Incorporating Slim-Fast into diet

kmm7309
kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
edited September 23 in Food and Nutrition
I was wondering if anyone's ever tried using slim-fast or similar products to help them achieve a large weight-loss goal. I don't use them as a sole source of nutrition, and I only use one meal replacement a day (instead of the recommended two). I just find that they do fill me up, I enjoy the taste and texture, and they are low in carbs and calories! But it also says on the box not to use them for weight loss goals greater than 30 pounds (and mine is four times that). Any thoughts?

Replies

  • xerinx2011
    xerinx2011 Posts: 222
    Im using tesco ultra slim shakes as part of mine :D

    I did start of using them for 2 meals a day but they made me feel really bloated!! So now for days when im at home i have one in the morning, healthy lunch and dinner and slim fast snacks. When im at collge i have a shake for breakfast and a bar for lunch so im not tempted to buy any junk during lunch!!

    So far it seems to be working! Just watch out for the sugar content as thats rather high in them!
  • chunk3y_m0nk3y
    chunk3y_m0nk3y Posts: 45
    i noticed a difference when i started useing slim fast but like u i only drank 1 shake a day..i stopped getting them cuz my hubby would steal them from me and i ended up with maybe 2 a week and it wasnt worth it for me so now im solo..im thinking about getting them again to help boost me a little..my weight loss goal is almost 40 pounds and as long as i dont use the shakes for my main meals i dont think theres a problem with it..good luck!!
  • innerfashionista
    innerfashionista Posts: 451 Member
    I'm trying to lose about 120 pounds, and I currently do a slimfast shake for breakfast every day. I like the walmart brand. They taste exactly the same and they're a little cheaper. I'm with you, I like the taste and texture. I mix a protein supplement into mine because I don't get enough protein without it. It's vanilla flavored and makes it taste like a chocolate malt! I didn't know that about only losing 30 pounds, but it's not going to deter me from drinking them :)
  • kmm7309
    kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
    I'm trying to lose about 120 pounds, and I currently do a slimfast shake for breakfast every day. I like the walmart brand. They taste exactly the same and they're a little cheaper. I'm with you, I like the taste and texture. I mix a protein supplement into mine because I don't get enough protein without it. It's vanilla flavored and makes it taste like a chocolate malt! I didn't know that about only losing 30 pounds, but it's not going to deter me from drinking them :)

    you gotta watch wal-mart. The other day I bought them. You could get six for $4.98 (2 packs=12 cans=$9.96) or you could get a 12 pack for $10.68! All of their weight-loss stuff was priced that way!

    I might want to try a protein supplement. but how do I know how much I need?
  • kmm7309
    kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
    p.s.- I requested to be your friend on here because we're roughly the same weight with roughly the same weight loss goal and I thought it would be fun to lose it together!:bigsmile:
  • mydoc3
    mydoc3 Posts: 232 Member
    I drink Slim Fast every once in a while. I keep them stocked in my fridge because if I am not really hungry but I know that it is time to eat then I will just grab one so that I don't go into "starvation" mode. But it isn't part of a routine for me.

    Barb
  • MooseWizard
    MooseWizard Posts: 295 Member
    I could see using them for smaller meals rather than meal replacements. I usually eat 5 times a day, with two of those being around 200 calorie snacks. Often, it is some form of bar, such as Balance Bar, PowerBar, KIND, or ZonePerfect. However, Slim-Fast seems to be near the same calorie content, so I could just as likely have one of those in place of what I have been doing (if I liked them--I don't).
  • lbfrueh
    lbfrueh Posts: 87
    I used Slim-fast a few years ago before my wedding and last Spring to help start my weight loss after having my 2nd child. Lost 20 lbs 3 months (approx 2 lbs per week) last year and went down 1 full size. I know it doesn't work the same for eveyone. I've had friends who have had success like I did and others who didn't. It can work if you sick to it, even if you use it only once a day. The pre-made shakes taste a little different than before. I prefer the powder to make my own shakes with ice and the meal bars (some are chalky but some aren't so bad). I even buy some of the snack bars when I'm craving a candy bar. The one tastes just alike a Butterfinger.

    I just started up again with it. Good luck and I hope it works for you!
  • kmm7309
    kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
    @ MooseWizard- I use other brands of bars too to replace small meals because I eat six times a day.

    @ lbfrueh- I like the pre-made shakes okay, and I know which snack bar you are talking about! Delish!
  • BrandNewMia
    BrandNewMia Posts: 461
    I have done the slimfast diet several times, with no success. I agree, they taste great, but check out that list of ingredients. They also made me gassy, lol!

    Personally, I think it's more beneficial to focus on eating nutritious fresh food and less processed foods. Any time I hear about a "meal replacement" product - I'd much rather eat a real meal!
  • joygwen
    joygwen Posts: 30 Member
    I've used them in the past to help to loose weight but never followed their "plan". They really only helped when I used them and was doing weight watchers but that's because I was tracking everything and just included them. I don't see a problem with them or any other meal replacement as long as you are keeping track of your nutrition and getting what you need. I know that I could stand to get more protein and fiber and less sodium so I need to focus on ways to get that done.

    If it's working, if your getting what you need nutritionally, I say use them.
  • innerfashionista
    innerfashionista Posts: 451 Member
    My stomach has NEVER liked having food so early in the morning. If I eat a real meal, I feel queasy and I'm hungry within an hour. With the shakes, I can usually make it a few hours until I need a snack.
  • innerfashionista
    innerfashionista Posts: 451 Member
    I've used them in the past to help to loose weight but never followed their "plan". They really only helped when I used them and was doing weight watchers but that's because I was tracking everything and just included them. I don't see a problem with them or any other meal replacement as long as you are keeping track of your nutrition and getting what you need. I know that I could stand to get more protein and fiber and less sodium so I need to focus on ways to get that done.

    If it's working, if your getting what you need nutritionally, I say use them.

    That's why I had to add a protein supplement. Even if I ate a regular meal for breakast I can never get enough protein.
  • thebigwindmill
    thebigwindmill Posts: 98 Member
    I thought I'd throw in my experience with Slim Fast. I have done it a few times and lost weight each time. The first time I was around 12 and didn't do it very long, so no idea the results. The second time was the summer of 06. I lost 38 lbs over 6 months (stopped full out doing it around 4 months in, you get sick of the shakes).

    I turned to Slim Fast because I was young (19) and had no idea how to diet or eat healthy and it was simple to follow. Looking back now, I know the only reason it works is because you're cutting calories with the shake and being encouraged to eat healthy. It is literally all about the calories. I started my current diet and decided to try without Slim Fast but with MFP. EXACT same results.

    I'm not bashing Slim Fast or repeating the phrase "it's a lifestyle change", because I'm very grateful for what it taught me. But if you know how to eat properly and just watch your calories, you'll have the same results but without the money towards shakes and bars.

    Just thought I would let you know the options out there, and if you get sick of the shakes and stop, calorie counting will work just as well.
  • Jaedynmoon
    Jaedynmoon Posts: 280 Member
    After I graduated high school in 2003 I used slim fast and the gym to help me lose 111 lbs. Worked well for me then and I've totally recommended it to people who are looking for a structured diet to follow...I did 2 meals a day as slim fast meals and the rest how the recommend. I can't touch the stuff now because of the dairy content and I enjoy making my own smoothies now :)
  • Jaedynmoon
    Jaedynmoon Posts: 280 Member
    Totally agree with what you said. What we are doing here with MFP is really the best. Eating real, healthy foods...changing the way we eat. Would I do Slim Fast again? Nope! But I am forever grateful for when I did use it at 18 that is helped change my life and get me on a healthy path!
    I thought I'd throw in my experience with Slim Fast. I have done it a few times and lost weight each time. The first time I was around 12 and didn't do it very long, so no idea the results. The second time was the summer of 06. I lost 38 lbs over 6 months (stopped full out doing it around 4 months in, you get sick of the shakes).

    I turned to Slim Fast because I was young (19) and had no idea how to diet or eat healthy and it was simple to follow. Looking back now, I know the only reason it works is because you're cutting calories with the shake and being encouraged to eat healthy. It is literally all about the calories. I started my current diet and decided to try without Slim Fast but with MFP. EXACT same results.

    I'm not bashing Slim Fast or repeating the phrase "it's a lifestyle change", because I'm very grateful for what it taught me. But if you know how to eat properly and just watch your calories, you'll have the same results but without the money towards shakes and bars.

    Just thought I would let you know the options out there, and if you get sick of the shakes and stop, calorie counting will work just as well.
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