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lee
Newbie
1 Posts
5/29/2008 7:33:39 PM |  How do I go about quiting Herbal magic?
Pleas let me know; Im going on to my third month and it feels like my money is getting sucked out of me. I have not baught any add on's thank god. I thought that I was the only one that felt that way.
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guest
5/15/2008 1:47:45 PM | i joined herbal magic on a whim in feb 2008 after seeing my brother-in-law lose 40 pounds in 3 months. it cost me $650 to join + $350 for the starter pack. This "starter pack" included:
- 1 weeks worth of "wm-2000"
- 1 months worth of "chro-magic"
- a faux-leather bound binder to hold your food diary entries, food portion examples, some calendar pages and coupons.
- 1 plastic food scale
- a pill holder
- 2 sample HM shakes
- 1 box of sample HM food bars (contained 6)
- 1 bottle of herbal magic food seasoning
- 1 water bottle
- 1 HM branded bag
additional bottles of the wm-2000 cost $50 (weekly cost)
additional bottles of the chromagic cost $25 (monthly cost)
after 10 days, i cancelled under the Consumer Protection Act. I was able to get the $650 back, but the $350 starter kit cost and the additional $50 bottle of wm-2000 was not refundable.
why did i cancel?
first, the the cost of the pills was overpriced. i researched the ingredients in the wm-2000 bottle and was able to put together an assortment of pills with the same ingredients for a fraction of the price. a one-week bottle of wm-2000 cost $50. i was able to go to GNC and get the same ingredents that would last a MONTH for $25. the chro-magic (containing 200mg of chronium) costs $25 for 100 pills at HM. i could buy the same 100 pills with the same dosage for $8 at GNC.
second, i did not feel that the visits helped me anymore than just researching on the internet. the food plan that they gave me was the same as that endorsed by the canada health food guide. it didn't help that one of the employees at this location was a trainee and really did not know a lot of things.
and third, when i brought up the idea of cancelling, i was made to feel like i was throwing away my chance to lose weight and that i would not be able to do it on my own. that i would fail if i left the program.
well, 3 months later, i have lost 40 pounds. on my own, thank you very much. i have stuck to the food plan (again, this can be retrieved from the canada food guide) and added a couple of other things to do:
- i eat smaller portions (using a smaller plate helps)
- i eat more freqently (5-6 times a day)
- i eat my grains earlier in the day so my body still has the rest of the day to burn it off
- i try not to eat after 7pm
- i take a multivitamin every day
- i keep a food diary and weigh myself every day at the same time.
i have stopped taking all off the pills that i put together from GNC except the brindal berry (a.k.a. garcinia cambogia). this is the appetite suppression ingredient that is found in the wm-2000. in my research, there has been no scientifc proof that this stuff actually works, and it just may be all phsycological, but it seems to work for me, so why mess with what works? (a bottle 100 pills of brinall berry at GNC costs $20 - lasts a month). i was taking hoodia at first, which also seemed to work for me, but i found that it was too expensive ($20 for 40 pills - lasts about 2 weeks)
i still want to lose another 15-20 pounds and i hope to lose my brindal berry crutch soon. also, i was able to lose the weight without exercising, so when i start to plataeu, i will add some exercise to the mix to jump start the weight loss again.
now, one of the other things HM markets is the ability for them to help in terms of weight maintenance. when i reach my goal weight, i plan to turn to the canada health food guide to adjust my food intake to focus on maintenance and not weight loss. luckily, my health insrance from work covers 50% of the cost of registered dieticians, so if i need some initial help, i could go that way (fyi, i reseached this too, and the of a 30 minute session with a registered dietician averages about $50)
with that said, if you are looking to lose weight, you do not need to spend thousands of dollars. but you do need to decide this is what you want to do and work at it, and stick with it. i haven't been all military about sticking to the plan. there have been days where i eat chips and there have been days when i go out with my husband and eat more than i should have. but i stick with it for the most part. what helps is to calculate your moving average of your day to day weight. so long as that trendline is going down, then you are good. ;)
HM was not for me as i felt like i was getting ripped off in the pills and advice department. However, if you want to look at it as a service where you will get a personal cheerleader for support and encouragement, then maybe this is for you. Just remember that thier pills are not magic at all, nor is thier food plan something you could not formulate on your own.
If you already have someone to support and encourage you when you need it, then you don't need Herbal Magic. because really, in my oppionion, that is the only thing they are validly selling.
fyi:
starting weight: 195
current weight: 155
goal weight: 135
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Dooda
Newbie
1 Posts
4/30/2008 6:57:19 PM | Hi, I never thought taking off the weight was so easy! At least this is something working compared to nothing at all on your own. I have a way too big appetite for sweet and salty food, I joined to help control it first place then to maintain a healthy weight. I know it costs a lot, but have you tried other diets like Dr. Bernstein? You have to go 3 times a week with first urine, take injections and pay a lot of money. ONce you stop, you are in big trouble, I gained double what I lost and since then (for 5 years) I can't lose it. I am going to give this a shot, I know I am eating more calories then what I was eating with Dr. B diet.
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gizmodude
Newbie
1 Posts
4/25/2008 9:46:10 PM |  Its all about personal choice, people! Its what works for the individual. Everyone is looking for the "quick fix", the least amount of effort for the most results! I have been overweight for 22yrs and I am on Herbal Magic. Its not just about the suppliments or the restrictive diet..its about regaining controll and discipline in ones life about what we shove into our mouths..I am sick and tired hearing people whine about this method or that method..pick something that works for you , get off the friggen sofa and stop shoving 3-4 slices of pizza down your throat!In most cases ( I know some folks have medical conditions ) the change is up to you and if its Herbal Magic or some other program that's going to help you not only lose weight but re-train your thinking about food and what you should eat, make you more knowledgeable about proper food choices, then so be it!
All I can say to all those who complain and whine in these forums, is get off your A** and make a choice for better health. Its a tough road at first but it does get easier and the rewards of better self-esteem and health are priceless!!
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ANNE
Newbie
1 Posts
3/13/2008 2:55:17 PM |  I am currently in HM program. I lost over 20 lbs. over 16 weeks. I lost over 40 lbs last year with LA Weightloss clinic. I did like th LA program a lot better than HM. I ate more and had enough energy to workout and sculpt my body with the diet. With HM, I don't have the energy enough to do a good workout everyday. I feel hungry before bed and I am not loosing as fast as I did with LA. I gained about 15 lbs. after I did LA and wanted to give this other program a try. However, after a few $$thousand dollars$$ spent, I am at a plateau. To break the plateau I have re-signed for another 16 weeks and will have to buy more pills to break it. Well, I am doing this for me and I don't want to finish it half way. I have another 20 lbs I want to do till I am satisfied. I am going to work with this program till I reach it. However, I wouldn't suggest it to a freind as it is too costly and I really don't know how all these pills will effect me later. I am suffering from severe constipation and acid reflux. My doctor is not too happy with me and these pills. So, just another few weeks and I am going to stick to the program as best as I can. I would suggest LA if you want a balance meal plan and have a bit of flavour, and also if you can afford it. If not, like the many other members have said again and again, just follow the Canadian food guide, excersise, and eat small meals at the proper times. Enjoy your life while you do it and try to socialise. I hid for weeks and that set me up for failure my first time. Now I know how and how much I can eat and what will types of food can make me gain. Please keep in mind that there are soo many people you can help with the money you'll be giving away at HM. Help your self, and your family and do it together, eat right, excersise and take the money you'll save in the long run and go on a well deserved vacation.
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behindtheshadow
Newbie
1 Posts
3/10/2008 1:16:51 PM | Hi,
My husband has been using herbal magic for 21/2 months now. I just see every visit at least 50 to 150 dollars charged on the credit card. he has lost 22 lbs. He is happy about the program, and the weight lose. He also works out AT Least 1 hour a day and has almost stopped drinking. (He still has his moments) He eats better.
I have noticed his moods are extremely angry. I have my concerns what is in the supplements. He is especially cranky the day he weights in. He doesn't eat breakfast works out and like I said the littlest things will make him angry.
Not sure if it is the suppliments, the lack of food, the stress of weighting in, or not as much alcohol???
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crazyone
Newbie
1 Posts
2/26/2008 9:14:53 AM |  I just canceled my agreement with them under the Consumer Protection Act. It is indeed almost $300 a month. The weekly supplements are $54 and there is one for $25 a month...and this does not include any other add-ons.
It is simply too restrictive, not feasible in the long term, and is too low in calories.
The side effect, constipation, for me was horrible.
I have lost 95 on weight watchers and in the last four years gained 40 back. I thought HM would be fast and efficient, but to me, it is not worth it. Not by a long shot.
My hats off to those who are able to stick to it, and better, keep it off.
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Cooki
Newbie
1 Posts
2/10/2008 7:33:06 AM | I joined HM three months ago and lost the 20 lbs that I wanted to in 2.5 months. I am very happy with the results and the people that work there. My concerns are 2 health ones.
First I have been constipated since I started the program and nothing except a laxative will get me moving. I find them very hard on my system.
I have tried everything from fiber, fruit, hot water and many different cleansers but I just get backed up till I take a strong herbal laxative to clear the way.
The other is I have developed sever acid reflux since I joined. I can't say a 100% it is the product that has created this problem but I have never suffered from this before I joined.
Has anyone had any of these health issues, and if so what did you do? Others health issues? I don't want to stop the program as I truly do like the results and support.
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ecstatic
Newbie
1 Posts
12/18/2007 5:09:02 PM | I lost 30lbs following a Herbal Magic weight loss program and have maintained this loss for 5 years now! Obviously there was a cost involved for their nutritional guidance and support but I visited 5 sometimes 6 times per week and I would have paid double if not triple the weekly expense because of my immediate and consistent results. I was spending much more money on food/drinks that were only contributing to my weight problem. However, most won't go home and calculate how much they have spent in a year on poor food choices and alcohol etc. Today I continue to follow the dietary habits that I developed throughout the duration of my program and do not rely on any herbal products. The supplements accelerate the weight loss to keep you motivated and only work out to about $7 per day. Most people spend at least $7 daily on dining out or specialty coffees etc. Whenever I had dietary questions or medical questions that the girls were not qualified to answer they referred to their clinical team of medical professionals for advice. I did not pay to lose weight...I paid for an invaluable education. I know now how to properly read nutritional labels, control my portions, and prepare lowfat yet nutritious meals for my entire family. My children perform better at school and at sports now that they are following a healthy diet! You cannot place a price on the health and happiness of your family.
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guest
12/14/2007 3:42:21 AM | I joined Herbal Magic 3 months ago and I'm down 30 pounds.
First of all - when I first joined I only paid $850 and that included my first months worth of supplements. So it's not really as expensive as people say - ask for discounts!!!
Second - it is not rabbit food! I find that I am actually eating more than I used to, the only difference is that it is healthy now. Portion control is a MUST but you're also eating 6 times a day - if that's rabbit food, I think you need to look at yourself rather than HM.
People say that it's expensive and it doesn't work but I'm proof that it works. They told me that it is basically the Canada Food Guide with supplements to take away cravings, etc. I know how to eat properly but without someone holding me accountable I just dont. That's my problem and I'm fixing it.
I can also say that I have never been pressured into buying any other supplements whatsoever, sure they mention their sales but they don't pressure. I rarely buy anything more than my mandetories except for the shakes sometimes.
It's not for everyone but IT DOES WORK if you follow it and the reason you go there three times a week is so that they can help you stay on track.
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guest
12/4/2007 12:01:53 PM | All diet programs cost money. Jenny Craig was way more expensive, and I learned nothing from them about HOW to eat. Instead I bought their frozen food which I then had to microwave (thereby destroying nutrients). With Herbal Magic, I bought the cookbook, so find that I have many healthful choices of different types of foods. (It's teaching me how to eat properly) Plus with the supplements, I am not craving sweets or my regularly salty foods. Also, the nutrition plan (I abhor the word 'diet') limits salt intake, which helps release water retention and excess weight. It is a bit costly, but if you follow the plan, it does work. And my health is worth it. Mostly, I have paid $$ to HM so that I have the guidance from their consultants, which really helps. And getting weighed 3X per week keeps me on track and on my gameplan, as I see the weight drop (or not, if I excessively cheat or drink alcohol) The fact is, it DOES work, and is great for people like me who suck at 'doing it on your own' (...that's easier said than done). Herbal Magic actually is a plan that I find I can stick with, and know I can change my lifestyle with. My blood sugar levels aren't all over the place as I've stabilized myself quite a bit, so I don't feel the energetic drop, like I have with Weight Watchers. (Although Weight watchers talks alot about low fat, they allow for too much sugar and salt...as a result and I was always hungry and fighting cravings on that plan)
In essence, I've tried almost everything, (Atkins, Weight Watchers, Jenny, Zone) and Herbal Magic so far is my favourite as I don't have cravings as my appetite is naturally suppressed with the herbs, I have lots of reasonable and tasty and satisfying choices in my menu planning with great recipes (like pizza!!!), and lots of guidance and support, so it's easy to stick to and works.
Don't go on a diet if you don't want to limit your food and 'eat a bit like a rabbit'. If we all ate more like rabbits, there wouldn't be such a large section of the population overweight and obese!
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guest
12/3/2007 8:41:51 PM | I agree we are going through alot of issues.People want to lose weight fast but in reality there is no short cut and that is why you end up with a high bill.Seriously try to avoid those diet programs and go to the gym and watch your diet.Plain and simple..... even switch from a big plate to a small one and always tell yourself you will do it.
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guest
12/1/2007 1:26:12 PM |  What is Herbal Magic????
Is it medicine?is it drugs?is it exercise?is it food?is it
paper? what the heck is Herbal Magic it doesn't seem
like a great thing and 3000 dollars for it i could buy a
car with that much money they should at least change
it to like 1000 or even 600+.
like what is there issue, i myself say i would never,
ever join this program again!!! BUT also what is is
Herbal Magic??????????
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guest
11/28/2007 8:12:26 AM |  this stuff isn't good!
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guest
10/16/2007 4:40:03 PM | what is with herbal magic any ways?
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guest
10/15/2007 3:39:45 PM |
The cost is not that much 3000 dollars ???? wow you must be rich LA is so much cheaper and it is better people their care and they don't try to sell you everything ... well i am stressed well can i sell you a stress pill ??? they are on commision ..... a girl who worked there told me !!! it all makes sense they just want my money and a fake in caring
I joined Herbal magic 1 year ago. I am very happy I did. Maybe you could go on your own diet but I found the support I got from the girls there priceless. You can go every day. Let's be honest, you have to be accountable to someone. It has been worth every penny. I couldn't do it on my own. I love the way I look now, how can you put a price on that. So does my husband!!!!
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guest
10/10/2007 10:23:30 AM | I joined herbal magic in july and have currently lost 25 pounds. The cost is not a big issue considering I used to spend alot more on food and alcohol the only contributed to gaining weight. I am extremely happy I joined and I would recommend it to anyone interested in investing in their health!
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guest
9/25/2007 10:04:41 AM |  hohoho
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Cheska
Newbie
2 Posts
9/4/2007 5:10:34 PM |  It isn't just Herbal magic. There are plenty of other "magic diets" out there that actually make you just pay for over priced pills and shakes and then make do portion control Even without those pills/shakes if you do portion control in a less drastic manner you will start shedding pounds. You are so right in what you said. Plus you can eat more natural healthy food. Make sure that if you do sign up for them they have something to offer that you cannot do own your own. Of course for some the incentive of paying for something expensive helps them stick to the plan.
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guest
8/28/2007 2:00:45 PM | I have lost 30 pounds in 2 months and my wife over 40 pounds through Isagenix. The cost is far less than that and you keep the weight off after. oconnell.isagenix.com
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guest
8/28/2007 8:15:58 AM | Hello,
I would like to speak to you further about this. Could you please email me at tclare123@yahoo.ca.
Hope to hear from you soon,
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