Smart For Life Cookie Diet Review
Overview
Smart For Life is a cookie diet that was created to help people lose weight using a low calorie, meal replacement approach. With over 40 clinics in North America with dedicated staff, eating cookies for weight management is becoming more popular than ever. Does this sound too good to be true?
How does the Smart for Life work?
The Smart for Life weight loss program is available in two different formats: “At home” or “In clinic”.
With their medical program, they offer you "direct physician care", meaning you have to schedule an appointment with a certified center. During your visit a complete physical is given, appropriate lab tests, blood work, body scan, etc. You're probably asking if your insurance provider would cover this type of visit and the answer is no. Keep in mind that if you are hypoglycemic or have a thyroid condition you will have to consult your own doctor first, even though Smart for Life centers have their own physicians.
Next?
They teach you about their behavior modification. I feel the behavior modification would be better served with preparing patients on how to eat and live a life without the Smart for Life products (obviously, one can not eat cookies for the rest of their lives). The first phase of the program is considered maintenance.
The “at home” plan is more convenient and less intrusive. You can simply order online and have the products delivered right to your door. The cookies used to be provided by Dr. Siegal however, since his departure from the "Smart for Life" brand, the cookies do have a slightly different taste and texture.
Don't like cookies? You do have the option to trade out for some soup, muffins, or shakes.
Pros and Cons to Consider
Pros
- Program is easy to follow.
- Cookies do promote weight loss (due to low calorie).
- Free BMI and center visit included with 1st online purchase (optional).
- Cookies contain no stimulants.
Cons
- Meal replacement diets are not good in the long term
- Does not promote exercise
- Can be expensive.
Testimonials
Most of the testimonials found online were positive with many boasting loses of 10lbs to 15lbs during the first two weeks. Many of the skeptics were pleased with their first experience and were very willing to purchase in bulk. But in our research it was evident that this diet is not for everyone. The negative reviews and comments were on price and lack of variety. Some went as far as to call the diet boring. There are also no consumer discounts and products must be purchased from official website.
Recipes using smart for life cookies
FRUIT COBBLER RECIPE
(Makes 1 serving)
- 1 Smart Cookie, any flavor
- 2 packets sugar substitute
- 8 pumps butter spray
- 1–2 tbsp. calorie-free, fat-free fruit spread, any flavor
- Cinnamon, to taste
Crumble cookie and place in a microwave safe bowl. Spray cookie crumbles with up to eight pumps of butter spray. Sprinkle with cinnamon (optional). Stir in fruit spread. Heat in the microwave for one minute.
SUMMER PARFAIT RECIPE
(Makes 1 serving)
- 1–2 Smart Cookies, any flavor
- 1 tsp. each of an assorted variety of calorie-free, fat-free fruit spreads (strawberry, raspberry, etc.)
- 2 tbsp. calorie-free, fat-free marshmallow dip
- 2 tbsp. calorie-free, fat-free chocolate dip or syrup
Crumble cookies into small pieces. On bottom of a freezer safe dish, layer fruit spread, marshmallow and chocolate dip. Top with half of the cookie crumbles. Add another layer of fruit spread, marshmallow and chocolate dip. Add the rest of the cookie crumbles. Add one final layer of marshmallow and chocolate dip. Freeze for 30-45 minutes.
If using two cookies, please enjoy 1/2 of the parfait at a time.
Conclusion
Clearly, as depicted by the testimonials on their website, the program has worked for some but we feel meal replacements are not a good long term solution for weight loss. Many of our readers have used programs like these for rapid weight loss. For price comparison, we also recommend reviewing the original cookie diet by Dr. Siegal. For more information on how to order, visit the official Smart For Life website.
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