Weight Loss Supplements?

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Replies

  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Thanks for some self-righteous and snarky replies. Sheesh. : P
    Obviously, I'm doing fine so far, having lost 17 lbs just using my willpower.
    I was only curious to see if others every use meal replacements shakes, protein or fiber powders, vitamins, or things like that.
    I was looking for knowledge, not attitude.

    In this case, the attitude IS the knowledge you seek.
  • PicklePlum
    PicklePlum Posts: 192 Member
    I just take a whole food based multivitamin. Some articles claimed that it helped with weight loss. Most importantly, I feel good taking them.
  • Wenchilada
    Wenchilada Posts: 472 Member
    Thanks for some self-righteous and snarky replies. Sheesh. : P
    Obviously, I'm doing fine so far, having lost 17 lbs just using my willpower.
    I was only curious to see if others every use meal replacements shakes, protein or fiber powders, vitamins, or things like that.
    I was looking for knowledge, not attitude.

    Please understand that the term "weight loss supplements" without any qualifiers like you mentioned in this reply (protein/fiber, vitamins, etc.) tends to trigger a knee-jerk reaction in a lot of people - I initially read this as "diet pills," as a lot of other people apparently did as well.

    I don't take any sort of diet pill or herbal remedy, but I do sometimes drink a whey protein shake (no fancy brand name, just something at the grocery store) for breakfast, and add acacia fiber powder to that since I have a hard time getting enough fiber otherwise. I also take an ordinary daily multivitamin. I like Quest bars as a filling snack or meal supplement/hold-over (with 160-170 calories in a bar, it doesn't really qualify as a meal by itself, but they are very high in fiber and protein). That's it as far as "extra" things go, compared to my diet before I was actively trying to lose weight. Nothing too terribly magical.
  • LeighAnnza
    LeighAnnza Posts: 12 Member
    Thanks for some self-righteous and snarky replies. Sheesh. : P
    Obviously, I'm doing fine so far, having lost 17 lbs just using my willpower.
    I was only curious to see if others every use meal replacements shakes, protein or fiber powders, vitamins, or things like that.
    I was looking for knowledge, not attitude.

    In this case, the attitude IS the knowledge you seek.

    Perhaps you didn't read the whole thread before posting this useless reply.
    You don't know me. I'm not necessarily talking about taking diet pills.
    This whole thing is about making healthier choices, and that can definitely include vitamins, protein, and shakes.

    I have also read that Calcium is linked to weight loss.
    But I think since I get barely any dairy in my diet (like I said, lactose intolerant), it's probably a good idea anyhow.

    Also, back in 2007 when I was only 10 lbs away from my goal weight, I used to do a protein shake every day for one meal, and it worked out really well. The only problem there was the cost... and my husband trying to sneak my protein!
  • zaph0d
    zaph0d Posts: 1,172 Member
    There are nutritional supplements that fill in gaps in overall nutrition. Those are ok.

    But weight loss supplements? No such thing.
  • Jenny_Taylia
    Jenny_Taylia Posts: 540 Member
    I use Visalus also. It's protein shake powder used as a meal replacement. It tastes like cake batter and you can add anything you want to it to keep you full such as fruit, veggies, yogurt, peanut butter, etc. Only 90 calories for 2 scoops of powder, plus the milk, juice or whatever else you decide to add. As long as you count your calories and stick to it, it will work. Hope this helps


    Its 240 cals prer shake if u include 1% milk.

    I drink it plain with skim milk but thinking of switching to 1 a day instead of two
  • Jenny_Taylia
    Jenny_Taylia Posts: 540 Member
    I also have PGX but dont know if I should be taking them with ViSalus
  • MassiveDelta
    MassiveDelta Posts: 3,271 Member
    Things I use:

    - large water bottle (refill, refill, refill)
    - food scale
    - measuring cups
    - planning and more planning

    No attitude. Just advice.

    This...Also. If I do a long runs or Long bike rides (More then 10 mile runs and More than 20 Mile rides) Or heavy lifting days Ill use Whey protein ...But that's not for weight loss. I have only done this since aggressively training for races. Never used it during my losing phase in the first 75Lbs
  • breezedaze
    breezedaze Posts: 357 Member
    I also do Body By Vi.

    I use the ViSalus protein powder as the base for a green smoothie for after my workout and with strawberries for breakfast.

    I use the ViSalus Go and Pro energy drinks before working out.

    I use the ViPak which is a vitamin series.

    I use the metabawake which is a metabolism booster and I also use a hunger suppressant.

    That's it.
  • LeighAnnza
    LeighAnnza Posts: 12 Member
    Since the first few comments were useless, I will post what I am trying. Unfortunately can speak on their effectiveness.

    None of these are 100% proven but might be worth a try.

    Cinnamon:
    pros - Decreases Blood Sugar, Increases Insulin sensitivity
    cons - None unless you get Cassia and not Ceylon. Cassia is toxic to the kidneys and can be a blood thinner

    Green Tea Extract:
    pros - Signals the death and absorption of fat cells
    cons - Same as drinking green tea

    Garlic:
    pros - Ability to break down fat, increasing metabolism
    cons - Smell

    You will need more than what an average diet will consist of. I suggest looking into pill if you choose that route.

    I can only imagine how smelly a Green Tea with Garlic and Cinnamon would be! LIke you said, capsules are probably the way to go with those.
    I do drink maybe 3 or 4 cups of unsweetened green tea a day. I wonder if that is enough to get the results you are talking about. There are so many good things green tea can do for you! Luckily, I really enjoy green tea, hot or cold.
    Thanks for the info. :)
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,428 MFP Moderator
    Unfortunately, no supplement has been proven to increase fat loss or weight loss . It's all based on less calories than you burn. Now, there are things you can do to help repair muscle recover (protein post workout) or help increase the your ability to push harder during workouts (caffeine) but all weight loss pills are bogus.
  • EllenNudi
    EllenNudi Posts: 4
    hey there! I have been taking B 12, multi vitamin, Vit D3. I am not much of a morning person and have found the whey protein (sold at Walmart and other pricey stores) helpful for me. Just a scoop in water in the morning and I am good to go. It is much better than me skipping breakfast and the protein stays with me till lunch. If you have a sweet tooth like me, add an equal to it. Walmart also sells a Protein drink EAS in a 4 pack for people that is ready to drink (no mixing) that is good. It is only 17 g of protein, but sufficient. It comes in different flavors too. Chocolate and vanilla were good.

    I see a Physician Asst. for Diet, but since I found this website, I have done far better. This will be my last appt. with her. Haven't learned anything from her that I could not have gotten off of this site. Except, I did take some blood tests showing my iron and B levels were extremely low. This was helpful knowledge while getting them up to where they should be. Other than that, I have found the journaling on this site to be the most helpful.

    Good luck to you, and everyone trying to lose weight and get healthy.
  • breezedaze
    breezedaze Posts: 357 Member
    Interesting..when I hear "supplement" I think vitamins/nutrition as in "adding extra to supplement" and others hear "diet pills" and/or "steroids"


    Is this something that you hear being in the diet/fitness industry or field? Or is it from crazy fad diets?

    Just noticing the different connotation and wondering why.
  • margieyoumans
    margieyoumans Posts: 181 Member
    Cellucor Super HD, Isopure Dutch Chocolate (Whey), and Betancourt Ripped Juice. Waiting on my local vitamin shoppe to get Cellucor CLK!
  • ajsmommy2010
    ajsmommy2010 Posts: 60
    This is working great for me too :-)
  • LeighAnnza
    LeighAnnza Posts: 12 Member
    Interesting..when I hear "supplement" I think vitamins/nutrition as in "adding extra to supplement" and others hear "diet pills" and/or "steroids"


    Is this something that you hear being in the diet/fitness industry or field? Or is it from crazy fad diets?

    Just noticing the different connotation and wondering why.


    Yes, I was also surprised at how many posters dismissed my question because they assumed in mean "crazy diet fads" or "diet pills."
    As for a little of my background, I was a store manager at GNC for 3 or so years and I loved that job. I learned so much about vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients. Since then I had fallen off my health regimen and I'd like to start again.
  • nonstopper
    nonstopper Posts: 1,108 Member
    Super HD wooooooooo! PUMPED BABY! Come Get IT1
  • Mathguy1
    Mathguy1 Posts: 207 Member
    You may have to be more specific when you ask about weight loss supplements as some will assume you are asking about "diet" pills.

    For me, I drink a protein drink after each workout as well as take Fish oil and CoQ10.
  • Louisianababy93
    Louisianababy93 Posts: 1,709 Member
    i use nutella and hotpockets..


    it works.
    i've lost 15lbs.

    (mmmm! nutella.lol,i dont like taking pills and protein bars are gross. if you dont believe me ask Jose.lol)
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  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    I do use whey proteins. Mostly to help me get more protein and stay fuller longer (I can't just gobble a whole chicken or something after I go to the gym!) I must say it does make me eat less throughout the day to get more protein, no matter where it comes from.

    I have also taken green tea pills and used to drink a lot of green tea. I can't say if it helped for sure because a lot of factors played into my weight loss, but no matter what I think it was good for me - even if it was only a placebo effect and I thought it was good for me!
  • Buffy2point0
    Buffy2point0 Posts: 31 Member
    I have used the Carb Advantage shakes on occasion to stay under the count. They are much better than those high sugar meal replacement shakes.
  • amessm
    amessm Posts: 2
    I like Advocare supplements. The Spark energy vitamin drink gives me my B12 that I need on a daily basis. I love it so. It is my treat every day.

    Me too :) That along with the MNS herbal appetite supplements and the meal replacement shakes. I really don't even feel like I need to eat as much as I usually do. And I'm an emotional eater. I always keep below 1200 and sometimes only 950 and feel satisfied.
  • GomesDavid
    GomesDavid Posts: 149
    :flowerforyou: No, only because I am afraid of them.... I just count calories and try to eat healthy. :smile:

    Good luck to you in your journey:flowerforyou:

    Yup !! Healthy Diet and Regular Exercise Works For Me Also:drinker:
    Weight Loss Supplements hmmm :yawn:
  • Amberonamission
    Amberonamission Posts: 836 Member
    My morning smoohie:
    1 scoop protein powder
    1 t cinnamon
    1 t potassium powder (I never get enough potassium)
    1 T dark cocoa powder
    1 T swansons super green Max powder
    1 scoop of chia seeds


    I call this my Incredible Hulk Drink. It makes me feel so good. Don't care if others think it is voo doo. My hair has never looked better and my skin glows. I have not noticed a decrease in hunger tho but my energy level is much higher than it was before I started this.
  • kittyraj
    kittyraj Posts: 129 Member
    I drink heaps of green tea, my skin is better, I am more hydrated, the caffeine keeps me going without feeling tired and I'm losing weight!

    However, it does stain my teeth..
  • ccwolters
    ccwolters Posts: 3
    Special K Protein Bar or any healthy snack that contains 10g of protein or better. It keeps hunger at bay for much longer than any carb filled snacks and keeps your body from going into starvation mode. Carbs make you want more carbs. I have found being conscious of my diet and habits are the only lifestyle changes I needed. Just making sure I am vigilant about getting the right foods at the right time in the right amounts, making sure I get my 8 glasses (3 x 16 oz. bottle) of water down a day, and knowing how many calories I burn versus how many I eat. Add to this method a cup of green tea every night, a bit of raw garlic (or an extract), and a bit of cinnamon and let nature take its course.

    Good luck.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Thanks for some self-righteous and snarky replies. Sheesh. : P
    Obviously, I'm doing fine so far, having lost 17 lbs just using my willpower.
    I was only curious to see if others every use meal replacements shakes, protein or fiber powders, vitamins, or things like that.
    I was looking for knowledge, not attitude.

    It comes across as sarcastic because people with knowledge are exhausted fighting against the tirade of people addicted to throwing their money away on useless supplements.
    There are techniques, such as food choice/timing that can make weight loss easier, but monitoring your intake and exercising will power are the essential skills you need.

    Caffeine works a little, but it's just not effective enough for the side effects in my opinion.
  • nelja
    nelja Posts: 282 Member
    I use a pretein shake in the morning,because i am not a breakfast person.Then i count my calories through the day,also count walking and bicycle calories.Eat normal evening and have small snack mid morning and mid afternoon.Reduce my coke intake a lot.Lost 3,5kg so far in less than 2 months.
  • breezedaze
    breezedaze Posts: 357 Member
    Yeah..I noticed that. I was a bit taken aback.
    Interesting..when I hear "supplement" I think vitamins/nutrition as in "adding extra to supplement" and others hear "diet pills" and/or "steroids"


    Is this something that you hear being in the diet/fitness industry or field? Or is it from crazy fad diets?

    Just noticing the different connotation and wondering why.




    Yes, I was also surprised at how many posters dismissed my question because they assumed in mean "crazy diet fads" or "diet pills."
    As for a little of my background, I was a store manager at GNC for 3 or so years and I loved that job. I learned so much about vitamins, amino acids, and other nutrients. Since then I had fallen off my health regimen and I'd like to start again.

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