AdvoCare and Weight Loss
Weight loss is as easy as 24 days of supplements and meal replacement shakes along with a diet high in lean protein, complex carbohydrates and nonstarchy vegetables, says AdvoCare. Its weight-management program, known as the 24-Day Challenge, consists of two phases: the Cleanse and the Max Phase. According to AdvoCare, dieters need to complete both phases to maximize their ability to lose weight. Experts like registered dietitian and National Institute for Fitness and Sport writer Laura Zavadil say AdvoCare's 24-Day Challenge is not a healthy choice for weight loss. Don't begin the program without speaking to your doctor.
Close-up of a person's feet standing on a bathroom scale. (Image: Alex Stukkey/iStock/Getty Images)Cleanse Phase
The Cleanse phase of AdvoCare's 24-Day Challenge lasts for 10 days. During this time, you'll take three supplements daily: an Herbal Cleanse that supposedly eliminates waste from your intestinal tract and restores beneficial bacteria; a blend of omega-3 fatty acids known as OmegaPlex; and the AdvoCare Spark Energy drink. On a typical day during the Cleanse phase, the supplements are interspersed between a breakfast of lean protein, a serving of complex carbohydrates and fruit; a lunch consisting of protein, complex carbohydrates and vegetables; and more protein, vegetables and an optional carbohydrate serving at dinner. You can also take Catalyst, an AdvoCare protein supplement, and a meal replacement shake instead of breakfast, if desired.
Max Phase
The Max Phase of AdvoCare's weight-loss plan lasts from day 11 to 24. You'll continue to use the energy drinks and OmegaPlex daily, but your only option for breakfast is an AdvoCare meal replacement shake, and you'll need to begin taking the Metabolism Nutrition System, or MNS, supplement. There are three MNS blends to choose from, but all promise to suppress your appetite while increasing your energy level. Lunch and dinner during this phase consist of lean protein, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Optional extra supplements include ThermoPlus, which supposedly increases your metabolism, and Carb-Ease Plus, designed to inhibit the breakdown and absorption of fats and carbohydrates.
Possible Benefits
When you're on AdvoCare's 24-Day Challenge, you won't eat any sugar; fried or processed foods; products made with refined grains like white flour; or creamy, high-calorie sauces or dressings; nor will you drink any type of soda or alcohol. If your regular diet included these foods, it's likely that the plan will help you lose weight. Your consumption of high-fiber vegetables and whole grains will increase, while your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol will decrease because only lean cuts of meat and low- or nonfat dairy products are allowed. The Daily Guide provided by AdvoCare is clear and easy to follow. A series of DVD workouts that don't require any additional equipment is optional.
Potential Disadvantages
None of the weight-loss supplements required on the 24-Day Challenge are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. There is no way to determine if these supplements contain what is listed on the label or that they aren't contaminated. In addition, there are no scientific studies proving that the plan works better than other methods or that it won't cause serious side effects in some people. Don't attempt to use AdvoCare if you are pregnant, nursing or have a chronic medical condition. Even if you do successfully lose weight on the program, you may gain it back once the 24-day period is over and you return to your normal eating habits. Zavadil advises focusing on a balanced, nutrient-dense, low-calorie diet and regular exercise instead of depending on supplements that don't help you establish lifestyle habits that contribute to long-term, sustainable weight loss and better health.
