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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

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Original poster

Alternatives to the Cambridge 1-1 plan?

11 replies

Gemi33 · 01/09/2021 11:21

I'd be really interested to hear from anyone trying something like Exante, Slim and Save, Lighter Life, New You Plan etc. I tried the 1-1 diet earlier this year and I quite liked it, being strict suits me and the quick weightloss keeps me motivated. However, it seemed really expensive to me and I just couldn't afford to continue so I'm looking at alternatives.

I really liked the Cambridge products but having sampled a few products from alternative plans I'm really struggling to find any I like. I really disliked the Exante ones and they made me feel queasy, a few others have been better but still not great. Would love to hear peoples experiences of any of these plans.

Thanks!

OP posts:

AC2022 · 04/09/2021 00:45

I did Lighterlife last year and lost about five stone in as many months, like you, the fact that it was strict worked for me. None of the meals really did it for me, I tried the Bolognese, pesto flatbread and a few of the shakes and soups but can’t say I liked any of them. I settled for the chocolate shake in the end, and added ice to try and make it less revolting (a trick I use with crap wine!). I focused on it being essential nutrition more than an enjoyable experience. Not sure if this helps at all.

Good luck.

MajorNeville · 04/09/2021 01:49

I'm doing Exante at the moment, I have lost 37lb and I'm thrilled. I have tried pretty much all of the products, I now have my favourites and stick to those, but it's a decent variety to keep things from getting too boring. They introduce new products and flavours regularly too. I really like the new savoury pots, for example. I usually have 2 products and a 400cal meal or 3 and a 200cal meal but I know some of just 4 products.

MajorNeville · 04/09/2021 01:51

Also, I use 400ml of water in the shakes as the recommended 300ml made them too thick for me, I think a lot of people add extra and some blend with ice. There are some great hacks to make cakes or pancakes with the shakes.

MajorNeville · 04/09/2021 01:52

**Recommended 200ml, not 300.

Original poster

Gemi33 · 04/09/2021 07:53

Thanks, that's really helpful to know! I really wanted to like Exante - I only tried the shakes but they all seemed to have a weird aftertaste and made me feel sick so I just couldn't drink them.

I haven't tried lighterlife so that could be worth a shot. My favourite product from Cambridge was the mint choclate shake, it just tasted so nice which made it easier to stick with - I've tried the mint chocolate one from 'slim and save' and 'shake this weight' and niether of them are the same sadly!

OP posts:

MsJuniper · 05/09/2021 12:12

I am doing Lighter Life which I have done in the past and liked enough of the products to make it fairly easy. Tried Exante and couldn't stand any of the products.

However this time I am struggling! I don't know if they've changed the formulas or if it's me but the porridge just doesn't taste the same and the soups seem really grainy. Mostly having porridge or ready made chocolate shakes in the morning, then strawberry shakes made with ice in a blender, nut fudge bars and mug cakes the rest of the time and occasionally a vegetable soup.

However I've lost 2st3lbs in 10 weeks so am carrying on as I have 3+ stone more to lose to reach a healthy weight and am hoping to reach it by Christmas.

They are currently having a sale so you could always try a few and see how you get on.

Original poster

Gemi33 · 06/09/2021 07:45

Well done on your loss, that's great! I order a few products to try from the New You plan and they tasted ok so I might give that a go and see how I get on. Has anyone else combined days having just the products and says where you have say 2 products and a healthy meal? I'm thinking of trying that approach so would be good to hear the experiences of others.

OP posts:

fallenover · 08/09/2021 08:05

@Gemi33

Hi @Gemi33 - I just looked at New You and I am going to try it. Do you want to send me a referral so we both get the £10 referral reward?

PinkCherry · 08/09/2021 08:20

I've tried shake the weight over the years and the products are really good, much nicer then Cambridge with a really good range of different products and snacks. Would definitely recommend having a look. There is also a very supportive Facebook page.

I loved it as I hated having to see a councillor for my products each week and it's a lot cheaper than Cambridge

Original poster

Gemi33 · 08/09/2021 08:37

Yes fallenover, if you PM me your email address I'll send the code over!

OP posts:

Original poster

Gemi33 · 08/09/2021 10:58

PinkCherry I felt the same about always having to go to a consultant - mine was lovely but it is so much easier just being able to order direct. I only tried one of the shakes from 'shake that weight' and didn't like it but maybe I should try more - I guess you could combine products from the different similar plans if you wanted to although it is a bit of a faff.

OP posts:

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