What is it?
The Cambridge Diet is a weight loss program offering pre-packed meals, counseling, and low calorie meal suggestions. It’s considered a VLCD, which means it’s a very low calorie diet.
One can select between 415 to 1500 calories depending on one’s weight loss goals, gender, and tolerance. Consultants are offered not just to guide, but to recommend what calorie limit one should follow. There have been numerous diets observed by our experts, and the highest rated one has been the 18Shake Diet. It offers a diet pill and meal replacement shakes that aim to reduce appetite for hours, all while providing fat burning effects with its all natural ingredients. More information about the 18Shake Diet can be seen in the link here.
Do You Know the Best Diets of 2025?
Cambridge DietIngredients and Side Effects
Here are some noteworthy ingredients added to their prepackaged foods:
Skimmed Milk Powder
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Maltodextrin
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Guar Gum
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Refined Fractionated Palm Oil
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Acesulfame K
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Sucralose
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Carrageenan
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Flavourings
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Dried Glucose Syrup
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Silicon Dioxide
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Oligofructose
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Guar Gum:Fiber extract taken from the guar plant. It’s used as a general thickener in processed foods, as well as a laxative. It can promote side effects that include:
• Diarrhea, gas, and loose stools.
• Indigestion, nausea, and stomach pains.
Acesulfame K: Artificial sweetener around 200 times sweeter than standard sugar. A study by PLOS One found that:
“Long-Term Artificial Sweetener Acesulfame Potassium Alters Neurometabolic Functions”
This study showed that in mice there was an effect on insulin and leptin levels. The same study added:
“chronic use… could affect cognitive functions, potentially via altering neuro-metabolic functions”
It also has shown the potential for other side effects according to a review by the Oxford Journals:
“long-dated function on the adult’s sweet preference”
This study was conducted on mice that were given their mother’s breast milk or amniotic fluid in birth, and their preference for sweets changed.
Sucralose: Artificialsweetener that can be around 1,000 times much sweeter than sugar. It has been used controversially since some studies have shown it to be potentially dangerous. One such study was performed by Duke University and it revealed:
“numerous adverse effects”
“reduction in beneficial fecal microflora, increased fecal pH, and enhancedexpression levels of P-gp”
This means the body considers it a toxin, and it reduces healthy bacteria which helps support the immune system according to this clinical study.
Carrageenan: Thickener and binder extractedfrom red seaweed.The University of Iowa ran a study which showed:
“carcinogenic properties of degraded carrageenan”
“ulcerations and neoplasms in association with exposure to carrageenan”
This has shown the possibility for causing serious issues in the body.
The link provided here has the top 10 ranked diets of the year.
The types of foods offered by the Cambridge Diet are meal replacement shakes, bars, pasta, rice, soups, desserts, and other snacks. According to the official website:
“products contain the vitamins and minerals you need for balanced nutrition and healthy weight loss”
Most of what one eats will be the prepackaged foods. This can make it easier to handle a caloric loss, as the foods are specially formulated to be lower in calories. There are also 6 steps outlined one must follow, though where one begins depends on what the counselor advises. Here are the steps:
• Sole Source: 3 to 4 prepackaged foods are eaten a day. The Sole Source Plus option allows for 3 prepacked goods alongside meal of 200 calories, or 4 of the companies meals with 200 ml of skimmed milk.
• 2nd Stage: Protein rich meals are added as well as some skimmed milk and vegetables alongside up o Cambridge meals. It’s typically limited to 810 calories a day for a week long period.
• 3rd Stage: 2 of the meals, some milk, and a 1,000 calorie a day limit. This is enforced for 2 weeks.
• 4th Stage: 2 prepackaged meals, some skimmed milk, and more regular meals.
• 5th Stage: One Cambridge meal and breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner for a total of 1500 calories.
• 6th Stage: Once your heathy weight is reached, this stage helps maintain results. One prepackaged meal a day is recommended alongside continued support from a consultant.
It’s unclear whether or not the consultants have any background in diet and nutrition. It’s unlikely however that they use real certified dieticians, which can be potentially dangerous or lead to wrong advice. Our experts have analyzed many diets and have ranked the top 10 in the list here.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.
Cambridge Diet Quality of Ingredients
Since the beginning of the program asks for a majority of foods to be selected from the company’s prepackaged foods, it’s important for the ingredients to be wholesome.
Unfortunately, they use artificial sweeteners and cheap thickeners often used to replace fiber. These kinds of additives can actually make weight loss harder, as studies have shown they may cause metabolism disorders as well as other side effects.
It’s also difficult to understand what kind of help is provided by the counselors, which remains to be seen whether or not they are actually certified to give health and nutrition advice. The link provided here has a list of the highest rated diets.
A review on the Cambridge Diet was performed by the British Dietetic Association, and they have listed possible side effects which include:
“bad breathe, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, nausea, and constipation”
They also advise for medical support when a person is to receive less than 600 calories, which some plans offered by the company suggest only 450 calories a day. It’s unclear if the counselors offer any support for this type of reduction in calories.
The Price and Quality of Cambridge Diet
The price depends more on how often once decides to use the prepackaged meals. The official website states it will cost per week 48.30 pounds, which rounds to a weekly price of $63.46. Since this is a UK based plan, no consultations are available outside the US. In fact, on the official site there is a map where support and availability is offered, and there are no listings for the US.
The quality of meals is poor, as the additives included are often found in processed foods. It can also be expensive to have to keep using the company’s foods, as the final stage of maintenance requires one pre-packaged meal a day.
Business of Cambridge Diet
The contact information for the diet is as follows:
Phone Number: (44)(0) 1536 403344
Address:Stafford House, 10 Brakey Road
Corby, Northants, NN17 5LU
Email: [email protected]
The official website lists how to become a paid consultant for the company. Nowhere in the job skills is there any notice for people to have a background in health and nutrition. The company only asks for people with a background in sales who are organized and can plan ahead.
This means that it’s likely the people who are meant to give support have no skills in helping people with weight loss. The link cited here has the top 10 ranked diets.
EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.
Customer Opinions of Cambridge Diet
Here are some direct quotes from user reviews:
“not the best diet health wise… nails went brittle thin, hair began to thin rapidly”
“never felt full, I always felt hungry”
“Having a bad time with motivation”
“the first few days are the hardest”
Though there were some weight loss results for people, there were also issues due to a lack of calories. Many felt weakened, less energetic, and much more fatigued than usual.
Some also had symptoms that are clear signs of nutrient deficiencies such as brittle and weak nails, thin hair, and increased stress. This was often the case for people who attempted this diet.
The top 10 ranked diet plans can be seeninthe link provided here.
Conclusion - Does Cambridge DietWork?
The Cambridge Diet is similar to other diet plans which offer pre-packaged foods. There’s also counseling offered, but it’s clear that the support is from people who are more business people rather than nutrition experts. Many of the foods offered have processed ingredients, though they are low in calories. Reviews have been mixed with some experiencing health issues and hunger. Though a low calorie plan like this can work, any reduction in calories can result in weight loss. There’s nothing special added to the prepackaged foods which isn’t found in a standard processed meal.
Our experts have performed many reviews and have discovered that the most effective diet is the 18Shake Diet. It provides a combination of a meal replacement and a diet pill. They both provide only natural ingredients, no stimulants, and no unwanted artificial or additives. Its effects include appetite suppression, increased fat burning, and more. When used together it enhances weight loss at a faster rate. Customers have also left positive testimonials on the official website.
The 18Shake Diet is also supported by a full 30 day money back guarantee. This allows for people to try this product risk free, and with no questions asked. More information about the specifics of the 18Shake Diet is available here.
User Feedback
(Page 40 of 59, 1175 total comments)Troopersue
Hi everyone - Ive just read the most funniest diet story ive read in a long time. Take a look and let me know what you think - on your browser key in :- www.divinecaroline.com/article/22323/27732-diary-diet
posted Jun 19th, 2008 9:38 amFraggle79uk
Well done GRUMBLETUMBLE !! That's a fantastic result. I have my first weigh in in an hour so will let you know how I get on. Have found it difficult at times but have already felt a difference from drinking more water and have seen a difference on the scales....will let you know how I get on. Keep smiling all xx
posted Jun 19th, 2008 9:38 amlubyloo
Been on the cd for just over a week now lost 8lbs in first week and a few inches feel much better and clothes already fitting better.Just another stone and a half to loose.The only problem i have is by 4pm i feel realy tired and drained does any1 else feel this way?
posted Jun 19th, 2008 9:38 amgrumbletumble
hi everyone :o) got weighed and measure today (day 6) i lost 11lbs and 2 inches off my waist yay! made all the grumbles worth it :o) FRAGGLE79UK- your story sounds exactly like mine, i have real trouble in the evenings, i think its mainly because thats when i used to binge also i tried to exercise this week but i feel so weak and feeble i had to go and sit down! (my favourite passtime!) i told my councellor today and she said it should go within 2 weeks then i will feel fantastic...roll on a weeks time! i have been pampering myself this week, i just dyed my hair and im going to have a foot spa and then paint my nails. i find that painting my nails is great cause it takes your mind off food etc and you can't pick up anything to eat even if you wanted to! JACKIE- i bought some ketostix and im in ketosis yay! thanks for telling me about them, i bought mine in boots for 5.15 if anyone else wants to get them. Anywho...got to wash out my dye in a mo so wish me luck hehe. well done everyone and it is so nice coming here and getting some support :o) thank you x
posted Jun 18th, 2008 4:53 pmBrandi Koskie - Senior Editor, DietsInReview.com:
Hello Jackie and fellow Cambridge fans.... the chat function was an early test and we haven't gotten the greatest feedback. It is currently live and functional if you want to use that. We are looking into other options. I can't promise when that will launch, but trust that it's an item we'll work to resolve. In the meantime, please find the chat here: https://www.dietsinreview.com/resources/ Thank you!
posted Jun 18th, 2008 3:18 pmJackie
TROOPERSUE that menu was FAB! It made me laugh so much! Glad to see you back. How are you getting on? EMMA - I have lose 22lbs so far, I think I have about 8stones to lose, so I aint nowhere NEAR mt target. However that doesnt matter! Because every stone I lose along the way is a new part of me. New clothes, feeling better, etc. I feel so AMAZING now, and im still 8 stone over weight! So imagine what I am going to feel like when im done! And I will get there! 3 weeks ago I was wearing a size 26 trousers, now im wearing a 20! Thats still big I know, but WOW do I feel great! I lost a lot of weight before as I have mentioned (7 stone in all I think) so I have lots of lovely, hardly worn clothes to wear, my size 18's being some of the best! So come on! Size 18 never looked so good! Hehe. Also EMMA - to become a member of the site you just register at the top of this page. Then you need to find a way to search for exsiting members - I think my log in name is avcaj - dont ask why! Its a long story. Anyway - hopefully the SITE MODERATORS will be able to mend the chat function for this site, and make it easier to contact on a real tme basis. I think the fact that you dont have to register to read/write on this wall is fantastic! I know how many people benefit from stumbling across it, that wouldnt register normally. Anyway im off again! I chat so much sometimes! Thanks All! x
posted Jun 18th, 2008 3:14 pmTroopersue
Toddler Miracle Diet The trouble with most diets is that you don't get enough to eat (the starvation diet), you don't get enough variation (the liquid diet) or you go broke (the all- meat diet). Consequently, people tend to cheat on their diets, or quit after 3 days. Well, now there's the new Toddler Miracle Diet! Over the years you may have noticed that most two-years-olds are trim. Now the formula to their success is available to all in this new diet. You may want to consult you doctor before embarking on this diet; otherwise, you may be seeing him afterwards. Good Luck!!! DAY ONE: Breakfast: One scrambled egg, one piece of toast with grape jelly. Eat 2 bites of egg, using your fingers; dump the rest on the floor. Take 1 bite of toast, and then smear the jelly over your face and clothes. Lunch: Four crayons (any color), a hand full of potato chips, and a glass of milk (3 sips only, then spill the rest) Dinner: A dry stick, two pennies and a nickel, 4 sips of flat Pepsi. Bedtime snack: Throw a piece of toast on the kitchen floor. DAY TWO: Breakfast: Pick up stale toast from kitchen floor and eat it. Drink half bottle of vanilla extract or one vial of vegetable dye. Lunch: Half a tube of "Pulsating Pink" lipstick and a hand full of Purina Dog Chow (any flavor). One ice cube, if desired. Afternoon Snack: Lick an all-day sucker until sticky, take outside, drop in dirt. Retrieve and continue slurping until it is clean again. Then bring inside and drop on the rug. Dinner: A rock or an uncooked bean, which should be thrust up your left nostril. Pour grape Kool- Aid over mashed potatoes; eat with a spoon. DAY THREE: Breakfast: Two pancakes with plenty of syrup, eat one with fingers, rub in hair. Glass of milk; drink half, stuff other pancake in glass. After breakfast, pick up yesterdays sucker from rug, lick off fuzz, put it on the cushion of your best chair. Lunch: Three matches, peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Spit several bites onto the floor. Pour glass of milk on table and slurp up. Dinner: Dish of ice cream, hand full of potato chips, some red punch. Try to laugh some punch through nose, if possible. FINAL DAY: Breakfast: A quarter tube of toothpaste (any flavor), bit of soap, an olive. Pour a glass of milk over bowl of corn flakes, add half a cup of sugar. Once cereal is soggy, drink milk and feed cereal to dog. Lunch: Eat bread crumbs off kitchen floor and dining room carpet. Find that sucker and finish eating it. Dinner: A glass of spaghetti and chocolate milk. Leave meatball on plate. Stick of mascara for dessert. TROOPER'S FOOTNOTE: This menu is not to be used as a substitute for your shakes/soups/bars. But could be good as your "add-a-meal" LOL. :>) Toodle-pip xx
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amSonia
I'm on day 2 and you've given me great encouragement!! With the shakes if u mix a couple of tablespoons of water and put in the microwave they form a biscuit/cake! which i find much more managable and just makesure u drink more to compensate! goodluck everyone! I also mix coffee into the vanilla shake to make a "latte"
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amTroopersue
Wed 18th June - 3pm ..... Hi everyone, just popped on to show you a few quotes I found whilst trawling the net. I think if we relate them to dieting and those days that are "oh god, why on earth have I just eaten that ?" days I think you'll find truth in these words:- A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn..............Don't be afraid of failing because of a mistake; be afraid of failing to learn from a mistake...............Don't take directions from someone who hasn't been there! .........Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, you will grow in strength while climbing it .........Failure is an event, not a person..............An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it................If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere...........It is never too late to be what you might have been. .........A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.........Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. .........Only those who do nothing make no mistakes. .........Some people grin and bear it. Other people smile and change it. .......Success is how high you bounce when you hit the bottom.......There are always two choices, two paths to take. One is easy...and its only reward is that it's easy. ......There are no mistakes, only lessons. .....There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from the odd failure.......While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior.........Mother said there'd be days like this... She just didn't say there'd be this many! .......Some mistakes are far too much fun to only make once........ Well-adjusted means you can make the same mistake over and over again without getting upset about it.........Blessed are they who count their calories for their efforts shall not go to waist. .........I keep trying to lose weight...but it keeps finding me! .........I'm in shape. Round is a shape... isn't it? .........Nothing tastes as good as being thin.........Thank you for calling the Weight Loss Hotline. If you'd like to lose half a pound right now, press 1 eighteen thousand times. ........Those who indulge...Bulge! ......To lengthen your life, shorten your meals. Im going to end this now, ive just found the best menu for our "add-a-meal" weeks.... watch this space !!!!!
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amJackie
(18/6/2008 - 15:20) - Hi ALL!!! Hope everyone is getting on well! CHEEKY - You are doing Fab! Well done on your 22lbs. Thats a great loss! Thats like 4.5lbs per week almost! Excellent! CARRIE i'm so glad you like your new counsellor! Thats great news! Well Done for not cheating! I have a question for you guys! I've decided not to do my add a meal week, well not in the traditional sense! I am going to have ONE meal in the week, instead of 1 per night. So, a week on saturday we have some friends coming over for dinner - thats going to be my night to eat. I want to know what people would recommend. Keeping in mind that there will be others eating too. So I want to make a meal that works for everyone and im happy to miss certain food out - i.e if they want potato thats fine. Anyway im rabbiting on, so any ideas I would appreciate! Have a great day! And TROOPERSUE where are you?! Hope you're doind well! Bye guys. x
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amcarrie
By the way Emma I forgot to say, 9llbs is more than i have lost on this diet yet, and this is my second attempt at it!! so well done!! you shouldn't feel bad at all! xxxx
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amEmma
Hi all of you, JACKIE, CARRIE in particular - you guys are amazing and motivate me soooooo much!!! I have been good again, and i am focused (hopefully!) and i am determined not to break it this weekend - i have now lost the 3 pound that i put on at the weekend, so am at my lowest - therefore not breaking it coz its a cycle that i won't get out of! My aim is to lose another stone by 19th July. We have surprise party for my mum's 65th birthday so am looking forward to that. Don't think a stone by then is unrealistic. I haven't had any joy yet in changing counsellors - i have emailed and left a mesage for a couple to ring me back but there are only 3 in my area (Lincolnshire) so it looks like i may have to stick to what i have got and make the best of it. I just want to see someone weekly and not fortnightly as that will motivate me more to success. I have 41/2 stone more to lose and if i do that i will be soooo very happy. A stone at a time though. Jackie and Carrie - how much have you lost now in total? How much do you have to lose before you get to goal? I might try a bar for a meal instead of one shake next time i see counsellor - so will have two shakes per day and i bar on ss - i think its the chewing motion that i am missing the most, not necessarily all of the food. You guys on here are just amazing, and without this site, i really don't think i would have done so well up to now. I have still lose (even with my binges and non focus) 1 stone 9 lb since May 6th, so its still good i think. Isn't it?!!! lol. JACKIE - how do you become a member of this site, coz i just thought you could email people? A chat would be gr8, anyone who wants to swap numbers or email addresses or anything as we are all in the same position, all wanting the same end to this long journey (!) xxxxxxxx
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amFraggle79uk
Hey all - CHEEKY & JANE well done to both of you, that's a fantastic result!! I'm just finishing my first week on SS, get weighed tomorrow and it's been really hard. I've felt quite low around days 4&5, especially in the evening but the last couple of days I seem to have perked up which has been good. I was wondering if people had any tips for getting back into exercise as I want to get back into swimming and the gym but i'm still feeling a little weak during the day. I've got used to the shakes (especially the strawberry - tastes like strawberry shortcake!!) and find that I don't want to 'cheat' (well, just yet anyhow). I have my dad's birthday coming in August so I will have a meal out with them then but try and stick to chicken or fish and veg so not going and blowing it completely. I still have a long way to go and at the moment feel like it's an extremely steep climb but had to loose some weight on my own before I could start CD and by my own scales have lost 12lbs in just over a week so I am chuffed to bits. Thank you all again for being such a big help by sharing all your problems and tips, I have a fantastic counsellor but find this site a massive help. Good luck all xx
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amAnisah
Hi Everyone! I am definately going to order the diet at the end of this month. You all have been a great inspiration and motivation for me. I did open a message board so that I can try to keep up with more Cambridge dieters.http://www.runboard.com/bletstalkcambridgediet
posted Jun 18th, 2008 10:23 amjane
Hi -cheeky - just read your comments about your weigh loss. I too have been on the cambridge for 5 weeks and have lost 28lbs, but many many more still to go!!. I have 2 shakes a day (the tetra pak ones), and then a meal at night - usually chicken and fish with salad/veg. I asked my counsellor what sort of weekly weight loss I could expect from now on, and she sadi approx 8lbs per month - which if I can keep it up, I will be perfectly happy with. I find that if you can have a meal during the evening, you can fit it into your social life - I have bben out at least once a week whilts doing this diet, and don' t think it has affected my weight loss too badly. Good luck to you all x
posted Jun 17th, 2008 2:48 pmcarrie
Hi guys, I feel great, just spoken to a new councellor on the phone who is coming to see me on friday at home! Already feel more supported!! and almost caved in and had a sandwhich at lunch!! so pleased i didn't do that now. We had a lovely long chat and she sounds sooo smashing and lovely!! So i'm really happy!! It's given me a boost of determination just talking to her!! I didn't feel bad admitting i'd cheated previously on the diet either!! So it's all good!! So anyone whose councellor is no good PLEASE CHANGE!! MAKE THAT PHONE CALL! lol. Today is going ok, kept myself busy yesterday evening. It's getting easier everyday that goes past!! CHEEKY 22llbs!! that is amazing in 5 weeks!!! you are doing so well!! Keep us all updated about Saturday wiegh in!! xx
posted Jun 17th, 2008 2:48 pmcheeky
hey guys ive lost 22llbs in 5 weeks is that good still got loads more to go. im now on my add a meal which im enjoying usually have chicken or cod with green veg/salad and at night im having a bar which the caramel is yummy and the peanut! Get weighed sat . hope you are all having a good week so far keep it up guys!
posted Jun 17th, 2008 8:45 amJackie
Hey me again (If a similar message goes on twice, its because my computer it playing up!) CARRIE - im so pleased you are looking for a new counsellor, thats great news! I just wanted to mention what you said about diet coke, you would be better off having Coke Zero, as this is allowed, in moderation, on the SS plan. Also, good advice on the "keeping yourself busy" plan! EMMA - You are doing SO well! If you are unable to make it to your add a meal week, then dont kick yourself over it! Have a small piece of protein and a green salad or vegetables! I had written more on my other listing - that didnt work - so im going to leave it at that. x
posted Jun 16th, 2008 3:58 pmJackie
(16/6/2008 - 20:00) Where to start! EMMA - YOU CAN DO BETTER!!! Dump your counsellor! You have a weeks worth of packs, so use your time wisely and find someone new! Where abouts are you based? Can you ring any of the counsellors instead of emailing them? Speed things up and make yourself feel more positive! Are you a member of this site? If you are I am happy to send you my number if you want a chat! I see my counsellor at LEAST once a week, he is FANTASTIC! And he is the cheapest anywhere at �31.50. He gives me the time I need! You should expect no less! Right who's next!? CARRIE! A kebab sounds so good right now! Mmmm! All I have is shakes - I dont eat the soups at all, so I know where you are at with that! And you should follow the same advice as I gave EMMA, find another councellor! You guys owe it to yourselves to have the right person! You wouldnt have your hair done by someone who didnt care would you! This is so much more than that! You need someone who will give you the support you need - so keep looking, and when you find the right one, it will all click into place. Keep positive! Finally HELP!!! (as in the listing name) Your councellor has put you on Sole Source - this means 3 packs per day, assuming you are below 5'8" (if you are taller than that you should really be on 4) There are other variants of the diet which allow you to incorporate a low calorie meal, however you wont lose your weight as quickly. I am on Sole Source, as I think many are on here - its all about your own personal choice. You should discuss this further with your councellor, however if you can manage on Sole Source, it will help you lose weight quicker - and its great for your skin!!! Anyway, sorry for the long listing! Hope this is helpful to everyone. x
posted Jun 16th, 2008 2:28 pmTABBYCAT
Hi there ~ to the person asking about how many shakes they should have etc, in my first week I was told 3 shakes and that was all on SS ~ then after that I had the bars too (but still only 2 shakes and 1 bar a day). I do know that it does depend on whether you are male/female and also how tall you are (then you are allowed 4 items I think!!). I pay �35.70 a week at the moment, that is 2 shakes and 1 bar a day. I couldn't ask for a better councellor ~ I go to her house on a Sunday and get weighed and we chat etc about how I am doing and any problems ~ I am usually there for an hour. To anyone not getting on with their councellor I would say to change to another one ~ I couldn't do it ~ if mine wasn't as supportive as she is!!
posted Jun 16th, 2008 2:28 pm