Slim-Fast: An Interview With Andrea

Last week I had the opportunity to send a few questions to Andrea Gulley-Robinson. Andrea was selected by Slim-Fast earlier this year (out of thousands) to feature in their TV commercials. This came after Slim-Fast finished it's alliance with actress Whoopi Goldberg and opted to use real success stories.

As expected Andrea is very positive about Slim-Fast. The answers here are directly from Andrea and are completely unedited.

Diet-Blog: When did you decide to start losing weight with Slim Fast?
Andrea: I started the plan January of 2000. It took two years to get to 150lbs, because I wanted to lose the weight but not rapidly. All studies state that you do not want to lose weight quickly. Because I did it that way I did not end up with a lot of stretch marks.

When were you satisfied that you had lost enough weight?
I was happy just to reach a size 20 and before I knew it I was down to a 150 pounds. My mother came to visit and stated that I was too thin for my body frame. That we I looked at myself again and realized that she was right. For the past three years I have remained a size 10 and 165 pound. I love to wear designer clothing like Baby Phat, Jordan and Sean John. :-) That is just another one of my rewards from either myself or my husband for keeping the weight off.

Have you managed to maintain the weight since you were first featured in the slim-fast ads?
Yes I have been able to maintain my weight since the commercial. It is very easy once you have made up your mind to do so.

What do you think of the taste of the Slim-Fast foods? Some people find the taste atrocious!
I like all the products that Slim Fast has on it's line. The peanut butter crunch is my version of a butterfinger. And the peanut nuggat bar is a snicker and boy are both of those bars good. But far as the method I chose I'm a shake girl.

Do you like the newer Optima program?
I like the Optima Plan even though I lost all my weight on the original shakes. Most people that I have spoken to say they did not like the plan because it was a shake instead of food.

Now I encourage them to visit the web-site because the new plan now allows individuals to drink a shake and incorporate food. I also let them know that there are many features on the site such as meal ideas, buddy system, weight loss chart and speaking with a real live dietitian and much more. It is important to have a support system while dieting especially on those days when you just want to give up.

Do you prefer shakes or bars or what?
I love the cappuccino delight and for a change in taste I'll drink a strawberries and cream. Which reminds me of strawberry quick:-)

How much does exercise play a part of your life? And what sort of exercise do you do (cardio, weights, etc)?
Exercise plays a major part in any diet that an individual may choose. Even 30 minutes of walking every other day will show results. Myself I own an ab lounge, gazelle, total gym and a weight bench. I am more prone to use the gazelle and ab lounge due to the fact one trims the hips and it's just as fun as Tony Little makes it look and the other slims the waist and is not hard on the back.

Do you feel you will be taking Slim-Fast products for ever or will you (or have you) wean off them?
The job that I have is very busy at times and with drinking my shake I know that my body is getting what it needs. I am sure that I could because the Slim Fast diet has shown me how to eat right and feel great. But at this time I am a die hard Slim Fast girl and will share my story with all who would like to learn about the diet. And I am hoping to be able to work with the team again on another project.

At Diet-Blog I try to present a fair and balanced view of the world of weight loss (which at times is very difficult). Slim fast have been criticized for making products that are high in sugar (particularly before Optima), and many people feel suspicious of the big diet companies. Is it fair for us to feel this way or are we just all looking for excuses?
Slim Fast is a diet program that has listened to it's consumer. One reason why the Optima Plan was designed is because of the consumer. Most people stated they missed food and the sugar content was high. That is why it is now made with Splenda and you can eat six times a day. And they understand that losing weight is challenging. That's why they have a FREE SUPPORT CENTER with a wealth of information and tools to help the individual achieve their goal. The consumer can even contact them for FREE get started material.

What message would you like to give to all those who are struggling with their weight and struggling to figure out what sort of diet they should be following?
I would like to let people know if they are serious about a diet and have tried others with NO SUCCESS to please try Slim Fast. It is a healthy way to lose weight and will make them feel GREAT. When I was a size 22 I did not think anything would work for me. And you see all the ads showing skinny minies, which on some people is fine. But everyones body is different and so is weight loss. Individuals do not need to feel like they can not achieve a healthy weight loss.
____________________________________________________
Congratulations Andrea on an amazing transformation. It's nice to get the real story rather than the edited ads.

NOTE: The Slimfast plan can be followed here at ediets.com

More like this in Diets and Success Stories · Jul 20, 2005

Comments

Adam Wilk on 07/21/05

I'm glad she found something that worked for her and that's she's happy. Good interview and nice pictures.
It's an easy, fast way to lose weight, if you can get past the hunger pangs and the lack of chewing on food during the day. (if you do the shakes for breakfast and lunch or whichever two meals you replace)
The tough part is when we've met our goal weight and really have to begin focusing on eating real food again.
I wish her the best--hope she does well.
Adam

Delana on 06/05/08

Hello, I am 21 years old and 155lbs. That is the most I have EVER WEIGHED. I'm getting married in Jan. and want to get down to 125lbs. Do you think that is possible? I am so depressed because even my 'fat pants' don't fit anymore. I am 5'6. I also want to lose some weight before I go to the beach in a couple of weeks. I think I will start slim fast tomorrow. Any suggestions? I tried just eating smaller portions and healthier and nothing is working. I need an easy diet plan. My life is too crazy for anything complicated. Thanks

Mama on 07/22/05

Slim-Fast works, no doubt about it. It was my second, err, third (?) most successful weight loss method. The problem lies in when you eat food again in a normal fashion. Instant weight regain. Slim-Fast also suggests you use the product daily to "maintain."

Bencze on 07/25/05

Then it doesn't really work, does it?

Hopeful on 03/05/06

yeah, it works its just that if you go and replace the slim fast shake with a shake from mcdonalds which has a load of calories then you'll just get fat again. with any diet you do, if you aren't eating carbs youll gain all the weight back, but slim fast lets you include bread products in their plan and gives you the vitamins you need to stay healthy while your doing it.

RL Mitchell on 07/18/06

I'm currently using a modified metaboliccontrol/Slim Fast program. That is to say I do Slim Fast one day and eat a controlled meal program the next. The day I eat I usually consume 1000-1200. I don't watch fat grams or carbohydrates with any great scrutiny, I just try to follow the old food triangle. A bread, a portion of meat, couple of vegetables for the main meal and actually things I enjoy for the others. Apples, cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, onions, maybe a loose leaf lettuce salad. My job is such it is hard to even eat one meal a day so the Slim Fast day it is actually easy to keep to. For the the eating day, I used to just grab a sandwich or two (or fast food burgers/fries) and eat them on the way to work. I use the powder mix, non-fat dry milk and a lot of ice, blend it together and it makes a nice thick milk shake, if you use one of those little refrigerator based-manual ice cream freezers, it is tremendous. I occasionally put my packet of Vitamin C supplement in it, it's orange flavored and that combined with the vanilla makes a nice "dreamscicle" flavor. 18 pounds in 5 weeks...

reed on 10/28/06

well training to go into the army, a friend of mine who is a air force TACP, came up with a excercise & eating plan which works better then any fade, waste of time crash diet like slim fast
1. excercise: mon-wed-fri- pushups, bicycle crunches, situps, leg lifts, flutter kicks, 2 mile run- tue-thur-sat 2 mile run
2. meals: oatmeal breakfast- lunch turkey sandwich, fruit- dinner sensible meal
3. water: 1 liter every hour
its a easy formulla: eat healthy no soda pop, work out avoid diets like slim fast adkins south beach
i started 265 pound 6 month later 175 and kept it off.

jennifer on 01/14/07

I want to lose about 10 pounds in a month or less. After trying to "portion" my food and all that other bs, I realized I was always giving in to indulgences. I feel very uncomfortable in my own body and my jeans don't fit me anymore. I do admit I've "let loose". I am eyeing the Slimfast diet as a last resort. I heard it's a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner. Is this true? If so, does it work? I plan on trying it in about 3 weeks. Please give me your suggestions!!!!!

michele on 05/07/08

I've been doing Slim Fast for the past three months. I've lost a total of 12 pounds so far and have six more to lose. I use a combo of the shakes and meal bars. I think it has definitely helped me to see what I eat in a different way. I concentrate more on veggies and fruits and am loving it. I feel great, too. They also have a promotion now where you can collect points and turn them in for a credit card to spend on a new wardrobe. I am very happy with Slim Fast.

Andrea Gulley-Robinson on 02/12/07

Jennifer,

You can do it with slim fast very easy. You must remember that no diet will work without physical activity. If you visit the slim fast web site, it will help you detail out a program to fit your needs. It has been six years since I was 235lbs and now I eat what I want when I want. But it's all about the portions and getting right back on track if you give yourself one day a week to eat what you what.

TJ on 03/21/07

Where do the clothes come from that are worn in the commercials? What brand? The red halter dress and the red halter baby doll top...I love them.

caroline on 04/18/07

hello i've been on a slim fast diet i was 10stone 9 pounds and now im 9 stone

Andy on 05/02/07

>hello i've been on a slim fast diet i was 10stone 9 pounds and now im 9 stone
I don't believe that any diet can help you to keep fit.
I use ab lounger and keeping my weight on normal level.

Sarah on 08/05/07

Hi, i have just started doing slim fast - and will be swimming 30 lengths of a medium sized pool at leat 3 x a week plus I am going to take up Aikido martial arts. I want to lose 20kgs - roughly how long do you think it will take me? Thanks.

Michael on 08/05/07

I did the Slim-Fast diet during the summer of 1990 and lost almost 100 lbs in 4 months....but it all came back and then some over the following 10 years, ive struggled since then..... Slimfast does not teach you to eat to live. Body for Life is the way to go.... Ive lost 50 lbs since 2003 and it is coming off slow but more importantly it is staying off.

Linda on 09/03/07

I started Slim Fast 2 weeks ago and I have lost 15lbs so far. I like to put my can of SF in the freezer for about an hour and I have a nice slushee. The shake satisfies my sweet tooth and fills meis the easiest diet I have ever undertaken. I drink 3 a day and eat a sensible meal once a day. Having been at least 100lbs for many years and developing life threatening conditions due to obesity has motivated to get the weight off.

Demetria on 09/03/07

Great job Linda on the sf diet! I am more than 100 lbs. overweight and looking for something that really works. Hopefully I can have results similar to yours.

Tarita on 09/13/07

Hi. When I was in the UK, I tried the Slim-Fast vanilla shake and to be truthful with you, I REALLY REALLY LOVED IT. Too bad that they dont stock it up in my country! Before I went to work I would drink a can of the Vanilla shake and it lasted me till noon without having any urge to snack in between. I'd have a normal portion of lunch and then I'd have another can of the Slim-ast Vanilla shake for dinner. I chose to do it that way instead of having the shakes for breakfast and lunch and then have a meal for dinner because I found that it worked better having the shake for dinner. I'd suggest anyone who wants to go on the Slim-Fast diet to opt for the Vanilla shake as it tastes really pleasant, compared to the other flavours. All the best!

P/s: Oh ya, did I mention that I went from a size UK10 to a UK8 in less than 2 months?

emma on 10/18/07

I am desperate to lose weight for xmas how much can I lose on the slim fast plan if I start it now? I currently weigh 11st 8lbs

Marcia on 01/02/08

I did Slim Fast 7 years ago, and lost 80 pounds, the weight does stay off as long as you watch what you eat. I used a shake for Breakfast or Lunch and then ate balance meals, and sometimes, not so balanced. The plan really does work.

I went off Slim Fast 3 years ago, and I will tell you the weight does come back on, if you don't keep the basic food knowledge that we have. (1) Fast food does not do you any favors. (2) Snacks and desserts should be kept to a minimum. I used to have one great dessert a week. Water is very important, as is walking. I know now, that I became very lazy and quit walking, ate at fast food restaurants and thought I needed a dessert at lunch and dinner.

I must say, it is our own fault that we gain the weight back. If you continue to eat sensibly and do excersize the weight will stay off. I kept it off for 4 years.

annmarie on 01/06/08

well people wish me luck im starting the slim fast diet in the morning!! yay really looking forward to it and i hope and pray it works

Anewmein2008 on 01/08/08

Hello,
I just started a serious diet with slim fast yesterday. I prepared myself by cutting down on junk, carbs and alcohol for one week prior. I needed a serious detox after the holidays. I have 60 lbs. to lose. I am drinking a shake for breakfast and lunch and eating a low carb vegetarian meal for dinner. I am trying to drink as much water as possible and for a treat I have a diet coke. It is only day two and I must say it has been a lot easier than I thought it would be. The shakes are really tasty and quite satisfying. I am also using a pedometer to get 10,000 steps in a day and tomorrow morning I will start doing Billy Blanks Tae Bo. I know that this is going to have to be a complete lifestyle change rather than a quick temporary fix. I am hoping to achieve my goal by the summer.

CRYSTAL on 01/08/08

Hey,
I also just started this week on Monday and so far so good.I'm trying the Optima shakes for breakfast and lunch and a Lean Cuisine or something similar for supper. So far so good, tomorrow I start my exercise regimine. Wish me luck with that! I have tried so many different diets, weight watchers (worked well), Jenny Craig (worked well, good food , way too much $$) so now I'm gonna try Slim Fast. I like that the breakfast and lunch meals can be done so easily......will probably have days when I get home from work and want to eat the entire refrigerator, but I'm really hoping not. I would like to lose 50 pounds by my 40th birthday on June 22, do you think it's do-able??? Sure hope so!

Donna Peery on 01/09/08

Hello, I just want you to know that I think Slim Fast is the best thing that ever happened to me. I never had to worry about my weight until I turned 40 years old. In April of 2007 I realized I have to do something about my weight. I am 5'4" tall and weighed 184 lbs. I was very unhappy about myself and was not interested in going to any of my work functions during the holidays or even going out. I just stayed home. I have two beautiful daughters who are very concerned with what they look like and I felt very fat around them. I knew I had to do something so I made up my mind and bought Slim Fast. I love the taste of the Optima shake (chocolate) At the beginning I would have a shake in the morning and a shake in the afternoon. I then would eat a sensible dinner. I also started a 30 minute workout 5-6 days a week. I was determined to lose the weight. It has been 9 months and I have lost 46 lbs and down to a size 4 from a size 12-14. I feel great. I never thought I could do this. Now that I am at where I want to be, I still have a shake in the morning and I eat a light lunch, salad or sandwich and sensible dinner. I never get tired of the taste of Slim Fast. My daughters are very proud of what I have accomplished and I feel so much better about myself.

tabitha on 01/11/08

I am a 28 year old nursing student with 3 children under the age of 5. My life is crazy. I was once in the Army, and I got used to the everyday work and structure. Once I got out my body couldn't handle all of the food I was eating. I also had 2 kids back to back and recently another one. I have started to really hate my body. I need a change. I will start the slim fast diet on Mon. I hope to loose about 60 lbs. I don't really have a time frame. I just want to like my body again.

Bates on 01/15/08

I started the SF diet on January 1, 2008 and I am happy to say that to date I have lost 11lbs. I have a shake for breakfast & lunch and then I eat a sensible dinner. I am finding that I am not snacking in between meals maybe because of all the water that I drink. I love this diet...It is perfect for my busy schedule. I also love the peanut butter crunch snack bars it feels like I'm eating candy bar. I also do 30 minutes of cardio at least 3 times a week and some light weight training. Thanks SF, my body and husband thank you too ;D

Tashara on 01/19/08

Hi, I am a 19 year old nursing student who started the Slim Fast diet on January 03, 2008. I have tried dieting so many times before but have always failed. However with the SF diet, I never feel hungry, so there is no need to snack in between. I have a shake for breakfast, a light lunch (usually a bowl of kellogg cereal or a sandwich with yogurt), and a sensible dinner. I do Taebo every other day and I am happy to say as of January 16, 2008 I have lost 10 lbs and still counting. I really feel as though this program is working and quite easy, to be honest.

Joe on 01/21/08

I will be starting my Slim Fast Shake Diet today, Im currently at 215 LBS and I want to be 160 LBS so I got a lot of work ahead! Hopefuly I will lose it in 2 months.

Hannah on 01/24/08

Hi! I really need to lose about 50 pounds by the summer becaue I'm going to a beach camp for cross country. If you've seen cross country runners, they are THIN and FIT! I however am not and went I go to the beach with them I want to be able to wear a bikini and not look awful standing beside the little girls:-) I'm 16 and 5'8 and weighing about 170... do you think I'll be able to have a shake for breakfast, a bar for lunch, and a normal meal for dinner that I'll be able to lose the weight by then?

Thanks! Hearing all your weight loss successes makes me really confident!

Oh and since I eat lunch at school I can't have a shake cause it wouldn't stay cold so that's why I have to eat a bar.

thanks again!

samantha on 01/30/08

hi i started slimfast this morning i had a shake for breakfast vegi soup for lunch and super noodles for tea at 6 0clock i have got the powder sf are you suppost to drink 2 shakes a day then or is it up to the individual thanks samxx

Kelsey on 02/08/08

In Oct 2007 I decided I needed a change. I weighed in at my highest of 175 lbs. I stopped eating junk food and soda and walked 30 min a day. I lost 15 lbs doing this. In January I weighed 160lbs. I decided to start Slim Fast on Jan 12th. It's been little less than a month and I have lost ten more lbs. Slim Fast works but you have to keep up the hard work when you're done with slim fast. It's all about eating good things in good proportions.

Amanda on 05/05/08

When I was in college, I started to get on a fast food dependency due to lack of time and having it in close proximity on campus. After a while I read up on Slim Fast and found out it's actually a really good meal for you.

I started taking two cans of Slim Fast (I like the Chocolate Royale shake) and putting them in my bag before a long day on campus. I really didn't use it for the weight loss benefits but instead just as a quick way to have an actual meal on the go. It worked great, and although the rest of my lifestyle didn't change, it did lose about 5 lbs doing this (added benefit!).

Once I got my first job and was still short on time, I started doing the same for breakfast and lunch. I wasn't on a regular plan, and many times I left the shake in the fridge and opted for fast food with coworkers. Still, having the shake on hand was an excellent thing for me. Although I didn't lose weight, I maintained my current weight.

If you're very busy and always on the go, try what I did and get a few cases of the shakes and keep them on hand. In my experience, it's probably a great weight loss method, but it's an awesome weight maintenance method.

Delana on 06/05/08

Tonya Thomas on 06/05/08

Delana,

Go to the slimfast website. They have lots of great pointers and the plan has changed a lot. I would start slimfast and working out immediately.

Slim-Fast: An Interview With Andrea

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