The Smart for Life diet is a weight loss program that utilizes portion-controlled foods designed to suppress hunger. These foods come in various forms, including cookies, muffins, shakes, and soups. Founded by Sasson Moulavi, M.D., the program emphasizes the use of mostly organic ingredients that are free of preservatives, pesticides, and toxins, aiming to provide effective and delicious food options at an affordable value.
What is Smart for Life?
Smart for Life is a nutritionally balanced, healthy weight loss program. It uses portion-controlled foods that are hunger-suppressing meals in the form of cookies, muffins, shakes, soups and much more.
The Smart for Life Program
The Smart for Life program is not just a diet; it's designed as a lifestyle change, training individuals to eat multiple, small meals throughout the day. The core of the program's success lies in its food and program design. Smart Foods, such as cookies, shakes, and muffins, are formulated to suppress appetite through a blend of amino acids, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and natural sugars.
The Science Behind the Cookies
The Smart for Life cookies are designed to provide nutrients while keeping calorie intake low. For instance, a Smart Cookie consumed for lunch provides approximately 100 calories, delivering nutrients without the high fat content found in many other foods. This can lead to feeling full for a longer period.
Expected Weight Loss
Weight loss results can vary among individuals. One patient lost 37 pounds in the first week, while others experienced a more modest loss of 1 pound during the same period. It's recommended to evaluate weight loss over a longer period, such as 28 days, with an expected loss of around 15 pounds for men. The program aims to simplify dieting by eliminating the need for extensive meal planning and preparation.
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Key Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Smart for Life products, including the cookies, are made with egg and milk protein, as well as fiber, oats, bran, and plant- and fruit-based carbohydrates. These ingredients contribute to appetite suppression and provide a balanced meal.
How the Diet Works
The Smart for Life diet typically involves eating six cookies a day, accompanied by a glass of water with each cookie and a healthy meal for dinner. This approach restricts daily calorie intake to between 1,000 and 1,200 calories.
Nutritional Concerns
Diets that severely restrict calories, such as the Smart for Life diet, can lead to muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies. It's important to consider the nutritional content of the cookies and ensure adequate intake of vitamins and minerals.
Taste and User Experience
User reviews of the Smart for Life cookies are mixed, with some praising the taste and effectiveness of the cookies in suppressing appetite. The cookies come in various flavors, providing variety for those following the diet.
Smart for Life Cookie Recipe
Here's a recipe to make similar cookies at home.
Read also: Keto Guide to Smart Sweets
Ingredients:
- First 8 ingredients
- Banana
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Egg whites
- Vanilla
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
- Combine first 8 ingredients in large bowl, mix well with spoon.
- Blend banana, butter, sugar, eggs, egg whites, and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until well incorporated.
- Add wet ingredients to dry, mix well and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
- Divide in half, then half again.
- Each portion makes 6 cookies. (I used an ice cream scoop to measure out the dough.)
- Bake for 12 minutes on cookie sheet or parchment paper.
- Cookies spread very little during baking.
Calorie Count
With these changes, there are 75 calories per cookie: add 1/4 tsp more cinnamon and 1 Tbsp more cocoa. Add 1/2 tsp ground cloves and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. Use Splenda baking blend instead of sugar.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While the Smart for Life diet offers a convenient approach to weight loss, it's essential to consider potential drawbacks, such as the risk of muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies associated with very low-calorie diets. Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended before starting any weight loss program.