Herbalife? Anyone try this to aid weight loss?

thatjengirl

Hi All -

Have any of you used Herbalife to supplement your weight loss? A friend of mine (older adult w/ a child) sells it and is really pushing me to try it. She keeps trying to get me to sign up for a body scan and try Herbalife. I've read mixed reviews on it, and honestly have never used shakes before. My intention was to maybe use one as breakfast - as I am not a breakfast fan. I just feel so blah when I eat breakfast - or like millions, I "have no time."

I am trying to change my habits and eat healthy, but with a goal of 100lb. weight loss - I feel like I could use the extra boost. Tips/thoughts on Herbalife?

Jen

VastBreak

I like the shakes for when I don't have much time. I have a 2 week period starting that will be crazy busy and I plan on using these shakes to get me thru! It has to be better then crappy fast food or vending machine snacks.

dayone987

I heard that that Herbalife is undergoing review by the Federal Trade Commission for its illegal pyramid scheme. If you want a shake type meal just go for protein shake and multivitamin.

thatjengirl

I suppose that is true! My fiance is a MAJOR junk food fien, which makes it hard for me since we live together. I feel so 'greasy' and 'bleh;' when I eat junk....just so hard to stay on track!

thatjengirl

Is this like the whey protein jugs you can buy at Walmart? I am sooo new to this!

dayone987

Is this like the whey protein jugs you can buy at Walmart? I am sooo new to this!

There are a lot of cheaper options than Herbalife out there. I like the chocolate peanut butter flavour I bought at Walmart by Body Fortress. It is whey protein. Just add milk, don't need to add anything to make it taste better.

thatjengirl

I will try to scope that out! I am such a sucker for PB & Choc...that just may help to curve cravings! I have had such a hard time trying to get myself to drink soy, and then rice milk and almond milk - even chocolate stuff. Barf. I guess being from Wisconsin I am just stuck on real MILK. lol.

lunabella76

I also have trouble eating breakfast. I buy my protein powder at Walmart and throw it in the blender with non fat milk and frozen berries. I drink it on the way to work. Yummy and very filling!

KatLifter

My co-worker does this sometimes. Loses a couple pounds of water weight, then puts it all right back on. Serious deprivation diet. Just eat healthy, eat enough, be consistent and patient. There aren't any miracle fixes.

ILiftHeavyAcrylics

You don't have to eat breakfast if you don't want to. Some people find that eating breakfast helps them start the day, but others don't eat anything at all and that's fine too if it doesn't make you go over your calories the rest of the day.

As for herbalife, it sounds like your friend wants you try it because she wants to sell it to you. If you want shakes there are plenty of good options that aren't MLMs.

SherryTeach

To each his own. . . and I understand that everyone has different preferences and needs, but do not drink my calories (except for the occasional margarita or glass of wine). All of those shake mixes have tons of processed ingredients and to me they taste disgusting.

If they work for some, great. But I'm living testimony that it is possible to achieve your goal weight just eating all normal food and staying in your calorie levels.

Candi_land

Before joining MFP I was actually following the Herbalife diet plan. I had a shake for breakfast, another for lunch, and a low carb high protein dinner. I did lose about 30lbs in about 5 weeks, but in my experience the plan just isn't realistic for long term weight loss goals. It was expensive, not to mention I was always hungry and irritable. I wanted to actually CHEW something and the shakes (at least for me) were very easy to get sick of.

It sounds to me as if your friend means well, but is also trying to sell you the product.

Best of luck to you with whatever you decide!

WendyTerry420

I've tried it before. Unlike Metabolife, Herbalife doesn't work. It doesn't suppress your appetite, which is its main selling point. Also, it should be said that while real stimulants *do* help you lose weight, once you quit taking them, the weight comes back with a vengeance.

KyliAnne26

For a quick and probably healthier alternative to the herbalife shakes, you could try Ensure. If I'm running out the door and don't have time to eat I drink one of the chocolate ones (Which I think are pretty dang good) and there's enough calories and vitamins in it that I'm good until lunch time!

Who cares it it's for old people (I'm 28 ) - just find something that works for you!

I think the slimfast shakes could be used this way too (Not as in, two a day plus a meal, but just one every now and then as a meal replacement when you don't have time to eat!)

thatjengirl

I have tried Metablife when I was younger (I'm 24), and it scared me. Felt like my heart was racing. That is my BIGGEST fear because all of the gunk in products.

I think I may take everyone's advice and do protein powder + berries/PB. I have two jars of Slimfast mix (never used) that I might use for breakfasts with a banana or something and maybe oatmeal, but I just may steer clear of HL.

THANKS ALL!

Now...on to...PROTEIN SMOOTHIES/SHAKE RECIPES!

kandyice1

I've tried it before. Unlike Metabolife, Herbalife doesn't work. It doesn't suppress your appetite, which is its main selling point. Also, it should be said that while real stimulants *do* help you lose weight, once you quit taking them, the weight comes back with a vengeance.

weight will come on regardless if a person isn't eating healthy after they decide to get off what ever diet they may have been using. just sayin'.

Kaathmandu

I tried herbalife - pushy brother, in my case - I only lasted a couple of weeks as the supplements and stuff made me feel really sick ... I remember having to pull the car up and vomit on the side of the road. Hundreds of dollars for that!?
Optifast is probably the best 'meal replacement' diet I have done ... but Atkins works best for me. And it is real food.
Good luck

Brittz0819

OMG I just finally went to the Herbalife shake bar and I'm absolutely hooked now! Luckily they make them there for you like Jamba or Starbucks, but they're only 200 calories, 24g protein, 5g fiber! I was on a plateau for 2 weeks and went to get a scan, I was eating too few calories for my muscle mass and not enough protein! I drank one shake and increased my calories and the next day I was down 1.4 pounds and .8 the following day!! I bought the powder to make at home, you can flavor with 1 Tbs of sugar free jello pudding and make a "butterfinger" or "lemon merengue"! I love that I have the "bar" though to go get one made for me! They serve over 50 flavors with a shot of aloe and green tea! I'm hooked now!!!

breskittle

I used to buy Beachbody's Shakeology and it's the same deal. Overpriced "health" drink.

There are MUCH cheaper and healthier opions out there , just look for it! You could even just browse around Amazon.com There are tons of similar things on there.

I just starting drinking Raw Meals Chocolate meal repleacement .vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Organic, GMO Free and it's not too shabby!
and it's $100 a month LESS than the pyramid scheme Shakeology drink I was drinking before.

Do your research and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

geaze

I have never been a fan of any of the weight loss products. I won't say they won't work but it is too easy to fall off the wagon using those products. Its hard as hell to eat clean sometimes. I am a pizza fanatic and when anyone in my house gets it I go for a jog or go to the gym anything to get away from it. Remember that your goal is to be healthier.

earvizu92

Ive tried Herbalife in the past but my Doctor insisted I stop immediatley due to it messing with my liver enzymes, kidneys etc. I followed her instructions and my blood work is now back to normal. I've had several family members be told the same thing so to me its NO GOOD!. Try making your own breakfast shakes, they are much healthier! Lose weight the good ole fashion way!

scrappermom96

I too used herbalife years ago and say I was not a huge fan of it. I didnt loose as much weight as I have here with support of mfp. I also found the shakes to get very old and it wasnt teaching me portion control one bit. I am a firm believer now that the only way a person is going to loose the weight they want and keep it off is to count your calories and exercise. Yes, shakes may be for one person but it is a lifetime thing and can really add up. Good luck and remember we are all here to help you with your goals. If you wish to add me for some added support please do!!

tsmoore925

Hi did herbalife last year for about 5 months I just did the shakes, I wanted a meal replacement not just a protein shake which is what there is, but I had to add a bunch of stuff to them, it took so much time to make them! I just fell off from them! I recently discovered Advocare which is pretty much like Herbalife I THINK, but their shakes are a meal replacement and all i do is add water and they are so YUMMY! And feel me up! I was so impressed by Adbocare! they also have a energy drink called SPARK that I cant live without! So If your willing to spend the money I would say go with Advocare! I am NOT a consultant for them either, I just in love with their products!

Good luck to you! :flowerforyou:

Speedtrap

I love how the people saying how great the product is joined today and have one or two forum posts.
It makes me believe that they were alerted to this thread by Google alerts and are only here to defend a product with questionable claims at best.
You would be better off to save your money and see a nutritionist, and personal trainer.

RockstarPunch

I suppose that is true! My fiance is a MAJOR junk food fien, which makes it hard for me since we live together. I feel so 'greasy' and 'bleh;' when I eat junk....just so hard to stay on track!

:flowerforyou: start cooking yummy healthy stuff, jazz it up and find some cookbooks and he'll get off the junk.

~herbalife is a TRIP:grumble: . its a lot of stimulants and water weight fiddling. :sick: I wouldnt recommend it. I went to their pyramid scheme shpeal and had a free "greentea aloe wash drink" which kept me up for 48hrs straight:drinker: , teeth clenching and all:ohwell: , with a horrible crash and burn and head ache. lost weight cuz i couldnt eat being that amped up. I wouldnt do it:noway:

Try meal substitute shakes with less additives, make your own shakes. fiddle with your food*

jmorrisof2

Hi. I have used Herbalife off and on in the past. I actually have the Wildberry Shake on hand currentl that I use for a quick breakfast or meal after working out. The product does work. I used the shake to lose at least 30 or so pounds a few years back. Of course I also went to Curves 5-6 days a week for 30 minutes. It is all about staying in your calorie zone and exercise. Also, the shakes didn't taste that great to me with milk-couldn't get them down.

Here is how I make mines and it tastes like a fruit smoothie:
2 scoops Wildberry Shake Herbalife Mix
8 oz V8 Splash Wildberry Juice
1 cup Frozen Mixed Berries
4-6 ice cubes

kikiboniki

I spent a month on herbalife and hated it. For starters it was very expensive. Not only do you pay for shakes you have to buy supplements as well.
I was set at two shakes a day 1200 calories, 100g protein. I got headaches and noticed I was losing a lot of hair in the shower.
I did not lose a pound and was cranky most of the time.

The extra money spent on greek yogurt/ almond milk to add to the shakes to keep the cals down and protein up just added to the irritation factor.

Plus, this is a soy based shake and research shows that soy screws with hormone levels if you have too much.

basically its an overhyped overpriced version of slimfast. Save your money and eat whole foods.

mari213

You're better off doing it on your own.. slow & steady is the way to go. You can buy protein whey powder from any grocery store and prepare your own smoothies with a good blender. In my experience.. I did both Herbalife and Isagenix.. these products work good & fast! The only down fall is that you have to continue to buy their products for continual results. As you know.. it can get really expensive with these products. Good luck with whichever route you decide to take.

scwilson38

I was on Herbalife about 5-6 years ago. I lost 60 pounds with it. In my opinion it does work if you are in the right mindset to change your lifestyle. It is not a quick fix, if you start eating bad and not watch your eating habits yes you will gain your weight back. Isn't that with anything you do? I was not a big breakfast eater either and I took it for that reason. No it did not mess with my body at all in a negative way and I went down like 4 to 5 sizes. No I am not a coach and I do not use the product now. I think you have to see what works for you and work to be successful at whatever you choose to do.

IvaRai

I used it in high school as my mom is a distributor for it. It worked great for me I lost 30lbs in about 6 months. Stopped because I got bored with it. I think it works if you do it right and don't play around with it. Yes it is very expensive. The tabs they have to takes are suppose to suppress your appetite but if your not taking them it won't help.

I'm now doing a keto type diet and I know that I can't stay on this diet forever since it is high fat but it is working for me right now. You need to focus on something that is going to work for you. Don't let anyone pressure you into anything.

mkadar66

I'm using it now....I've been on it since March 8th....and seriously committed to it since March 27th. I have lost just shy of 12 lbs. I like it because I honestly have little thinking to do with it. That won't help me long term, but I recognize that and look at alternate choices if I am choosing not to drink a shake. Eating a little 6 times a day has been key for me....The shakes are filling (to me) and I haven't been hungry at all. No doubt it is spendy...but I has been a great jump start for me and that is what I really needed. Helped me get off the fast food wagon for sure. Good luck!!