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Diets
Meal Based
QUICK FACTS
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BACKGROUND
PRO
CON
DIET and NUTRITION
EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
Smart for Life?
Diets
Meal Based
Smart for Life
A low calorie cookie diet supervised by a medical doctor.
Top Rated Diet Shakes of 2024QUICK FACTS
Start the Diet Now Advertisement
- Established: 2004
- Founder: Dr. Sasson Moulavi
- Headquarters: Boca Raton, Florida
- Accessibility: Centers and online
- Diet Type: Cookie diet, low-calorie
- Gender: Male and female
- Coupons: Get started by saving with these Smart for Life Coupons
Do You Know the Best Diet Shakes of 2024?
BACKGROUND
Eat decadent carbs like cookies and muffins and lose weight? Sounds great, doesn't it? That is the premise behind the Smart for Life diet. The program uses its own line of "no hunger" foods and its own interventions like vitamin injections that are used to correct any metabolic conditions. All of this is accomplished under the supervision of a medical doctor. Smart for Life promises to help you lose 12-15 pounds in one month as long as you adhere to their program.
The Smart for Life program is built on the premise that 25% of overweight or obese people have metabolic or hormonal conditions that prevent them from losing weight.
With a line of "no hunger" foods like muffins, cookies, soups, shakes and desserts, all of the foods are made with organic and natural ingredients and contain protein, fiber and amino acids. Most famous for the Smart cookie, the product line has expanded to include different flavors and products of their trademark line.
In the fall of 2010, Smart for Life introduced its first ever gluten-free product, a gluten-free Banana Chocolate Chip square. The square is low in calories and includes HeroFiber(TM), a super fiber, which includes ForteFiber(TM) Soluble Dietary Fiber, which helps to maintain cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels that are already within the normal range. By adding this new gluten-free product, the weight loss plan can now be followed by anyone who follows a gluten-free diet.
The program also includes education and motivation instruction to help you target the emotional and mental issues behind your cravings, binges and weight issues. As part of the program, you are teamed up with a physician who works one-on-one with you to customize a program and treat any underlying metabolic dysfunction that you may have.
Once you sign up, you undergo a comprehensive physical examination that includes blood work, an EKG, a Body Mass Index analysis and a discussion of the program vitamin and supplement component. In some cases, injections of Smart injections at done at specified Smart for Life Centers.
You work with the Smart for Life staff at the designated Smart for Life Centers each week to monitor your weight loss. Once you've reached your weight goal, you enter into Phase 2 of the program which is the maintenance stage. Constant contact with the trained health professionals is required until you feel confident enough to keep your weight under control on your own.
But the Smart for Life Medical program also requires that you receive an injection of hCG, a growth hormone that increases during pregnancy. hCG is a very controversial diet practice because its long-term health effects are not known and it is not accepted or approved of by the medical community. The Smart for Life Medical Weight Loss program recommends the dieter receive this Smart Injection, which is intended to kick-start your weight loss and gives you a serious boost in energy. Just how long you must receive the injections is not known.
Read also: hCG Diet
PRO
- There is medical supervision for the Smart for Life program
- Addresses underlying emotional issues of eating
- Teaches healthy eating habits that will allow you to maintain weight loss
- Food products are organic and all-natural
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels and metabolism
CON
- No scientific proof that the metabolic and hormonal conditions cited as being dysfunctional in overweight people are in fact dysfunctional
- Eating the trademarked Smart for Life line of food is no magic bullet for losing weight
- Smart for Life food line may be more of a marketing hype than the real deal
- Extremely low calorie diet
- Uses hCG injections as a way to stimulate weight loss, a very controversial and potentially dangerous practice
DIET and NUTRITION
On the Smart for Life eating program (the program doesn't like using the word "diet") you consume seven balanced meals throughout the day, which are intended to keep you in the fat burning zone continuously.
Six of those meals are Smart for Life cookies and one healthy, low fat dinner of chicken or fish with five cups of vegetables as outlined in your Program Guide included in your order.
The Smart for Life eating routine is built along the concept of mini-meals and retraining your body and mind to eat small and portion-controlled meals regularly throughout the day.
Daily caloric intake for Smart for Life is about 800 calories per day, eating seven meals and their food products, namely the Smart for Life cookies, and a healthy, low fat, high protein dinner.
Smart for Life cookies contain a proprietary blend of amino acids, fiber, and vitamins that are designed to quell cravings and give you the nutrition your body needs.
In addition, you can also use the cookies as a basis for certain Smart for Life recipes, like a Summer Parfait, which adds sugar-free preserves and chocolate dips to crumbled cookies.
There are also Smart Shakes, Smart Muffins and Smart Soups which can also be eaten as part of the Smart for Life program. One shake is the equivalent of two cookies and one soup or one muffin is the equivalent of one cookie.
The Smart for Life products contain HeroFiberTM, a super fiber blend, fish oil, plant sterols, inulin, flax seed, whole oats, and canola oil. There is also a gluten-free Smart for Life Banana Chocolate Chip Granola Square for those who cannot tolerate the protein gluten.
EXERCISE
On the Smart for Life diet, exercise is only a part of the maintenance of your weight loss. You will work with a Smart for Life health representative to work out an exercise plan that allows you to maintain your goal weight.
When you do start an exercise program on the Smart for Life program, you are encouraged to increase your intake of water and other clear and calorie-free liquids.
Once you have reached your goal weight, it is recommended that you exercise moderately for at least 3 hours per week.
CONCLUSION
The Smart for Life program is not that much different from other similar diet programs that have you consuming specific trademarked food in order to achieve weight loss. But a very stark red flag with the Smart for Life program is its requirement of hCG injections to jumpstart weight loss. This potentially dangerous and controversial weight loss practice has unknown health effects and is not accepted by the medical community.
The good news is that the Smart for Life program does incorporate such an eating plan with the addition of using their specific foods as well as an exercise plan once you reach your maintenance phase.Moreover, this program does instill in the dieter tools and knowledge for keeping weight off for good.
Even though the Smart for Life is under the supervision of medical doctors who can monitor your progress safely, you are strongly encouraged to exercise caution before spending any money on this weight loss program.
Rather, research on successful weight loss programs has shown us that long-term and immediate weight loss comes from a smart exercise program and an eating plan that includes a low calorie, low saturated fat diet.
Common Misspellings
Smart Four Life, Smart for Live, Smart Life, Soup and Cookie Diet, Cookie and Soup Diet, Smart Cookie Diet, Smart for Life Diet, Smart Life Diet, the cookiediet.com
How Does Smart for Life Compare?- Product Name
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(Editor’s Choice) - 97/100
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User Feedback
(Page 9 of 11, 217 total comments)yellow polka dot bikini
+Saw my overweight neighbor working out
posted Mar 16th, 2009 2:56 pmconstantly and not lose weight. As a mother of 4 she was busier than any person I know. Having been on the Smart for Life cookie plan I refered her to the office I was going to. She lost 93 pounds in 7 months and is working on the last 15. I have already lost my 30 pounds of which I have kept it off for over a year now.
backinskinnyjeans
+Originally ordered the cookies at smart for life.com but realized their Jupiter office was close by. Went in for my free BMI and transferred to their supervised program. I realized I needed help to see this through to my goal. This ended up being less expensive because I am losing faster. There products are great. I'm learning to eat healthier than I ever have. I am setting a precedence for my family and might just be around to play with grand kids some day as opposed to eating myself to an early grave.I have lost 40 pounds so far and have 8 to go, then maintenance. It's been a little over 3 months.
posted Mar 8th, 2009 8:27 pmJanise Thin & Glad
Yesterday, I went to the doctor. She is so impressed with my success that she said she may try it to lose 20 lbs. She lives in Port St. Lucie, but I recommended Jupiter. I told her to use my names, so I�??ll get a free week of cookies.
posted Feb 18th, 2009 8:34 amSRP11
Muffin Top09 thanks for the feedback. I've been mixing it up somedays I split the protein and somedays I just have it at night. Is there a reason why we should have it all in the evening? I feel like that is way too much protein to eat at once for me.
posted Feb 17th, 2009 8:56 pmabc123
+I have been on the SFL program since October and have lost almost 30 lbs so far. I'm a mom of 3 and just could not lose my baby weight after my last pregnancy...believe me, I tried for over a year. Though I have cheated (in very small amounts) at times, I have found this to be one of the easiest eating programs to stay on! As a busy mom of 3 who also works, I am ALWAYS running around and found it hard to always the "right" foods with me in the car. However, with the SFL program I grab a package of cookies and maybe a 'shake in a bottle' and I'm off...and I'm set for the day! I couldn't be happier with my results and with the staff at my local SFL office. PS...only 4 more lbs to go before I reach my goal weight!! What a great feeling!
posted Feb 17th, 2009 10:04 amslimnsassy
+Originally bought the cookies at Smart For Life's website but ended up in the Jupiter,Fla. location for my free BMI and transferred to the suppervised program. The staff there, was so supportive and the weight loss is faster.It ends up costing the same in the long run.I definately reccomend finding a Smart For Life Center thats close by.
posted Feb 16th, 2009 3:25 pmMuffin Top09
+SRP11 to answer some of your questions, yes going to the bathroom that much your first month is normal dont forget you are drinking a lot of water believe me my first month i was using the restroom so much i thought something was wrong with me.
posted Feb 16th, 2009 12:50 pmIts up to you how you work your protein,i am currently a patient at the jupiter office and they said you can split it if you would like but its best to do all your protein at dinner and do just the cookies during the day your protein is 10-12 oz. of protein and 5 veggies. If you are starving during the day they said to have celery or any of your unlimited veggies.
SRP11
+Bought the 30 day kit from Costco and started the diet today. I have 20 lbs to lose. Hoping to do it in 30 days. I love the chocolate chip cookies. I hope the oatmeal raisin and blueberry one are just as good. I felt a little hungry, but managed to get through it without cheating. Can someone please let me know if we are supposed to eat 10-12 oz of meat or 6 oz meat and other protein? The magnet I received said to eat 10-12 oz protein, which I assumed as the meat. So I had 6 oz chicken breast in the afternoon with a salad and 6oz chicken breast at dinner with eggplant and salad. I didn't have any other protein. Also, I was urinating every hour today, which was quite annoying. Is this normal? Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
posted Feb 14th, 2009 11:04 pmSRP11
Just started the SFL program today. I actually like the chocolate chip cookies. I hope the blueberry and oatmeal raisin are just as good. I noticed that I have had to urinate every hour or so today. Has anyone else experienced that? I know Im drinking more water, but this seems to be a lot more than what Im drinking.
posted Feb 14th, 2009 10:55 pmStephanie Glass
+
posted Feb 12th, 2009 1:57 pmFor those of you who purchased your Smart For Life products at Costco, the Jupiter, Fla center matched the current price they were offering and I got everything that was in those packages. The difference is I had a kind professional, who is looking out for my success and is helping me get to my goal even though I am not on their medical plan. Huge difference from when I was trying this by myself. They were a one stop shop with there no calorie dressings and jams. They even had chocolate, caramel and marshmallow which I can put on my cookies. Their organic marinades are pretty incredible as well. I defiantely suggest finding a Smart For Life center near you.
kenny
+There is a church in LA called Bryant Temple that has a weekly meeting where at least 20 users of SML have lost 100's of lbs on this diet, including the pastor. I have seen no bad results only really fat poeple loss a lot of weight.
posted Feb 11th, 2009 9:05 ammelissa
Thank you for your feedback Mommy2008, I really appreciate it. I have been doing the diet since last thursday, and I am already finding myself trying to alter it. I really would like to be able to eat like some rice with dinners.. Has anyone done this and still lost weight?
posted Feb 9th, 2009 9:49 pmmommy2008
Melissa- your dinners need to be 300-350 calories. On the website there is a frozen dinner guide that might be helpful. There are recipes on their too. I make a lot of stir frys and use my George Foreman grill a lot. Contact the Plano, TX location. They will e-mail you a bunch of great recipes. That is the location I go thru.
posted Feb 9th, 2009 12:11 amThin ansd Glad
I am a member of the Jupiter Smart for Life Clinic and the diet is going well. I have lost 35 pounds. The Manager, Doctor and staff are knowledgeable, helpful and supportive.
posted Feb 5th, 2009 9:25 amMelissa
+I am about to start the diet tomorrow and was wondering what are some good ideas for dinner? Also, did everyone who lost on this diet stick to the no carb, just protein and veg dinner, or will a low calorie dinner work? I am currently in school, and work two jobs the easiest ideas only please :)
posted Feb 4th, 2009 4:16 pmAmanda
I just purchased the 30-day program from Costco, and will be starting it tomorrow.... I'm just curious, the pamphlet says no milk, no coffee whitener, or sugar/fruit... has anyone done the program and ate fruit, or used sweetener or milk in their coffee??? I'm not sure I can go without... and I'm hoping I will still get results!!
posted Feb 3rd, 2009 8:23 pmAmanda
I just purchased the 30-day program from Costco, and will be starting it tomorrow.... I'm just curious, the pamphlet says no milk, no coffee whitener, or sugar/fruit... has anyone done the program and ate fruit, or used sweetener or milk in their coffee??? I'm not sure I can go without... and I'm hoping I will still get results!!
posted Feb 3rd, 2009 8:19 pmMcMuffinLover
+Keep up the good work barb! I am also a patient at the jupiter location, you should try their smart crunch it reminds me of granola and its great to take on trips, oh and you should also try the smart for life sauces the moondance is great if you like spicy and one more sauce i have tryed that is fantastic is the tangy ginger glaze its great in a stir fry!! Check out their web site they have all the product on it
posted Feb 2nd, 2009 10:42 amBarb
Hi. I just completed my first week on the "Cookie Diet" and was pleasantly surprised to see an 8 lb weight loss! I found the diet very easy to follow because I didn't have to think about what to each throughout the day. The cookies were actually quite satisfying. Before purchasing the cookies and muffins, the Jupiter, Fl location (where I go) has samples to try. My favorites are the chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and blueberry. The chocolate muffin is best when heated in the microwave fo 10 seconds. It's kind of small so not as filling. The first week is always difficult on any diet, but to my surprise, I didn't crave sugar at all. That's a big plus for this diet in my opinion. I'm looking forward to week 2. Pretty motivated now.
posted Jan 29th, 2009 3:14 pmsam
+Great program, great product.
posted Jan 28th, 2009 10:51 pmI lost 40 pounds in 3 months.