Week 2 on the 1-2-3 Slim-Fast Diet - 4 Pounds Lost

Last week, I started a healthy challenge with my six members of my family.  We are using Facebook to check in and encourage one another.  My oldest and I have been using the Slim-Fast line of products to accomplish our goals.  Since last Monday, I have lost four pounds.  I'm still waiting for her weigh in but was very pleased to see the loss.  My other family members are losing too and with this mornings check in for three of us, combined, we have lost 12 pounds in a week.  We are not starving and we are eating.  For myself, the 1-2-3 Slim-Fast new shakes are now available with lids so it makes it easy to take with you.  They are very, very good ..did I say VERY good?  That is just one part of the diet as it's a complete meal plan.

The online Slim-Fast site allows you to enter your profile, how much you weight and how much you want to lose.  It provides a guide in getting to your goal in a safe manner.  Here is a summary of what your average day is like:

• A meal bar or shake for breakfast and lunch (approximately 190 calories)
• Three 100 calorie snacks throughout the day with helpful suggestions on smart choices like almonds or apples or convenient snacks such as their snack bars which are really good.
• One 500 calories sensible meal which they provide great tasting recipes to help you make the journey easier.

The shakes are my favorite.  They are rich and you cannot tell they are a diet type product since they don't have that old fiber taste of other brands and they don't leave a horrible after taste.  They are amazingly good.  With the new lids, it makes it easier to take on the go too.  The 500 calorie meals for the 3-2-1 plan include filling your plate 1/2 full of vegetables, 1/4 starch and 1/4 lean protein.  This is a sensible approach in losing and maintaining weight.  The plan allows you to track your progress and encourages water intake and exercise.  It's a smart plan to use in losing weight in a better way as it's slow and it helps to incorporate a lifestyle or behavioral change.

Updated:  I forgot to mention that I have been exercising nearly every day for almost an hour on my recumbent bike.  My daughter has lost two pounds!

So this past week, I lost four pounds.  Stay tuned as I share mine and my family's journey in getting healthy!

To read my first post, please click on the Slim-Fast post here.


*Disclaimer:  I did receive complimentary product but the posts are my opinions and I was not obligated to post.

My First Mamavation Post to be in the Sistahood

I'm finally doing it!  Joining the great Mamation motivators and Bookieboo in realizing my goals of finally getting in shape!  I have the EarthFootwear shoes, I watch the Tweets, I get the e-mails so there is nothing holding me back now ...no more excuses as it's time to do it!

I started Nutrisystem last week to regulate my caloric intake and I ride my bike six days a week for at least 30 minutes if not for an hour or two sometimes. 

I lost two pounds last week and have maintained it in spite of some cheating.  I'm trying to fit in fruits and vegetables but it's hard when no one else eats them with me. In spite of how I try to encourage it, it never happens.  My biggest struggle is having two young children who don't sleep at night so I'm always tired.  I have all the responsibilities and luckily, I have an older daughter who helps me a lot.  I still work so that is a challenge too along with having my husband deploying to Kuwait next month for a month.

My ultimate goal is to lose 30 pounds in a safe, healthy manner that will change my behaviors for the long term.  I want to join the Mamavation Sistahood to receive help and encouragement while giving back.  I see through the events and twittering how helpful and encouraging the sistahood is.

Optimal Eating and Losing Weight

Like so many others, I struggle with weight loss and I suppose if I spent as much time blogging, I would be thin!  I've finally figured out a way that I can balance the laptop on the recumbant bike and workout at a not-so-bad pace.  Today, all in all, I biked over two hours.  I pulled that heavy thing into my office area and watched training presentations for work while I put away over an hour's worth of time and then I did another hour.  On top of that, I completed 20 minutes with my daughter and EA Sports Active.  That is such a fun workout and I'm glad Colleen introduced me to that one.

I'm on a weightloss group from another blog and I have to admit that I have not been posting like I should and I'm not losing weight like I should be.  I'm hoping today will be the turnaround point.

I was reading an article that in Europe, people eat their heavest meal between 10 am and 2 pm.  I think that's all good but moderation still plays in terms of picking the right food.  Starting tomorrow, I'm going back on what I learned from Quick Weight Loss and hopefully will achieve my results.

Power Foods To Help Lose Weight

Fitness.com has a list of 10 power foods to help you lose weight which is timely for our Get Fit Challenge.  Remember, the goal is to get in shape BEFORE the new year!  Here are the foods:

1. Tomato Salsa - This low-cal staple pumps up the flavor of everything from chicken breasts to scrambled eggs. "It's jam-packed with antioxidants, including lycopene, which may reduce the risk of some cancers, and beta-carotene, which may help fight heart disease," says Joan Salge Blake, RD, an associate clinical professor of nutrition at Boston University.   Eat It Up: Beta-carotene and lycopene are more easily absorbed by the body when consumed with a bit of healthy fat, so add some chopped avocado to your salsa-topped chicken. Or add salsa to Low Sodium V8 for extra fiber.   Nutrition facts per 2 tablespoons: 9 calories, 0g protein, 2g carbohydrate, 0g fat (0g saturated), 0.5g fiber
2. Whole Wheat Pitas - Give your usual turkey sandwich a healthy upgrade by swapping the bread for a whole wheat pita pocket. If you put veggies in your sandwich, it's usually a few lettuce leaves and a slice of tomato or else the bread falls apart. "But with a pita, you can stuff it full of vegetables and still get a healthy dose of whole grains," says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a FITNESS advisory board member and author of The Flexitarian Diet. Just be sure to check the ingredients list: "enriched wheat flour" means the pita is an imposter. Look for the words "whole wheat."   Eat It Up: Go Greek by filling your pita with feta, hummus, diced cucumbers and tomatoes, arugula, and black olives. Or put a Mexican spin on your sandwich by adding low-fat refried beans, salsa, avocado, and chopped romaine lettuce. Rather have a snack? Make pita chips. Cut a pita into triangles, drizzle with olive oil, add a pinch of salt, and bake in the oven at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until crispy.   Nutrition facts per 1 large pita: 170 calories, 6g protein, 35g carbohydrate, 2g fat (0g saturated), 5g fiber
   
3.  Popcorn - "Because it's super-low in calories, popcorn is the perfect food for those times when you don't want to worry about portion size," says Sharon Richter, RD, a nutritionist in New York City. And it's loaded with fiber, which is crucial for staying slim. In fact, people who maintain a healthy weight consume an average of 33 percent more fiber daily than those who are overweight, according to research.  Eat It Up: Save calories (and money) by getting a basic air popper. One we like: Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Hot Air Popper by Presto ($25, bedbathandbeyond.com). Pop the kernels with a bit of salt and toss with nuts and raisins for a tasty trail mix.   Nutrition facts per 1 cup air-popped: 31 calories, 1g protein, 6g carbohydrate, 0g fat, (0g saturated), 1g fiber
   


4. Kale - This potent leafy green tastes like a slightly sharper version of spinach. Kale is rich in an antioxidant called kaempferol, which Harvard research shows may help lower your chances of developing ovarian cancer by 40 percent. "It's also a great source of iron and folate -- which can prevent birth defects -- as well as calcium and magnesium, making it a terrific choice for anyone who doesn't eat dairy products," says Dave Grotto, RD, a FITNESS advisory board member and author of 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life.  Eat It Up: Chop the veggie into thin strips and saute in a teaspoon of olive oil with chopped onions and mushrooms for five to 10 minutes. Or buy frozen kale to toss into stir-fries, soups, or pasta sauces.   Nutrition facts per 1 cup cooked: 36 calories, 2g protein, 7g carbohydrate, 0.5g fat (0g saturated), 3g fiber
   


5. Oranges - Apples get all the glory, but oranges are the unsung heroes of fresh fruit, says Susan Kraus, RD, a clinical dietitian at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. "They're very low in calories and a good source of potassium, fiber, and folate," Kraus says. Not to mention that a large orange has a day's worth of immunity-boosting vitamin C.   Eat It Up: Add orange slices to a spinach salad topped with goat cheese, chopped nuts, and some slivered red onion. Or blend 1/2 orange, 1 cup yogurt, and 1/2 cup frozen blueberries for a delicious, nutritious smoothie.  Nutrition facts per large orange: 86 calories, 2g protein, 22g carbohydrate, 0g fat (0g saturated), 4g fiber
   


6. Grass-Fed Beef  - It has 90 fewer calories and 11 grams less fat per 3.75-ounce serving than corn-fed beef. Plus, "it contains three times more healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, improve brain health, and lower your risk of heart disease," Grotto says. Grass-fed beef is also high in conjugated linoleic acid, a type of polyunsaturated fat that some researchers think may increase weight loss. Eat It Up: Look for meat labeled "100 percent grass-fed"; "organic" doesn't guarantee the cows didn't have grain. Make healthy fajitas: Grill a piece of sirloin or tenderloin, which is relatively low in fat, slice it thinly, and serve with grilled veggies, salsa, beans, and tortillas. Nutrition facts per 3.75 ounces: 125 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated), 25g protein, 0g carbohydrate, 0g fiber
   


7. Vegetable Soup - More than 70 percent of us don't eat the recommended three to five servings of veggies a day. An easy way to help meet your quota? Two cups of vegetable soup, says Blake. Plus, people who have a bowl before lunch consume 20 percent fewer calories during the meal. The combo of the broth and fiber-rich vegetables increases feelings of fullness, studies show.   Eat It Up: Check the sodium content on canned soup -- a healthy pick has 480 milligrams or less. Or make your own by sauteing 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 small chopped onion, and 1 teaspoon each minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil in a pot, Blatner says. Add 2 cups frozen mixed veggies and 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes. Puree half of the soup for a thicker, richer taste and texture. Nutrition facts per cup: 145 calories, 4g protein, 24g carbohydrate, 4g fat (0.6g saturated), 1.2g fiber
   


8. Plain Yogurt  - "Yogurt contains the perfect ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat -- the carbs give you instant energy, while the protein and fat are released more slowly, keeping you full longer," Kraus says. In a recent study, dieters who consumed three 6-ounce servings of yogurt a day lost 61 percent more body fat overall than those who didn't eat yogurt. The researchers believe that the calcium in dairy increases the activity of enzymes that break down fat cells. Look for yogurts that have at least 20 percent of the RDA.  Eat It Up: Mix plain yogurt with a teaspoon of cinnamon or top it with berries for an easy, low-sugar snack. Or use plain Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost in recipes that call for mayo or sour cream, like tuna salad, veggie dip, or salad dressings. Nutrition facts per cup: 137 calories, 14g protein, 19g carbohydrate, 0g fat (0g saturated), 0g fiber
   


9. Mangoes - "Mangoes are loaded with polyphenols, which help to counteract the effects of chemicals in your body that can damage cells and increase the risk of cancer and heart disease," Blake says. Plus, the juicy fruit is a great source of fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene, which may help protect your eyesight and boost your immune system.   Eat It Up: Fresh mango can be a chore to peel and chop, so consider buying it frozen. Defrost in the microwave and eat, or add a few cubes to yogurt or oatmeal. You can even make your own sorbet: Puree 2 cups frozen mango, the juice from 4 limes, and 2 tablespoons honey in a blender until smooth. Top with a dollop of yogurt.  Nutrition facts per fruit: 135 calories, 1g protein, 35g carbohydrate, 1g fat (0g saturated), 4g fiber
   


10. Hummus - This delicious chickpea spread is a Mediterranean staple. Olive oil, the second ingredient in hummus, is probably the reason for most of the health benefits. "It slows digestion, helping to stabilize blood sugar, which keeps your appetite in check," says Mary Flynn, PhD, RD, an assistant professor of medicine at Brown University. Chickpeas are also a good source of protein, fiber, and iron.  Eat It Up: Store-bought hummus is fine, but watch portion size, Richter says. A regular-size tub can contain eight or more servings. (Those containing vegetables, like eggplant or red pepper, are usually slightly lower in calories). Spread hummus on sandwiches or veggie burgers, or mix with lemon juice and drizzle over a salad.  Nutrition facts per 2 tablespoons: 50 calories, 2g protein, 4g carbohydrate, 3g fat (0g saturated), 2g fiber
    

The Biggest Loser: Season 8 - Yeah!!!

I have a vice ... it's The Biggest Loser and I can't help but watching it.  I rarely watch TV mostly because it's always on The Backyardigans or Sponge Bob but when I'm not watching a dreamy movie about Robert Redford (yes, he's old enough to be my father), I love Jillian Michaels.  Luckily, they threw Bob in as our eye candy but they put Jillian in as the woman you love to hate.

I had to record it last night as it's a ritual with my oldest daughter and I to watch it together.  We were just watching it and after tearing up over the tragic story of Abby's loss of her two children and husband in a car crash, we were amused by Jillian's antics.  I always get motivated and inspired over Jillian's way to produce results.  Love her or hate her, she's always the winner at the end. 

You have to look deeper into how Jillian works with the contestants and understand it's not about her being hard core and mean, she really knows how to tap into the minds of these people and how to get them to respond.  If you read her book and understand more about her, she's been there so she knows what it's like to be overweight.

Okay, so not everyone can respond to her manner but overall, she's got it going on!

I just read she has a new Wii game coming out and I can't wait to see it!  She'll be rolling it out to some mommy bloggers in NYC.  Too bad I don't live there any longer...

Given season 8 is now on, why not commit to my virtual fitness challenge as well as sign up to win my giveaway for one Wii fitness game?

What do you have to lose????

Losing Weight: I Lost 15 Pounds To Date!

I started a weight loss program in July by watching what I eat and using the Wii Cardio Gym and Jillian Michael's games.  I officially started the Quick Weight Loss Center's home program in August and to date, I've lost 15 pounds (as of yesterday). 

I'm keeping track of my weight loss and program in a separate journal entry (widget on the side) and in an effort to help others who might be interested, am trying to get sponsorship for a Get Fit Giveaway starting October 1 and running until January 1, 2010.

I plan to utilize my knowledge I've learned and my success in encouraging others to join me in getting a jump start on your New Year's resolution!

Interested?  Let me know! 

Rush Limbaugh’s Quick Weight Loss Center Experience

My father told me about Rush Limbaugh’s reported 90 pound weight loss since March so I had to find out more about it. Quick Weight Loss Centers are only in south Florida but they do have a home program at the cost of $449 for a six week supply of various products to achieve your weight loss goal. Apparently this is the hot topic at the moment and has drummed up a lot of Google searches for this place.

On the website, they have the program and their products you need as well as sample recipes. Rush is touting the easiness of this program but does not want to get caught up being a spokesperson. I performed various checks and what I could glean from the information, you start out on an Atkin’s type diet for two to three days and then cut your caloric intake to 1500 a day which is pretty good. He watches the meat consumption and doesn’t double his meat intake and keeps it to one serving. Alcohol is off limit even though he said he most likely could have one to glasses of wine a week but opts not to. The sample recipes look good and if you are an avid dieter like me, the plan sounds interesting but not sure it does at $449 for the six week period considering you are still buying your food from the grocery store.

The testimonies are good and promising and they do sponsor contests.

Anyone try it?

Resveratrol, Biomarkers and Clinical Trials

Biomarker studies is the latest focus of the pharmaceutical and biotech worlds. So much might be learned by looking at how drugs and natural products/ingredients affect the body. Per Wiki, a biomarker is explained as: “in medicine, a biomarker can be a substance that is introduced into an organism as a means to examine organ function or other aspects of health. For example, rubidium chloride is used as a radioactive isotope to evaluate perfusion of heart muscle.

It can also be a substance whose detection indicates a particular disease state, for example, the presence of an antibody may indicate an infection (see biomarker (medicine) ). More specifically, a biomarker indicates a change in expression or state of a protein that correlates with the risk or progression of a disease, or with the susceptibility of the disease to a given treatment. Once a proposed biomarker has been validated, it can be used to diagnose disease risk, presence of disease in an individual, or to tailor treatments for the disease in an individual (choices of drug treatment or administration regimes). In evaluating potential drug therapies, a biomarker may be used as a surrogate for a natural endpoint such as survival or irreversible morbidity. If a treatment alters the biomarker, which has a direct connection to improved health, the biomarker serves as a surrogate endpoint for evaluating clinical benefit.”

A Phase 1 study published in Cancer Epidemoil Biomarkers Prevention in 2007 studied resveratrol in healthy volunteers. Phase 1 trials are typically the first trials in which a drug is tested in a human volunteer. The volunteer can be healthy or have the disease that is being studied. The hypothesis of this study “was tested that, in healthy humans, p.o. administration of resveratrol is safe and results in measurable plasma levels of resveratrol.” Resveratrol was provided to a small sample size of 10 healthy volunteers in a 0.5, 1, 2.5, or5 g dose format.

“The results presented here intimate that consumption of high-dose resveratrol might be insufficient to elicit systemic levels commensurate with cancer chemopreventive efficacy. However, the high systemic levels of resveratrol conjugate metabolites suggest that their cancer chemopreventive properties warrant investigation.”

Here is a website that list some studies of resveratrol: http://www.anyvitamins.com/resveratrol-references.htm . Unfortunately, it only lists the studies with no results.

There currently eight registered on-going trials:

New York’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is currently recruiting subjects for their study of resveratrol and alzheimer http://www.delay-ad.org/trials/resveratrol . The University of California is recruiting subjects to perform clinical trials ”to define the actions of resveratrol on the Wnt signaling pathway in a clinical trial in which patients with colon cancer will receive treatment with resveratrol and correlative laboratory studies will examine its effects directly on colon cancer and normal colonic mucosa. These studies will provide data on the mechanisms of resveratrol action and provide a foundation for future prevention trials, correlative studies and therapeutic clinical research with this agent.” http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00256334?term=resveratrol&rank=2
For a complete list of the eight trials registered under the government, refer to this link: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=resveratrol .

Based on researching more about Resveatrol, stay clear of claims of free trials of the product especially if seen on 60 Minutes or Oprah. I read many consumers who signed up for the “free offer” only to be charged large amounts and no one to contact to get a refund. I guess it’s marketed under Resveratrol Ultra and under SWM Labs. Read that small print before buying for all the details such as what others wrote as a scam. You can buy Biotivia brand for $24 for a 240 mb bottle (250 mg). I only noticed headaches when I took resveratrol but can’t say for sure it was attributed to the product. Biomarker study is the latest focus of the pharmaceutical and biotech worlds. So much might be learned by looking at how drugs and natural products/ingredients affect the body. Per Wiki, a biomarker is explained as: “in medicine, a biomarker can be a substance that is introduced into an organism as a means to examine organ function or other aspects of health. For example, rubidium chloride is used as a radioactive isotope to evaluate perfusion of heart muscle .



It can also be a substance whose detection indicates a particular disease state, for example, the presence of an antibody may indicate an infection (see biomarker (medicine) ). More specifically, a biomarker indicates a change in expression or state of a protein that correlates with the risk or progression of a disease, or with the susceptibility of the disease to a given treatment. Once a proposed biomarker has been validated, it can be used to diagnose disease risk, presence of disease in an individual, or to tailor treatments for the disease in an individual (choices of drug treatment or administration regimes). In evaluating potential drug therapies, a biomarker may be used as a surrogate for a natural endpoint such as survival or irreversible morbidity. If a treatment alters the biomarker, which has a direct connection to improved health, the biomarker serves as a surrogate endpoint for evaluating clinical benefit.”

A Phase 1 study published in Cancer Epidemoil Biomarkers Prevention in 2007 studied resveratrol in healthy volunteers. Phase 1 trials are typically the first trials in which a drug is tested in a human volunteer. The volunteer can be healthy or have the disease that is being studied. The hypothesis of this study “was tested that, in healthy humans, p.o. administration of resveratrol is safe and results in measurable plasma levels of resveratrol.” Resveratrol was provided to a small sample size of 10 healthy volunteers in a 0.5, 1, 2.5, or5 g dose format.

“The results presented here intimate that consumption of high-dose resveratrol might be insufficient to elicit systemic levels commensurate with cancer chemopreventive efficacy. However, the high systemic levels of resveratrol conjugate metabolites suggest that their cancer chemopreventive properties warrant investigation.”

Here is a website that list some studies of resveratrol: http://www.anyvitamins.com/resveratrol-references.htm . Unfortunately, it only lists the studies with no results.

There currently eight registered on-going trials:

New York’s Mount Sinai School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is currently recruiting subjects for their study of resveratrol and alzheimer http://www.delay-ad.org/trials/resveratrol . The University of California is recruiting subjects to perform clinical trials ”to define the actions of resveratrol on the Wnt signaling pathway in a clinical trial in which patients with colon cancer will receive treatment with resveratrol and correlative laboratory studies will examine its effects directly on colon cancer and normal colonic mucosa. These studies will provide data on the mechanisms of resveratrol action and provide a foundation for future prevention trials, correlative studies and therapeutic clinical research with this agent.” http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00256334?term=resveratrol&rank=2
For a complete list of the eight trials registered under the government, refer to this link: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=resveratrol .

Based on researching more about Resveatrol, stay clear of claims of free trials of the product especially if seen on 60 Minutes or Oprah. I read many consumers who signed up for the “free offer” only to be charged large amounts and no one to contact to get a refund. I guess it’s marketed under Resveratrol Ultra and under SWM Labs. Read that small print before buying for all the details such as what others wrote as a scam. You can buy Biotivia brand for $24 for a 240 mb bottle (250 mg). I only noticed headaches when I took resveratrol but can’t say for sure it was attributed to the product.

There are many types of products on Amazon:

The Flex Mini Skirt

This is the first time I have seen the The Flex Mini Skirt® with the claim of ”clinically proven to tone the buttocks & backs of thighs.”
Here is the website with the specifics: http://www.flexmini.com/main/?mcp=3845
Women’s Version of the Belt:
Slendertone Revive Muscle Conditioner
Men’s Version of the Belt:
Slendertone Men’s System Abs Toning Belt
“The Flex Mini Skirt® tones and strengthens the same muscles that are worked when you do squats, lunges, go skiing, running, or work out on the elliptical cross trainer in the gym. All these activities are great for your body’s shape, but hard work. If you thought it was impossible to get a firmer, better shaped bottom and backs of the thighs, think again because the Flex Mini Skirt® makes it easy.
This is not a product that doesn’t results – it is a medical technology that works for everyone. It will work for you too. Just ask any of the over two million Flex product pustomers worldwide…
Clinical studies prove the Flex Mini Skirt® works in as little as four-eight weeks. The Flex Mini Skirt® clinical study showed that:
100% of users said it worked
92% of users say it is easy to fit into their daily routine
90% of users saw an improvement in their body shape
90% said they were firmer and more toned
90% said the backs of their legs were tighter
80% reported that their clothes felt looser
80% said their bottom was more uplifted
The best part is you can use it whenever you want to. The Flex Mini Skirt® is clinically proven to deliver a firmer, stronger and more toned butt/hamstring muscles while you are: at home, at work, watching TV, exercising, folding laundry, helping your kids with their homework, taking a walk…virtually anywhere and anytime.”
The cost is $199.99 but it does have a “60-day money-back guarantee assures customers that they can return their Flex Mini® if needed. This is one of the added bonuses about ordering the Flex Mini®—the manufacturer is committed to putting their customers above their own interests. Another feature that emphasizes this point is the 2 year warranty all Flex Minis® are backed with.”
I can’t find any links to the FDA unless they submitted the application under another name and I can’t find anything relative to actual tests that were ran on efficacy.
This website has alleged user reviews that look overwhelmingly positive (suspicious): http://naturalsuperfoodsblog.com/exercise-fitness/flex-mini-skirt-user-reviews/
I was able to find that Biomedical Research has an approved application on the FDA site in which they provided an independent research study noting that the 60 women who tried their butt and thigh toning stimulating device did find marked improvement over an eight week period. However, they do not note if the women in this trial for Slendertone Flex Bottom and Toning device exercised outside of using the belt. You can buy this at Amazon for only $299.95 (yikes)! http://www.amazon.com/Slendertone-Bottom-Toning-System-Shorts/dp/B0006JJFSI
Overall, it appears the technology to stimulate the muscles which simulates exercising has been approved by the FDA. Any readers try it yet? I actually had the stomach one and used it but I lost my 40 lbs by eating correctly and exercising in conjunction with the belt so can’t really say if it helped or not. For the cost, I’d say “exercise.”