I have not personally used the P90X system, but there are some telling details about the program that I think have contributed to its success and popularity, and lessons to be learned.

Price

At about $120, the price is a little steep, but comparable to three months’ membership at a local gym.

Commitment

The program says results will be visible in 90 days. Ninety days is a steep commitment, even with once-weekly rest days. One of the most challenging aspects of developing healthy exercise habits is achieving consistency. When you’re committed to a certain program, formal or informal, for 90 days, it’s easy to see how your body could get used to the initial discomfort of exercise, and that’s definitely a good thing.

Convenience

P90X is basically an all-in-one system, and except for resistance bands and other accoutrements that are needed for workouts, everything you need is packaged together for use at home and hotel alike. It’s this convenience that is so very tempting for today’s hectic, global and mobile lifestyles.

Nutrition/Fitness Emphases

P90X focuses on fitness as well as nutrition, and the program advises participants to take proactive measures with their dietary intake as well as their level of workout. Many programs emphasize one over the other, but these lifestyle habits go hand in hand. As I said, I have not tried P90X, nor have I examined their nutrition suggestions, but I love a dual focus on fitness and nutrition.

Have you tried P90X? What are your thoughts?

What did it take for you to keep your commitment to fitness? What tricks help you to fit your workouts in your busy schedule?

By Mitzi with research assistance provided by Pam Majumdar

Currently, there is no scientific proof that these diets help rid the body of toxins faster or that the elimination of toxins will make you healthier. Some of these detox diets may actually have a negative effect on your health. The side effects of taking certain pills, powders, supplements, or laxatives can be diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and mineral imbalances, or problems with the digestive system. Other side effects can include fatigue, irritability, weight loss, and excessive hunger. Fasting or eliminating certain foods can cause weight loss but in the form of water and possibly muscle. If a detox diet is continued for a long period of time, it may result in nutrient deficiencies and can slow down a person’s metabolism, making it harder to keep weight off or lose it later.

These claims may be too good to be true and in reality they actually are. So save yourself time and money and just stay away from these so-called “magical” detox diets. They are unproven and can be a lot more harmful then beneficial. The body is designed to cleanse and detoxify itself without the help any special diet. Our kidneys, liver, and intestines are naturally built to rid our bodies of toxins and excess waste. So let nature take its course and let your body cleanse itself naturally by eating a clean, whole foods diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean protein and plenty of water!

But it is important to understand that just because a product “claims” to have all these benefits doesn’t necessarily make these “claims” true. You may be thinking, how is that even possible? Shouldn’t it be illegal to claim something and then not come through with it? The answer is no. It’s a sneaky new way to market and lure people into buying one product over a similar competitor or to get you to pay extra by making you think that you will benefit more out of it.

So how can you be an informed buyer and not fall for these gimmicks? Well, first it is important to understand the types of claims on products. Usually, they are divided into two broad categories: health claims and structure function claims.

A health claim on a label has two essential components:
1. a substance
2. a disease

A health claim describes the relationship between these two components and is regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) so it has to be legitimate. A similar claim is a qualified health claim which simply suggests that there is emerging scientific evidence that show some type of benefit.

A structure-function claim is what the consumer needs to look out for. These claims are NOT regulated by the FDA and do not prevent/cure a specific condition or disease; however, physiological effects of a product can be noted which may not be as beneficial as the product states.

The difference between the two seems simple, but trying to decipher that at the grocery store…not so simple.

Here are a few examples of the differences between the two claims that may trick you:

Health Claim (regulated by the FDA)
This product will “lower cholesterol”
This product will provide relief from “chronic” constipation.
This product suppresses appetite to treat “obesity”.
This product helps with “sleep apnea”.
This product helps maintain healthy lung function in smokers.

Structure Function Claim (NOT regulated)
This product will “help maintain normal cholesterol levels”.
This product will provide relief from “occasional” constipation.
This product helps suppress appetite to help with weight loss.
This product helps with occasional sleeplessness.
This product aids in healthy lung function.

* Note: A health claim is more precise in explaining the health related condition or disease, while the structure function claim is not.

These claims were originally confined to dietary supplements which made them sort of easy to control, but now have expanded in the food industry on several other products. Examples include fruit juices and antioxidant drinks which makes it all the more important for us as consumers to know the difference between them. Just recently, CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) sued Coca Cola for making deceptive and unsubstantial claims on its VitaminWater products which they market to be a healthier alternative to soda and providing a whole array of benefits by labeling the flavors as “defense”, “rescue”, “energy” and “endurance”. There is no reason to pay extra for a product just because it “claims” to be beneficial.

Here are some ways to help you make a more informed decision the next time you are at the grocery store:

1. Look for a specific disease like osteoporosis or cancer. A health claim will always be specific and state the disease.

2. Try to look for a disclaimer on the packaging like “these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA”. You will immediately know that it is a structure function claim and not worth your extra money.

3. Other considerations for label misinterpretation: There are several other sneaky marketing strategies that a consumer needs to know about. This includes labeling like:
a. Calorie free: doesn’t necessarily mean 0 calories, and according to the FDA, the product has less than 5 calories per serving.
b. Fat free: the product contains less than 5 g of fat per serving, but if you consume more than one serving, those grams can quickly add up!
c. Sugar free- doesn’t necessarily mean calorie free! It might contain sugar alcohols that still have 4 calories per gram! Usually sugar free refers to a product containing 0.5 g sugar per serving.
d. Sodium free: less than 5 mg sodium per serving
e. Cholesterol free: less than 2 mg of cholesterol per serving and 2 g or less of saturated fat per serving.
f. 0% Trans fat: the product contains less than 0.5 g trans fat per serving, but again if you are consuming way more than one serving, those trans fats can add up.

These tips will surely help you become an informed buyer and be able to pick up on tricky marketing strategies that lure you into believing a product is more beneficial and tempt you into paying more.

I just recorded two short new videos which will not only help you reduce your daily calorie intake to assist in your weight loss efforts but also a BONUS video called “Are Your Friends Good for Your Health and Happiness?”

Find my other videos on YouTube!

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