With so many weight loss products and plans on the market, just keeping up to date can be a challenge.
The Tony Ferguson diet has now taken up residence in my local pharmacy, where I recently observed a lady purchasing a mountain of shakes, soups and supplements.
This got my heckles up! I mean, if you were to spend $50 a week on healthy, whole foods, rather than this ‘non-food’ rubbish, imagine how much healthier, and slimmer you’d be!
So, what is the Tony Ferguson diet?
Basically it’s a meal replacement plan. Two meals are substituted each day for a shake or soup, which is 50% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 20% essential fats and nutrients.
Clients are also advised to take chromium supplements (to help suppress cravings), a multivitamin capsule, and a fibre supplement.
You pay $15 for membership which is fine, however the meal replacements are around $3.50 each. One month would cost $196; 6 months $1176, and one year $2352.
What do you think? Is this expensive? When you consider the cost of the other recommended supplements and necessary food items, it could work out a pretty expensive deal.
However, it does have a couple of bonuses – trained staff work out achievable goals for each client – I do wonder if these are more focused on weight loss than anything else though, and there are weekly or fortnightly weigh-ins, which are good for keeping up motivation.
Inaccurate information
The website states,
“The Program aims to assist the body into a state of mild ketosis. Some literature argues that ketosis is dangerous and should be avoided, but this is a result of confusion between ketosis, the body’s own fat to fuel process and ketoacidosis, a variant of ketosis that occurs in untreated diabetics and can be fatal. This Program, when followed accurately, will not cause diabetic ketoacidosis.”
What? The belief that ketosis is dangerous is the result of confusion between ketosis and ketoacidosis? That is complete rubbish!
What is ketosis?
Ketosis is a potentially dangerous state that occurs in the body when the amount of dietary carbohydrates drops below a certain level. This forces the body to use its fat and protein stores as a source of energy.
When fat is broken down, excess fatty acids, or ketones, are released into the bloodstream, putting extra burden on the kidneys. When protein begins to be used in this manner, it releases nitrogen into the blood stream, placing further burden on the kidneys.
If ketosis continues for long periods of time, serious damage to the liver and kidneys may occur. Most low-carbohydrate diets recommend only short-term use, typically 14 days.
Do I think that the Tony Ferguson diet is a “fad?”
Yes, I do!
It contradicts what most trusted health professionals are saying; it relies on testimonials and anecdotes, rather than scientific evidence; it includes lists of “allowed” foods, it relies on meal substitutions, and it doesn’t encourage an increase in physical activity.
Upon visiting the website, I really couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I emailed them, specifically asking:
- What studies have Tony Ferguson carried out to support this method of weight loss?
- The Tony Ferguson leaflet states that this program is “incredibly successful.” How has it’s success been measured?
- Can you tell me/direct me to the scientific evidence behind this program? I am a firm believer that all nutritional advice should be evidence based.
This is the response I received:
“Thank you for your query regarding the scientific evidence behind the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program (TFWP).
The Metabolism and Obesity Research Group at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital/Sydney University are in the process of developing a protocol to examine the efficacy of the TFWP in overweight/obese individuals with related co-morbidities, the results of the study will take at least eighteen months to surface.
Our success is measured by the number of happy healthy clients that have maintained their weight loss through our Maintenance Program, our retention rates, the PBS savings resulting from our clients losing weight and more importantly the thousands of testimonials emailed/faxed/written by our clients.
I have attached some information/papers for your perusal, and am looking forward to your feedback. Please let me know if you have any questions.”
Referenced studies:
- Weight management using a meal replacement strategy: meta and pooling analysis from six studies
- Metabolic and weight-loss effects of a long-term dietary intervention in obese patients: Four Year Results
- Higher Protein Intake Preserves Lean Mass and Satiety with Weight Loss in Pre-obese and Obese Women
(I would like to express my sincere thanks to Hilda Sanber for the above response.)
Final thoughts:
#1 Are the studies referenced objective? Unfortunately, this is a problem with much of today’s research, and you can basically find a study to support almost any theory.
However, of those studies referenced, the first was “supported in part by Slim Fast Foods” the second states, “Dr Heymsfield is a member of the Slim Fast Nutrition Institute,” and the final study was “funded through the National Pork Board.”
So, were thy objective? It’s hard to say, what do you think?
#2 No hard scientific evidence that the Tony Ferguson plan is “incredibly successful,” as stated on their leaflet. Surely this is misleading the general public? For now we’ll have to relay on the anecdotal testimonies!
The website tells us clients have lost weight on the plan. While I’m sure this is true – how long were they on the program for? What happened when they stopped taking the shakes? Did they regain, or maintain their weight?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m fully aware of the usefulness of meal replacement for some individuals, particularly the very obese. However, it should only be recommended under the supervision of a medical doctor.
#3 The plan is too restrictive by relying on shakes, soups and a list of “allowed” foods. This is not sustainable long-term, and if you opt for this plan as a quick fix, it certainly doesn’t teach you anything about healthy eating, portion control, or exercise etc.
While some may lose weight on the Tony Ferguson plan, I personally believe it’s not a good long-term weight loss solution.
What are your thoughts?
To transform the lifestyles of a diet-obsessed world by teaching people how to eat healthy and make healthy eating a habit for life.
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
I know it doesn’t sound like it, but the post I put up today ( http://theartofzenliving.com/2008/04/the-journey-of-1000-miles/ )actually turns into a rant on my thoughts about weight loss.
I’ll hit the highlights:
1) Count something – carbs, calories, or fat.
2) Move more – walk, run, jump rope, whatever.
3) Do both 1 and 2 regularly and consistently.
I whole-heartedly agree with you that the overly complicated weight loss programs like Tony F’s don’t make good long term solutions. Most of the long term weight loss on a plan like this is in the wallet…
Daniel’s last blog post..The journey of 1000 miles.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for commenting. Yes, I agree with your highlights above, very true indeed!
Also, thanks for linking to your blog, you certainly have a task ahead of you to reach 1000 miles, well done so far, and I look forward to reading more in the future
It’s true: once you get in the habit of shopping “healthy,” the quick fixes lose their appeal, like Diet Ho’s.
Rebecca’s last blog post..One for the Books
Where is this program available? Is it only in Australia? I’ve never heard of it here in Canada… (i’d rather not hearing about it here in Canada
)
Hi Rebecca,
I’m glad to hear you say that! It’s good to know that there are plenty of people out there who really are successful following a “healthy” diet.
Hi Lisa,
The program originated in Australia, and I think it’s now available in the UK, and they’re trialling it in the US, so it won’t have made it’s way to you in Canada yet, fortunately!!
I live in South Carolina and am currently on the meal plan through my local Kerr drugstore. After having my first child a year ago and trying to lose the extra 80 lbs I’ve put on since baby/high school I was desperate. I’ve been on the plan for 3 weeks and lost 8 pounds! The first 3 days were really hard on me because I felt hungry, but now I don’t even crave the bad foods I loved. I know this isn’t a permanent solution, but it’s caused me to look at nutrition guides for the first time in my 27 years of life and make healthy choices. The staff really motivate me and going in once a week to see my results brightens my day. Everyday I make a point to be active and my son and I usually go for a bike ride together for a least an hour, sometimes longer. I feel it can be a little expensive and I’m curious if slim fast is the same kind of program with cheaper meal replacement. Once I’m halfway to my goal weight I plan to join weight watchers to educate myself on my nutritional choices.
Hi Bridget,
That’s great news that you’re focusing on nutrition and exercise again, well done! Weight watchers is definitely one of the better plans out there.
If you’ve any questions I’d be happy to help.
Well my own doctor told me to go on meal replacements and I knew when she said it that it was the wrong approach. In my opinion what ever my failures in weight loss it was plain to see that the only way I would ever lose the weight is by eating healthy and excersicing. A life change, not some shakes that replace real food.
It was to change my mind set about how I thought about food and as you have written before about emotional eating (that’s me). I need to try to find a way to control this.
katly’s last blog post..Me about 8 weeks ago
Hi Katly,
Thank you for visiting Dietriffic!
I found your comment very interesting indeed. Obviously in some cases meal replacements are acceptable, under the directions of a doctor, however well done on your part for seeing it as you do.
I’m so with you on the “life change” point, you’ve got it in one.
How do you find controlling emotional eating?
Our clients know that they can’t just sit on their butts and do the meal replacement. They will lose weight just by sticking to the program but are encouraged to do exercise on a daily basis to increase the results of the program. In my opinion, Weight Watchers is not one of the better programs. TF will soon be sweeping the country
Hi Michelle,
I’m glad you encourage your clients to exercise, that’s very important.
However, personally I can’t get past the fact that it’s a meal replacement programme. I do understand that these can be extremely beneficial for some patients. However, for the majority of the population they need to learn HOW to eat healthy, rather than simply replacing their meals with shakes.
I found it very hard to stay on this program the first time I did it – it’s true that the restriction from full meals to meal replacements is certainly a change, and I myself found it difficult to adjust. However, I managed to lose more weight with my initial TF effort than spending $300 a fortnight on a personal trainer and nutritionist. From both of these, I bounced back up to 84kgs (what a surprise) and went in the complete opposite direction – not excercising, not eating well and generally hating myself. I KNEW what I had to eat, I just didn’t want to.
However, now I’m in a different mindset. Having tried it a second time, I found myself more at ease with the adjustment to a meal replacement. Rather than killing myself at the gym, I find I can do exercise and feel good about myself. The biggest difference this time, though, is the addition of a weekly session with a psycologist.
I think there is a place for the TF plan in peoples lives, just as proper diet and exercise should be also. I believe that TF is a means to an end, and they do assist in helping to educate people post-TF plan on how to maintain and live healthily.
What I believe all health plans should have is a psychological assessment on WHY they have gained weight. Emotional eating, abuse etc are all things which need to be dealth with by a professional, and unless the underlying problems are dealth with then the obesity rate will keep rising.
Hi
I just wanted to say that I have tried the Tony Fergusons diet. I have been overweight for my entire life, and I have tried to lose weight in so many different ways. I began the Tony Fergusons diet and it has taught me so much about food, I now eat the right foods and I have so much energy. I think that the meal replacement sachets are great for a busy lifestyle. I am a teacher and sometimes I don’t have time to eat. I simply drink my sachet and I am never hungry. i don’t take anything else, other than the sachets. I find them tasty and filling. There are so many different flavours. I wasn’t eating correctly before I joined Tony fergusons, not only was I eating the wrong foods but I wasn’t eating breakfast, and often skipped lunch. Now I eat 3 times a day with many healthy snack in between. I have lost 25 kilograms, and I am happier and healthier than I have ever been before. Tony Fergusons is great, it has taught me so much about food and what I should and shouldn’t put into my body. Tony Fergusons is also a great program because it not only kick starts your weight loss, but there is a great deal of vareity in the program. It also actually teaches you how to wean yourself back into eating 3 meals a day. It is a fantastic place to start for someone who needs to be educated about food and healthy eating. It is also a great kick start.
Oh, I also forgot to mention that I combined this diet with a healthy amount of exercise, 4 days a week at the gym, something that I had tried before with other diets, and had never worked, well this time I credit my weight loss completely to the education provided by Tony Fergusons and my consultant who is always more than happy to spend as much time as I need discussing why I have or haven’t met my goal for the week. Whether it be because I didn’t drink enough water or I didn’t exercise enough she is always willing to talk for as long as I need. In regards to the cost I would also have to say that I personally found it very economical compared to the amounts of money I was spending in the past on other food and there is not as much food wastage.
Oh and I just thought I would mention, haha… you say that Tony Fergusons does not teach you about portion control, well my word it does, it most vertainly does. I think that clearly you acutally haven’t done enough research into the program and what it teaches. I am dissapointed that you would be so critical when you haven’t acutally done enough research into what the program teaches.
Hi Kylie,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my article.
I am very happy that you have been successful in losing weight, and are happier and healthier as a result.
However, as I have stated, I cannot endorse a program with blatant inaccuracies, no scientific evidence to support their claims, nor can I be in favour of meal replacements that are not prescribed by a medical doctor.
As for the portion control statement, I was led to believe that this is the case, however I will take into consideration your comments, it may be that some Tony Ferguson consultants are better than others.
I have researched this topic considerably, but I do appreciate comments from those that have already been on the plan – you have the inside information! I do not profess to know everything about the vast array of diet plans out there – this is a near impossible task!!
Hi Felicity,
I think you make a very valid point about the need to look at the reason for weight gain in the first place. This is something most, if not all, diet plans fail to do.
As you said, it’s all about the mind set, sometimes you just aren’t ready to make dietary changes, and it’s wise to take a step back until you are ready.
Do you think more than one psychological assessment would be required for most people?
Hi Melanie
Well the emotional eating has been a struggle for me since I have gone through a rollercoster of emotional things. I still fall off the wagon when bad things happen to me. This is something I am working very hard to change. It is not easy and I guess I have to heal my soul first before I can change this for the better. I am trying though. I am not as bad as I used to be.
Katly’s last blog post..Progress as at 7/7/2008
I’m currently on Tony Ferguson diet plan and I don’t find it restrictive or simply a meal replacement plan. I hate those things, infact I’ve tried the Herbal life etc. and vowed I would never live a life on shakes – and I dont
I have an Espresso flavoured drink in the morning for my breakfast, I never ate breakkie before because Im simply not hungry in the morning. Having this yummy espresso drink on my way to work is great I get the coffee feeling and the nutrition of breakfast. I have fruit mid-morning, Lunch protein and vege/salads, mid afternoon a soup shake – no different from soup n a cup many of my colleagues have (just with extra nutrition), dinner vege/protein and a piece of fruit later on. I also have diet jelly if I fancy it. and if I feel like a snack I make the choice a wise one high in protein low in fat and refined carbs. I realise I have the extra protein meal because my bmi is over 40 – actually it was over 50 when I started and that will drop when I get under 40bmi. But for now, it’s fantastic, it is portion controlled they recommend approx. 120gm protein or the size of your palm, no matter what size your palm is and plenty of vege’s 3 cups minimum a day (the green/yellow/red ones). I believe the plan is totally healthy eating real foods and is very sustainable. It never says you should just drink sachets and that’s it. Oh yes, and there is a maintenance guide when you get to goal to assist in dropping the shakes.
The plan also recommends 20-30min daily exercise.
Ketosis works
As for the supplements – most people I know have a bathroom ’stashed’ with various supplements. I only take the extra fibre and chromium, for the first time in forever I’m ‘regular’ which definately helps.
I feel great. ps I’m loosing approx. 1kg a week which is, at over 140kg, not ultra fast i.e. in my opinion not a fad plan.
I guess like everything, opinions vary and this is just perfect for me.
this is so true…great information
Hi Jim,
It’s good to hear not everyone is a fan of Tony Ferguson!!
Melanie,
TF clients are tought to eat healthy while on the program, the weight management book is one of the keys to program with food guides (which foods are good for you, which ones are bad for you & why) It’s not just a meal replacement, you eat real food (the healthy food) while on the program. Once you have reached your goal weight you then start on the maintence program…this is where the TF counselors sit with you to discuss what your favorite foods are, which ones are healthy, and incorporate these into your daily schedule. You can’t knock the program until you try it. As I’ve seen on TV, Weight Watchers doesn’t seem to teach you about foods, they always show you being able to eat your favorite fatty foods and still lose weight. Doesn’t seem like a good program to me.
Hey Michelle,
I appreciate your comment.
I will look into the Tony Ferguson program again.
Hi,
Just wanted to mention “the other side” of exercise.
Just for ONE MOMENT forget about weight. Weight.Weight.Weight.Weight. Argh!
How about eating to live well?
How about: good cardiovascular fitness? Healthy blood pressure? Reduced risk of chronic illness? Good circulation? Healthy bone density? The PROVEN research that shows exercise can help alleviate the pain of arthritis and fibromyalgia?
EXERCISE AND YOU WILL LIVE A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE.
Do not support an “eating plan” or “food schedule” or anything else by a fancy name that does not support exercising for more than 30 mins a day. I know we are busy.. but seriously. Your heart was built to beat, and your body was built to MOVE!
Hey Elizabeth,
Absolutely LOVED your comment!! Thank you so much…you have really pointed out the fallacy of the dieting world, it’s all about the weight loss…and no one seems to really care about improving quality of life.
It also bothers me that people only ever focus on the calorie content of food.
For me eating is a delicious pleasure in life. I don’t care about the calorie content. Now that’s not to say I don’t try to eat well! But, my focus is always on eating whole healthy foods that taste great. It’s not about eating diet food that tastes like cardboard!
Your comment has inspired me to write a post on this. Thank you!!
Hi,
I am in my 20’s and didn’t have a huge amount to work but in my first year out as a busy teacher I had developed some very unhealthy eating plans where I was eating iiregularly and eating bad foods for a quick fix of energy. Since starting Tony Ferguson I have found the weight loss easy and I have learnt a lot about nutrition. My consultant is fanatstic and I feel confident enough to weigh in every week even if I may have had a function where I ate inappropriately. In terms of the exercise I think that it is unfair to say that we should be exercising a ridiculous amount, some of us don’t have the time and also if you are seriously obese it is a struggle to commit to such exercise routines without risking serious injury. I think Tony has been fantastic for me and as previously stated they assist you in maintaining a healthy weight without meal replacements. I am constantly full and honestly struggle to consume the amount of food recommended. I ahve tried weight watchers and I would eat bad food instead of having meals. Because of the points system if I had had a busy day and I had enough points left I would waste them on bad food late at night which is a terrible habit.
My point is everyone’s weight loss goals are different and lifestyles vary so I don’t think you should judge anyone who is being pro active in their approach. Everybody is different and there is no right way for anyone. My mum has been on the program and she has struggles with many other programs due to her coeliac disease. SHe is able to take shakes in her handbag and if there is no gluten free option for her she can consume a shake instead of something like hot chips which is quite often the only gluten-free option.
Thankyou
…I have found meal replacements a good kickstart, however the real key is to consume less calories than what you expend. FULL STOP!
I’m not giving my real name just in case, ibut if you’d like some insider information feel free to contact me. i’ve worked for Tony Ferguson for 2 years and i’ve been on the program myself.
hi tf is coming to england whats your real thoughts, have family dont wan to be cooking seperate meals
Yes BJ, would be interested to hear more from you.
Melanie you contact me via email the one in this post not the other one.
the program is good for the short term and it is best to check with your doctor before starting this program as it can have some nasty side effects.
After reviewing your blog i find both highly relavant and interesting i will be back regularly to view your new posts.i agree with you that eating healthily is more important than just cutting calories regards Charles Review Weightloss Programs
Thank you!
I have been on the program twice now. I initally lost 7 or 8 kilos but once I stopped the diet I put it all back on in a matter of weeks. The second time I did it (I was on it for about 3 months) I developed anxiety and experinced panic attacks for the first time . Apparently anxiety is increased when you starve you body of carbs, which is what Tony F is all about. It is does work but only a short term solution, I can see why it is tempting to do as you lose the weight really quickly , however it just is not worth it.
Nowdays after my second try on Tony I don’t really ever feel healthy, always seem to have something wrong with me or ill. I am worried it may have harmed my liver. My sister has been on and off it for years and she had some blood taken at the hospital recently and the doctor asked her if she had been on Tony F , apparently he could tell from her blood tests and advised her never to touch it again!
Keep away from it, it will work in the short term but will mess your body up!
K,
Thank you so much for posting your experience with TF. I think we need more people like you to come forward and tell their stories. People are more likely to listen to you than a “health professional” like myself, so thanks for sharing.
I hope you will make a full recovery. It’s truly shocking what you have experienced at a result of this “diet”.
hi
I’m from the uk
The TF diet is being sold here at a pharmacy,
I’m intruged about the diet plan
But I’m a bit put off by the cost one weeks supply is £26
And that’s just for one person
Also the two books I need is £20
Then you have the supplements on top of this and it’s serious money
To pay in a financial crisis
Any info on where to buy the sachets cheaper?
Louise
Hi Alison,
I’m sorry I have no idea where you would get them cheaper. As far as I know they are only sold from pharmacies. Anyway, I honesty wouldn’t recommend this program.
I hate to tell you this but Tony Ferguson does work and is completely safe! I have been doing it for a few years now, it is not hard at all, it helps me stay disciplined and structured. I have 1 day a week of eat what I want (in moderation). I do excersice with it. I am under GP monitoring and I have gone from 19.5 stone to 14.5 stone with 2 stone to go. It comes off at a normal pace not super fast and for someone like me who at times can have issues with self control, a strict diet like this works really well. I have suffered absolutley no ill effects from it, and to be honest feel great all the time, have more energy and never tire of people tellin gme how good I am looking.
Don’t diss a diet you havn’t tried or spoken to people who have been on it.
I congratulate Tony Ferguson for this plan as it has worked wonders for me when nothing else did.
I am always glad to hear that people have found success losing weight. The fact that your GP is monitoring your health is also encouraging. Well done for losing so much and sticking with it.
I don’t believe any one diet suits everyone. And, I believe, for the most part restrictive diets are not a good idea for most of the population. That said, liquid diets do have their place, as long as they are monitored by a health professional, and you have a plan in place for when you stop using the products.
For those who want to know you can also order the products in bulk cheaper then the pharmacy direct from the website if you are already a member from your local pharmacy that sell it. You will get a member number on a card when you by the start up manual.
Hi.
I’ve just seen loads of advertising for this diet in the UK.
At first I was sceptical about meals being replaced by shakes and liquid foods and the apparant lack of carbs. I totally agree that eating things in moderation and exercising should be the way forward and cutting out complete food groups is unhealthy and dangerous.
On further investigation through talking to the lady promoting it and looking at the information I found that it doesn’t cut out any food groups but does limit the ones which if over eaten will stop/reduce the rate you can lose weight even if eating/exercising responsibly.
I am in my mid 20’s and have yo-yo’d (by a stone) with my weight for various reasons. I have read numerous articles and books about healthy eating and how different food groups affect the body. I exercise regularly but sometimes get a little slack, like any normal person and yet I remain at about a stone overweight. My body is fairly fit and I have a fair amount of muscle but no matter what I do I still can’t shift the excess fat.
I am seriously considering trying this diet purely because of the reasons I’ve stated above and because I feel I have researched nutrition enough to maintain my weight once I stop the diet. The lady recommended that I would probably only need to do this for 2-3weeks to get the results I want. I know this sounds like a quick fix but I felt this was a more honest and less pressured approach as I’m not looking to lose much than other diet plans claim to do.
If you are interested I can let you know my findings.
I think it’s incredibly important to have sites like this where people can gain information on new products that only have ’success stories’ for us to go by.
Hi Molly,
Thanks for your comments.
It sounds like you are approaching this is a sensible manner. I would however suggest that you discuss taking the meal replacement shakes with your doctor first, just to be on the safe side. That’s always a good idea if you are doing something a bit different, and your doctor will know if there are any underlying health reasons why you shouldn’t attempt a diet like this.
Anyway, I would be happy to hear from you again regarding this.
Hi Melanie
Iam 67 years old and live in Australia. As a long term vegetarian and whole food fan I have been very wary of diets with shakes instead of real food. However, in desperation after using WW many times, I decided to try the Tony Ferguson diet. Surprise, surprise! It really works. I am losing 1/2 – 1 kg per week and I feel healthy and well satisfied. My blood pressure is coming down (I am being monitored by my doctor). I am eating heaps of real food on the TF diet. The fairly restricted list of foods is great for me as I am an emotional eater. I know just what I can have or not have. I am converted after years of disapproval of this form of dieting. The support is great. UK people your luck is in now that TF has arrived in your country. It is a modified carbohydrate diet, not a no carbohydrate diet. I have found it cheaper as I am not spending anywhere near as much at the supermarket. Mainly just fruit, vegs, healthy oils and daily protein source. Ignore the prejudice and give it a try.
Marian,
It’s interesting to hear from you on the TF diet. I think the fact that you are being monitored by your doctor is very important too continue, just to be on the safe side.
This Program Is great.i myself and alot of my friends have done this program and the results i have seen have blown my mind. i agree meal replacements arn’t for everyone. But this program isn’t just all about meal replacements. you are shown the difference between LOW & HIGH Gi foods you are encouraged to eat fruit and Veg and lean meat and plenty of water, Exercise is encouraged! tony ferguson is a pharmacist and works with dietitians and nutrionists to ensure the program meets all requirements. the program is alot about lifestyle change not just a diet and once you have reached your goal there is a maintanace plan for poeple to use as a guide to keep the weight off. But once you lose the weight you must make those changes because yes the program works but if your going to go back to all the fatty foods and big portions that you had prior well thats on you. i love seeing all the testimonials and there are 1000’s,i personaly like to see results and this program delivers.
So please do discourage people from trying it,as you said there isn’t one program that suits everyone but tony ferguson program might just suit them.
Jenna,
I appreciate your thoughts on the program. I do understand some people will find it very useful. I’m just concerned about those who go on this plan and don’t look after their health, or check in with their doctor, etc.
Hi, I’m an Aussie that’s done TF twice. I lost 28kg the first time I did it, fell pregnant, and then lost 35kg the second time. I’ve been off the diet completely (got sick of shakes eventually) and still loosing weight for a long time thanks to the lessons about healthy eating and the healthy habits that it taught me.
At the end of the day, anyone who’s sceptical or pooh-pooh’s meal replacement diets won’t reap the benefits of it and that’s their loss. But I hardly think someone that hasn’t tried it has a right to knock it. Just my two cents worth
As a registered dietitian, I don’t need to go on a diet to know it’s unnecessary and potentially dangerous for some people. I will remain sceptical about any diet that encourages people to drink shakes for meals — a real, whole food approach is much healthier. Just my two cents worth
Maybe it’s just that as a registered dietitian your a little more concerned about the clients you’re going to lose to the Tony Ferguson program because most people would rather spend $20 for all the support they need and the tools to lose weight and keep it off the shakes are really good value, instead of spending $100’s on a dietitian that’s gunna sit and talk about scientific facts. Shouldn’t you just be happy people are on here telling you that they have lost weight and keeping it off and making those Healthy Changes? I think what gem is trying to say is how can you knock it if you haven’t experienced all the info and support that the Tony Ferguson program offers there is alot more than just reading their web site. I know a dietitian that actually gets her clients to go in and buy the shakes because with the busy life’s most people have it is better than missing a meal or grabbing something unhealthy , my doctor was the one that recommended it to me, i know he had his own diet he was recomending and it was very similar to the tony ferguson only his shakes were less in calories than the tony ferguson and there was no way i gunna go in there everyweek and pay $50 to see him so he could weigh me. the only people bagging this diet are deititians who are losing customers and people that want to blame everything else for their poor deit and lifestyle choices.
Jenna,
I assure you, I am not concerned about losing clients to Tony Ferguson. I completely understand why someone would rather spend $20 over $100, and if you noted my comments above, I’ve already stated that I’m happy that people are able to lose weight.
But, as I’ve said, getting your doctors support is important with a plan like this, and it’s great when people do that. I’m more concerned for those who go on meal replacement plans, with no input for their doctor. Unfortunately, not everyone will be as sensible about it as you have been.
Hi my name is Angelica and I live in the UK. I come accross Tony Fergusson in my local Pharmacy Boots.
Lately I have been watching the programme big meets bigger. And after watching that programme I said I need to do something about my weight. When I came accross Tony Fergusson I said I need to buy this.
I join the programme on the 29th of July 2010 and there is nothing much to say apart from the eating plan is great and is healty and in the future after 2 weeks I can re -introduce other foods again but this time you eat them porpotionately i.e if you use to take shakes you can drink 200 or 250 ml of milk with bits of blueberry or with 2 slice of brown toast. I weight 15st 4lb which is 97.5 Kg and I am frustated with my weight as I use to weight 8-9st which is 55 – 60 KG but due to sudden illness I gainned 5 st in 3 weeks taking me from size 8 – 10 to a size 20-22 ( caused by steroides given by Doctors) and it was increasing ever since but I manage to keep it under control when I told Doctors that I couldn’t take anymore what they were given as it was causing internal bleeding. Too much weight for a short time of period. In fact I had reach 101 kg.
I am giving a try on this diet just to shed a bit more of weight, alongside it I do cycle everyday to work and walk a bit. But once a week I am planing to walk the hills which is far more painful after a normal walk. Is so frustating when you use to be size 8- 10 and you could wear anything and being overweight doesn’t allow you to pick and choose what to wear. so its time for me to do something about it.
Joinning the programme helps you get back on track speacially eating regular healty meals and eating on time. Eating on time is something that I use to do until I move to Uk and move out of my parents house. We use to have regular healty eating plans. Mum always had a varied range of meals such as meat, fish, soups it was always part of our daily meals. We had soup for lunch and soup for dinners 3 course meal every day and I was 45 kg until i was 22 years old and we ate 5 times a day. Breafast, lunch, mid afternoon we had panckages, rice pudding, fruit , dinner and before sleep a glass of milk with cookies or toast. But off course we were also very active children, we were in gymnastics, athetics, basket, football, voleyball, lots of activities until I was 19 years old and than I move to another country and everything stopped.
I don’t intend to stay on this shakes and tablets my all life. I do have my vitamins time and time because I think sometimes you need them just to help your body to pick up again specially if you feel your body is lacking energy or you had a flu. Is good to take them but to give a break also. I love soup, therefore I will be making as I normally do my home made soups, with the unlimited vegettables that TF said that we can eat. I think it will be much healtier like that. Perhaps only have TF soup if you have to travel and you don’t want to eat junk during your trip just a shake or soup will do.
Tony Fergusson diet can be quite costly I will let you know if it really works or its all a fad.
Hi my your story is similar to Angelicas. Having battled with asthma and been put on steroids for the last few years I have shot up to 16 stone 3 pounds. Previously the heaviest I’ve been was 13 stone when I was 9 months pregnant! I have tried various methods of losing weight (slimming world, detox in a box, lighter life, own plan of healthy eating and exercise) but none have worked due to time, health and will power constrictions. I have chose to start the Tony F diet on 1 Aug 2010 and have found it very easy to follow. Contrary to what most people percieve the Tony F diet consists of both supplements and “real Food” and the whole idea of the programme is to educate you as to what are low Gi and high Gi foods and what are healthy portion sizes. During the initial weightloss phase you have two supplements a day mixed with low gi fruit and veg and you have a proper meal made up of a portion of protein and veg, you are encouraged to have several portions of medium gi fruit and veg through the week. The weight loss phase lasts for a suggested minimum of two weeks and then you do a transition phase for a suggested period of 4 weeks during which you gradually replace the supplements with real food, until you start the maintenance phase where you eat real food in portion sizes. This is the first diet I have come across which I believe can teach me to eat sensible portions at regular times during the day. The protion sizes ststed all match up with the ones given on the UK government healthy eating site, but in the Tony F they are just given in more detail and with suggested meal plans for whole months.
Melanie I think you are correct that no one diet plan suits every one and to be wary of diets that are completely suplements, But I believe the Tony F diet will give me a break from emotional eating and allow me to gradually learn to eat meals made up of sensible potions of Protien, carbohydrates and Fats.
I will let you know how I progress.
Hi Katy,
Thanks for your comments. I look forward to hearing about your progress — please do fill me in
Hi Angelica,
Thanks for updating me on your progress with the TF diet. How are things going for your now? Are you finding it doable?
I think that Tony’s program is far to expensive. Searching for ultimate best of the best method is useless. People should actually do something with theirs body and diet, rather than search for as quick and effective miracle diet(pills,operations etc) as possible. You have to change your habits if you want to win better body!
.-= Steven “The Weight Loss Diet Program Man” Stilland´s last blog ..Is it more effective to work out before or after you eat =-.
Thanks Steven, you echo some of my own thoughts there too.