SlimFast??

carboy

You might want to try the Special K Protein Shakes- I love the chocolate and it has a lot fewer calories than slim fast, more protein and tons of fiber and it tastes way better too. Plus, they are smaller so if you are looking for more of an in-between meals solution, these would work great. My only complaint is the price- 4 bottles runs from $6-$7 good luck

thumper44

thumper...you sound like Dave198lbs. Did you ever know him? He was banned several months ago... :laugh: I always thought him a straight shooter and full of good info! He liked to say that all processed foods are just sugar in one form or another....he especially hated Skinny Cow haha

No I don't know him.. I think when I joined I saw the tail end of some of his messages and yes he was a straight shooter. I hope you don't mean that I'm close to getting banned. :noway: :glasses:

I just like to use the internet. and Google this n that., search for information that might help myself and anybody else.
There's lots of information out there, and lots of misconceptions as well.

PJilly

For those that do use them, do you find them particularly filling for the amount of calories? Or is it the same as if you had eaten those calories?

I tried using Slim Fast years ago. I was so hungry, I started snacking on Pop Tarts and cheddar cheese to try to get through the day. Needless to say, that didn't work out so well. :ohwell:

courtney_love2001

No no not banned!! :laugh: I just mean give good info and tell it like it is (which I def appreciate!). Dave got banned b/c he was actually rude, and you're not so no worries about that

Peschuntz

One of my best friends is a regional dietician for a major healthcare network, so I asked her about Slim Fast. She looked at the ingredients and said each can has the sugar equivalence of consuming one and a half pieces of cake. That put an end to that! She also mentioned people are much better off eating calories then drinking them. I tried Slim Fast a few times and was hungry shortly thereafter since I believe the sugar content wreaked havoc with my blood sugar. I've since learned to pair the consumption of carbs with a light protein, and I never go near Slim Fast.

Curtism1234

For those that do use them, do you find them particularly filling for the amount of calories? Or is it the same as if you had eaten those calories?

I think it's equally filling as some alternatives.

When you have the choice between a Slimfast versus say a Hotpocket for the same calorie count, the Slimfast is probably the better choice.

toots99

if you need a quick snack it's good but the only flavor i like is the dark/rich chocolate & it has to be really cold!

I agree, use it just as a snack...and the only one I liked was the chocolate!

shinybonnie

I have lost over 40 pounds using Slimfast bars. I used to skip breakfast, eat McDonalds (or similar) for lunch, eat out (think Pizza Hut) for dinner, then enjoy various and numerous snacks and alcohol before bed. I engaged in no exercise whatsoever and was positive that I wanted nothing to do with any exercise. This past April, my husband wanted to lose weight, so he bought the SF bars and I joined him. It was hard for me, but I stuck with the plan on the box and lost a lot of weight very quickly. I did no exercise. After losing about 30 pounds, I quit following the plan and started looking more at my nutrition and exercise. I still eat a SF bar rather than skip breakfast. I no longer have a SF bar for lunch, but neither do I eat a McD supersized value meal. I now eat about 200-300 calories worth of salad and other nutritive foods for lunch. I also have begun to incorporate exercise into my lifestyle.

I agree that SF isn't as healthy as some food choices. But for me, I would not have traded McD's for a salad. I was willing to trade McDs for a SF bar and then trade the SF bar for a salad. Does that make sense? For me, SF was a gateway drug. lol!

But what I really wanna know is.... SOMEBODY GOT BANNED??? How do you get banned on this site? Did he get too skinny? lol

SHBoss1673

Forget slim fast, forget any meal replacements, they are just another gimmick! Are they better than fast food and/or microwave stuff? Sure, but that's like saying being hanged is better than burning to death, I mean come on, you're still dead, one way just hurts a little less.

What works? Eating a healthy, balanced diet. Look, there's no excuse for being an MFP member and NOT being able to eat healthy on a regular basis. All the information is RIGHT HERE on the site, it's not even like you have to go digging up research. Mike even put in a search box for us so you can look up the posts that you are interested in. Can we all have a treat once in a while, or be caught someplace where there's NOTHING particularly healthy and be completely starving? Sure that can happen, but as a whole, there's no excuse for us as MFP members to NOT be eating healthy. I'm not going to be nice about this topic, I'm sorry, meal replacements may help some lose weight, but that doesn't mean you're eating a healthy, balanced diet, and as such I can't endorse them.

You really want to drink your meal? Pick up some skim milk or 1% milk, go to GNC and pick out some high quality Protein powder (you'll notice, the better the powder, the lower the sugar content!), and have at it. There's plenty of flavors, the sugar content is always in the single digits, and it's actually GOOD for you (most of the time).

I'm sorry if this sounds a little harsh, but I HATE the gimmicks that are out there, they really do take away from the positives that weight loss can have on us.

--Banks

m2kjenn

Well said boss!!! - Eating healthy, nutritious well balance food is the only way to go - there are great resources on here. It is more work to begin with, after some time though I think you get into the habit of planning ahead and it works. I have made it a goal to always have something good in my freezer (that I have made) to grab if inspiration doesn't strike, having something handy is so important. The first time I lost weight I did the slim fast diet, and of course, once I stopped the weight came back. Now I read the ingredients and just can't stand the thought of putting those in my body. I feel so much better this time around with my healthy lifestyle, I know I am setting myself up for a long term lifestyle change that gives my body the nutrition it needs to continue working for a long time

shinybonnie

Boss -- Learning to eat better is a process, and we are all at different places in that process. I don't think I need to cancel my MFP membership because I'm eating a SF bar instead of a GNC protein powder shake. I am proud of the distance I have come, and I wouldn't have gotten this far w/out the Slimfast. As I said before, I wouldn't have traded my McD's for a salad, but was able to trade the McDs for a SF bar and then the SF bar for a salad. SF has been an important tool for me in this journey.

SHBoss1673

Boss -- Learning to eat better is a process, and we are all at different places in that process. I don't think I need to cancel my MFP membership because I'm eating a SF bar instead of a GNC protein powder shake. I am proud of the distance I have come, and I wouldn't have gotten this far w/out the Slimfast. As I said before, I wouldn't have traded my McD's for a salad, but was able to trade the McDs for a SF bar and then the SF bar for a salad. SF has been an important tool for me in this journey.

I don't begrudge anyone their techniques. That doesn't make slimfast any healthier though. She asked if we would recommend slim fast, I answered her in the best way I know how. As I said, it's healthIER than fast food, that still doesn't make it healthy.

I don't expect everyone to be there every day all day with their diet, and I certainly don't expect everyone to be there right off the bat, that's not what this post was about. The post was asking if slim fast was a good choice, I think that it isn't, that's my opinion based on the knowledge I have obtained over the years. Others may have other opinions, that's fine, this is a free board and I don't feel any animosity over it. But I still get to post my opinion.

DarthEnjolras

Good insight, Boss. Forget ANY meal replacements. Just go get powdered protein shake meal replacements. Ummm....

If you or others don't "approve" of slim fast, that is just fine. But your words are completely wrong if you say that losing weight with slim fast is akin to replacing dying by burning to death with being hung. The fact is, I am 40 lbs. lighter than I was in February thanks to slim fast. Because of slim fast, my cholesterol is down to well within healthy ranges, my blood pressure is perfect, I feel great, and, additionally my clothes fit.

Any doctor I have ever talked to has suggested that not being overweight, having good cholesterol, and having perfect blood pressure are actually good and healthy things. If that is me being hung instead of burning to death, then I guess it is being hung by a long term, barely noticeable asphyxiation that takes place over 80 years versus being burned to death rapidly.

You may disagree with one form of dieting versus another. Great. You do what you do, and I will do what I will do. But I absolutely AM healthier because of slim fast than I was before it.

So here's to slim fast slowly but inevitably destroying my health and killing me over the next 50 years by helping me to get all of my health issues related to weight under control...

happylittlebird

I've heard they taste good, and if you look at the contents/ingredients you will know why.

I googled slim fast and ingredients.
This from "healthandfitness.com"
Here are some facts from an actual label of "Ultra Slim Fast"-
3 grams of fat (11% of calories), 10 grams or protein (17% of calories), and 40 grams of carbs (72% of calories).
While these numbers are not bad for a meal, it is the sugar content that makes this both inexpensive and less desirable for a meal. Out of the 40 grams of carbs, 35 of it is sugars. Almost 88% of the carbs are sugar.

Here is another site's remarks.

Healthy, in this case, is relative. If your idea of good nutrition is combining a bag of pork rinds with a couple of burgers from the local fast food joint, well then yes, these are nutritious shakes.

In reality... the Slim Fast shakes aren't particularly nutritious, and they certainly aren't worth the money you pay for them.

So what's in a Slim Fast diet shake?
The 4 main ingredients are skim milk, sugar, fructose, and cocoa. In other words, milk, sugar, and sugar. Other ingredients include various vegetable oils, emulsifiers, and a dubious vitamin blend.

A 375ml (1.5 cups) shake contains 12 grams of protein -- slightly less than what you'd obtain drinking the same amount of 1% low-fat milk.

This same shake contains 38 grams of carbohydrates -- 20 grams more than if you drank the equivalent amount of 1% low-fat milk (with those additional carbs coming from the added sugar). Considering that milk contains significant amounts of vitamins A and D, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium and Zinc, I'd suggest that you chuck the Slim Fast shakes (vitamin blend and all), and simply drink milk instead.


IMO - Thumbs down

You make some great points here. Thanks for doing the quick research. I have a few cans in my fridge from when I was having some eating issues a while ago. My doctor wanted me to keep some sort of drink on hand in case I couldn't reach my calories....(typical way to force nutrition for eating disorder patients)...I compared the sugar content to ensure and it was lower and the Slimfast was on sale, so I went with the slimfast. He cringed when I told him what I bought, but was happy I was at least getting some calories.

Other than that reason, I don't think they are a good choice for weightloss. We have to think of nutrition as a way to fuel our bodies. Whole foods is the best way. Its also easier to eat whole foods when you look at the whole picture and consider the long tern effects of dieting.

happylittlebird

Slimfast has a low carb variety with NO ADDED SUGAR (other than what is in the milk that is in the drink) and no sugar alcohols. It is found with the other Slimfast products but is NOT "Ultra Slimfast."

I like it and use it not so much to lose weight as a quick meal replacement, usually for breakfast or for a snack. I eat other food as well and am not on a low carb diet, but I like Slimfast and wish to avoid sugar.

To each their own ...

I've heard they taste good, and if you look at the contents/ingredients you will know why.

I googled slim fast and ingredients.
This from "healthandfitness.com"
Here are some facts from an actual label of "Ultra Slim Fast"-
3 grams of fat (11% of calories), 10 grams or protein (17% of calories), and 40 grams of carbs (72% of calories).
While these numbers are not bad for a meal, it is the sugar content that makes this both inexpensive and less desirable for a meal. Out of the 40 grams of carbs, 35 of it is sugars. Almost 88% of the carbs are sugar.

Here is another site's remarks.

Healthy, in this case, is relative. If your idea of good nutrition is combining a bag of pork rinds with a couple of burgers from the local fast food joint, well then yes, these are nutritious shakes.

In reality... the Slim Fast shakes aren't particularly nutritious, and they certainly aren't worth the money you pay for them.

So what's in a Slim Fast diet shake?
The 4 main ingredients are skim milk, sugar, fructose, and cocoa. In other words, milk, sugar, and sugar. Other ingredients include various vegetable oils, emulsifiers, and a dubious vitamin blend.

A 375ml (1.5 cups) shake contains 12 grams of protein -- slightly less than what you'd obtain drinking the same amount of 1% low-fat milk.

This same shake contains 38 grams of carbohydrates -- 20 grams more than if you drank the equivalent amount of 1% low-fat milk (with those additional carbs coming from the added sugar). Considering that milk contains significant amounts of vitamins A and D, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Phosphorous, Magnesium and Zinc, I'd suggest that you chuck the Slim Fast shakes (vitamin blend and all), and simply drink milk instead.


IMO - Thumbs down

You make some great points here. Thanks for doing the quick research. I have a few cans in my fridge from when I was having some eating issues a while ago. My doctor wanted me to keep some sort of drink on hand in case I couldn't reach my calories....(typical way to force nutrition for eating disorder patients)...I compared the sugar content to ensure and it was lower and the Slimfast was on sale, so I went with the slimfast. He cringed when I told him what I bought, but was happy I was at least getting some calories.

Other than that reason, I don't think they are a good choice for weightloss. We have to think of nutrition as a way to fuel our bodies. Whole foods is the best way. Its also easier to eat whole foods when you look at the whole picture and consider the long tern effects of dieting.

fairy28

I personally like the taste of simfast... really. A few years ago I was sticking to the plan and lost over 30lbs. Eventually I gained the weight back when I went back to different eating habits, however that was my fault not slimfast. As many people have stated it does have a lot of sugar in it, but most if you are eating the same amount in a breakfast you eat, what is the difference? I think I'm in the minority by preferring to drink my calories as opposed to eating them. I suggest you just pick up a few and see if you like them and how you feel about the concept.

lisawest

I used SF (not the Ultra, the origingal) to lose some weight before I got pg with my 1st. I didn't do the "whole plan." I used the shakes for breakfast (which was typically consumed in the car), sometimes used the meal bars (again, when I was pinched for time), and I also used the snack bars. I have a TERRIBLE sweet tooth. The SF satisfied that, and was WAY cheaper than the fast food I had been consuming.

Unfortunately, my ability to drink SF died with the onset of morning sickness. I can no longer stomach it (one of those learned aversions!) I keep thinking I'll try it again, but then I do. Still a "no go."

Are these the healthiest choice? Well, no. Are they healthier than what I was doing before? Absolutely! Is it a long term solution? Probably not.:ohwell:

This is a journey you are undertaking. No one knows exactly what will do it for you. Take all of this advice, process it, and make an educated choice. If it works for you, go for it! If it doesn't, try something new! Keep in mind that you still need address the eating habits that brought you to this point, and fix those. (Mine is portion control and sweets.:blushing: ) Only a true lifestyle change will KEEP the weight off.

Good luck making the right decision. Whichever way you go, the weight loss will happen!

miaangel345

I actually think they taste pretty good. They're good for every once in a while! It's best not to make a habit out of them though because if u drink too many of course you will consume too many calories!

weaklink109

When I was working a shift that started at 5 AM, ANYTHING that was fast and portable was my ideal breakfast, but I still wanted to be reasonable in terms of calories and fat. The Ultra Slimfast shakes with a banana were a satisfying breakfast and it was preferable to skipping breakfast and over eating later. I lost my first 30 lbs. using this option for breakfast probably 3 times a week. I also like them because I find it much easier to drink something at that hour than eat something. I have always avoided eating first thing in the day, and my metabolism thanked me by helping me gain and keep weight.

Slimfast served a purpose and solved my problem of what to have for breakfast. I still keep a few around for a snack or meal replacement if I am in the mood.

As far as the great debate previously started about how terrible they are and how you don't "learn anything" eating meal replacements....to that I say "phooey!" If it is a choice between NO breakfast, or heaven forbid an Egg Mcmuffin :noway: ..:noway: I think the Slimfast is a better choice. I don't use Slimfast because I am ignorant of healthy eating, but because I am smart enough to realize that not eating something first thing in the morning is a recipe for weight gain. The meal bars serve a similar purpose. I prefer the "Zone Perfect" brand, widely available (Walmart and Costco) and find them (by themselves) to be more filling that Slimfast by itself.

Yes I know there are "real food" options, and when I am retired and no longer live and die by the clock, I will probably make some of them for breakfast. Until that time comes, I am thankful for options that work for me. :drinker:

feistygirl09

I have used slimfast bars for breakfast & snacks for years. It helps to keep me on track & is easy when I dont have time to make something healthy for myself.

For the shakes - I like glucerna better. It is made for diabetics & is low in sugar. I like the chocolate & they also have a caramel. They may not be the 'ideal' meal but they are definately helpful when you need something quick & easy.:flowerforyou:

LittleEva44

I've been on Slim Fast since Feb 2009. I have lost 20 pounds. Don't get me wrong (look at my weigh-in on my profile). I STARTED my exercise regimen/diet plan, stopped eating 2-3 hours before I went to bed, etc., in January 2009 when I VOWED I would lose weight (I was 189 pounds then). If ya'll remember back in Feb of this year Slim Fast coupons were in your local newspaper, and then I saw their TV commercial where the woman was kick boxing a donut and then tightened her belt on her blue jeans. I liked the commercial so I bought a case of Slim Fast ready-to-drink shakes (and STILL do ever since) and then read in Prevention (old magazines I had in my office/home) about drinking a protein shake; so EVERYTHING coincided with my regimen.

BUT I only drink a Slim Fast once a day M-F when I'm at work for lunch. Why?

AFTER your work out, drink a protein shake (Slimfast, Special K, EAS Myoplex, etc). Why? "After a workout, your muscles need protein to repair microscopic muscle tears, plus another shot of carbs to help restock energy stores. Cyclists who drank it after a tough racing session had improved endurance and recovered fast than those who drank an ordinary sports drink (which supplies carbs and electrolytes, but no protein)" (Source: Prevention Magazine April 2007).

I work out Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (I am training myself to jog/run 2 miles during my lunch hour as back again, in Feb, I was Power Walking 2 miles). I have LOST 20 pounds, eat 1,250 calories per day, and my 2nd goal is to lose an additional 10 pounds before my 45th birthday (March 2010). Blessings!

Eva