I don’t want you to get the wrong impression from the title of this article. Do I think these weight loss programs work? Yes. Can you get great results from these programs? Yes. Do these programs have plenty of testimonials to back them up? Yes. So, why am I writing this article then?

Many of these programs today rely so heavily on their own products. They lead you to believe that you aren’t capable of getting these amazing fat loss results without the use of their own products. Obviously, the main reason why they want you to believe this is so they are capable of generating more revenue for the business. Weight loss programs can already be pricey, but once you start having to buy groceries from the business, the price can get extravagant.

One of the biggest problems I have seen with these weight loss programs has to do with after you reach your goal weight. Most people begin to believe that the only reason they lost all of that weight is because they were using these magical products that the company was selling them. I’ve got news for you…these products aren’t magical! They are just a well calculated ratio of carbs, proteins, and fats that make it more difficult for you to over eat. You can manage this with any type of food as long as you learn portion control. The key ingredient in weight loss is a caloric deficit. You need to take in fewer calories than your body needs to maintain your current weight. Nothing magical about that. Unfortunately, these companies are leading people to believe that the only way to obtain these results is with their special protein bars or shakes. Am I saying that you shouldn’t occasionally supplement your diet with a protein bar or shake? Of course I’m not. I believe that they are great tools when you are constantly moving around and need to get in a quick meal, but you shouldn’t have to rely on them for most of your calories in a given day. Also, what would happen if the company went out of business while you were on their diet? Would you suddenly start gaining weight back because you could no longer use their products? Not as long as you keep you calories in check.

I do believe that these weight loss programs work, but I don’t agree that you should have to go grocery shopping at their store to get your results. Any good diet will allow you to eat normal foods because a diet should be a healthy lifestyle change that can be consistent. It should be something that doesn’t feel like a diet, and you should never feel like you are starving yourself. They definitely have some good weight loss programs out there. I have always been a fan of “Weight Watchers” because they allow you to eat whatever foods you want, but it’s on a point scale. This teaches people good eating habits. It lets them know that they can indulge in that piece of chocolate cake, but they may have to sacrifice something for it earlier in the day. This teaches will power and self control. If you are planning on trying a weight loss program, remember that real foods from the grocery store are always better (both on your body and your wallet). Also, your results from a real food diet will always be much easier to maintain afterwards than one that you rely heavily on weight loss program products. Just a little food for thought.

-Tom