The diet 'industry'

Darkginger · 03-05-2010, 04:41 AM

Does it ever make you angry when you see companies making millions out of people's weight problems? If any of them actually provided a 'cure', they'd put themselves out of business, wouldn't they? So, isn't it in their own best interests to appear to be helping, whilst actually doing the exact opposite, and offering false hope? Here, I'm talking about organisations like WW, Jenny Craig etc.

On the other hand, do you think that companies that make weightloss aids - like all the low carb (or, I suppose, low cal) stuff out there (tortillas, breads, syrups etc.) are actually helping people to lose weight? Then there's your Slimfasts, your Lean Cuisines and all that stuff.

I'm not sure what I think - part of me thinks that the solution to MY weight issues has been to eat 'clean' - no processed foods etc., and I've been aided in this by the lack of availability of low carb substitutes where I live. I don't think anyone's gotten rich off of my food choices

I'm just beginning to get a bit peeved when I think about all the millions of $, € and £ that have been made out of obesity and the desire to become slim. Books, clubs, products...the whole gamut. We still have this massive obesity problem in the west - and it's getting worse.

Your thoughts?

Happycat21 · 03-05-2010, 04:45 AM

I tend to agree, but I also think that there is a personal responsibility to educate oneself in the products they buy (meaning Weight watchers meetings, Nutri System food, Alli pills, etc) That being said, I admit that I have contributed my fair share of $$ to the WW, Nutri System, diet book and gym membership fund--without many results, or only short-lived results.

I'll be interested to read other people's take on this though. Interesting topic!

TaDa! · 03-05-2010, 04:55 AM

I may be the odd man out here, but I think many of the products made available to lowcarbers can help people who are trying to move from our Western way of eating to a healthier one ... I know I really depend on the ease of having a protein bar for breakfast, for example. I think it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be able or desire to move to all natural food choices -- that really won't happen, so I do think there is a place for them.

That said, I am and have been disillusioned with the diet industry since I was a child and put on lowfat diets and bought into some of these franchise methods ... there is an awful lot of wrong money-grubbing out there, but companies give people what they want, and tell them what they want to hear, no matter how bad it might be for them -- and we have to put some faith in the government bodies that oversee the safety of the food supply and medical advice in our respective political systems if we are to have free systems ... lol! even in regard to our diets, lol!!!

I agree with Sharon, it does have to come down to personal responsibility.

my 3 cents!

Pauline

icebear · 03-05-2010, 05:00 AM

the products and companies exist because there is a demand for these products/services. if people were to educate themselves, the demand would go down and the companies would either go out of business or reorganize themselves to fulfill the next need.

i don't see businesses as parasites as much as some may.

Happycat21 · 03-05-2010, 05:03 AM

Something else to add....

I will never forget my college nutrition class professor saying that the best way to ensure repeat customers is to run a diet business. But, if you think about it, it's so true. Most if not all of these companies thrive on people who fail.

icebear · 03-05-2010, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happycat21

Something else to add....

I will never forget my college nutrition class professor saying that the best way to ensure repeat customers is to run a diet business. But, if you think about it, it's so true. Most if not all of these companies thrive on people who fail.

true. if it worked, they'd be out of business!

junkfoodmonkey · 03-05-2010, 07:19 AM

This is why I tend not to trust a diet plan that centres around branded products or monthly subscriptions. Not so much the Atkins ones or general low carb or even low fat products - since nobody has to use those products to be on those diets. But ones where using the product is the diet - like Slimfast. Because in my mind that means it's not in their interest for you to get to goal.

It's in their interest for you to lose SOME weight, otherwise you'll just stop buying their stuff, and also tell all your friends it doesn't work. But if you actually get to goal, that's it for you and their product. So their ideal is for you to lose some weight, but then fall off the diet before you get to goal, regain some and then come back onto the diet next New Year, or bikini season or whatever.

A diet based on a book on the other hand, well once you've bought the book, the writer of it has made their money whether you ever go on that diet or not. They don't make any more money if you go on and off and on again with the diet. But I think they have a financial interest in you suceeding, because you then become a sales person for the book as you tell all your friends "this diet totally works! Get the book!"

So, books rule!

Blood Sugar 101 · 03-05-2010, 07:27 AM

Most of the "Low carb" products are full of hidden carbs like sugar alcohols and bad fats that fight weight loss too.

I am disappointed to see Netrition pushing Russell Stover Easter sugar free bunnies that have the equivalent of 20 grams of real carb in them per serving in the form of maltitol, for example.

I've been reading research blogs pointing to the negative effect of Omega 6 oils on weight--soy oil, canola, etc. And there are phosphates in many of these "diet" foods that have been shown conclusively to damage the kidney over time.

Sticking with unprocessed food and doing your own cooking is one of the "secrets" of successful weight loss.

It seems like every day brings us more news about unexpected side effects of supplements promoted as "healthy." Sticking with real food and getting nutrients in the quantities our bodies were designed to process is the wisest course.

jezzie · 03-05-2010, 07:28 AM

Quote:

The diet 'industry'
Does it ever make you angry when you see companies making millions out of people's
weight problems?

Caveat Emptor ..... Let the buyer beware. It's all consumer driven.

I pretty much avoided the products part of diets - Advantage bars, chips etc.
That is where the money is - long after the diet books are sold.

Books were/are my weakness. Finally, one day I pared down my diet library.
Now I have 2 Dr. Oz; 1 Dr. Weil; 1 Dr. Schwarzbein; 1 Dr Ornish and 1 Atkins (72)

Dee1904 · 03-05-2010, 07:41 AM

As long as people are looking for a way to lose weight the diet industry will never go under. Even on this board you have people talking about ALI, Carb Blockers, Sensa and more as a way to speed up weight loss or eat carbs without the bad effects.

chiody · 03-05-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blood Sugar 101

Most of the "Low carb" products are full of hidden carbs like sugar alcohols and bad fats that fight weight loss too.

I am disappointed to see Netrition pushing Russell Stover Easter sugar free bunnies that have the equivalent of 20 grams of real carb in them per serving in the form of maltitol, for example.

I've been reading research blogs pointing to the negative effect of Omega 6 oils on weight--soy oil, canola, etc. And there are phosphates in many of these "diet" foods that have been shown conclusively to damage the kidney over time.

Sticking with unprocessed food and doing your own cooking is one of the "secrets" of successful weight loss.

It seems like every day brings us more news about unexpected side effects of supplements promoted as "healthy." Sticking with real food and getting nutrients in the quantities our bodies were designed to process is the wisest course.

^^^^^^^^^THAT^^^^^^^^^

Was surprised our sponsor advocated the high carb product too...

I just am so accustomed to freshly cooked home foods of late, it was interesting with my last seafood buffet foray, the level of saltyness was noted in the crab legs and prime rib as more than usual when I buy these items and prepare them myself. I'm with Jenny preparing it "your" way to know "what" is going in you.

Just provide me fresh food with eyes, dark green veggies, some nuts, avocado's, and plenty of herbal tea and I'm a happy camper.

ljguitar · 03-05-2010, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkginger

Does it ever make you angry when you see companies making millions out of people's weight problems?
Your thoughts?

Hi Dg…
Nope. I'm also not upset with car companies for making millions out of our transportation problems or any other industry making money by supplying products for our needs - real or perceived.

People vote with our wallets and our feet. If someone is able to capitalize on needs, and we are susceptible enough to buy in, then it works. If not, they quit making those things (and they show up at Big Lots).

If anything, to me it's a bit laughable.

Those of us here in this forum who have succeeded at losing weight know how much work it is, and that there is no free ride, no free lunch...

Those of us who have lived longer than 30 years know that someone else will show up and offer us a free lunch and a free ride with no work with the tag line ''results not typical...''

So whether they are offering us better health, better sex, lower weight, prettier smiles, smaller bellies, six pack stomachs, tight butts, or improved eyesight...I think we are smart enough to not buy in...well at least you and I are...

TigerlilyCA · 03-05-2010, 07:52 AM

Eh. The beauty industry is the same way. There are so many overpriced products out there with ridiculous claims all marketed with photo spreads where every line and pore is photoshopped out, it's absurd.

Business is business. It's up to the consumer to wade through it all.

Tonedbody · 03-05-2010, 08:02 AM

No I am not angry, that's life

clackley · 03-05-2010, 09:00 AM

It is a confusing 'world of diet' and I doubt there are many here who have not 'contributed' to the pockets of this industry. I believe that it is a science that is not well understood. I am so relieved to have been introduced to low carb 10 yrs. ago (instead of joining WW yet again). Since that time I have learned through personal experience of what the pitfalls are and mountains of knowledge on biology and all for the price of one Atkins book! That is $10 I will never quibble about!

Demonica · 03-05-2010, 11:38 AM

It is frustrating when there are SO many diet products out there. IMO, none of it works in the long run because if everybody got skinny, no one would be buying weight loss products, the books or the magazines anymore. Weight loss "advice" is what sells most magazines. I used to snatch them up just as fast as everyone else to scour over the newest diet news till I noticed that all the "diets" that these magazines push is basically the same thing. And I used to use the diet products too. What worked for me has been banned by the FDA. Ephedra was the ONLY product that kept my appetite at bay. But now, I have a better way!

nolcjunk · 03-05-2010, 11:48 AM

No, I don't get angry and I don't blame the companies. People are free to try and sell whatever they want (including beach front property in Arizona). The consumer has to do their research and not just blindly trust things.

Be it diet products, weird exercise contraptions, and anything else you see advertised - if you use a little common sense it's not hard to figure out that they are scams.

Obviously, those diet companies have a vested interest in keeping us fat, that is why none of the major diets advocate going for whole, fresh foods.

If you are upset, the solution is to go back to the way our grandparents ate. Avoid processed foods and don't fall for gimmicky products like weight loss/carb blocking drinks, pills, cookies, bars.

Plus, the companies cater to the market needs. If people stop buying this junk they will make less of it. The average consumer is too lazy or indifferent to do the research and make good choices. People want quick, easy fixes. They get their info from "gurus", commercials, and the products themselves. The information is out there- there is no excuse, except for illiteracy, if you don't look for it.

Kiley2801 · 03-05-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TigerlilyCA

Eh. The beauty industry is the same way. There are so many overpriced products out there with ridiculous claims all marketed with photo spreads where every line and pore is photoshopped out, it's absurd.

Business is business. It's up to the consumer to wade through it all.

ITA. Although I do see your point about the industry perpetuating obesity, Dark Ginger.

But in my mind, there are so many other horrific things to get upset about going on around the world, the diet industry doesn't register on my anger-meter.

As an afterthought, I thought WW made great strides when they introduced the Core program, which focuses on real foods. The caveat? Thsi plan is almost like the redheaded-stepchild of WW. It exists, but I don't believe WW does a fair job of "selling" it to its participants at ALL.

tamari · 03-05-2010, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolcjunk

No, I don't get angry and I don't blame the companies. People are free to try and sell whatever they want (including beach front property in Arizona). The consumer has to do their research and not just blindly trust things.

Be it diet products, weird exercise contraptions, and anything else you see advertised - if you use a little common sense it's not hard to figure out that they are scams.

Obviously, those diet companies have a vested interest in keeping us fat, that is why none of the major diets advocate going for whole, fresh foods.

If you are upset, the solution is to go back to the way our grandparents ate. Avoid processed foods and don't fall for gimmicky products like weight loss/carb blocking drinks, pills, cookies, bars.

Plus, the companies cater to the market needs. If people stop buying this junk they will make less of it. The average consumer is too lazy or indifferent to do the research and make good choices. People want quick, easy fixes. They get their info from "gurus", commercials, and the products themselves. The information is out there- there is no excuse, except for illiteracy, if you don't look for it.

ITA. I actually have more faith in voting with my dollars than my votes at the polls.

teri f · 03-05-2010, 12:05 PM

Yes, I hate it that sick fat people are being taken advantage of. There is absolutely NOTHING in any of those products that are healthy. Yes, people should educate themselves but when you have all these "official" government agencies who continue to perpetuate the lies about what is or isn"t healthy, its no wonder people are confused. The whole thing is sickening. I don't give a damn about the Weight Watcher, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, etc. industries....people figure out pretty quickly they don't work and they've been ripped off. I'd love to see the American Heart Association, the diabetes association, the drug industry, etc. taken to task for all the deaths they have been responsible for. They are the real evil bad guys in all this. Talk about massive cover-ups! It makes me so angry I can't stand it.

nolcjunk · 03-05-2010, 12:48 PM

Also, plenty of people will spend weeks researching what kind of tv, computer, car, gadget to buy but they would never put that type of work into food/supplements/diets.

Like anything, you get out of it what you put in.

TigerlilyCA · 03-05-2010, 12:59 PM

Also, remember that these businesses cater exclusively to the consumer. If people keep buying it, they'll keep making it.

The best way to tell any of these industries what you want is to buy the things you believe in. If you think organic, whole foods are where it's at, only buy organic whole foods. Businesses will adapt their product to consumer trends.

I was at Whole Food a couple weeks ago and saw that they've started stocking some items like eggs and meats from local farmers. The eggs were about $1.50 more than the others, but I bought them anyway, because I want WF to know that supporting local industry is important to me and would love if they expanded their offerings to local produce, milk, breads, etc as well.

Indychick829 · 03-05-2010, 01:42 PM

PREACHIN TO THE CHOIR!!!!!!

i believe it's all a conspiracy to keep most people fat and unhealthy so that big companies - be it food, gov't, pharma, etc - can make $$$$$$ because when people actually - omg - take personal responsibility and don't expect some miracle pill to do it for them - then there's no money in that!

seriously - it's allllllllllllllllllllllllllll about the mooooooolah $$$$$$$$$$.

03-05-2010, 04:41 AM	#1
Darkginger Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Co. Mayo, Ireland Posts: 2,521 Gallery: Darkginger Stats: 197/147/147 WOE: Atkins Start Date: August 2004 (properly)	The diet 'industry' Does it ever make you angry when you see companies making millions out of people's weight problems? If any of them actually provided a 'cure', they'd put themselves out of business, wouldn't they? So, isn't it in their own best interests to appear to be helping, whilst actually doing the exact opposite, and offering false hope? Here, I'm talking about organisations like WW, Jenny Craig etc. On the other hand, do you think that companies that make weightloss aids - like all the low carb (or, I suppose, low cal) stuff out there (tortillas, breads, syrups etc.) are actually helping people to lose weight? Then there's your Slimfasts, your Lean Cuisines and all that stuff. I'm not sure what I think - part of me thinks that the solution to MY weight issues has been to eat 'clean' - no processed foods etc., and I've been aided in this by the lack of availability of low carb substitutes where I live. I don't think anyone's gotten rich off of my food choices I'm just beginning to get a bit peeved when I think about all the millions of $, € and £ that have been made out of obesity and the desire to become slim. Books, clubs, products...the whole gamut. We still have this massive obesity problem in the west - and it's getting worse. Your thoughts? __________________ http://www.darkginger.com/forums/ My little chatty place about all my interests! "What contemptible scroundrel stole the cork from my lunch?" WC Fields

03-05-2010, 04:55 AM	#3
TaDa! Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 16,302 Gallery: TaDa! Stats: 236.5 /132.5/ 128-133 @5'3" WOE: Atkins Maintenance (Vegetarian + Fish) Start Date: 6/03 & Goal! 5/06	I may be the odd man out here, but I think many of the products made available to lowcarbers can help people who are trying to move from our Western way of eating to a healthier one ... I know I really depend on the ease of having a protein bar for breakfast, for example. I think it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be able or desire to move to all natural food choices -- that really won't happen, so I do think there is a place for them. That said, I am and have been disillusioned with the diet industry since I was a child and put on lowfat diets and bought into some of these franchise methods ... there is an awful lot of wrong money-grubbing out there, but companies give people what they want, and tell them what they want to hear, no matter how bad it might be for them -- and we have to put some faith in the government bodies that oversee the safety of the food supply and medical advice in our respective political systems if we are to have free systems ... lol! even in regard to our diets, lol!!! I agree with Sharon, it does have to come down to personal responsibility. my 3 cents! Pauline __________________ Goal Reached May 2006! Percentage Weightloss: 46%! Stats: 47 Years Old & 5'3" tall Weight: 236.5 (43 bmi) / 132.5 / 128-133 (size 4/6 .. 23 bmi) Weekly Weigh-In 7/10/12 My Journal Year One Weightloss and Chart My Weightloss Story Last edited by TaDa!; 03-05-2010 at 04:57 AM..*

03-05-2010, 07:19 AM	#7
junkfoodmonkey Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 5,182 Gallery: junkfoodmonkey Stats: 213/193/140 WOE: Atkins - Induction Start Date: Original Nov 2003 Current 17 Sep 2012	This is why I tend not to trust a diet plan that centres around branded products or monthly subscriptions. Not so much the Atkins ones or general low carb or even low fat products - since nobody has to use those products to be on those diets. But ones where using the product is the diet - like Slimfast. Because in my mind that means it's not in their interest for you to get to goal. It's in their interest for you to lose SOME weight, otherwise you'll just stop buying their stuff, and also tell all your friends it doesn't work. But if you actually get to goal, that's it for you and their product. So their ideal is for you to lose some weight, but then fall off the diet before you get to goal, regain some and then come back onto the diet next New Year, or bikini season or whatever. A diet based on a book on the other hand, well once you've bought the book, the writer of it has made their money whether you ever go on that diet or not. They don't make any more money if you go on and off and on again with the diet. But I think they have a financial interest in you suceeding, because you then become a sales person for the book as you tell all your friends "this diet totally works! Get the book!" So, books rule! __________________ Back after a couple of years off the low carb wagon. Here to lose regain of 55lbs (and maybe a little more) after my original 90lb loss. I lost my way, but I hope I'm back on the road now. Notes to self You are not a special little snowflake. When you mess up - forgive yourself, learn from it and move on.

03-05-2010, 11:48 AM	#17
nolcjunk Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: nolcjunk Stats: Whole foods lc, 110, 5'6 WOE: Atkins - it's a diet	No, I don't get angry and I don't blame the companies. People are free to try and sell whatever they want (including beach front property in Arizona). The consumer has to do their research and not just blindly trust things. Be it diet products, weird exercise contraptions, and anything else you see advertised - if you use a little common sense it's not hard to figure out that they are scams. Obviously, those diet companies have a vested interest in keeping us fat, that is why none of the major diets advocate going for whole, fresh foods. If you are upset, the solution is to go back to the way our grandparents ate. Avoid processed foods and don't fall for gimmicky products like weight loss/carb blocking drinks, pills, cookies, bars. Plus, the companies cater to the market needs. If people stop buying this junk they will make less of it. The average consumer is too lazy or indifferent to do the research and make good choices. People want quick, easy fixes. They get their info from "gurus", commercials, and the products themselves. The information is out there- there is no excuse, except for illiteracy, if you don't look for it. __________________ More die in the United States of too much food than of too little. John Kenneth Galbraith, The Affluent Society Last edited by nolcjunk; 03-05-2010 at 11:52 AM..

03-05-2010, 12:05 PM	#20
teri f Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Marion, Ohio Posts: 5,092 Gallery: teri f Stats: 203/127/125 WOE: High fat VLC Start Date: Original start: January 3, 2001. Restart 6/18/2007	Yes, I hate it that sick fat people are being taken advantage of. There is absolutely NOTHING in any of those products that are healthy. Yes, people should educate themselves but when you have all these "official" government agencies who continue to perpetuate the lies about what is or isn"t healthy, its no wonder people are confused. The whole thing is sickening. I don't give a damn about the Weight Watcher, Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, etc. industries....people figure out pretty quickly they don't work and they've been ripped off. I'd love to see the American Heart Association, the diabetes association, the drug industry, etc. taken to task for all the deaths they have been responsible for. They are the real evil bad guys in all this. Talk about massive cover-ups! It makes me so angry I can't stand it. __________________ Dr. William Castelli, a director of the Framingham Heart Study, (the longest running heart disease study), declared: "In Framingham, Mass, the more saturated fat one ate, the more cholesterol one ate, the more calories one ate, the lower the person's serum cholesterol...we found that the people who ate the most cholesterol,ate the most saturated fat, ate the most calories, weighed the least, and were the most physically active"

03-05-2010, 04:45 AM	#2
Happycat21 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NYC tristate Posts: 4,724 Gallery: Happycat21 Stats: Just had baby 6 months ago, I'll update soon!? WOE: Low Carb Start Date: every day	I tend to agree, but I also think that there is a personal responsibility to educate oneself in the products they buy (meaning Weight watchers meetings, Nutri System food, Alli pills, etc) That being said, I admit that I have contributed my fair share of $$ to the WW, Nutri System, diet book and gym membership fund--without many results, or only short-lived results. I'll be interested to read other people's take on this though. Interesting topic!

03-05-2010, 05:00 AM	#4
icebear Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Maine Posts: 13,016 Gallery: icebear Stats: 280/243/151 (5'5" tall) last ^D 7-15-10 WOE: Atkins' Returning after major life disruptions Start Date: Feb 9,2010	the products and companies exist because there is a demand for these products/services. if people were to educate themselves, the demand would go down and the companies would either go out of business or reorganize themselves to fulfill the next need. i don't see businesses as parasites as much as some may.

03-05-2010, 05:03 AM	#5
Happycat21 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: NYC tristate Posts: 4,724 Gallery: Happycat21 Stats: Just had baby 6 months ago, I'll update soon!? WOE: Low Carb Start Date: every day	Something else to add.... I will never forget my college nutrition class professor saying that the best way to ensure repeat customers is to run a diet business. But, if you think about it, it's so true. Most if not all of these companies thrive on people who fail.

03-05-2010, 07:27 AM	#8
Blood Sugar 101 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New England Posts: 2,895 Gallery: Blood Sugar 101 Stats: 1998-2009 170/142/145---2010 138/142/138 WOE: 80-100g per day. Metformin (no more prandin!) Start Date: First LC diet 1998, goal 2003, continual vigilance	Most of the "Low carb" products are full of hidden carbs like sugar alcohols and bad fats that fight weight loss too. I am disappointed to see Netrition pushing Russell Stover Easter sugar free bunnies that have the equivalent of 20 grams of real carb in them per serving in the form of maltitol, for example. I've been reading research blogs pointing to the negative effect of Omega 6 oils on weight--soy oil, canola, etc. And there are phosphates in many of these "diet" foods that have been shown conclusively to damage the kidney over time. Sticking with unprocessed food and doing your own cooking is one of the "secrets" of successful weight loss. It seems like every day brings us more news about unexpected side effects of supplements promoted as "healthy." Sticking with real food and getting nutrients in the quantities our bodies were designed to process is the wisest course.

03-05-2010, 07:41 AM	#10
Dee1904 Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 864 Gallery: Dee1904 WOE: JUDD	As long as people are looking for a way to lose weight the diet industry will never go under. Even on this board you have people talking about ALI, Carb Blockers, Sensa and more as a way to speed up weight loss or eat carbs without the bad effects.

03-05-2010, 07:52 AM	#13
TigerlilyCA Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: CA girl in DC Posts: 2,855 Gallery: TigerlilyCA WOE: Primal-esque	Eh. The beauty industry is the same way. There are so many overpriced products out there with ridiculous claims all marketed with photo spreads where every line and pore is photoshopped out, it's absurd. Business is business. It's up to the consumer to wade through it all.

03-05-2010, 08:02 AM	#14
Tonedbody Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 480 Gallery: Tonedbody	No I am not angry, that's life

03-05-2010, 09:00 AM	#15
clackley Chatty Cathy Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,001 Gallery: clackley Stats: 228.5/168/125 WOE: N.K.=vlc/hf/moderate protein & organic/pastured Start Date: Restart Oct 18 2009	It is a confusing 'world of diet' and I doubt there are many here who have not 'contributed' to the pockets of this industry. I believe that it is a science that is not well understood. I am so relieved to have been introduced to low carb 10 yrs. ago (instead of joining WW yet again). Since that time I have learned through personal experience of what the pitfalls are and mountains of knowledge on biology and all for the price of one Atkins book! That is $10 I will never quibble about!

03-05-2010, 11:38 AM	#16
Demonica Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eastern Indiana Posts: 999 Gallery: Demonica Stats: 210/155.9!!!/140 WOE: low to moderate carb JUDDD Start Date: February 2010	It is frustrating when there are SO many diet products out there. IMO, none of it works in the long run because if everybody got skinny, no one would be buying weight loss products, the books or the magazines anymore. Weight loss "advice" is what sells most magazines. I used to snatch them up just as fast as everyone else to scour over the newest diet news till I noticed that all the "diets" that these magazines push is basically the same thing. And I used to use the diet products too. What worked for me has been banned by the FDA. Ephedra was the ONLY product that kept my appetite at bay. But now, I have a better way!

03-05-2010, 12:48 PM	#21
nolcjunk Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 2,446 Gallery: nolcjunk Stats: Whole foods lc, 110, 5'6 WOE: Atkins - it's a diet	Also, plenty of people will spend weeks researching what kind of tv, computer, car, gadget to buy but they would never put that type of work into food/supplements/diets. Like anything, you get out of it what you put in.

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03-05-2010, 12:59 PM	#22
TigerlilyCA Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: CA girl in DC Posts: 2,855 Gallery: TigerlilyCA WOE: Primal-esque	Also, remember that these businesses cater exclusively to the consumer. If people keep buying it, they'll keep making it. The best way to tell any of these industries what you want is to buy the things you believe in. If you think organic, whole foods are where it's at, only buy organic whole foods. Businesses will adapt their product to consumer trends. I was at Whole Food a couple weeks ago and saw that they've started stocking some items like eggs and meats from local farmers. The eggs were about $1.50 more than the others, but I bought them anyway, because I want WF to know that supporting local industry is important to me and would love if they expanded their offerings to local produce, milk, breads, etc as well. __________________ Ashley

03-05-2010, 01:42 PM	#23
Indychick829 Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 1,533 Gallery: Indychick829 Stats: Highest - 217 / Lowest -160 / Current 170 & happy WOE: Maintenance - whole foods/fruits/organic meats Start Date: January 2009. Currently in Maintenance	PREACHIN TO THE CHOIR!!!!!! i believe it's all a conspiracy to keep most people fat and unhealthy so that big companies - be it food, gov't, pharma, etc - can make $$$$$$ because when people actually - omg - take personal responsibility and don't expect some miracle pill to do it for them - then there's no money in that! seriously - it's allllllllllllllllllllllllllll about the mooooooolah $$$$$$$$$$.