The designers of Slim 4 Life say their program is a multi-faceted weight loss plan, as opposed to a diet. The claim is that you can shed unwanted pounds and keep them off forever, but it may be difficult to maintain this plan for long periods of time.
Program Details
The Slim 4 Life program features a variety of elements, including:
- Individual analysis with trained weight loss counselors
- Dietary training sessions
- Creation of a sensible eating plan
- Development of individual fitness routines
Does It Work?
Slim 4 Life touts its ability to promote rapid weight loss of between three and five pounds each week, reports Consumers Compare. In fact, blogger Lura Thoughts reports that she "always" loses weight when following the eating plan as designed and without cheating.
It is important to note, however, that while weight loss may occur while following Slim 4 Life, totals may not reach those suggested by diet creators. Losing three to five pounds per week is quite difficult, if not impossible - especially for those who do not have abundant amounts of weight to lose. Individuals who are closer to their target weight may find that they only lose a pound or two every few weeks when following dietary and activity recommendations designed by Slim 4 Life.
Losing excessive amounts of weight quickly may not be ideal - the National Institutes of Health recommends no more than 1 to 2 pounds of weight loss per week to ensure long-term success.
Succeeding With Slim 4 Life
For optimal results when it comes to achieving weight loss with Slim 4 Life, cut calories, choose healthy foods, meet with counselors, and start a regular exercise program.
Caloric Restriction
According to Consumers Compare, individuals who follow Slim 4 Life probably will lose weight in the short-term, likely as a result of significant caloric restriction. Consumers Compare notes that dieters who participate in a Slim 4 Life eating plan are restricted to consuming no more than 1500 calories per day - much less than the 2000 to 2400 per day recommended for adult women and men, respectively, reports WebMD.
While weight loss may occur by following Slim 4 Life, then, it is unlikely to be sustainable for an extended period of time. Once dieters taper off the 1500 calorie-per-day recommendation, any weight that was lost may slowly reappear.
Healthy Foods
To aid in caloric restriction and promote weight loss, Slim 4 Life emphasizes the importance of consuming healthy foods, such as a variety of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, eggs and healthy fats, reports Diet Spotlight.
Consumers Compare reports that Slim 4 Life also encourages the avoidance of foods high in sodium and sugar. Diets designed by Slim 4 Life are carefully balanced, which may be helpful when it comes to keeping calorie intake in check. The closer dieters comply with meal plans, the more likely they are to achieve success with Slim 4 Life.
Meet With Counselors
In addition to a 30-minute initial consultation, individuals who participate in the Slim 4 Life program may be encouraged to attend additional meetings with weight loss counselors. Slim 4 Life counselors come from a variety of backgrounds, and some have even achieved personal weight loss success with Slim 4 Life. The claim is that consulting with these professionals on a regular basis can be helpful when it comes to overcoming roadblocks and reaching weight loss goals.
It is important to note that Slim 4 Life currently only operates in the states of Kansas, Missouri, and Texas and therefore individuals who live outside these states may have only limited access to weight loss counselors. This lack of face-to-face of support may make it more challenging for some people following Slim 4 Life to achieve substantial weight loss.
Activity Recommendations
In addition to dietary changes, Slim 4 Life recommends daily participation in an exercise routine, reports Consumers Compare. The longer and more intense the workout, the more calories will be burned, and therefore, the greater the weight loss. For optimal results, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise each day, like walking, biking, swimming or hiking.
Short Term Success
While the Slim 4 Life diet may be helpful when it comes to promoting short-term weight loss, fairly restrictive caloric demands means that keeping the weight off for an extended period of time may prove challenging.
Those who are thinking about giving this diet a shot may want to talk with their healthcare provider before making significant changes to their current lifestyle.
