Sunday, July 12, 2015


PRODUCT REVIEW:  My HONEST & UNbiased Review: 
Visalus - Body by Vi - Meal Replacement Shakes

NOTES:  
- I do not work for Visalus.  I am not a Distributor.  I am just a regular girl on a mission to lose some weight. 

I have tried a few things in my life, this just happens to be o n the super long list of things I have tried over the years.  I was intrigued by the posts/comments of a friend endorsing the project.  The cult-like atmosphere of Body by Vi and the extremely awesome marketing roped me in.  And the results were indeed amazeballs!  

However, again... Allow me to save you the $100.  The Program works!  However, it does not work because of the shake.  It works for the following reasons:
- Meal replacement --> Less calories during 1-2 meals a day (of course - b/c its a shake and not a meal) --> Overall Weight Loss
- A recommended diet of clean eating

I am not attempting to bash the product.  I am just saying that it is not a magic pill.  It does not single-handedly lead to weight loss.  As a component of the same things we all already know, it is an effective tool to help your already otherwise healthy life and/or eating habits.

True Statements - From Marketing Campaign:
- Great taste  (let me be fair, I tried the recipes - so I can't say what it tastes like on its own, but....)
- Plenty of recipes (like more than 100 are readily available)
- Works as a decent small meal and/or snack
- Will work as a sweet option (but.... ah... see below)

Not So True Statements - From Marketing Campaign:
- Filling 
(if you typically consume 400-800 calories a meal, it is not so awesome that it is going to leave you feeling full and satisfied)
- Curbs cravings 
(The issue is that for the first few weeks - while you are adjusting your overall taste buds, etc NOTHING is going to help - to include a snack.)

My overall findings and information.... If you want a Meal Replacement option - go for it.  If you are interested in the business opportunity - also go for it.  I don't think the results are so phenomenal that you can't get the same ideas from another - and less expensive option: GNC Lean Shake is pretty delicious too.  There is something to be said for community though.  So, if you want to #hashtag a movement and/or have plenty of people to talk to, it is pretty frickin great.  

Here is what all of the things I have purchased - and wasted money on - have taught me:  Weight loss and overall wellness comes from a) cutting calories/portions and/or b) restricting/cutting sugar and/or c) restricting/cutting unhealthy carbs.  But, we all have to do whatever it takes to get to the goal.  If this works for you:  DO IT!! This is just my take.

Leave a comment if you want to get more info. 

Saturday, May 2, 2015

May 2015 - The Struggle Continues, But... I Think There's Hope - b/c My Clothes Dont Fit


I don't have anything earth-shattering to type.  Read the other Blogs - they are pretty hilarious and true.

The most recent update:  I have gained approximately 10 lbs in a year (according to #TimeHop app).  I am officially sitting well over 200 lbs.  I also can feel the food and choices making me feel worse/bad - sluggish, lazy, craving random, eating for sport (and not b/c I am hungry) and watching the 5% of muscle tone I had disappear into fat and cellulite.

So.... My Husband and I are on a journey - together.  I guess there is a time when you are finally sick and tired of being sick and tired.  Unfortunately, it took us extreme weight gain and lack-of-overall health to get to that place.  Unfortunately, the fact that I have this conversation at the start of almost every week for the last 5 years and have not managed to be successful --> in a complete disbelief that my new commitment is even reasonable.

This evening, I am preparing for a big presentation.  And I realized - while standing in the closet - that my wardrobe ranges in size from about a 10 to a 16.  Who does that?!  I also noticed that I put on a jacket in preparation for the event. It was tight.  I as annoyed.  That made me want to go and eat something stupid - or slit my wrists.  (Figure of speech)  I opted not to do either, instead I am blogging.

I guess the silver lining is that a recent trip to the Doctor enlightened me that my weight gain has an actual medical root.  So, I am not blowing up like a puffer fish simply b/c I am eating more calories than normal.  I am extremely aware that my food choices are making it worse, so don't get me wrong.

But, for the month of May - in honor of my upcoming Birthday, I have launched #MayMakeover.  Its a multi-faceted campaign designed for me to really get control of my life - including my weight.  My focus has shifted in the last few weeks.  There are so many things that I have noticed do not taste as good as I remember them.  Maybe it is my subconscious simply saying to me:  B*tch!! You really need to get it together.  But, since you can't, let me help you :-/!!