Body For Life

I actually tried the Body For Life diet a number of years ago, back when it gained its initial popularity. I purchased a bunch of shake mixes, and tried to exercise myself to death. I remember seeing some initial success, but eventually becoming burned out by eating the same things all the time.

Body For Life is of the opinion you need to eat small meals frequently to keep your metabolism running strong. Combine this will some low fat foods and a hearty portion of exercise each day and you'll be likely to lose fat and bulk up with muscle. You are expected to eat 5-6 times a day, with portions not to exceed the size of your fist. Like most commercialized diet programs they sell a variety of supplemental foods, like shakes, bars, and vitamins.

When I've done low carb diets previously I've sometimes used the EAS carb control shakes to try and take the edge off. These shakes are always very runny and have a weak flavor, I assumed that it was because they were missing the critical component of carbohydrates. But the regular EAS shakes are just as runny and weak, and they kind of remind me of cocoa drink from Japan. The packaging says you should drink the shakes chilled, I am not sure why, it in no way improves the experience.

Their protein bars are much better. The taste is significantly improved, but the things are so dense and dry it will suck all the moisture out of your mouth. You are then left trying to swallow this rubbery chuck of protein in a dry mouth. I nearly choked a few times until I learned to take very small bites and to constantly be drinking water while attempting to consume one.

Keeping the portions small can be a little difficult, which is why it is convenient to use a bar or shake, but those things come at a cost, literally. These EAS items proved to be more expensive than any of my previous diets, although it won't stay in first for long since I am doing the Jenny Craig diet next.

I ended up losing 2 pounds this week, so if you can limit your portions and stick to the exercise it can be a good plan, however the meal preparation is a lot of work for me. I don't think I would be able to do this for very long since I have poor imagination for making interesting meals, and the amount of effort it takes to plan for 6 meals in a day.