesn't work in the real world.
We all love food. We want to eat. We need to eat. Focus28 plans teach you how to eat properly, and the Focus28 diet foods provide high quality protein. When you follow the plans, you will be preserving your lean muscle tissue. You will be raising your metabolism to help your body burn more fat and lose weight faster - without hunger. For best results, add exercise to your diet plan. It can be as simple as walking your dog every evening after dinner!
We all love food. We want to eat. We need to eat. Focus28 plans teach you how to eat properly, and the Focus28 diet foods provide high quality protein. When you follow the plans, you will be preserving your lean muscle tissue. You will be raising your metabolism to help your body burn more fat and lose weight faster - without hunger. For best results, add exercise to your diet plan. It can be as simple as walking your dog every evening after dinner!
Why were Meal Replacement foods invented?
Have you tried losing weight by carefully measuring your food portions - and then noticed that the scale still doesn't move?
Many people find it difficult to accurately determine portion sizes and eat consistent amounts of food day after day. In fact, studies show that most people actually consume about 50% more calories than they actually think they do; and this is mostly because they are unaware or in denial about what they eat. It is difficult to accurately track what you are eating.
The Focus28 diet plans and protein foods are designed to overcome the problems normally associated with low-calories diets. Meal replacement foods and our other high-protein weight-loss foods make it easy to know how many calories you are consuming. The portion sizes are pre-determined, so you don't fall prey to "one more bite," or that "extra spoonful." Using the plan that you and your doctor have created, you get the nutrition you need. Because it's simple, there's plenty of variety, and the food tastes great, it's easy to maintain.
Many people find it difficult to accurately determine portion sizes and eat consistent amounts of food day after day. In fact, studies show that most people actually consume about 50% more calories than they actually think they do; and this is mostly because they are unaware or in denial about what they eat. It is difficult to accurately track what you are eating.
The Focus28 diet plans and protein foods are designed to overcome the problems normally associated with low-calories diets. Meal replacement foods and our other high-protein weight-loss foods make it easy to know how many calories you are consuming. The portion sizes are pre-determined, so you don't fall prey to "one more bite," or that "extra spoonful." Using the plan that you and your doctor have created, you get the nutrition you need. Because it's simple, there's plenty of variety, and the food tastes great, it's easy to maintain.
What is a "meal replacement?"
According to the American Dietetic Association, a "meal replacement" is a food that contains known energy and macronutrient content that can be used to maintain a specific daily caloric intake. In a recent article in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (February 2009), entitled "Position of the American Dietetic Association: Weight Management," they state:
"Meal replacements, containing a known energy and macronurtrient content, are a useful strategy to eliminate problematic food choices or complex meal planning while trying to attain a 500 to 1,000 kcal/day energy deficit."
The "energy" they are referring to here is "food energy," which is expressed in "calories" or "joules." This is the amount of "energy" released by the food as its nutrients are being converted into useful energy in a cell. So attaining a 5000 to 1,000 kcal/day energy deficit means you will be consuming 500 to 1000 calories a day less than you are expending.
In the American Dietetic article mentioned above, the Association states that these diets can be an efficient way to lose weight, compared to conventional diets:
If you want to follow a full meal replacement diet to help you lose weight, you must do so under physician care. Your doctor will help you develop the right plan to meet your goals and to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need as you carry out your plan.
The right plan for you, one that has the best balance overall, will include both the Meal Replacement foods and conventional foolds, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat, fish, and poultry.
"Meal replacements, containing a known energy and macronurtrient content, are a useful strategy to eliminate problematic food choices or complex meal planning while trying to attain a 500 to 1,000 kcal/day energy deficit."
The "energy" they are referring to here is "food energy," which is expressed in "calories" or "joules." This is the amount of "energy" released by the food as its nutrients are being converted into useful energy in a cell. So attaining a 5000 to 1,000 kcal/day energy deficit means you will be consuming 500 to 1000 calories a day less than you are expending.
In the American Dietetic article mentioned above, the Association states that these diets can be an efficient way to lose weight, compared to conventional diets:
If you want to follow a full meal replacement diet to help you lose weight, you must do so under physician care. Your doctor will help you develop the right plan to meet your goals and to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need as you carry out your plan.
The right plan for you, one that has the best balance overall, will include both the Meal Replacement foods and conventional foolds, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat, fish, and poultry.
Ordering and Shipping
What is your return policy?
Returns are never a problem. Our return policy is based on Trust.
We understand the shopping experience on line is different than actually going to a store and seeing the actual product. And, we want you to be happy and 100% satisfied with your purchase.
We respect and trust our customers, and do everything we can to make sure our relationship with you reflects that respect and trust. Yes, we want to make sure you'll want to come back. But it's also just the way we have chosen to live our lives and do business.
If you are not completely satisfied with any product you have purchased from us, you may return it with a full refund (less shipping and handling) or exchange within 30 days from your date of purchase.
You may return one (1) opened package (box, bag, bottle, etc.) of any individual product, all others must be unopened/unused in original packaging.
If you need any assistance with your return or exchange, please feel free to call our Customer Service department, using our Toll-Free Number: 877-824-2828. Or email orders@focus28.com within 30 days of the shipment to receive authorization and return instructions.
We understand the shopping experience on line is different than actually going to a store and seeing the actual product. And, we want you to be happy and 100% satisfied with your purchase.
We respect and trust our customers, and do everything we can to make sure our relationship with you reflects that respect and trust. Yes, we want to make sure you'll want to come back. But it's also just the way we have chosen to live our lives and do business.
If you are not completely satisfied with any product you have purchased from us, you may return it with a full refund (less shipping and handling) or exchange within 30 days from your date of purchase.
You may return one (1) opened package (box, bag, bottle, etc.) of any individual product, all others must be unopened/unused in original packaging.
If you need any assistance with your return or exchange, please feel free to call our Customer Service department, using our Toll-Free Number: 877-824-2828. Or email orders@focus28.com within 30 days of the shipment to receive authorization and return instructions.
How can I track my Focus28 order?
Very simple! You can track your order by logging into our site by clicking "MY ACCOUNT" in the upper-right corner of the home page. If you don't remember your username or password, you request it by clicking "REQUEST NEW PASSWORD".
Once you are on your account page, you will see a link that says "CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUR ORDER HISTORY". On your order history page, select an order to view your invoice or find package tracking numbers.
Allow one full business day(excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) to track your order.
Once you are on your account page, you will see a link that says "CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUR ORDER HISTORY". On your order history page, select an order to view your invoice or find package tracking numbers.
Allow one full business day(excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) to track your order.
How do I get a receipt for my Focus28 order?
After placing your order, you should receive a "Focus28 Receipt" e-mail that will contain information on your order. The email will provide details on the products purchased, quantities, price, order number, billing and shipping information, date of order, shipping method, and so on. You may want to reference the order later on, which is why our receipts always start with "Focus28" in the subject line. If you sort your email by subject line, you'll find the Focus28 receipts.
If you ordered a downloadable product, such as our helpful Recipe Book, or one of our customizable Weight-Loss Plans, the email will include any needed serial number and/or a link to the download page on our website.
If you ordered a downloadable product, such as our helpful Recipe Book, or one of our customizable Weight-Loss Plans, the email will include any needed serial number and/or a link to the download page on our website.
What shipping options are available?
Focus28 offers three different shipping options for your orders:
Note the shipping and delivery days for these are Monday through Friday only. Fedex does not deliver on weekends or holidays, so do not include these days when estimating your expected delivery date.
- Fedex 2nd Day (2 business days)
- Fedex 3rd Day (3 business days)
- Fedex Home Delivery (3-5 business days)
- USPS APO/FPO Shipping
Note the shipping and delivery days for these are Monday through Friday only. Fedex does not deliver on weekends or holidays, so do not include these days when estimating your expected delivery date.
How much does shipping cost?
| Order Value | Shipping Cost |
| $1.00 to $95.00 |
$7.95 |
| $95.01 to $149.00 |
$11.95 |
| $149.01 and up |
9% of the order |
Canadian Shipping Rates (based on your order value)
Please note: All duty fees, taxes and broker fees are customers responsibility.
| Order Value | Shipping Cost |
| $1.00 to $49.00 |
$12.95 |
| $49.01 to $95.00 |
$18.95 |
| $95.01 to $125.00 |
$22.95 |
| $125.01 to $149.00 |
$28.95 |
| $149.01 and up |
20% of the order |
Will I be charged sales tax?
State laws require the we charge applicable sales tax on orders sent to North Carolina ONLY. If you are having the foods shipped to any other state, you will not be charged sales tax.
What is your policy for items that are out of stock?
At Focus28, we try to ship your order out the same day you place it. In the event an item you ordered is out of stock, we will make every attempt to add that item to our own shipping location within 3-4 business days. Once received at our fulfillment location, it is shipped out the same day. If for any reason the out-of-stock item will take longer than this, Focus28 will send the in-stock items that were in your order, and will send the backordered items as they become available.
How does Google Checkout work?
Google Checkout works much the same as PayPal. It provides a place for you to store your payment information securely, only once, then use Google Checkout every time you buy from a Google Checkout vendor.
The first time you use Google Checkout, you will need to provide your credit card information. After that, you will only have to click on a few buttons to complete every transaction, including the ones when you're buying from us.
Pay sites such as PayPal and Google can save you time (no need to enter all your data over and over), and allow you to store your credit card and/or other payment information in a single place.
The first time you use Google Checkout, you will need to provide your credit card information. After that, you will only have to click on a few buttons to complete every transaction, including the ones when you're buying from us.
Pay sites such as PayPal and Google can save you time (no need to enter all your data over and over), and allow you to store your credit card and/or other payment information in a single place.
How does PayPal work?
It's simple, really. When you're on the Shopping Cart page, choose the PayPal option when you're ready to pay for your items. You'll be asked to log into your PayPal account using your e-mail address and password. Click to confirm your payment, then you're done.
If you don't already have a PayPal account, just go to PayPal.com and follow the instructions. You will be providing PayPal with information about how you normally want to pay. You can have the amounts deducted directly from your checking account, or use your debit or credit card. You can also add money to your PayPal account with MoneyPak.
Your financial information is secure, and using a PayPal account for payment means that you will only be storing your financial information in one place (with PayPal), rather than with a variety of vendors.
If you don't already have a PayPal account, just go to PayPal.com and follow the instructions. You will be providing PayPal with information about how you normally want to pay. You can have the amounts deducted directly from your checking account, or use your debit or credit card. You can also add money to your PayPal account with MoneyPak.
Your financial information is secure, and using a PayPal account for payment means that you will only be storing your financial information in one place (with PayPal), rather than with a variety of vendors.
How do I pay for my Focus28 items if I use the Shopping Cart?
Focus28.com accepts online payment with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and PayPal.
Can I order over the phone?
Absolutely! We understand it's sometimes easier to talk to a "real person" when placing an order. Call us anytime Monday thru Friday between 9am and 5pm Eastern Standard Time, Toll-Free: 877-824-2828. On weekends leave us a message or send us an email at Orders@Focus28.com, and we will get back to first thing on Monday.
Is my personal information kept private?
Focus28 .com is absolutely committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information.
We guarantee that your order will be transmitted securely and that you will not be liable for any unauthorized charges appearing on your credit card as a result of shopping here. We only use the safest and securest servers and technologies and we back that up with "hacker-safe" daily testing and certification. To protect the information you provide us, including credit card numbers and passwords, the information is "encrypted" using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. Only the system responsible for processing your order has access to your credit card and billing information. We enthusiastically comply with the highest possible standards and use the latest, most secure methods to keep your information safe.
We guarantee that your order will be transmitted securely and that you will not be liable for any unauthorized charges appearing on your credit card as a result of shopping here. We only use the safest and securest servers and technologies and we back that up with "hacker-safe" daily testing and certification. To protect the information you provide us, including credit card numbers and passwords, the information is "encrypted" using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. Only the system responsible for processing your order has access to your credit card and billing information. We enthusiastically comply with the highest possible standards and use the latest, most secure methods to keep your information safe.
How does the shopping process work?
- When you find the food you want, just click the "add to cart" button next to the item thumbnail or on the item's page. The item will be added to your cart.
- You can then continue shopping or go to your shopping cart to continue the checkout process.
- To check out, can click on the cart by clicking on "My Shopping Cart" at the top of any page, or, when you add your last item, you can click on the "your shopping cart" link that appears in the banner at the top of the page after you've added an item. Or, click on View Cart on the right side of any screen - that's where your shopping cart item list will start to appear as you fill up your cart.
- Once you are on your shopping cart page, you can remove items or change quantities (make sure you click on "Update Cart" near the Subtotal so your changes "stick"). You can also enter any Coupon Code on this page, and get an estimate of your shipping costs.
- You can then check out using your credit card, or PayPal.
- The order will be sent electronically over a 100% secure connection. However, if you wish, you can also place the order by phone, by calling our Toll-Free Order Number: 877-824-2828.
FOOD + WORKOUT + SUPPORT
Our combination of high-quality diet foods, exercise, and support is a proven formula for success.




