The Feel Great System (FGS) by Unicity has garnered significant attention as a weight loss program. It combines intermittent fasting with two supplements, Unimate and Balance. This article delves into the ingredients, scientific basis, potential risks, and cost-effectiveness of the FGS, providing a comprehensive overview to help individuals make informed decisions.
Understanding the Components of the Feel Great System
The Feel Great System promotes a shortened eating window, aligning with the principles of intermittent fasting. In addition to time-restricted eating, the FGS incorporates two key supplements: Unimate and Balance.
Intermittent Fasting: A Key Element
Intermittent fasting (IF) involves cycling between periods of eating and voluntary fasting. It doesn't typically restrict specific foods but focuses on when you eat. Research suggests that IF can be effective for blood sugar management, cholesterol improvement, and weight loss. However, its success depends on individual factors and consistent adherence. While IF provides a solid foundation, it doesn't fully explain the purported benefits of the FGS.
Unicity Unimate: Yerba Mate Supplement
Unimate is a yerba mate supplement, a herbal tea common in South America. Yerba mate contains phytochemicals like chlorogenic acids, theobromine, and mate saponins. The Unimate drink also contains stevia, erythritol and Splenda, an artificial sweetener. While plant foods, including yerba mate, can help reduce inflammation, Unimate is not the only way to boost your mood or improve lab values. The research on yerba mate suggests it has fairly unremarkable effects on fat oxidation, blood glucose, and cholesterol. Claims about Unimate promoting feelings of well-being, ketone production, digestion, mental clarity, and metabolic health lack substantial evidence.
A 2014 study found that a 1g dose of yerba mate before exercising did increase fat oxidation levels over carbohydrate usage.
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Unicity Balance: Fiber Supplement
Unicity Balance is a fiber supplement based on a proprietary formula of different fiber sources. Unfortunately, proprietary formulas hide a lot of information. While fiber is beneficial for digestive health, Unicity Balance only provides 3 grams of fiber per serving, a small amount for a fiber supplement. Soluble fibers help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Balance includes viscous soluble fiber, which forms a thick gel when combined with water and as it moves through the digestive tract. The average person should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day. Eating adequate fiber can also aid in weight management by increasing satiety.
Balance contains a patented fiber matrix that includes bioactive plant compounds, polysaccharides, and micronutrients. Biosphere is a unique blend that includes five different sources of fiber. Unicity 7x is a specialized blend of plant-derived polysaccharides-also known as viscous fibers. Bios Cardio Matrix is a blend of plant extracts and phytosterols that supports the body’s cholesterol absorption process. The Bios Vitamin Complex is a unique blend that supports healthy metabolism.
Scientific Evaluation of the Feel Great System
While individual ingredients in the FGS supplements show potential benefits, there is a lack of robust evidence supporting the synergistic effects of the specific combination of Unimate and Balance, and its superiority over alternative approaches. The absence of substantial independent research raises concerns about the accuracy of marketing materials.
Independent Research
One study was done on the Feel Great System, presenting a high risk of bias. Some of the other ‘research’ in this section was similarly pathetic.
Third-Party Verification
There is no mention of 3rd party verification of quality. This is a big ole red flag.
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Cost Analysis of the Feel Great System
The Feel Great System is a relatively expensive program. For folks in the US, for a one-month supply of the two different products (Balance twice per day and Unimate daily), you’re looking at just over $150. It's crucial to assess whether the financial investment aligns with the potential returns, considering the possibility of achieving similar or better results through other evidence-based weight loss strategies.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
As with any weight loss program, the FGS carries potential risks.
| Supplement/Aspect | Potential Side Effects | Likelihood | Severity | Mitigation Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unimate | Jitters, insomnia, gastrointestinal upset | Possible | Generally Mild | Start with a low dose, monitor response, consider alternatives |
| Balance | Gastrointestinal upset, changes in bowel movements | Possible | Generally Mild | Start slowly, observe for adverse reactions |
| FGS Overall | Disappointment due to unmet expectations | Possible | Varies | Set realistic goals, remember weight loss is a process. |
| Intermittent Fasting | Dizziness, headaches, fatigue | Possible | Generally Mild | Consult a doctor before starting, begin gradually, listen to your body |
Making Informed Decisions
The decision to utilize the Feel Great System requires careful consideration. Before starting the FGS:
- Consult your physician: Discuss your health, weight loss goals, and any potential interactions with existing medications or health conditions.
- Conduct independent research: Thoroughly examine the scientific literature supporting both intermittent fasting and the specific ingredients in Unimate and Balance.
- Assess cost-effectiveness: Compare the FGS's price and potential benefits with other weight loss methods to determine if it's a financially prudent choice.
- Establish realistic expectations: Sustainable weight loss is a gradual process; avoid unrealistic expectations for rapid results.
Beyond the Feel Great System: Alternative Approaches
There are many ways to personalize your nutrition plan to suit your taste buds, budget, and health. The Feel Good System is intended to be taken forever…that’s a long time. There are no products that can override emotional eating, understanding hunger and fullness cues, or a foundation of basic nutrition.
Intuitive Eating
Intuitive Eating is a well-researched approach with excellent benefits. It teaches you how to nourish your mind, body, and spirit, without an expensive system.
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Additional Scientific Evidence
CL19183 supplementation resulted in significant reductions in BW (4.25 ± 1.35 vs. 0.96 ± 1.18 kg; p = 0.0001; CI [confidence interval]: 1.47, 8.59) and BMI (1.57 ± 0.53 vs 0.36 ± 0.46 kg/m2, p < 0.0001; CI: 0.87, 2.11), from baseline as compared to placebo. Similarly, total body fat (4.28 ± 1.56 vs. 0.85 ± 1.06 kg; p < 0.0001; CI: 2.35, 7.79) and fat percentage (p < 0.0001) were also reduced from baseline in the CL19183 group vs. placebo. At baseline, after a single dose of CL19183 administration and after 16 weeks, RMR was significantly increased (p < 0.0001 vs. placebo). After 8 and 16 weeks of supplementation, CL19183 significantly increased serum adiponectin and glucagon-like peptide-1 and decreased ghrelin levels vs. baseline and placebo.
Sixteen weeks of CL19183 supplementation exhibited mean reductions of 5.75 and 5.70% (p < 0.0001) in BW and BMI, respectively, from baseline; in contrast, the placebo group showed only 1.27 and 1.30% reductions (p < 0.0001) in BW and BMI, respectively (Table 2). At the end of the trial, the CL19183-supplemented group reduced body fat by 4.28 ± 1.56 kg (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline), whereas the placebo group reduced only 0.85 ± 1.06 kg (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline) (Table 3). CL19183 supplementation resulted in 10.72% (p = 0.0074) and 15.03% (p = 0.0003) reductions in body fat in weeks 8 and 16, respectively, compared to placebo. Furthermore, at the end of the trial period, CL19183 supplementation resulted in significant reductions in waist and hip circumferences, as compared to baseline (p < 0.0001) and placebo (waist: p = 0.0186; hip: p = 0.0149) (Table 3). CL19183 supplementation significantly increased RMR compared to pre-dose and placebo, starting from baseline through the completion of the study (Table 4).
The Importance of Nutrition Education and a Balanced Diet
A "nutrition" plan that has no lessons on what gentle nutrition is and how (and when) to incorporate the principles is missing out. A balance diet is one which contains different types of foods in such quantities and proportions that the need for energy, protein, vitamins and minerals is not only met, but a small provision is made for extra nutrients to withstand short duration of leanness. A balanced diet should include foods from all the five food groups. Aim for 60-70% energy from CHO, 10-12% from protein, 20-25% from fats. Regular intake of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains should be ensured to supply of phytochemicals.
Macronutrients and Micronutrients
Nutrients are ingredients in a food which serves as a source of nourishment. It can be classified as macronutrients and micronutrients depending on the amounts that they are found in foods and on the amounts in which they are required by human beings. Macronutrients are Carbohydrates, proteins and fats, Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates and Fats supply energy to the body. Proteins is the major constituent of tissues and cells of the body. Minerals are involved in important protective functions forming bones and teeth.
Food Groups and Their Nutritional Contributions
- Cereal grains and products: Rice, wheat, ragi, bajra, maize, jowar, barley, riceflakes, wheat flour. They supply nutrients such as Energy, protein, invisible fat, vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Folic acid, Iron, Fiber.
- Pulses and Legumes: Bengalgram, Blackgram, Greengram, Redgram, lentil (dhals), Cowpea, peas, Rajmah, Soyabeans, Beans, etc. Nutrients are Energy, protein, invisible fat, vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Folic acid, Calcium, Iron, Fiber.
- Milk and meat Products: Milk, Curd, Skimmed milk, Cheese, Chicken, Liver, Fish, Egg, Meat. Nutrients are Protein, Fat, Vitamin B2, Calcium.
- Fruits: Mango, guava, water melon. Nutrients are Carotenoids, Vitamin C, Fiber.
- Vegetables: Amaranth, spinach, mustard leaves, Carrots, Brinjal, Ladies finger, Capsicum, Onion, Cauliflower. Nutrients are Carotenoids, Folic acid, Calcium, Fiber.
- Fats and Sugars: Butter, Ghee, cooking oil, Sugar, Jaggery. Energy, Fat, Essential fatty acids.
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