What Shakes Are Comparable To Optavia when considering weight loss? COMPARE.EDU.VN delves into various shake options, evaluating their nutritional profiles and comparing them with Optavia to help you find a suitable alternative. This comprehensive guide explores the pros and cons of each shake, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your weight management objectives. Explore meal replacement options, protein shake comparisons, and healthy diet alternatives for weight reduction.
1. WonderSlim (Diet Direct)
WonderSlim, under Diet Direct, presents meal plans echoing OPTAVIA’s weight management approach. Priced between $257 and $324 monthly, WonderSlim provides a cost-effective choice at 30-40% less than OPTAVIA.
Are OPTAVIA and WonderSlim interchangeable? Although sharing similarities, WonderSlim lacks coaching support and is readily available on platforms like Amazon and Walmart. It offers Basic, Core, and Premium options. The Basic 4-Week plan includes 84 meal replacements, 28 bars/snacks, a shaker bottle, supplements, and a lifestyle guide. The WonderSlim Core mirrors the Optimal Weight 5 & 1 plan, offering 140 total meals (84 replacements, 28 lunches, 28 bars/snacks), tailored for women (1,000-1,200 calories/day) and men (1,500-1,700 calories/day).
Switching from OPTAVIA to WonderSlim, clients report cost savings, consistent product quality, and excellent customer service. Diet Direct Inc. holds an “A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and WonderSlim boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star average on Trustpilot with over 3,000 reviews. Diets similar to WonderSlim include Nutrisystem, Ideal Protein, and Skinny Box.
2. Skinny Box
Skinny Box is a weight loss meal replacement program similar to OPTAVIA’s 5 & 1 plan. It features portion-controlled bars, shakes, and snacks designed to reduce cravings and induce mild ketosis. The program offers three levels (FATBURN, FURNACE, FURIOUS) with various “Skinny Packs” and lean and green meals.
What are the key distinctions between Skinny Box and OPTAVIA? Skinny Box is significantly more affordable, costing $231 per month (22 boxes of Skinny Packs at $10.50 each) plus a one-time $100 membership fee. OPTAVIA, conversely, costs $415.05 monthly, with each Fueling box (7 servings) priced at $23.25. Skinny Box uses sucralose (Splenda) as a sweetener, while OPTAVIA utilizes stevia.
Skinny Box, owned and operated by Jason Barrett, differs from OPTAVIA, a large corporation under Medifast Inc. SkinnyBox recently launched a Transition Program for continued guidance and support when reintroducing traditional foods after the initial weight loss phase.
3. Nutrisystem
Nutrisystem, a publicly traded company, offers diet plans similar to OPTAVIA, featuring pre-packaged, portion-controlled meals with balanced protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Is OPTAVIA identical to Nutrisystem? While both offer meal replacements, Nutrisystem focuses primarily on meal provision, whereas OPTAVIA emphasizes long-term weight management and a transition from weight loss to maintenance.
Tim Martin, MD, endorses Nutrisystem for its convenience, particularly for those with time constraints or limited cooking skills. However, he notes that the program lacks long-term dietary education. Nutrisystem offers six plans, including Partner Plan, Complete 55 Plan, and Quick 9 Plan, but ongoing education requires additional payment for one-on-one coaching. OPTAVIA includes coaching in their program cost.
How do OPTAVIA and Nutrisystem compare in price? Nutrisystem’s daily cost ranges from $10 to $13.57 for auto-renewal subscriptions, totaling approximately $300 to $379.99 monthly. Non-subscription payments increase the daily cost to $24.67 or $508.71 per month. OPTAVIA costs around $14 per day.
Is OPTAVIA or Nutrisystem better for weight loss? Both are research-backed, with studies published in journals like Frontiers in Nutrition. A 2015 Johns Hopkins study found Nutrisystem led to greater weight loss at 3 months compared to education and counseling alone. A 2018 study showed the Optavia 5&1 Plan with coaching resulted in significant reductions in body weight, fat mass, and abdominal fat compared to a self-directed diet.
4. Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, moderate-protein, and high-fat diet that can lead to weight loss similar to OPTAVIA. Keto induces ketosis, where fat becomes the primary energy source, typically limiting carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and protein to less than 1.5 grams per pound of body weight for heavy exercisers.
Is the OPTAVIA diet similar to Keto? While both avoid grains, sugars, and most fruits, improving body composition, they differ significantly. On Keto, fat intake comprises 70-80% of total calories. OPTAVIA relies on meal replacements called OPTAVIA Fuelings, whereas the ketogenic diet is all about whole foods like meats, fatty fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, avocados, and low-carb vegetables. Another difference is that OPTAVIA involves portion-controlled meals without calorie counting, while keto requires calorie counting, portion measurement, and food weighing.
Karen Savage explains that OPTAVIA’s 5 & 1 Plan offers a strict structure with no modifications, while ketogenic diets offer greater flexibility with variants like the Standard Ketogenic Diet, Lazy Keto Diet, Clean Keto Diet, Paleo Keto Diet, and even the Keto Carnivore Diet.
5. NOOM
NOOM is a mobile weight loss app that focuses on behavior change, similar to OPTAVIA, but isn’t technically a diet. NOOM doesn’t sell meal replacements or products; instead, it offers a subscription to an intuitive app. Unlike OPTAVIA, which requires a coach, NOOM uses a quiz to calibrate a meal plan and suggest behavioral habits based on your input.
NOOM plans start at $70 per month, excluding food costs. OPTAVIA is better if you want to outsource cooking and meal prep completely. NOOM is better if you have time to prepare your own meals and want to develop stronger behavioral habits.
6. Jenny Craig
Jenny Craig is a structured diet plan and weight loss program that sells meal replacements like pastas, lasagnes, and burgers. It’s a valuable alternative to OPTAVIA, but not necessarily cheaper. The Jenny Craig Home-Delivery Plan costs $21.25 to $25.00 daily, with free shipping and no additional membership fees. The overall cost ranges from $420 to $840 per month, depending on the chosen meal plan. Options include a basic three-meals-a-day plan or the more comprehensive Max Up Weight Loss Meal Plan, including meals, snacks, desserts, and coaching.
Unlike OPTAVIA, which includes coaching in all plans, Jenny Craig only offers personal coaching with its highest-tier Max Up program.
Which diet is better, Jenny Craig or OPTAVIA? Jenny Craig offers 1,200-2,300 calories per day (women: 1,200-1,500; men: 1,800-2,300). OPTAVIA provides 800-1,000 calories daily. A 2015 study found that individuals on the Jenny Craig diet lost an average of 4.9% of their weight over 12 months compared to control groups. Consumer reviews on ConsumerAffairs give Jenny Craig a 3.4 out of 5 rating, with some citing price as a concern.
7. Ideal Protein
The Ideal Protein diet is a low-calorie, low-carb, high-protein weight loss plan. Like OPTAVIA, it relies on small snacks throughout the day. OPTAVIA’s snacks include shakes, bars, desserts, and more, each at 100-110 calories, while Ideal Protein offers similar options ranging from 80-270 calories per meal.
What is the difference between Ideal Protein and OPTAVIA? The main daily meal differs. Ideal Protein requires 8oz of lean protein and limits certain vegetables. OPTAVIA allows 5-7oz of protein, more vegetable variety, and healthy fats. Ideal Protein also requires 4 daily supplements.
The Ideal Protein plan offers rapid weight loss and minimal food preparation but can be very expensive, averaging $16 per day. Optavia offers more snacks daily, but Ideal Protein is almost 25% more expensive. Ideal Protein’s phase 1 costs around $540/month (plus a $400 startup fee), while Optavia is $415.05 per month. The Ideal Protein program uses a three-phase system: weight loss, stabilization, and maintenance. Dr. Tran Tien Chanh explains that it aims to induce ketosis for fat burning while preserving muscle mass. Both diets use soy protein isolate, which can cause digestive issues or allergic reactions.
8. GOLO Diet
The GOLO diet is a weight management program that offers an alternative to OPTAVIA. Unlike OPTAVIA’s 5 & 1 plan, which relies on meal replacement shakes and bars, GOLO emphasizes a structured meal plan based on whole foods from the grocery store. This plan includes taking a herbal supplement called “Release.” GOLO employs a point-based system that encompasses all four macronutrient groups (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber), aligning with U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
What are the key differences between OPTAVIA and GOLO? OPTAVIA aims for significant calorie restriction (800-1,000 calories per day) to induce weight loss, while GOLO focuses on managing insulin levels and boosting metabolism. It targets insulin resistance. The GOLO diet recommends a daily caloric intake of 1,300 to 1,800 calories, emphasizes avoiding sugar and processed foods, and encourages taking GOLO Release pills. This supplement contains a blend of seven natural, plant-based ingredients and three minerals, primarily Magnesium, Zinc, and Chromium. OPTAVIA is significantly more expensive than the GOLO diet, especially considering OPTAVIA’s reliance on pre-packaged foods. The GOLO Release supplement starts at $59.95 for a single bottle (90 capsules), with discounts available for bulk purchases, but it doesn’t cover food costs.
If you’re looking for an alternative to OPTAVIA Fuelings, the GOLO meal plan might be a better fit. GOLO calculates personalized caloric intake based on factors like sex, age, weight, size, and activity level. GOLO’s Fit Points system allows you to earn points for exercising and ‘spend’ them on treats. If you prefer a fully done-for-you program that requires no cooking or want the support of one-on-one coaching, GOLO may not be ideal.
9. Weight Watchers (WW)
Weight Watchers and OPTAVIA are both weight loss programs with similarities and differences. Neither plan requires you to count calories, but they approach this differently. OPTAVIA provides pre-portioned meals with balanced calories, while Weight Watchers uses a “SmartPoints” system, assigning values to foods based on nutrients and calories with a 50 calorie per point ratio. OPTAVIA restricts grains, most fruits, starches, and legumes, whereas Weight Watchers allows a wider variety of foods from all food groups.
Both OPTAVIA and Weight Watchers prioritize education on healthy habits and long-term lifestyle changes. They offer mobile apps with diet plans, healthy recipes, weight and activity trackers, and members-only communities for support. Both provide access to coach-led workshops and in-person support. OPTAVIA includes a fitness app with workouts like Pilates, Yoga, and Cardio through its partnership with Aaptiv.
If you want to build a diet plan based on healthy habits and want the flexibility to eat from all food groups, but don’t mind cooking all your meals, go for WW. Weight Watchers starts at a lower $10 per month for its Core plan, covering app membership but not meals and snacks. Optavia’s plans, like the Optimal Weight 5&1 at $415.05 monthly, include most meals but require additional grocery purchases for ‘lean and green’ meals.
10. SlimFast
SlimFast is an international company specializing in dietary supplements and meal replacement products comparable to OPTAVIA, such as shakes, bars, snacks, and packaged meals designed to aid in weight loss. SlimFast is a partial meal replacement program where the number of shakes you drink daily depends on your chosen plan. They offer four plans with calorie levels from 1,300-1,950 kcal per day to match your goals and activity level. Their primary weight loss plan is the 3-2-1 Plan. Healthy Maintenance helps you keep weight stable (1,600-1,650 kcal) by replacing one daily meal with a shake. Unlike OPTAVIA, SlimFast does not offer coaching.
SlimFast products are widely accessible in retail stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco, and online platforms like Amazon and Instacart. OPTAVIA and Slimfast show similar results. A 2013 study found that participants on the SlimFast diet lost approximately 3.1 kilograms (about 6.8 lbs) in 4 weeks. The research revealed an average initial weight loss of 6.1 kg (around 13.4 lbs) during the 12-week weight loss phase.
The low price point of SlimFast products is appealing. Additionally, they use less soy protein isolate than OPTAVIA. However, they do use aspartame as a sweetener, while OPTAVIA uses stevia and monk fruit. If you’re just concerned about products similar to OPTAVIA, then choose SlimFast, but if you plan to stay for the long term, OPTAVIA has an edge due to its focus on natural ingredients and the inclusion of educational support and personal coaching.
What Weight Loss Plans Are Similar to OPTAVIA?
Weight loss plans similar to OPTAVIA utilize structured programs with low-calorie, prepackaged foods. However, these didn’t make our top 10 OPTAVIA alternatives, and we don’t necessarily recommend them. Isagenix, a multi-level marketing company specializing in weight loss, offers their flagship 30-day Reset program, combining supplements, meal replacements, and intermittent fasting. A 2016 study suggests Isagenix can lead to weight loss and body composition improvements, similar to other diet plans. These plans often include shake days for meal replacements and cleanse days for fasting. Isagenix can be convenient and may lead to short-term weight loss, but be aware of the company’s potentially unsupported health claims and the diet’s reliance on processed foods.
Other alternatives to OPTAVIA that didn’t make our top picks include Atkins, Herbalife, Profile by Sanford, Prolon, Optifast, and Wellina.
- Atkins: The primary difference between OPTAVIA and Atkins is how they achieve weight loss. Atkins severely restricts carbohydrate intake to a maximum of 20 grams daily in the Induction phase, forcing your body into ketosis to burn fat. After two weeks, Atkins gradually increases carbs by 5 grams weekly for sustained weight loss. OPTAVIA shares similarities in its emphasis on low-carb, high-fat, and high-protein foods. The Atkins diet has proven effective for weight loss. In a major study, women on Atkins lost an average of 4.7 kg, significantly more than other popular diets, and showed favorable metabolic effects.
- Herbalife: Herbalife is a global MLM corporation offering weight management, health, nutrition, fitness, and personal care products. Unlike OPTAVIA, Herbalife operates in most countries worldwide. Their diet plan primarily focuses on low-calorie meal replacement shakes and supplements.
- Profile by Sanford: Profile by Sanford, now known simply as Profile Plan, is a personalized weight loss and nutrition program akin to OPTAVIA, developed in 2011 by Sanford Health’s medical experts, emphasizing a high-protein, low-carb diet aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle and achieving weight loss goals. While it induces a mild state of ketosis, it is not a true keto diet, focusing instead on a balanced approach to nutrition and lifestyle changes without extreme restrictions.
- Prolon: The ProLon diet, developed by USC Professor Valter Longo, is a five-day, plant-based fasting-mimicking plan. It provides a proprietary blend of gluten-free foods designed to trick the body into thinking it’s fasting. This approach, known as ‘fasting with food’ and distinct from programs like OPTAVIA, involves consuming a limited, carefully selected set of nutrients to promote the health benefits of fasting without complete food abstinence.
- Optifast: The Optifast diet refers to a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD) program designed for weight loss. It restricts your daily caloric intake to below 800 calories, forcing your body to use its fat stores for energy. The program offers products like shakes that are similar to OPTAVIA, bars, and soups, which are scientifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of people on this diet.
In our experience, if you’re ready to move away from meal replacement diets, consider options like the Mediterranean diet, a low-carb approach, or intermittent fasting. These plans are well-researched, backed by evidence, and focus on whole foods you can buy at the grocery store. Sure, they may require a little more cooking and planning, but they offer long-term sustainability.
At Optimal Weight Plan, our experienced health coaches help people achieve their weight loss goals, whether they’re on the OPTAVIA plan or a DIY approach. Call us today to book your complimentary discovery call and let’s find the best path for you!
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What Weight Loss Plans Are Not Similar to OPTAVIA?
Weight loss plans that are not similar to OPTAVIA are programs that aim at weight loss but employ completely different mechanics than the OPTAVIA diet plan. Two examples are Ozempic and Wegovy, which are FDA-approved weight loss medications. Unlike Optavia’s focus on meal replacements, these injectable drugs work differently in the body to promote weight loss and require a prescription. They also don’t involve the lifestyle changes that OPTAVIA emphasizes. Other programs that differ from OPTAVIA include:
- Plexus
- Arbonne
- Xyngular
- Wellina
- Awaken 180
- Beachbody
- Shakeology
- HMR
- Livea
- Thrive
What Food Is Similar to OPTAVIA Fuelings?
Many meal replacement bars and shakes offer similarities to OPTAVIA Fuelings. Some popular alternatives include Atkins bars, Quest bars, Premier Protein shakes, and Skinny Pop popcorn. When searching for bars similar to OPTAVIA bars, pay close attention to the nutritional information, focusing on calories, protein content, and carbohydrate count to find the best match for your needs. You can find great options at your local grocery store.
How To Create Your Own Diet Similar To Optavia
To create your own DIY OPTAVIA diet, follow the steps below:
- Use shakes similar to Optavia
- Create DIY Optavia Fuelings
- Find cheaper alternatives to Optavia Fuelings
- Use Optavia bar substitutes
- Make your own Optavia bars
- Eat 5 small meals a day
- Forgo extra condiments
- Join the online community
- Reduce carbohydrates
- Choose lean meats
- Do strength training
- Hire a health coach
A weight loss coach can offer personal support and help you stay on track, which is important for reaching your goals. Even though studies don’t always show a direct link between coaching and weight loss, it can still be a helpful part of your weight loss plan.
Comparing the Best Shake Alternatives to Optavia
Choosing the right weight loss plan and shake alternatives can be overwhelming. That’s why COMPARE.EDU.VN is here to simplify your decision-making process with comprehensive and objective comparisons. Whether you’re evaluating meal replacement options or specific protein shake brands, our detailed analyses provide the information you need to make the best choice for your health and wellness goals.
Detailed Comparison Table: Optavia vs. Alternatives
To help you visualize the differences and similarities between Optavia and its shake alternatives, we’ve compiled a detailed comparison table. This table highlights key factors such as cost, nutritional content, coaching availability, and user reviews, enabling you to assess each option at a glance.
| Feature | Optavia | WonderSlim | Skinny Box | Nutrisystem | Ketogenic Diet | NOOM | Jenny Craig | Ideal Protein | GOLO Diet | Weight Watchers (WW) | SlimFast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $$$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $ (Food Dependent) | $$$ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ (Supplement & Food Dependent) | $$ (Subscription & Food Dependent) | $$ |
| Meal Structure | Pre-packaged Meals & Fuelings | Meal Replacements & Snacks | Portion-Controlled Packs & Meals | Pre-packaged, Portion-Controlled Meals | Whole Foods (High-Fat, Low-Carb) | Whole Foods (Calorie & Behavior Focused) | Pre-packaged Meals & Snacks | Meal Replacements & Lean Protein | Whole Foods & Supplement | Flexible, Point-Based System | Partial Meal Replacement |
| Coaching | Included | Not Included | Limited | Optional (Additional Cost) | Self-Directed | App-Based Coaching | Optional (Max Up Program Only) | Required | Self-Directed | Optional, Workshops & Community Support | Not Included |
| Sweetener | Stevia, Monk Fruit | Varies | Sucralose (Splenda) | Varies | N/A | N/A | Varies | Varies | N/A | N/A | Aspartame |
| Calories/Day | 800-1000 | 1000-1700 (Gender Specific) | Varies | Varies (Approx. 1200-1500) | Varies (Dependent on Macronutrient Ratio) | Varies (Dependent on Individual Plan) | 1200-2300 (Gender Specific) | Varies (Low-Calorie) | 1300-1800 | Varies (Dependent on Individual Plan) | 1300-1950 |
| Focus | Structured Weight Loss & Coaching | Affordable Meal Replacements | Cost-Effective Meal Replacement | Convenience & Portion Control | Ketosis & Whole Foods | Behavior Change & Calorie Awareness | Convenience & Personalized Meals | Ketosis & Protein Intake | Insulin Management & Metabolism | Flexibility & Healthy Habits | Quick Weight Loss & Accessibility |
Legend:
- $: Low Cost
- $$$$: High Cost
Understanding Key Features for Informed Decision-Making
When comparing weight loss shakes and programs, several factors come into play. COMPARE.EDU.VN helps you dissect these key features to make an informed decision:
- Cost: Understand the upfront and ongoing costs associated with each option.
- Meal Structure: Assess whether you prefer pre-packaged meals, flexible whole food options, or a combination of both.
- Coaching Availability: Determine if you value personalized support from a coach or prefer a self-directed approach.
- Sweetener: Consider your preferences and potential sensitivities to different sweeteners.
- Calories/Day: Ensure the daily calorie intake aligns with your weight loss goals and overall health.
- Focus: Identify the core principles and methodologies of each program to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
How to Choose the Right Shake for Your Needs
Choosing the right shake involves understanding your own preferences, needs, and lifestyle. Ask yourself these questions:
- What is your budget?
- Do you prefer pre-packaged meals or whole foods?
- Do you need coaching support?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences?
- What are your weight loss goals?
By answering these questions and leveraging the comparisons provided by COMPARE.EDU.VN, you can confidently select the shake that best supports your weight loss journey.
Leveraging Scientific Studies and Expert Opinions
COMPARE.EDU.VN is committed to providing evidence-based comparisons. We rely on scientific studies and expert opinions to ensure our content is accurate, reliable, and up-to-date.
Citing Credible Sources for Accuracy and Reliability
We cite credible sources such as peer-reviewed studies, reputable health organizations, and expert interviews to support our comparisons. This ensures you receive the most accurate and reliable information possible.
Expert Commentary: What Our Health Coaches Say
Our team of health coaches at Optimal Weight Plan offers valuable insights into the pros and cons of each weight loss shake and program. Their real-world experience and expertise can help you make a more informed decision.
- Karen Savage: “OPTAVIA offers a strict structure that some clients find comforting, while ketogenic diets offer greater flexibility.”
- Tim Martin, MD: “Nutrisystem is convenient for those with time constraints, but lacks long-term dietary education.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Optavia and Shake Alternatives
- What are the main differences between Optavia and other weight loss programs?
- Optavia focuses on pre-packaged meals and coaching, while other programs like NOOM emphasize behavior change without meal replacements.
- Is Optavia a ketogenic diet?
- No, while both diets restrict certain foods, ketogenic diets are high in fat, whereas Optavia relies on meal replacements.
- How much does Optavia cost compared to other options?
- Optavia is generally more expensive than options like SlimFast but includes coaching support.
- Can I create my own Optavia-like diet?
- Yes, you can by using similar shakes, creating DIY Fuelings, and reducing carbohydrates.
- What are the best alternatives to Optavia Fuelings?
- Popular alternatives include Atkins bars, Quest bars, and Premier Protein shakes.
- Do I need a coach to succeed with Optavia or its alternatives?
- While Optavia includes coaching, it’s not always necessary, especially if you opt for a self-directed program like NOOM.
- Are there any health risks associated with Optavia or its alternatives?
- Some diets like Ideal Protein use soy protein isolate, which may cause digestive issues.
- Which weight loss program is the most flexible?
- Weight Watchers (WW) offers a flexible, point-based system that allows a wide variety of foods.
- Which program is best for long-term weight management?
- Options like the Mediterranean diet focus on sustainable lifestyle changes and whole foods.
- How can I find a health coach to guide me through my weight loss journey?
- COMPARE.EDU.VN can help you find experienced health coaches who can guide you through your weight loss journey. Contact Optimal Weight Plan’s expert coaches today! Address: 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 (626) 555-9090. Website: COMPARE.EDU.VN
Making Informed Decisions with COMPARE.EDU.VN
At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we understand that choosing the right weight loss program and shake alternatives can be daunting. That’s why we provide comprehensive, objective comparisons to help you make informed decisions.
The Importance of Comprehensive Comparisons
Our comparisons cover a wide range of factors, including cost, meal structure, coaching availability, and nutritional content, ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best choice for your individual needs.
How COMPARE.EDU.VN Simplifies Your Decision-Making Process
We simplify the decision-making process by presenting complex information in an easy-to-understand format. Our comparison tables, expert opinions, and FAQs make it simple to evaluate your options and select the right weight loss program.
Empowering You to Achieve Your Weight Loss Goals
Our ultimate goal is to empower you to achieve your weight loss goals. By providing you with the knowledge and resources you need, we help you take control of your health and well-being. Contact Optimal Weight Plan’s expert coaches today! Address: 333 Comparison Plaza, Choice City, CA 90210, United States. Whatsapp: +1 (626) 555-9090. Website: COMPARE.EDU.VN
Ready to make a change? Explore the comparisons on compare.edu.vn and find the weight loss shake and program that’s right for you.
