LA Weight Loss is a center-based weight loss program with over 650 centers worldwide. While LA Weight Loss is based in the US, there are weight loss centers in both the UK and Canada.

 

Controversy

LA Weight Loss is one of the most controversial weight loss programs in the US - this is in part due to the sales tactics that are used at the centers. The cost of a personalized program at LA Weight Loss can go into the thousands - however they offer a number of different payment plans.

One of the most controversial issues are the nutrition bars that are part of the program. Many customers are pressured into buying these bars (in bulk) up front - and while a protein-based bar can be a good convenience food - it is most definitely not a requirement for a healthy weight loss diet.

 

LA Weight Loss Meal Plan

The basic meal plan is similar to that outlined below:

Consists of 2 PROTEIN SELECTIONS, 3 FRUIT SELECTIONS, 3 VEGETABLE SELECTIONS, 2 STARCH SELECTIONS, 2 FAT SELECTIONS, AND 2 PROTEIN SNACKS.

Selections are made from the following food groups:

PROTEINS
2 Servings Daily
The following foods must be measured to equal 4 ounces:
steak * beef * lean pork * liver * ground beef * lamb * veal * ground turkey * crab * salmon * fresh tuna * swordfish * 1 % cottage cheese * canned tuna, low sodium *

OR

The following foods must be measured to equal 6 ounces:
chicken breast * turkey breast * codfish * flounder * shrimp * bluefish * sole * scallops * whitefish * red snapper *haddock * lobster * grouper * yellowtail * orange roughy * striped bass * halibut *

Two eggs or egg substitutes may be eaten in place of one protein
1 ounce of low fat hard cheese may be eaten in place of one protein

FRUITS
3 Servings Daily
apple * lemon * orange * tangerine * peach * plum * kiwi * banana, (one small) * grapes * strawberry * cherries 12 medium * cantaloupe * watermelon * cranberries * raspberries 1 cup * blueberries ~ cup * grapefruit ~ medium * papaya 3~ cup * pineapple 3~ cup * prunes 3 medium * apricot 3 medium *

VEGETABLES
3 Servings Daily
celery 2 stalks * cucumbers ~ large * green peppers ~ large * radishes 12 medium * tomato 1 small * One cup of the following equals 1 serving: asparagus * bean sprouts * broccoli * cabbage * egg plant * mushrooms * lettuce * green onions * string beans * wax beans * mustard greens *
spinach * kale * zucchini * squash * cauliflower *

STARCHES
2 Servings Daily
1 slice diet bread * 1 rice cake * ~ medium baked potato * ~ cup brown or white rice * You may substitute ~ cup of the following cereals daily for one starch: Total * Special K * Bran Flakes * (not with raisins) Grape Nuts * Shredded Wheat * Puffed Rice * Oat Flakes * or 1 packet instant oatmeal or
cream of wheat. 1/4 cup cup Skim milk is optional each day.

FATS
2 Servings Daily
one tablespoon diet margarine * one tablespoon diet mayonnaise * You must use LOW fat, not fat free.

PROTEIN SNACKS
2 Servings Daily
These will generally be soy-protein based bars.

 

Counseling

Part of the LA Weight Loss strategy are the meetings with a counselor - however many question the credibility and credentials of these counselors - many of whom are well-trained in varying sales tactics. Weigh-ins can happen as much as 3 times per week, or as it suits - it often varies depending on the center.