FitLifeSF

There are a lot of great articles about diets on the web, and the hardest part is trying to separate fact from fiction.  The other day my brother called me up asking about the validity of something called “Isagenix”, another fad diet his wife has decided to give a go.  (I love her, but she jumps on a fad diet faster than a fat kid does cake)  Though I will be referencing other fad diets, I do want to focus in on “Isagenix”.  (For Now)  

I do want to make it clear, the first time I heard of Isagenix was when Anthony called me 2 days ago.  He has been doing Isagenix (Basic plan which retails for $170 or so for a 30 day supply) at the urging of his wife.  (She has spent the last 2 months or so doing the main plan which retails for $300+ per month)  He explained to me what the program consisted of and I could tell why he was questioning the validity of the program.  The classic promise of “Good Health and Weight Loss” have been flowing from members of the Diet Industry for years.  (I think a Bally Total Fitness ad said it best, “If a toned and fit body came in a bottle, then everyone would have one.”)

Now before I get into the smoke and mirrors of their program, I need to mention the following.  Isagenix is currently a marketing machine!  Their name and testimonials are all over the internet. The craziest part is that it isn’t the fitness side of the program people are buzzing about, it is the revenue potential for anyone who wants to join their pyramid scheme.  Far be it from me to say someone should not try to make a buck, this is the Amway of fear fitness.

And fear fitness is exactly what Isagenix is selling.  Like all detox diets they lay claim to the fact that all the bad things you have ingested over the years are sitting there in your body making you less healthy and even fat.  They all say that you really need to detox to kick start your metabolism, and make your body function as it was meant to.  At a high level here is what they do:

• You are put on a regimented calorie restricted diet. (Eat less and eat healthy)
• You are told to record every calorie you ingest (Pay attention to what you put in your mouth)
• They have a recommended fitness program (Exercise)
• Repeat

So, aside from the latest health food buzz words like Green Tea extract, Ginkgo Biloba, anit-oxidents and transfats, Isagenix uses fear tactics to sell the basic rules of fitness.  (Eat healthy/sensibly and Exercise)  Is this worth $170-$350 per month?  Not for me.  But maybe for those people who need something to believe in.  People who don’t have the motivation to use a little self control, to get off their asses on their own accord, or to do a little research on their own.

Here are some interesting web articles I think are worth reading:

http://www.clutchfitness.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6117  (I especially like the post by Fireproof on 1-11-08)

http://www.faddiet.com/  (this just made me laugh)

http://women.webmd.com/fad-diets (Referenced this earlier, but it is that damn good)

 I think I might have a lot more to say on this topic.  More to come.