A Mommy Story

I now understand everyone who says that the last ten pounds are the hardest to lose. Guess what? I’m still at 167, and the last ten pounds show no sign of giving up. It’s time to try something different.

I’ve used a variety of methods to help me lose the weight, with most being some combination of eat less and move more. But if I stay in a certain eating or fitness pattern for too long, my body adapts and I have to do something different to shake things up. I’ve seen many a plateau, and know that each one forces to me to adapt and alter my routine. Sometimes it means trying a new mix of higher protein, or higher complex carb, or more weights or more cardio, or just different foods than I usually eat.

I recently was asked if I wanted to try the new, improved Slim-Fast shakes, and I decided to give them a try. Slim-Fast has worked to improve the flavor to make their shakes the best tasting ever, and they’re now moving away from the cans in favor of re-closable plastic bottles.

Many years ago, I tried Slim-Fast shakes as one of my weight loss methods. If you’re one of the few people who have never heard of Slim-Fast, they’re a line of vitamin-fortified milkshakes (and now nutritional bars, too) that help provide calorie control to aid in losing weight. The plan is to have a shake or bar for 2 meals a day, along with two healthy snacks and a nutritious dinner. (AKA, the 3-2-1 plan.)

The first time I tried Slim-Fast, it did work. But back then (we’re taking over 10 years ago), the shakes were only so-so for flavor, and you had to drink them out of a metal can, which gave them a metallic taste. I never used the Slim-Fast shakes for long back then (even though they did result in weight loss) because I would eventually long for something with more flavor.

Now, I’m well aware of the criticisms of this product, too. It distracts from eating whole foods, it has you drinking your calories and could leave you feeling less full, and it’s calorie plan isn’t for all sizes. I get it, and I’m aware of how to adapt it. I don’t consider this product the magic weight-loss pill – I still have to put in the work, but it’s one tool that can help when I have trouble with eating on the run or eating at work.

I don’t always have time for a meal of whole foods – sometimes I have to eat in the car, and a shake is far better for me compared to a fast food value meal. If the shake has enough protein in it, I often don’t need to worry about getting hungry too soon, either. As for the calorie issue – I’m well aware of how many calories is recommended for weight loss for my body, and adjust the plan accordingly to make sure I’m meeting my minimum required.

Since I’ve been stuck at yet another plateau, I’m using Slim-Fast for two weeks to see if it can provide me the jump start I need. I’m using one or two shakes or bars a day and then having portion controlled servings of food for the other meals and snacks.

If you’re interested in reading my initial review of the product and entering to win some free Slim-Fast for yourself, please visit my review blog, Mommy’s Must Haves!

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Full disclosure: I was provided with Slim-Fast products and coupons to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of Slim-Fast or anyone else.

Also, I’m a nurse, so listen closely: do not begin any weight loss program without first consulting your health care provider. Remember that weight loss is highly individual and what works for one person may not work for another. There’s no magic pill for losing weight – you still have to put in the effort. Products such as Slim-Fast are designed to aid you in your efforts through portion and calorie control, but they do not replace the effort itself.