Is Everyone on the Slim Fast Diet Doomed to Fail?

lemonsnowdrop · February 2014

ETA: This is NOT a lifelong thing, guys! I said a few weeks, not forever.

So here's the story:

I've been eating healthy for a month now. Let me explain what that means to me. Absolutely no soda; in fact, for three weeks I have drank nothing but water. No junk food. For breakfast, I ate granola, fruit, or a smoothie. For lunch, veggies/tuna/salad. Dinner, grilled or boiled meat with a side or two of veggies.

I started to lose weight, but to boost my weight loss, a week ago I started the Slim Fast 3-2-1 plan, and honestly, I don't see why everyone seems to feel like anyone who uses this plan is going to end up failing. No, it doesn't teach you how to eat healthy, but it DOES teach you how to reduce calories and portions. I feel less hungry throughout the day now, even with exercise.

I plan on doing this for another few weeks, then see where I am at. I'm guessing the "problem" with Slim Fast, and diet plans altogether, is the transition from it, right? But if I was already beginning to adjust to a healthy eating regime, am I still predicted to put back on my weight?

I'm asking because Slim Fast has a largely negative reputation here, and I feel bad, as in no positive reinforcement, etc., for using it as a result.

ebayaddict0127 · February 2014

I've tried Slim Fast a few times but always felt deprived and hungry. If it's working for you and you enjoy it, then keep going. I'm sure lots of people have lost weight with it.

beachgod · February 2014

Everyone on the Slim Fast Diet will die.

lemonsnowdrop · February 2014

Everyone on the Slim Fast Diet will die.

I'm looking for constructive advice, not a snarky waste of text.

ashleyisgreat · February 2014

You've already noted all the reasons why people don't encourage it. It doesn't teach people how to eat healthy in a sustainable, lifelong way. It doesn't teach people about caloric needs, macronutrient goals, or exercise. It's generally a quick fix diet, rather than a lifelong change. So...what is your question again?

beachgod · February 2014

Good luck with that if you're asking about a fad diet product in these forums. I don't mean that in a snarky way, either.

Constructive advice: don't waste your money on it. Eat less, move more. :flowerforyou:

ladynocturne · February 2014

I don't know if you've read the ingredients in slim fasts, but if you aren't short on time, you can easily make healthier, larger and more filling smoothies/shakes at home for the same calories.

If you are always rushing around and need a meal replacement, it's okay, but it isn't special. There are also more healthy (but probably more expensive also) meal replacements out there you could pick up instead.

It isn't that you're doomed to fail, it's just that there is absolutely no point to purchasing the product.

Samby_v1 · February 2014

How are you going to maintain that calorie deficit once you're off it? Are you planning to maintain your goal weight? Also, Slim Fast is full of sugar and other such nastiness. Why not work on finding a way of eating that you enjoy (i.e. not about deprivation), is full of nutrients and is sustainable?

_TastySnoBalls_ · February 2014

More like doomed to drinking/eating some nasty *kitten* shakes/food. Just keeping it real OP.

lemonsnowdrop · February 2014

You've already noted all the reasons why people don't encourage it. It doesn't teach people how to eat healthy in a sustainable, lifelong way. It doesn't teach people about caloric needs, macronutrient goals, or exercise. It's generally a quick fix diet, rather than a lifelong change. So...what is your question again?

I'm using it as a temporary weight loss boost, not as a permanent solution. I'm already pretty savvy on healthy eating, so I don't need to be "taught" anything. My question is basically this: are there examples of those who actually SUCCEED in using this diet as a tool (note: tool, not lifelong change), and why can't anyone focus the benefits in taking part in it (don't say there aren't any, because that won't get us anywhere)?

hararayne · February 2014

People here want to see lifestyle changes rather than fad diets. So there is always bickering. Some people feel that living paleo, or atkins, or whatever is not easily done and therefore a fad. Some people think, move more, eat less. Some people subscribe to IIFYM. Some people love cardio and some people love weights, and still others think exercising SUCKS (sometimes it can)

But my question is, why? Why are you on slim fast? Just to make weight loss faster? Is it easier to log the calories and know your macros this way for you? In my experience with slim fast, I defintely didn't lose much weight, and when I got off of it it came right back on. I couldn't stick to it easily though either, I really wanted to CHEW things, not just drink a few of my meals.

I feel like you would be happier about eating REAL food. Not the sludge in those cans, or the weird textured snack bars. Add in veggies and fruit and whole grains, or high fiber wraps with healthy proteins like chicken, salmon, whatever. They say, eat the rainbow (especially in veggies) and I just feel like that is the BEST way to go. Not drinking over-processed slimey chocolate shakes.

But, that's not to say, when I was REALLY busy, that I didn't find a shake of some sort (usually atkins was what I bought) took care of breakfast. But I usually ended up eating more later to make up for it.

ebayaddict0127 · February 2014

I have tried - Low carb, Body for Life, Paleo, Slim Fast, Nutrisystem, Medifast, and probably a few other "fad" diets. I am absolutely, 100% sure that I am not a fad diet person and will never stick to anything like that. I like food and eating normal things. I had someone recently try to push a special shake program on me. It's just NOT for me. That being said... some people swear by their choices and that's fine. If it works for you and you love it.. do it. I just know me, and know I would rather not be restricted to something my whole life. I prefer watching what I eat, making healthy choices, counting calories, and exercising. I know that's what works for me.

lemonsnowdrop · February 2014

People here want to see lifestyle changes rather than fad diets. So there is always bickering. Some people feel that living paleo, or atkins, or whatever is not easily done and therefore a fad. Some people think, move more, eat less. Some people subscribe to IIFYM. Some people love cardio and some people love weights, and still others think exercising SUCKS (sometimes it can)

But my question is, why? Why are you on slim fast? Just to make weight loss faster? Is it easier to log the calories and know your macros this way for you? In my experience with slim fast, I defintely didn't lose much weight, and when I got off of it it came right back on. I couldn't stick to it easily though either, I really wanted to CHEW things, not just drink a few of my meals.

I feel like you would be happier about eating REAL food. Not the sludge in those cans, or the weird textured snack bars. Add in veggies and fruit and whole grains, or high fiber wraps with healthy proteins like chicken, salmon, whatever. They say, eat the rainbow (especially in veggies) and I just feel like that is the BEST way to go. Not drinking over-processed slimey chocolate shakes.

But, that's not to say, when I was REALLY busy, that I didn't find a shake of some sort (usually atkins was what I bought) took care of breakfast. But I usually ended up eating more later to make up for it.

Honestly, I'm just doing it for a few weeks to see what it does for me. It isn't a lifelong thing, but it's teaching me to cut my calories, feel full more often, etc. When I get tired of it, I'll go back to eating normal, healthy food, but I don't think everyone on the Slim Fast diet deserves to be treated badly for the decision.

JinxRita · February 2014

You have to do what is right for you. That is the only way you're going to accomplish your goals. Do it smartly, but do it for you.

That being said, Slim-Fast always made me sick in the past...physically. As in ten minutes after consuming it, I found out what it was like to vomit through my nose. That is -not- an experience that I ever wish to repeat. It's not for me because of that...which I like to think is a pretty solid reason!

You'll get there the best way you know how, and that my friend is what matters.

melaniecheeks · February 2014

Well the answer to your quesdtion so far would appear to be "no".

And can I just point out that granola is one of those foods that has managied to cloak itself in a healthy appearance, despite being a calorie bomb.

34blast · February 2014

I know many people that kept the weight off after slim fast and many who gained it back. I know many people regardless of diet, low fat, low carb, paleo, etc, who have gained it back.

The key will be the transition. If you transition to a healthy eating style, it will work.

ebayaddict0127 · February 2014

You have to do what is right for you. That is the only way you're going to accomplish your goals. Do it smartly, but do it for you.

That being said, Slim-Fast always made me sick in the past...physically. As in ten minutes after consuming it, I found out what it was like to vomit through my nose. That is -not- an experience that I ever wish to repeat. It's not for me because of that...which I like to think is a pretty solid reason!

You'll get there the best way you know how, and that my friend is what matters.

I remember getting sick a few times after Slim Fast.. not vomit though.

randomtai · February 2014

Why not just eat at a calorie deficit? Why do people make things harder than they need to be?

fast_eddie_72 · February 2014

For me, the "problem" with it is it's a short term fix. It's something you do when you're "on a diet". And that's what I think fails. I've gone on diets before and the problem is, once you're done, you go off a diet. And you gain weight again.

What I'm trying to do now is change my relationship with food. If you're doing it right, food should be really enjoyable and provide great fuel for your body. Food is your friend. lol So doing what you need to do with real food is good practice for when you get to your target weight. You're never going to stop eating. The better you can make your relationship with food, the more likely you'll stay at a healthy weight when your "diet" is over.

Having said that, I bet people have used Slim Fast as a tool along the way and had success. As long as you keep the long term goal in mind, it might be a great tool for some. I tried it years ago on one of many failed attempts to get fit again. I think a lot of people here have. That's probably another reason for the negative feelings about it. I just remember those cans in the fridge for a year reminding me that I was going to lose weight but didn't.

Good luck!

phonerobot · February 2014

When I was searching early in my weight loss journey, I too wondered about Slim Fast.

Slim Fast is good if you do not mind ingesting a highly processed, synthetic, non-digestible substance into your body that will simply cause more degeneration of cells and block absorption of nutrients in your intestines.

The first 8 or so ingredients of Slim Fast demonstrate true garbage food dieting for the mis-informed:

"FAT FREE MILK, WATER, SUGAR, COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI), CANOLA OIL, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, FRUCTOSE, GUM ARABIC, CELLULOSE GEL, MONO AND DIGLYCERIDES, HYDROGENATED SOYBEAN OIL, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MALTODEXTRIN, SOY LECITHIN, CELLULOSE GUM, CARRAGEENAN..."

Stay away if you want your health to increase. You'd be better off simply doing a natural fast. Even a internal cleanse with food is more beneficial! I did it after the birth of my daughter...lost 35lbs. http://bit.ly/1fjxD9Q

PRMinx · February 2014

I'm using it as a temporary weight loss boost, not as a permanent solution. I'm already pretty savvy on healthy eating, so I don't need to be "taught" anything. My question is basically this: are there examples of those who actually SUCCEED in using this diet as a tool (note: tool, not lifelong change), and why can't anyone focus the benefits in taking part in it (don't say there aren't any, because that won't get us anywhere)?

So, essentially, you want us to answer the question but only if we tell you what you want to hear. Sounds legit.

There are no benefits to Slim Fast that a person cannot obtain by eating a healthy, well balanced diet that fits into macros.

FlyThisKite · February 2014

Slim fast increases my hunger, sparks my cravings for carbs and sugar. It essentially is the catalyst for snacking like a maniac and over eating for me. It is a waste of time and money IMO. Put it right there with diet pills and fads. The weight loss industry is not in it to make you loose weight in a healthy and long lasting way. It is in it for the quick fix that will bring back the weight with friends in tow so you go through the cycle again and again...generating profit hand over fist. That's my two to five cents

keeptehpeace · February 2014

a family I know went on SlimFast.. yes they lost a lot of weight and fast, but the women's hair fell out, they were tired all the time, they looked gaunt as they lost their muscle mass, and they gained it all back on (the biggest lost was >50lbs) in less than a year. not to mention it was expensive, and the mother ended up with kidney stones (not sure if related but I've been told it was by the daughter)

lemonsnowdrop · February 2014

Well the answer to your quesdtion so far would appear to be "no".

And can I just point out that granola is one of those foods that has managied to cloak itself in a healthy appearance, despite being a calorie bomb.

I ate granola bars, usually KIND, which were about 140-180 calories per bar.

arrseegee · February 2014

The fact that you see it as 'boosting' your weight loss when you had already started to lose weight is a little concerning. Slim Fast reduces your calories but it doesn't have any magic ingredients in it that are going to make you lose weight more effectively, it also doesn't provide much fiber and it certainly doesn't teach you how to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Losing weight using the 'normal' MFP way teaches you about portion control, which is not something that is something you learn in a week and then have got sorted for the rest of your life. Like any skill it needs to be practiced. With Slim Fast you get the weight loss but you don't get to practice eating a healthy diet, and it reads to me like you are taking it so you can skip some time off the process to achieve your goal weight.

As most people who have successfully lost weight and then maintained a goal weight will tell you there is no magic method for losing weight beyond eating less and moving more. Slim Fat is yet another product targeting people who want an easy option, not a product for someone who is committed to making lasting changes in their life.

If it works for you then great, but what is the point? It costs money and doesn't do anything more than what you could do yourself by counting calories and eating a variety of foods while remaining within your calorie goals.

FlaxMilk · February 2014

The numbers for long-term success in weight management are not great, no matter what plan you look at. Many "know how" to eat properly but struggle with moderation and temptation. So I would say, if Slimfast is helping you stick to what you are doing right now, and you like it, go with it, but ditch it when it stop seeming to help or if it starts feeling challenging, because it will just be a waste of money at that point.

Samby_v1 · February 2014

I'm using it as a temporary weight loss boost, not as a permanent solution. I'm already pretty savvy on healthy eating, so I don't need to be "taught" anything. My question is basically this: are there examples of those who actually SUCCEED in using this diet as a tool (note: tool, not lifelong change), and why can't anyone focus the benefits in taking part in it (don't say there aren't any, because that won't get us anywhere)?

So, essentially, you want us to answer the question but only if we tell you what you want to hear. Sounds legit.

There are no benefits to Slim Fast that a person cannot obtain by eating a healthy, well balanced diet that fits into macros.

lemonsnowdrop · February 2014

I'm using it as a temporary weight loss boost, not as a permanent solution. I'm already pretty savvy on healthy eating, so I don't need to be "taught" anything. My question is basically this: are there examples of those who actually SUCCEED in using this diet as a tool (note: tool, not lifelong change), and why can't anyone focus the benefits in taking part in it (don't say there aren't any, because that won't get us anywhere)?

So, essentially, you want us to answer the question but only if we tell you what you want to hear. Sounds legit.

There are no benefits to Slim Fast that a person cannot obtain by eating a healthy, well balanced diet that fits into macros.

I didn't say that. I just wanted to hear the positive side, but apparently there isn't one.

kuger4119 · February 2014

There's nothing wrong with using slimfast products in a pinch as long as you are consciously looking at the product and why it works. In the long run, the problem with any of the "fad" products or diets is that the people who use them don't have a plan for how to maintain their weight once they quit using them. It takes discipline to eat healthy when you aren't using fad products and too many people end up eating 2500+ calories per day once they aren't using them. That's a good way to gain a pound a week. Of course, that's slow enough that people don't even think much about it until they jump on a scale after two months and have gained 8+ pounds. They then get depressed and eat an extra cookie or handful of chips and then drink an extra soda per day and accelerate it to 2+ pounds per week. After six months, our former dieters have gained 40+ pounds and feeling terrible. Therein lies the problem with using those kind of products. You don't get used to the impacts of real world food and end up in worse shape than you started more often than not.

Velum_cado · February 2014

People here want to see lifestyle changes rather than fad diets. So there is always bickering. Some people feel that living paleo, or atkins, or whatever is not easily done and therefore a fad. Some people think, move more, eat less. Some people subscribe to IIFYM. Some people love cardio and some people love weights, and still others think exercising SUCKS (sometimes it can)

But my question is, why? Why are you on slim fast? Just to make weight loss faster? Is it easier to log the calories and know your macros this way for you? In my experience with slim fast, I defintely didn't lose much weight, and when I got off of it it came right back on. I couldn't stick to it easily though either, I really wanted to CHEW things, not just drink a few of my meals.

I feel like you would be happier about eating REAL food. Not the sludge in those cans, or the weird textured snack bars. Add in veggies and fruit and whole grains, or high fiber wraps with healthy proteins like chicken, salmon, whatever. They say, eat the rainbow (especially in veggies) and I just feel like that is the BEST way to go. Not drinking over-processed slimey chocolate shakes.

But, that's not to say, when I was REALLY busy, that I didn't find a shake of some sort (usually atkins was what I bought) took care of breakfast. But I usually ended up eating more later to make up for it.

Honestly, I'm just doing it for a few weeks to see what it does for me. It isn't a lifelong thing, but it's teaching me to cut my calories, feel full more often, etc. When I get tired of it, I'll go back to eating normal, healthy food, but I don't think everyone on the Slim Fast diet deserves to be treated badly for the decision.

The thing is, you're doing that while not eating like a real person. So it's not actually teaching you anything. Drinking meal replacement shakes and eating bars wrapped in plastic doesn't teach you how to manage eating actual food.

Do whatever works for you, but be prepared for a difficult transition. I don't think you've got a realistic view of what you're getting from it.

RobsGirl_lds · February 2014

There is nothing wrong with it as a tool just like there is nothing wrong with protein shakes and multivitamins as tools. The goal though is to find a way to get your nutrient, macro, and cal needs from foods in a way you can sustain for the rest of your life.

The reason people say you will fail on any fad diet is people generally think in the short term and neglect to find long term solutions for their life. If or when you stop using slim fast you need to have a plan on how you will continue towards you're goals. If you have a plan, then by all means do what is going to work for you.

Personally I don't like slim fast, but I understand it is nice to have something easy to fall back on if you are short on time or energy. I would suggest using it in emergency situations instead of all the time. Try to have real food planned out and ready for you to grab.

Is Everyone on the Slim Fast Diet Doomed to Fail?

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