Slim4life

I’m giving 3 stars because if you stick to their program it does work, and there are a few girls at the location that are really great. But… I stopped mid-​program and don’t plan to return for the following reasons:
1. The reoccurring cost of supplements is outrageous. Like $ 40 a bottle for FISH OIL. $ 150 for fat burners. $ 16 for a box of protein bars (7) that you can get better tasting flavors at Target for $ 5 a box.
2. Their scales are inconsistent. For the first two months I was there, they used an electronic scale that had me weighing 12 lbs lighter than at home. I assumed my scale was wrong because, you know, this was a professional business! The scale starting being off every time for all customers so they used a smaller electronic scale while they waited for a new bigger one to come in the mail. The smaller scale I was told was «more accurate anyway» (if it is more accurate why are you not using it all the time?) this scale made me «gain» 15 lbs. I was devastated because it made all previous progress in two months disappear. Then the new scale came and it weighed me in even an extra 3lbs higher. It was the worst two weeks with the program. It was discouraging. And the staff just seemed to think we should all accept this. Even though the extra lbs would add more weeks to our plans, therefore causing us to spend more $. Why not use a doctor’s scale and cut out the electronic ones that are unreliable?
3. I plateaued in June, normally if you bounce around at the same weight for a week or so, they would give you a «plateau breaker» to follow for three-​seven days. Since I went off plan for 3 days on a trip, I was told the weight would come off once I resumed plan food. I resumed plan food. Still at the same weight the entire month of June. They said nothing. Then July came, and I still was not losing. Cathy (we call her the VHP lady) would not give me a plateau breaker because I had not followed plan consistently. I get it, my fault, but it’s hard to stick to a plan that hasn’t moved your weight for 4 weeks now. Then she decided to take my measurements. I was sure I had lost inches because my pants and shirts were loose. She takes them and I’ve gained 3 inches in 3 weeks without gaining any weight. I say «that can’t be right!» She says «no it’s not, the other girls must have been measuring you wrong.» And proceeds to put the gains in my file and sends me on my way. Thanks Cathy.
4. And the MAIN reason I can’t go back, because of Cathy in general. She suggested I do VHP shakes (meal replacements) for lunch every day until I hit goal. If you cut out an entire meal every day until you get to your goal weight, the minute you start eating normal food again, you will gain weight. This is not a good idea to do EVERYDAY, but here’s the kicker, she will tell you she drinks one every day for lunch, even after being off plan for… I don’t know like 2 years or something. What? Who wants to do that? Might as well just do Herbalife or Slimfast and eat once a day. On another occasion I mentioned I had been working out to help with weight loss, she stated «oh that won’t help you lose it any faster.» I realize weight loss is 80% diet and 20% fitness, but… calorie deficits are how weight loss happens? When I mentioned I was doing strength training as well, she said «oh honey, at least only do cardio, that burns fat. Muscle weighs more.» I’m not even going to explain this. This is just ridiculous. I was starving on the days I worked out, but I didn’t have any other «servings» of food left for the day. They need a plan for people who are active, as well as people who are sedentary. The fact that I was basically told not to work out and to only eat a shake for lunch, shows me they don’t care as much about «health» as they do about the number on the scale.
There were some great people there, Megan, the manager, and a couple others, were wonderful. But I ALWAYS got Cathy every time I went and I dreaded it. It was sickening going in and knowing I’d be lectured about cooking with olive oil/​butter (can’t cook it! It changes the fats! So what, eat it raw???) or about not lifting weights, or how I didn’t have a shake for lunch. So I couldn’t take it anymore.

I’ve personally been a client of the «Zona» location of Slim 4 Life since October 2012. As with any program, it’s easy to lose the weight, hard to keep it off.
The staff at this location is fantastic. I am still going (after taking a year off program) and I find that they are supportive and truly listen.
There are many different sales/​incentives presented as you go along. I really like the incentives to get a free week of weight loss when you show up 4 or 5 times throughout the week and lose at least 1 pound.
The things I like about Slim 4 Life’s program: It’s REAL food that you buy at the grocery store, their packaged Hot Chocolate Protein drink is da bomb!, you can go in to the center 6 times a week (and you really should) for the best results. Each day, you weigh in and report any «off plan» foods. If you slip up, they can help you get back on track.
Things I don’t like about Slim 4 Life’s program: Cost of products. With that said, I must disclose that I do purchase all my supplements and vitamins through Slim 4 Life. I figure if I want their guarantee, then I need to do it as they prescribe. The other criticism that I have is the strict food list, however once again, I must disclose that if you want results, you have to do what gets results.
My daily food intake is really simple: fruit, chicken breast, fresh green beans, lettuce, cucumbers, and other light veggies. Every now and then I have a Sirloin and baked potato.
Other criticism: I wish they didn’t focus on diet margarine… so many chemicals. They do have an option for some type of olive oil, but I’m already used to the diet butter.
Now that I am back on the program, I am hoping to learn what foods my body does well with and which foods/​food combinations trigger eating and weight gain.
I really like all the support and cheers that you get when you make progress.