I began the end of Jan saw the ad on TV and met with a young energetic man that promised I would look and feel much better about my body in a very short period of time - we set the date for the end of March for me to loose 30 pounds. I wanted it so badly I choked down the $1000 with the understanding I could make monthly payments and the cost included the supplements and vitamins I would need for the program. I signed up and left with a journal to log my food intake, water and supplements and received 2 boxes of product (variety packs), water bottle, large tote bag, and instructions on what to eat and when. That was the first and only time I ever saw the guy.
I followed the plan as requested and returned the next week. The pictures plastered throughout the office showed folks loosing 4-10 lbs the first week. I lost 2. I was then given a different plan to follow for the next week - eliminating fruit and starch. I was offered a plan to spend an addition $700 to receive all of the products I would need for the entire time I was on the plan. I don't remember how long that was supposed to be since there was no way I could afford the offer. I chose to purchase 3 boxes of bars for $42.00 (7 per box) instead. My journal was reviewed and I was given suggestions for improvement.
I exercise 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes (walk, bike, eliptical), sometimes more. The second week I lost 2 lbs.
I was told I now needed to buy a carb blocker and a metabolic accelerator - cost $128. I did because I was going on vacation and I intended to drink and eat and they told me the carb blocker would eliminate 400 calories from my system. I came back from vacation and went for the weekly check-in. I had lost. 8 lbs. Again they wanted me to purchase more products (bars, soups, pudding, etc.).instead I had to buy the calcium that I had now run out of and another vitamin EFA at $12 ea. I really couldn't afford everything they wanted me to buy.
Week 3 I was given the "next phase" plan where fruit and starch was brought back but I had to weigh everything I ate into 1/4 and 1/2 c amounts. Choices were OK but I don't like alot of things on the list so I found myself eating close to the same few things every day. The cost doesn't include the nutrionist giving you specific menus so you are left with figuring out what to eat. The hard part is making a decision about what you think is a good choice and what they think is a good choice. They don't tell you specific brands other than the yogurt and salad dressing. When I found kashi waffles that were great and seemed healthy enough I was told to stick to EXACTLY what was on the sheets and nothing else! Eating out was tougher than they made it out to be too.
Week 4 I bought 2 more boxes of bars and a 6 pack of shakes - you just add water. Again $42.00
By the end of 5 weeks I had lost 7.8 lbs and 12 inches. It wasn't anywhere near the amount I had wanted to loose. My clothes were looser but I had lost far more MONEY than weight. I will have to pay the monthy fee until I have paid the $1000 interest. I'm sure if I were to continue I will have spent much closer to over $3000 for this program. The bars were good but I didn't care for the pudding or the soup. Every week I was criticized about what I had on my journal even though I was careful with portions. When I told them it was hard to eat every 3 hours (schedules and activities just don't make it very easy to do) they told me to stop the accelerator thinking it was making me "not hungry enough". I don't have any more of the carb blockers either. I can't really afford the $60 they want for them.
This week I haven't lost any weight but I didn't get on the bike or the eliptical, I just walked 2 miles every day. I don't think the program is worth the expense and like I said every time I go in they want me to spend more. I've yet to figure out what the $1000 bought me.
If you are really structured it may work for you but be prepared to spend a lot of money!
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