ZOE membership query

[AliceKeely]

I know there are other threads on this - and I’ve read them honest, but in the interests of thorough research prior to a big outlay, I thought I’d keep it up to date and ask if folks out there are doing ZOE right now and if it’s any good? Worth it? I don’t feel I have a large amount of weight to lose and I am equally as interested in my health & well-being along the way. Is it a gimmick? I listen to the podcast and have worked in health research, so I get that they’re passionate and they’re scientists, but it is also a business! I’m trying to persuade myself to spend the money I think! I am definitely someone who likes to chuck some money at something to incentivise health improvements - sometimes it works for me too!! I’d love to hear your experiences - I am on the brink of a purchase.

In all honesty I have not tried this but I have read articles about it. It seems mostly common sense. Don’t eat too much sugar. It’s not a gimmick in that the equipment is used for diabetics however I think that it could lead to either a massive waste of money for something you already know, or it could become a bit obsessional about what you are eating. People seem to like them for reassurance they are not spiking their sugar? Or awareness when they are? It’s hard for me to really tell what people get out of using it to be honest. I just eat less sugar and if you do, a nice walk will help bring it down again!

I know they have a thing about stomach biomes and maybe that is useful but you can do that using other methods and tests can’t you?

Not sure I know enough about it to provide and educated decision I decided it wasn’t something I wanted to do

however I will say I did used to have terrible IBS and since I cut down sugar now I do not. I think there is something in the science but not sure I could justify the expenditure for this particular thing

I did this last year just after it launched. It was ok - I had an ok fat and microbiome score but dodgy (although interestingly not that dodgy) blood sugar score.

I didn't lose any real weight (I have c 3 stone to lose) but there are a few things I've learned and/or had validated. Oats for example I knew weren't a great option for me but it was gratifying seeing them trigger my blood sugar more than any other carb. I also don't have the microbe that a lot of skinny people have - again as someone who has been overweight all my adult life that's not a surprise.

It did change my mindset quite a bit. I don't go for a low calorie breakfast as much as I used to which helps me make better choices later as I'm less hungry. I eat heaps more legumes than I ever did. I look to add in foods rather than take them away.

I do think that it was worthwhile but to be honest you probably get as much from listening to their podcasts and insta and following people like the glucose goddess. I wouldn't do it again.

Their recipes are lovely though! They are bringing out a cookbook in September I think but again their insta has loads.