It's not what you eat, it's what you don't eat that makes a difference

By Becky Comeau

How it’s Going, Week 7

At the risk of sounding like a snake oil salesman or carnival barker, I want to let you know what’s happening with me and ViSalus meal replacements.   First of all, let me acknowledge that I fought it for a couple of months while I watched my sister Sarah have success.   She’s a skeptic (to say the least) so I figured I’d see what was happening with her FIRST.   What happened with her was slow and gradual weight loss and eating control.  Then all of a sudden, it seemed like someone flipped a switch in her and she was oozing confidence, optimism, and shedding pounds and inches.   She became the incredible shrinking woman while I was wallowing in my size 16s and irritability that the ^%&()T## pounds had crept back on AGAIN.

I also felt like crap most of the time and couldn’t get out of my own way, never mind out the door to walk or swim.  I was dragging myself out of bed every morning and longing for the second I could get back in it.   Sarah, who IS NOT a carnival barker suggested I try ViSalus for the health benefits “Mom said you are dragging all the time”.   I agreed  -I was on a cycle to nowhere and size 18 jeans. 

So I signed on and signed up for a one month “trial” and when the first bags came I figured I had bought into a hoax because it looked exactly like the others powders and potions I have bought at Sams and everywhere else.  Besides, by this time others had told me that so-and-so had tried it and it didn’t work, or they GAINED  weight or it’s too expensive.

But I was determined to give it an HONEST try and two weeks in, I discovered what Sarah was experiencing was true for me as well, appetite  and eating control without starvation.   Moreover, the darn stuff seemed to reset my appestat (like thermostat).  I was not at all interested in junk food or carbs, and I could walk right past the food that normally ambushed me.  I was starting to think this might actually work.   A month in I was down 8 pounds and feeling rather enthusiastic.   I was now craving healthy foods (WHAT!!!) and eating smarter than I ever had in my whole life, and by choice, not by guilt.

Five weeks in and I’m waking up at 5am and out the door for a walk before getting ready for work.   I was staying up later at night buzzing around the house, I got back into Zumba 2-3 times a week and swam every chance I could.  I have energy, better mood control (hope is a powerful drug)  and that slow, gradual weight loss. 

I’m now at seven weeks and the weight loss is obvious.  I’m down 13 pounds and my size 16s are almost ready for The Salvation Army clothing collection.  My skin is softer and my face is smaller.   I went to the grocery store and spend $8.00 this week.  Carrots, zucchini, Almond milk, chicken, and eggs.    I now have referred three friends who want the same results, so now my Visalus is free.   As that line in the movie goes “if this is torture, chain me to the wall”. 

Does this sound like a sales pitch?  Is is!!!    But take note, it is not magic and it is not snake oil, it is a meal replacement that will work just as hard as you do but not one bit more.  If you are committed (or desperate) enough to honestly make the necessary changes and modifications and apply some self-control, it just might work for you too.   Are there other ways?  Of course!    Just find a plan that you can live with and stick with and remember my new mantra “it’s not what you eat, it’s what you DON’T eat that makes the difference. 

Stay tuned for the next blog post –“Why am I fat?”