What is the Herbalife?

Herbalife is a scientifically formulated, herbal-based, calorie-reduced nutrition program. It is centered around our unique high-energy, protein-rich, nutritional "shake" or meal replacement drink, Formula #1, to which has been added food supplements containing important vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and nutritional herbs. The Herbalife program has been used for weight control and health enhancement since 1980, literally by millions of people from around the world.

Do You Lose Weight Because You Skip Meals?

No. Herbalife's calorie-reduced program encourages participants to eat three meals daily. Two usual meals are in the form of our nutritionally balanced meal replacement drink, and the third is any meal of your choice. In addition, Herbalife has devised a seven-day recommended meal plan which is distributed with its program. Diets which require people to skip meals are unhealthy and stimulate binge eating.

Is Herbalife A "Liquid Protein" or Starvation Diet?

Definitely not! Herbalife is neither of these. Our program supplies at least 1000 Calories daily and is nutritionally complete so individuals can lose weight safely and effectively, and, just as important, keep the weight off. "Liquid protein" diets, which use nutritionally unbalanced protein-based drinks, or starvation diets, which reduce calories so low (less than 500 calories daily) that people literally starve to lose weight, are both extremely unhealthy and have less than 20% long-term success.

How Does Herbalife Work?

Herbalife supplies all the balanced nutrition the body needs on a daily basis. Individuals, who choose to, can lose excess weight by reducing excess calories without sacrificing important nutrients like protein, potassium and iron. As a result, they feel their best while they lose both excess weight and inches.

Is Herbalife "Natural"?

The Herbalife program is based entirely on nutrition and herbs. The program does not use drugs, medications, hormones or other synthetic agents to promote weight loss. All ingredients in the Herbalife program must fulfill three important conditions: purity, potency and stability. This is how we maintain the high level of quality associated with the Herbalife name.

What Causes The Feeling Of Increased Energy? Is It Caffeine?

The weight loss and energy-enhancing effects of Herbalife are the result of its scientifically balanced nutritional formula. They are not due to caffeine or any natural or synthetic stimulant. Herbalife's 100% Herbal Guarana product contains pure guarana which has a herbally occurring caffeine content of about 30 mg. per tablet (the same amount of caffeine as a small cola drink). No chemical caffeine is added to our guarana product.

Are The Vitamin Levels, Like Vitamin A, High? Are They Safe?

The levels of vitamins and minerals in all Herbalife formulas are carefully designed to assure that individuals consuming them will not develop deficiencies or excesses. All of our formulas are created to assure that all individuals, regardless of their nutritional needs, receive optimum nutrition. Studies demonstrate that there are no "buildup" of vitamins or minerals associated with the use of Herbalife products, including Vitamin A. In formulating Herbalife products, we have taken special care to assure that Vitamin A levels are completely safe and never lead to accumulation, even when consumed together with a diet rich in Vitamin A.

What Do The Herbs Do And Are They Safe?

Herbs are nature's bounty. They are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, fibre and related nutrients essential for good health. The herbal mixtures used in Herbalife products have been created by experts to maximise nutritional potency. The herbs are the highest quality available anywhere in the world and are free of pesticide residues and other possible contaminants. Tableting of the herbal mixtures occurs under strict quality control to assure both purity and safety.

Can Everyone Use Herbalife?

Yes. Since Herbalife products are 100% nutritional food supplements, they are safe for everyone. Certain individuals including children, pregnant or lactating women, insulin dependent diabetics and those with compromised kidney function are advised to consult with their physician before beginning this or any other weight loss program.

Does The FDA Have A Problem With Herbalife? Is It Approved?

In 1986 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration thoroughly evaluated the Herbalife Program and issued a statement declaring that all of the Herbalife products were safe. However, the FDA does not actually approve any nutritional product or food supplement, only drugs, medications and medical devices. In addition, whenever Herbalife is introduced into a new country, it is reviewed by that country's government before it is approved for importation and distribution.

Has The Herbalife Program Been Tested?

Absolutely. The Herbalife program has had extensive clinical testing in the United States and Great Britain. All of the studies have demonstrated that Herbalife products are safe and effective on both the short term and long term basis. In addition, each batch of Herbalife products is quality-control tested to ensure product integrity before it is shipped anywhere in the world.

Do Herbalife Distributors Require Professional Training?

No. The Herbalife Weight Control Program has been specifically designed by experts and doctors in the fields of food technology and nutritional medicine so that it is completely self-explanatory and therefore does not require or expect nutritional expertise on the part of its distributors. However, the Herbalife Medical and Scientific Advisory Board offers its distributors extensive nutritional education in the form of literature, tapes, and seminars.

Does The Herbalife Program Change Eating Habits?

Definitely. The Herbalife Program promotes good nutritional habits like reducing fat, fried foods, salt and sugar in the diet and increasing fibre and complex carbohydrates. Most important, Herbalife teaches individuals how to achieve and maintain an ideal weight. It is a lifetime health program that works for everyone.

Is Exercise A Part Of The Herbalife Program?

Herbalife encourages participants to follow a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, regular exercise, moderation in the use of alcohol and avoiding tobacco use. The Herbalife Program works even if individuals do not or cannot exercise. Many people cannot exercise because of serious injuries or other health programs. Even these individuals can use the Herbalife Program to lose weight successfully.

Is There Enough Fluid and Fibre in The Herbalife Program?

Yes. When followed as recommended, the Herbalife Program provides approximately four pints of liquid and 25 grams of fibre. This is more than is found in the average diet of industrialised countries and is the level recommended by health authorities world-wide. Supplemental fibre tablets are available for those who wish to further increase their daily fibre intake.

Is The Herbalife Program Recommended By Doctors?

Absolutely. Herbalife has a Medical and Scientific Advisory Board that tests and researches Herbalife products and continually monitors reports of results sent by customers and distributors. In addition, many physicians and other professionals in all parts of the world use Herbalife both in their personal lives and in their practices.

Most of my favorite foods are carbohydrates! Will I ever be able to eat them again if I’m on the Shapeworks® High-Protein, Low-Carb Program?

Once you’re on your way to reaching your target weight, you can start to have a few of those carbohydrates you used to crave, but the key is to reintroduce them in small steps. To keep your weight off for good, certain carbohydrates should continue to be restricted. This doesn’t mean you can never have a baked potato or a plate of spaghetti again, but it does suggest that products made with white sugar, white flour and certain root vegetables should be a rare culinary event. You can phase in potato skins and whole-grain pasta once you’re on maintenance. As you increase carbohydrates, concentrate on small fruits with the highest antioxidant power such as blueberries, grapes, strawberries, plums, peaches and apricots. Leave behind the bananas, mango, papaya, pears, melon and pineapple.

I tried a high-protein, low-carb diet once before and it made me weak, dizzy and nauseated. How do I know I won’t feel the same way with the Shapeworks® Cellular nutrition Program?

Before starting the Shapeworks® Cellular Nutrition Program, make an appointment with your family doctor and have a physical to rule out any underlying medical conditions. If you are in good physical shape, the symptoms you describe may simply be caused by your body going through a carbohydrate withdrawal. Your body should adjust to the new fat-burning metabolism within a few days and the symptoms should disappear. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water because water loss accompanies the first few days of carbohydrate restriction. Many people find eating small, high-protein snacks every few hours as opposed to three larger meals a day helps as well.

How long can I safely continue the program?

As long as you supplement your eating plan with the Herbalife® Nutritional Shakes and vitamin supplements, and you ensure an adequate fiber intake, you can continue the program indefinitely.

Won’t snacking between meals make me gain weight?

Eating small amounts frequently throughout the day actually helps speed up your metabolism so that you continue to burn calories. The recommended Thermojetics® High-Protein, Low-Carb healthy snacks, including Roasted Soy Nuts with Cardia® Salt and the Bars, have the added advantage of not upsetting your insulin balance. Unlike a candy bar, which gives you an immediate energy rush but soon leaves you feeling drained, the Shapeworks® healthy snacks help maintain steady blood sugar levels and keep you feeling energized.

I’m a vegetarian. Can I still follow the Shapeworks® Program?

Certainly. Except for the Cream of Chicken Soup Mix, all Shapeworks® products are suitable for lacto-vegetarians. You’ll need to be sure to eat adequate quantities of protein in the form of tofu, soy milk and soy cheese. You should also watch out for the carbohydrate content of these items. The Shapeworks® Program is not, however, suitable for vegans because many of the weight-management products contain dairy.

Isn’t fruit low in fat and calories? Can’t I eat fruit while on the Shapeworks® Program?

Yes, but sparingly, as most fruits are high in fructose (a natural sugar), which raises insulin levels and encourages the body to store fat. Peaches and plums are acceptable fruits because they have a low glycemic index, but keep to one of these fruits every other day. Fruits and vegetables provide essential Phytonutriens for your body, Garden Seven® by Shapeworks will provide your body with the equivalent of seven servings of fruits and vegetables without the added sugars.

Can I use commercial salad dressings and sauces on the Shapeworks® Program?

Be careful about using these products because many contain hidden sugars, preservatives and partially hydrogenated oils that should be avoided. Read the product labels carefully. Be aware that you can easily create many flavorful sauces and dressing by using olive oil, vinegar, spices and herbs.