Advocare 24 day Challenge

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Replies

  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    Anything that involves a "cleanse" loses me right there. There is no scientific evidence for cleansing of any kind (my liver handles it nicely, thank you very much). If a product uses one part of BS science, how do I know the rest of it isn't BS science too?

    But I guess eating less and moving more is just too darned complicated, and words like "cleanse" and "Advocare" sound so nice and official, and things that you pay for always work so much better than the simple freebies.

    For me, it was a mental battle. I needed the "challenge" to get me there mentally after trying several times to create better habits and them not sticking. Now I have created habits that I am continuing and have stronger willpower. I'm going to use those habits that I picked up to the best of my ability to continue eating healthy.

    Just because you wouldn't do it and it may not work for you doesn't mean it won't work for others.
  • For me, it was a mental battle. I needed the "challenge" to get me there mentally after trying several times to create better habits and them not sticking. Now I have created habits that I am continuing and have stronger willpower. I'm going to use those habits that I picked up to the best of my ability to continue eating healthy.

    Just because you wouldn't do it and it may not work for you doesn't mean it won't work for others.
    True, but I prefer things that work based on science rather than a placebo effect.

    I noticed on another thread that you're an Advocare distributor. Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable selling a placebo to people.
  • taraleola05
    taraleola05 Posts: 31 Member
    LOVE IT!! Just signed up to be a distributor on February 2nd, and couldn't be more pumped!! With the 10 day Herbal Cleanse I lost 6 pounds and 3.25 inches, and also with the help of my personal trainer. I hadn't been taking any vitamins or supplements prior to the cleanse/challenge because the ones I had taken in the past made me sick to my stomach, but none of the products I've tried so far make me feel that way. I haven't felt this great in years, and I have so much more energy now! Would definitely recommend it, and spark is my favorite (Mango Strawberry is amazing!). Good luck!!

    Tara Leola*~
  • Sunshine2plus2
    Sunshine2plus2 Posts: 1,492 Member
    I would save my money! You got to find something to do for life like eating healthy and exercising!
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    For me, it was a mental battle. I needed the "challenge" to get me there mentally after trying several times to create better habits and them not sticking. Now I have created habits that I am continuing and have stronger willpower. I'm going to use those habits that I picked up to the best of my ability to continue eating healthy.

    Just because you wouldn't do it and it may not work for you doesn't mean it won't work for others.
    True, but I prefer things that work based on science rather than a placebo effect.

    I noticed on another thread that you're an Advocare distributor. Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable selling a placebo to people.

    I've only sold a couple of things. The Spark energy drink is amazing. I'm a distributor more for the discount than to make money. I'm not a pushy sales-person type personality. People know I sell it and if they are interested or have questions they contact me. I recommend the products that I have tried, that have worked for me personally and that I love but beyond that I can only offer suggestions. And the Challenge isn't a placebo effect. You're eating healthy, working out and taking supplements such as anyone else would take over the counter. Sure perhaps I could purchase them cheaper elsewhere but comparable supplements from GNC are not that much cheaper and I'd rather get quality supplements from somewhere like GNC or Advocare than cheaper versions from say WalMart.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    For me, it was a mental battle. I needed the "challenge" to get me there mentally after trying several times to create better habits and them not sticking. Now I have created habits that I am continuing and have stronger willpower. I'm going to use those habits that I picked up to the best of my ability to continue eating healthy.

    Just because you wouldn't do it and it may not work for you doesn't mean it won't work for others.
    True, but I prefer things that work based on science rather than a placebo effect.

    I noticed on another thread that you're an Advocare distributor. Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable selling a placebo to people.

    I've only sold a couple of things. The Spark energy drink is amazing. I'm a distributor more for the discount than to make money. I'm not a pushy sales-person type personality. People know I sell it and if they are interested or have questions they contact me. I recommend the products that I have tried, that have worked for me personally and that I love but beyond that I can only offer suggestions. And the Challenge isn't a placebo effect. You're eating healthy, working out and taking supplements such as anyone else would take over the counter. Sure perhaps I could purchase them cheaper elsewhere but comparable supplements from GNC are not that much cheaper and I'd rather get quality supplements from somewhere like GNC or Advocare than cheaper versions from say WalMart.

    For the most part, supplements are unnecessary. And realistically, they are supposed to supplement where your diet fails. So if you have a lot of gaps in your nutrition, then supplements may help but for the most part, your body is much more efficient at acquiring vitamins and minerals through food. Below is a good article that discusses supplements.

    Personally, i limit mine to a one a day but outside of that, there isn't much benefit to have supplements.

    http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/the-simple-truth-about-supplements/
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    For me, it was a mental battle. I needed the "challenge" to get me there mentally after trying several times to create better habits and them not sticking. Now I have created habits that I am continuing and have stronger willpower. I'm going to use those habits that I picked up to the best of my ability to continue eating healthy.

    Just because you wouldn't do it and it may not work for you doesn't mean it won't work for others.
    True, but I prefer things that work based on science rather than a placebo effect.

    I noticed on another thread that you're an Advocare distributor. Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable selling a placebo to people.

    I've only sold a couple of things. The Spark energy drink is amazing. I'm a distributor more for the discount than to make money. I'm not a pushy sales-person type personality. People know I sell it and if they are interested or have questions they contact me. I recommend the products that I have tried, that have worked for me personally and that I love but beyond that I can only offer suggestions. And the Challenge isn't a placebo effect. You're eating healthy, working out and taking supplements such as anyone else would take over the counter. Sure perhaps I could purchase them cheaper elsewhere but comparable supplements from GNC are not that much cheaper and I'd rather get quality supplements from somewhere like GNC or Advocare than cheaper versions from say WalMart.

    For the most part, supplements are unnecessary. And realistically, they are supposed to supplement where your diet fails. So if you have a lot of gaps in your nutrition, then supplements may help but for the most part, your body is much more efficient at acquiring vitamins and minerals through food. Below is a good article that discusses supplements.

    Personally, i limit mine to a one a day but outside of that, there isn't much benefit to have supplements.

    http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/the-simple-truth-about-supplements/

    I haven't been taking anything but the omegaplex/fish oil since my challenge ended. And the Spark.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator

    I haven't been taking anything but the omegaplex/fish oil since my challenge ended. And the Spark.
    Cool.. good luck with your journey
  • Sirskot00
    Sirskot00 Posts: 23 Member
    The O.P. had asked about the challenge and its products. On that regard I have been able to answer that I have both lost weight (About a pound a day so far) and have had increased energy. I'm unwilling to argue whether these results could have been done without the products because It is speculative and does not directly answer the O.P.'s question. I will say that i did not have this same level of results when I tried other systems of portion control and comparable exerciser. Cold the effects be the result of a placebo effect? I cannot say for sure, lacking biologic data on my system but personally I doubt that it is entirely a placebo effect. In short...it is working and that alone makes it worth the price to me.
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    The O.P. had asked about the challenge and its products. On that regard I have been able to answer that I have both lost weight (About a pound a day so far) and have had increased energy. I'm unwilling to argue whether these results could have been done without the products because It is speculative and does not directly answer the O.P.'s question. I will say that i did not have this same level of results when I tried other systems of portion control and comparable exerciser. Cold the effects be the result of a placebo effect? I cannot say for sure, lacking biologic data on my system but personally I doubt that it is entirely a placebo effect. In short...it is working and that alone makes it worth the price to me.
    Well said.
  • And the Challenge isn't a placebo effect. You're eating healthy, working out and taking supplements such as anyone else would take over the counter. Sure perhaps I could purchase them cheaper elsewhere but comparable supplements from GNC are not that much cheaper and I'd rather get quality supplements from somewhere like GNC or Advocare than cheaper versions from say WalMart.
    But you can eat healthy, work out, and take supplements without being part of the Advocare Challenge, so apparently it IS a placebo effect. People give it more credibility when someone attaches a fancy-sounding name and price tag on it. Eating healthy and working out is free, and as you yourself pointed out, you can get supplements cheaper. The Advocare Challenge itself doesn't work. It convinces people to do things that work and that would work just as well without the name and added cost. But hey, if investing time and money into something that sounds official is your thing, then go for it. I'm glad that, per your photos, you had some very nice personal results.
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    And the Challenge isn't a placebo effect. You're eating healthy, working out and taking supplements such as anyone else would take over the counter. Sure perhaps I could purchase them cheaper elsewhere but comparable supplements from GNC are not that much cheaper and I'd rather get quality supplements from somewhere like GNC or Advocare than cheaper versions from say WalMart.
    But you can eat healthy, work out, and take supplements without being part of the Advocare Challenge, so apparently it IS a placebo effect. People give it more credibility when someone attaches a fancy-sounding name and price tag on it. Eating healthy and working out is free, and as you yourself pointed out, you can get supplements cheaper. The Advocare Challenge itself doesn't work. It convinces people to do things that work and that would work just as well without the name and added cost. But hey, if investing time and money into something that sounds official is your thing, then go for it. I'm glad that, per your photos, you had some very nice personal results.

    I also said that for me, the Challenge was more mental than physical.

    Placebo effect implies ineffectual, deceitful or simulated results, aka the Challenge does nothing. Results with Advocare are not ineffectual, deceitful or simulated. I have stronger willpower, better eating habits, more energy, and I lost weight. Just because you can also achieve those same results a different way doesn't automatically make one way a "placebo" and one way the correct way.
  • I also said that for me, the Challenge was more mental than physical.

    Placebo effect implies ineffectual, deceitful or simulated results, aka the Challenge does nothing. Results with Advocare are not ineffectual, deceitful or simulated. I have stronger willpower, better eating habits, more energy, and I lost weight. Just because you can also achieve those same results a different way doesn't automatically make one way a "placebo" and one way the correct way.
    But the results are not dependent on Advocare. Some distributors position it as a product that is necessary for the results achieved, when it absolutely is not. That is deceitful. Certainly not all do that, but it's pervasive enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. The truth of the matter is that you can achieve the exact same results with diet, exercise, and any equivalent supplements. It has nothing to do with using Advocare vs. any other equivalent program. People just like to buy things that someone slaps a name and hefty price tag onto because that somehow legitimatizes it in their eyes. At least Advocare isn't positioned as a "magic potion" like too many other diet aids, but it's wholly unnecessary for losing weight. It's just another supplement, and it's overpriced because of all the levels that need to be paid in an MLM.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    I also said that for me, the Challenge was more mental than physical.

    Placebo effect implies ineffectual, deceitful or simulated results, aka the Challenge does nothing. Results with Advocare are not ineffectual, deceitful or simulated. I have stronger willpower, better eating habits, more energy, and I lost weight. Just because you can also achieve those same results a different way doesn't automatically make one way a "placebo" and one way the correct way.
    But the results are not dependent on Advocare. Some distributors position it as a product that is necessary for the results achieved, when it absolutely is not. That is deceitful. Certainly not all do that, but it's pervasive enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. The truth of the matter is that you can achieve the exact same results with diet, exercise, and any equivalent supplements. It has nothing to do with using Advocare vs. any other equivalent program. People just like to buy things that someone slaps a name and hefty price tag onto because that somehow legitimatizes it in their eyes. At least Advocare isn't positioned as a "magic potion" like too many other diet aids, but it's wholly unnecessary for losing weight. It's just another supplement, and it's overpriced because of all the levels that need to be paid in an MLM.

    Absolutely in agreement. Anyone can lose weight eating 1100 calories of lettuce, tomatoes, and boiled chicken, but because it has the name Advocare attached to it, it has magical qualities.

    FWIW, I've only tried Spark before (free sample from a distributor long ago), and I saw no difference in my energy level.
  • Sirskot00
    Sirskot00 Posts: 23 Member
    I also said that for me, the Challenge was more mental than physical.

    Placebo effect implies ineffectual, deceitful or simulated results, aka the Challenge does nothing. Results with Advocare are not ineffectual, deceitful or simulated. I have stronger willpower, better eating habits, more energy, and I lost weight. Just because you can also achieve those same results a different way doesn't automatically make one way a "placebo" and one way the correct way.
    But the results are not dependent on Advocare. Some distributors position it as a product that is necessary for the results achieved, when it absolutely is not. That is deceitful. Certainly not all do that, but it's pervasive enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. The truth of the matter is that you can achieve the exact same results with diet, exercise, and any equivalent supplements. It has nothing to do with using Advocare vs. any other equivalent program. People just like to buy things that someone slaps a name and hefty price tag onto because that somehow legitimatizes it in their eyes. At least Advocare isn't positioned as a "magic potion" like too many other diet aids, but it's wholly unnecessary for losing weight. It's just another supplement, and it's overpriced because of all the levels that need to be paid in an MLM.

    Absolutely in agreement. Anyone can lose weight eating 1100 calories of lettuce, tomatoes, and boiled chicken, but because it has the name Advocare attached to it, it has magical qualities.

    FWIW, I've only tried Spark before (free sample from a distributor long ago), and I saw no difference in my energy level.

    Wow. There is absolutely no reason for this sort of attack on a company that has shown so many examples of positive results. If you want to state that you don't need products like Advocare because you can get the same results without it...fine... good for you. However Advocare has and still works for people who have had trouble getting results without it. Never has Advocare claimed to sell "magical Potions" that are the sole reason for positive results. Neither is it fair to call it a placebo just because there are some people that don't need it. Such an argument if applied to other activities would be like criticizing a fisherman for using Bait. " Hey some people can catch fish without bait! Using worms is just a waste!"
  • donyellemoniquex3
    donyellemoniquex3 Posts: 2,384 Member
    I also said that for me, the Challenge was more mental than physical.

    Placebo effect implies ineffectual, deceitful or simulated results, aka the Challenge does nothing. Results with Advocare are not ineffectual, deceitful or simulated. I have stronger willpower, better eating habits, more energy, and I lost weight. Just because you can also achieve those same results a different way doesn't automatically make one way a "placebo" and one way the correct way.
    But the results are not dependent on Advocare. Some distributors position it as a product that is necessary for the results achieved, when it absolutely is not. That is deceitful. Certainly not all do that, but it's pervasive enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. The truth of the matter is that you can achieve the exact same results with diet, exercise, and any equivalent supplements. It has nothing to do with using Advocare vs. any other equivalent program. People just like to buy things that someone slaps a name and hefty price tag onto because that somehow legitimatizes it in their eyes. At least Advocare isn't positioned as a "magic potion" like too many other diet aids, but it's wholly unnecessary for losing weight. It's just another supplement, and it's overpriced because of all the levels that need to be paid in an MLM.

    Absolutely in agreement. Anyone can lose weight eating 1100 calories of lettuce, tomatoes, and boiled chicken, but because it has the name Advocare attached to it, it has magical qualities.

    FWIW, I've only tried Spark before (free sample from a distributor long ago), and I saw no difference in my energy level.

    Wow. There is absolutely no reason for this sort of attack on a company that has shown so many examples of positive results. If you want to state that you don't need products like Advocare because you can get the same results without it...fine... good for you. However Advocare has and still works for people who have had trouble getting results without it. Never has Advocare claimed to sell "magical Potions" that are the sole reason for positive results. Neither is it fair to call it a placebo just because there are some people that don't need it. Such an argument if applied to other activities would be like criticizing a fisherman for using Bait. " Hey some people can catch fish without bait! Using worms is just a waste!"

    Wow. Way to be immature.
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    I also said that for me, the Challenge was more mental than physical.

    Placebo effect implies ineffectual, deceitful or simulated results, aka the Challenge does nothing. Results with Advocare are not ineffectual, deceitful or simulated. I have stronger willpower, better eating habits, more energy, and I lost weight. Just because you can also achieve those same results a different way doesn't automatically make one way a "placebo" and one way the correct way.
    But the results are not dependent on Advocare. Some distributors position it as a product that is necessary for the results achieved, when it absolutely is not. That is deceitful. Certainly not all do that, but it's pervasive enough to leave a bad taste in my mouth. The truth of the matter is that you can achieve the exact same results with diet, exercise, and any equivalent supplements. It has nothing to do with using Advocare vs. any other equivalent program. People just like to buy things that someone slaps a name and hefty price tag onto because that somehow legitimatizes it in their eyes. At least Advocare isn't positioned as a "magic potion" like too many other diet aids, but it's wholly unnecessary for losing weight. It's just another supplement, and it's overpriced because of all the levels that need to be paid in an MLM.

    Absolutely in agreement. Anyone can lose weight eating 1100 calories of lettuce, tomatoes, and boiled chicken, but because it has the name Advocare attached to it, it has magical qualities.

    FWIW, I've only tried Spark before (free sample from a distributor long ago), and I saw no difference in my energy level.

    Wow. There is absolutely no reason for this sort of attack on a company that has shown so many examples of positive results. If you want to state that you don't need products like Advocare because you can get the same results without it...fine... good for you. However Advocare has and still works for people who have had trouble getting results without it. Never has Advocare claimed to sell "magical Potions" that are the sole reason for positive results. Neither is it fair to call it a placebo just because there are some people that don't need it. Such an argument if applied to other activities would be like criticizing a fisherman for using Bait. " Hey some people can catch fish without bait! Using worms is just a waste!"
    :flowerforyou:
  • Autk79
    Autk79 Posts: 286 Member
    I eat the exact same thing pretty much as the diet that goes with the 10 day cleanse but I have bowel problems so prob once a year I do the 10 day cleanse because it helps me really get toxins out. And please dont tell me to add fiber to my diet because Ive done it all and been to doctors for it. It isnt a miracle plan but it helps some people in diff ways. I dont NEED it to lose weight but everyonce in a while Im so backed up It makes me feel better. Sorry If TMI , Im just trying to make a point that people take it for diff reasons, I will also say I love the spark drinks but after a while they make my teeth hurt. Im just all jacked up lol. Anyways, everyone has ways to help them with there weightloss and if you think its a cult or a scam, maybe it works for someone else. People are so quick to judge other people when they have never walked a day in there shoes... :tongue:
  • donyellemoniquex3
    donyellemoniquex3 Posts: 2,384 Member
    I eat the exact same thing pretty much as the diet that goes with the 10 day cleanse but I have bowel problems so prob once a year I do the 10 day cleanse because it helps me really get toxins out. And please dont tell me to add fiber to my diet because Ive done it all and been to doctors for it. It isnt a miracle plan but it helps some people in diff ways. I dont NEED it to lose weight but everyonce in a while Im so backed up It makes me feel better. Sorry If TMI , Im just trying to make a point that people take it for diff reasons, I will also say I love the spark drinks but after a while they make my teeth hurt. Im just all jacked up lol. Anyways, everyone has ways to help them with there weightloss and if you think its a cult or a scam, maybe it works for someone else. People are so quick to judge other people when they have never walked a day in there shoes... :tongue:

    I'm sure your liver and kidneys are working ?
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    I eat the exact same thing pretty much as the diet that goes with the 10 day cleanse but I have bowel problems so prob once a year I do the 10 day cleanse because it helps me really get toxins out. And please dont tell me to add fiber to my diet because Ive done it all and been to doctors for it. It isnt a miracle plan but it helps some people in diff ways. I dont NEED it to lose weight but everyonce in a while Im so backed up It makes me feel better. Sorry If TMI , Im just trying to make a point that people take it for diff reasons, I will also say I love the spark drinks but after a while they make my teeth hurt. Im just all jacked up lol. Anyways, everyone has ways to help them with there weightloss and if you think its a cult or a scam, maybe it works for someone else. People are so quick to judge other people when they have never walked a day in there shoes... :tongue:

    I'd be willing to bed you need more fat in your diet.
  • I'm starting my cleanse using Advocare myself starting tomorrow! Very excited! I have two friends who I noticed it work on!
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    I'm starting my cleanse using Advocare myself starting tomorrow! Very excited! I have two friends who I noticed it work on!
    what did it cleanse your friends of?
  • I have not done the Cleanse, but I had a very strange interaction with a new oral surgeon my dentist sent me to. He was super professional and very caring; we talked about all my health challenges, obesity being one of them.

    Then he gave me some literature and sent me a follow-up email regarding Advocare.

    I was a little taken aback because it seemed like some kind of multi-level marketing scheme, and I thought it was weird that a oral surgeon would be pushing this at his own practice - mind you, he was cool about it and very low key.

    Does anybody know if this is a multi-level marketing program - like Nu Skin?

    Now. To the diet itself. I am convinced that any program that includes proprietary "food" mixes, shakes, and the like is not only bound to fail in the end, it actually is dangerous. I've lost the same 35-40 pounds about 10 times during my adult life, and each time I put on even more weight.

    My base weight used to be 175 (I'm 6' 4"), then I broke 200 in college, inched up to 225 by my 30's, 260 in my 40's, and now, at the age of 57 (tell me about the rabbits, George!), my base weight is a very disappointing 310.

    Yes. 310. For me, it's all about my relationship to food, especially sugar. I have found it takes more than counting calories to shed the pounds and to keep them off.

    Plus, Big Food has extra calories EVERYWHERE! I'm old enough to remember being able to only buy gas at a gas station. Now gas stations are almost as big as real grocery stores and they are filled to the brim with addictive "Food-Like" products that get us hooked.

    Reading Michael Palin's books, especially, "In Defense of Food" really opened my eyes up to all of this.

    Good Luck with your journey!
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    Does anybody know if this is a multi-level marketing program - like Nu Skin?
    yes.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    Most people have no problem losing weight on a variety of "diets." I'm not surprised to see people claiming great results. The problem is keeping it off. How does this stuff work for long-term (the rest of your life) kind of maintenance? Anyone with long-term experience here...?

    (This is just out of curiosity. I'm already at goal weight and have maintained just fine for years without any kind of supplements or other products.)
  • kelligillis
    kelligillis Posts: 1 Member
    I've been lurking here for awhile. There seems to be a lot of hate in here. I thought this was a place to encourage one another. There's no need to try to beat your opinion onto somebody else. Some people think Advocare is a marketing scheme. Some people think it's the best thing since sliced bread. It doesn't matter, I don't think. You've said your peace. No need to argue it more. It's not helpful or encouraging to anybody.

    I tried clean eating and exercising. It wasn't bad but by the 3rd day of major cravings, I caved. I had no willpower. I tried Advocare. It's expensive, in my opinion. And maybe that's why I've kept with it. I can't afford to give into my cravings when I've just spent $150 on this. I've lost 13.8 pounds and 9.5 inches off my waist in the first 20 days of the 24 day challenge. I feel better all around. Before.. without Advocare, I never made it long enough to see how much better I could feel. I did not have enough willpower. Advocare has held me accountable for every bite I put into my mouth. Maybe I could have done this without Advocare. Bottom line is it has got me off to a much better start than I've ever had before.

    It's pretty common sense that there is NO miracle pill or drink out there to make you lose weight. We didn't gain the weight over night and we're not going to lose it overnight either. You have to be determined to make it work. You have to want it more than anything else. It's a lifestyle change. Who cares if I spent $150 on Advocare if it gets me where I want to be? If you can do it without, all the power to you! That's wonderful! But whether it's all in my head or not, this is working for me. Stop trying to make people feel bad about themselves because they couldn't lose weight the way you can.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    I've been lurking here for awhile. There seems to be a lot of hate in here. I thought this was a place to encourage one another. There's no need to try to beat your opinion onto somebody else. Some people think Advocare is a marketing scheme. Some people think it's the best thing since sliced bread. It doesn't matter, I don't think. You've said your peace. No need to argue it more. It's not helpful or encouraging to anybody.

    I tried clean eating and exercising. It wasn't bad but by the 3rd day of major cravings, I caved. I had no willpower. I tried Advocare. It's expensive, in my opinion. And maybe that's why I've kept with it. I can't afford to give into my cravings when I've just spent $150 on this. I've lost 13.8 pounds and 9.5 inches off my waist in the first 20 days of the 24 day challenge. I feel better all around. Before.. without Advocare, I never made it long enough to see how much better I could feel. I did not have enough willpower. Advocare has held me accountable for every bite I put into my mouth. Maybe I could have done this without Advocare. Bottom line is it has got me off to a much better start than I've ever had before.

    It's pretty common sense that there is NO miracle pill or drink out there to make you lose weight. We didn't gain the weight over night and we're not going to lose it overnight either. You have to be determined to make it work. You have to want it more than anything else. It's a lifestyle change. Who cares if I spent $150 on Advocare if it gets me where I want to be? If you can do it without, all the power to you! That's wonderful! But whether it's all in my head or not, this is working for me. Stop trying to make people feel bad about themselves because they couldn't lose weight the way you can.

    I personally am not trying to make people feel bad about using it. It's an unnecessary product, and it doesn't help lose weight. I'm just pointing out that simple fact. It's your business if you want to throw $150 away on something you don't need. I'd rather spend it on food. Like I said before, anyone can lose weight on 1100 calories of lean meats and vegetables, but most weight lost during the 24 Day Challenge is water weight. It doesn't teach you how to eat long-term.

    I'm more than encouraging when it's appropriate. Why would I encourage someonely blindly? I would never encourage anyone to eat 1100 calories, and I wouldn't encourage anyone to do a challenge where the first 10 days you can't exercise. Sounds like there's a risk involved.
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    Holly, from what I have seen of you in this post I think I would prefer to avoid your "encouragement.'' Your comments, and several other people's, are less than encouraging. Rather than watching this post and stating things to make people feel bad for trying something different; why don't you find a post about something you can actually offer real encouragement for? I have not used Advocare, I do not sell Advocare and I also don't spend my free time trying to hurt people's feelings. I stumbled upon this post and to be honest the LACK of help from a lot of you in here has made me realize that I won't be posting on any forum on My Fitness Pal if I am wanting advice, support or, as you phrased it, your encouragement.

    Strong first post.

    I comment on this thread because I know what Advocare is, and I know what the Advocare challenge is. The first ten days of it is eating lean meats and vegetables in portions that equal to approximately 1100 calories a day. Because of that, exercise is forbidden. Wouldn't want you to pass out from not eating enough, would they? After that, you can eat some other stuff and exercise, but you're still netting around 1100 calories. So again, why would I blindly encourage somebody to try this? Of course you're going to lose weight doing it, but that's not all fat loss. It's fat loss, muscle loss, and mostly water loss.

    I discourage people from trying it for two reasons.

    1) It builds a false premise of what a person needs to do to lose weight. I have several friends that have done the Advocare 24 day challenge, lost weight, and then gained some or all of it back. They beat themselves up because they don't have the will power to keep eating the way they did in the challenge. They love the Advocare products and challenge because "it worked" for however long the challenge was, but they blame themselves for not keeping the weight off. A good program would not be designed this way.

    2) The products are unnecessary. Even if one was to argue that 1100 calories was safe, you don't have to buy the products to do that. You could eat 1100 calories a day on your own and save yourself $150. I am of the mind that if you spend that much money on a product, you will WANT to believe it helped you. It's called confirmation bias and placebo affect. Just because you took Advocare products while losing weight does not mean it was the reason you lost weight (or felt better, had more energy, etc.). Correlation does not equal causation.

    People are going to do whatever they want, though. Like I said before, it doesn't bother me any if someone wants to throw their money away. I took a different approach at weight loss by looking at the successful people on here and doing what they do, and Advocare (and similar products) are not it.
  • I am about to start my advocare challenege and I am a little confused. Do you always have to have a complex carb with breakfast in the first 10 days?