'The Feel Great System: A Dietician's Review' - An In-Depth Response
Aug 24, 2023In the ever-evolving world of health and wellness, different perspectives often emerge, sparking discussions and debates.
A review titled "The Feel Great System: A Dietician's Review" caught my attention, raising several intriguing concerns about the Feel Great System.
This review has brought to light several aspects of the Feel Great System from questioning the founder's credentials to expressing concerns about the ingredients, scientific studies, claims, third-party verification, fasting, and the system's overall cost, the reviewer has touched on key elements that many potential consumers might wonder about.
I believe it's essential to provide a balanced and comprehensive response as someone who represents the Feel Great System and understands its core philosophy. This article aims not merely to defend but to thoughtfully examine the points raised, reflecting the Feel Great System's true nature as a lifestyle change supported by quality products.
It's crucial to approach these concerns with an open mind and a commitment to truth. Below, I've taken each statement from the review and provided my response, aiming to offer a well-rounded perspective that takes into account both the reviewer's concerns and the underlying principles of the Feel Great System.
Let's dive into the review and take a look at the statements and misconceptions, offering a clear perspective on what the Feel Great System truly represents so you can make an informed choice if this program is right for you.
Understanding the Founder's Background: Stewart Hughes and Unicity's Commitment to Science and Innovation
Reviewers Statement: "Who is this founder? Not a trained nutrition expert, actually."
The concern about the founder's credentials seems to stem from misinformation circulating on social media among Unicity distributors. The truth is that Stewart Hughes, the owner of Unicity, is not a nutritionist, doctor, or scientist himself.
Prior to joining Unicity, Stewart Hughes spent 15 years in the financial services industry and launched an independent distributor organization with Rexall Showcase offering Bios Life (now branded as Unicity Balance) as he was committed to bringing this cutting-edge preventive health care product to market worldwide. In 2006 he left his highly successful distributorship with Unicity to become the company’s owner and CEO.
Stewart Hughes has stated that “I am planning a variety of investments worldwide for the infinite development of Unicity. I hope the company is able to develop better products and achieve a better world together.”
Unicity not only believes in creating products that are innovative but also based on proven science. This commitment to cutting-edge development and efficacy has led to multiple third-party certifications, US patents, listings in the Prescribers Digital Reference (PDR) and clinical studies in scientific journals.
Unicity has a staff of scientists from around the world and they collaborate with a team of well-respected and world-renowned scientists, medical professionals, and experts known as the Unicity Scientific Advisory Board (USAB). The USAB advises and educates on Unicity products and the latest scientific developments related to nutrition.
From the manufacturing of the supplements to packaging and packing, every step of the process goes through extensive testing and screening by Unicity's in-house quality control team to ensure all finished products fulfill all requirements, regulations, and safety standards worldwide.
Scientific Research Behind the Feel Great System: Understanding the Evidence from Reputable Institutions
Reviewer Statement: "What is missing? Any scientific studies to back up their claims. There are no scientific citations directly related to their products anywhere on the FGS website or product guides, even though they talk a lot about believing in science."
It's understandable that the lack of visible scientific citations on the Feel Great System's website or product guides might raise concerns, as these are marketing tools.
title="Clinical Studies on the Feel Great System Products: Unimate & Balance"
However, the Feel Great System is indeed backed by substantial scientific research. Studies on the products have been conducted by reputable institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Sydney.
While Unimate has been available since 2017 and is a relatively newer product, a clinical study has been done in Zurich, Switzerland. As for the yerba mate plant itself, there are numerous clinical studies that are published showing its benefits for numerous health benefits. Unicity Balance, on the other hand, has a long, rich history of research spanning decades, providing solid scientific support for its benefits. Even the American Diabetes Association has endorsed Unicity Balance as having a crucial role in managing blood glucose levels and reducing complications from Type 2 diabetes.
In October 2018 the Journal of Dietary Supplements published a double-blind, randomized placebo controlled clinical study done in Indonesia on how Unicity Balance can improve bad cholesterol, total cholesterol, and Apo B levels in people with high cholesterol. In another study, published in the Diabetes in Control August 2000 issue, showed evidence of the clinical impact of Balance on diabetes.
In 2002, Unicity Balance (formerly called Bios Life ) became the first natural product to be listed in the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR), marking a significant milestone. In 2017, after years of meticulous research, Unimate was successfully incorporated into dietary routines, embodying the term "Feel Great." This phrase, widely used throughout the company as a slogan, became more than just words. In late 2020, Unicity elevated this concept into a brand, giving birth to the "Feel Great System."
Unicity recently conducted a 60-day study on the Feel Great System, showing promising results in improving cardiometabolic health. The study was led by the Unicity Scientific Research & Development Team, including Stephanie Kung, Ph.D., and Erin Glynn, Ph.D.
Dr. Kung, the lead scientist for clinical trials research, earned her BS in chemical biology (with a minor in nutrition) from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate in nutrition and food science from Utah State University, focusing on polyphenols and intestinal health. Dr. Glynn received her bachelor's degree in exercise physiology from Texas A&M University and her doctorate in biomedical science from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She then pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University, where her research centered on the metabolic profiling of conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
These examples are just a few of the many pieces of scientific evidence that support the Feel Great System. Unicity's history of commitment to science and the effectiveness of the Feel Great System is well-documented and proven. As a leading metabolic health sciences company, Unicity continues to conduct studies, further solidifying its reputation in the field.
Understanding the Sweeteners in Unimate Drink: Stevia, Erythritol, and Splenda's Role in Flavor and Health
Reviewer Statement: "Beyond the yerba mate, the Unimate drink also contains stevia, erythritol and Splenda, an artificial sweetener."
The mention of stevia, erythritol, and sucralose (commonly referred to as 'Splenda') in the Feel Great System's Unimate drink is indeed accurate. These ingredients have been thoughtfully selected for specific purposes, including taste enhancement, flavor consistency, stability, and safety.
Stevia and erythritol are natural sweeteners derived from plants, known for their low-calorie content, making them suitable for weight management and blood sugar control. Sucralose, while artificial, is chosen for its stability and ability to enhance flavor without contributing to caloric intake. In previous blog articles, I have explored the research on sucralose and the recent study on erythritol at the Cleveland Clinic as they relate to Feel Great System products.
Sucralose and erythritol continue to be vilified in published studies citing potential health concerns. In summary, what the studies fail to explain is that they use extremely high concentrations of these ingredients in their experiments. One study on sucralose published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health conducted the study in vitro, meaning in a petri dish—not an actual "human study." To create the sucralose toxicity level used in the petri dish study, one would have to drink 8,000 diet sodas in a single day over an extended period of time.
To put that into perspective, using this same comparison, one serving of diet soda contains 8 times the sucralose content than a single serving of Unimate. To create the toxicity levels in the study, one would have to drink 62,500 sachet servings of Unimate per day over an extended period of time. Obviously, no one is ever going to drink 2,083 boxes of Unimate (30 sachets per box) per day. If 1 box is a month's usage, it would take someone 174 years to drink 2,083 boxes.
Another study at the Cleveland Clinic has claimed to discover a link between erythritol and increased rates of heart attack and stroke. Similarly, Peter Attia, MD, an expert in nutrition and health, evaluates the claims surrounding erythritol in his article titled "More hype than substance: erythritol and cardiovascular risk." He states that despite its appeal as a sugar substitute due to its low glycemic index and minimal caloric content, the research on erythritol's impact on cardiovascular health remains inconclusive. These studies also fail to account for potential confounding factors.
Unicity, a science-based food supplement company, is committed to creating tasty and healthy products that fill nutritional gaps without sacrificing flavor. Through several rounds of taste tests, including descriptive analyses, difference tests, and consumer acceptance tests, Unicity ensures that products are both nutritious and delicious. Instead of relying on harmful additives like salt or sugar, the company focuses on flavor synergy and flavor maskers.
By combining complementary flavors, such as vanilla with sweet tastes, and using natural sweeteners and buffer salts to offset bitterness, Unicity can enhance flavors without unnecessary additives. Additionally, some products contain sucralose and/or erythritol, choices backed by scientific reasoning as stated by Unicity's Chief Science Officer. This approach aligns with Unicity's strong belief in providing tools to combat health crises, ensuring that their supplements are not only good for you but taste good too.
Unicity's stringent quality control and in-house manufacturing ensure that these ingredients are used within safe consumption levels. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the Feel Great System's commitment to providing a balanced and effective solution for overall health and well-being, aligning with the goals of supporting healthy weight and metabolic function.
Understanding the Value of the Feel Great System: More Than Just Fiber and Vitamins – A Comprehensive Investment in Health
Reviewer Statement: "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. That is a lot of money each month for fiber, some vitamins, minerals, and a dose of caffeine."
The concern about the Feel Great System's price tag is indeed valid, and it's a point that deserves careful consideration. However, it's essential to recognize that the cost of the Feel Great System reflects more than just fiber, some vitamins, minerals, and a dose of caffeine. It includes decades of research, quality ingredients, personalized support (including free shipping in most countries), and a 90-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not satisfied for any reason, Unicity offers a full refund within 90 days of the purchase date, no questions asked.
The Feel Great System's commitment to quality, from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, ensures the highest standards of purity and potency. For most of Unicity's product formulations, they are not just manufactured in-house; they also own the process from seed to sachet. For example, where the yerba mate is grown in South America, they own the farm and have an onsite research center to oversee every step.
This commitment to quality and transparency is not common in the supplement industry, setting the Feel Great System apart from other products on the market. In my book, "Beyond Feel Great," I dedicated an entire chapter to this topic, emphasizing the importance of quality and integrity in health products.
In this context, the price tag becomes an investment in one's health, reflecting the quality, integrity, and innovation that the Feel Great System offers. It's not merely about fiber, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine; it's about a comprehensive approach to well-being that aligns with an individual's unique health goals and needs. The value of the Feel Great System goes beyond the physical products, encompassing the support, education, and empowerment that come with it.
Balancing Personal Reviews and Scientific Evidence: Unicity's Commitment to Integrity and Transparency in the Feel Great System
Reviewer Statement: "Personal reviews do not make for good, reputable scientific claims."
The statement about personal reviews is a valid observation, and it's one that Unicity's legal compliance takes seriously. While personal testimonials can provide insight into individual experiences, they are not a substitute for scientific evidence.
Some Unicity distributors are not adhering to Unicity's story guidelines in their sharing of the Feel Great System reviews, leading to potential misinformation or exaggerated claims. This can sometimes result in negative reviews and a lack of "scientific claims," as the reviewer rightly points out. It's essential for consumers to approach such testimonials with caution.
The Feel Great System's effectiveness is grounded in scientific research, and personal reviews are just one aspect of a comprehensive approach to health. The Feel Great System products are supported by studies from reputable institutions, as mentioned previously. While testimonials can be a powerful tool in marketing, they must be used responsibly according to Unicity. Any potential misinformation or exaggerated claims by individual distributors do not reflect the company's commitment to scientific integrity and transparency.
Addressing Nutrition Education in the Feel Great System: Empowering Individuals for Long-Term Health Success
Reviewer Statement: "With the Feel Great System, there is no nutrition education. Telling people they don’t need to change their diet or that what they eat doesn’t matter is the silliest thing. That isn’t teaching anyone anything."
I wholeheartedly agree with the concern raised here. The perception of a lack of nutrition education and long-term self-reliance in the Feel Great System may stem from misunderstandings or misrepresentations by those promoting it online. It's important to note that many individuals found on social media may not have backgrounds in nutrition and are relatively new to Unicity. Often, they are excitedly sharing their own stories and the stories of others, with a primary focus on sales.
The Feel Great System isn't about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions; it's designed to foster long-term success, self-reliance, and a balanced approach to health and well-being. This comprehensive approach reflects Unicity’s commitment to empowering individuals with the Feel Great System to take control of their health journey. I have written a blog article addressing this concern titled 'Eat Whatever You Want & Still Lose Weight & Lower Blood Sugars.'
In recognition of the lack of education and supportive material, I have invested more than 10,000 hours over the past three years researching, writing, and documenting the science behind the Feel Great System. I've been deeply committed to translating complex health science topics into easily digestible content through blog articles, white papers and tools I share my Feel Great clients, eBook download and my book titled 'Beyond Feel Great'.
My primary aim is to educate consumers on improving their health, with a special emphasis on the benefits of fiber for glucose control, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, intermittent fasting, cholesterol, and the glycemic index (GI), among other subjects. I strive to present evidence-based clinical studies in straightforward language, highlighting how the Feel Great System can be a powerful tool in this health journey.
To expand that learning, I authored an Amazon #1 New Release book in May 2023, titled 'Beyond Feel Great,' and have since personally mailed out hundreds of free signed paperback copies as complimentary gifts to all of my registered Feel Great clients and new first-time orders placed on my website.
My commitment goes beyond just providing information. I offer a toll-free number and am always quick to reply to email, phone, or text questions – offering personalized one-on-one support. I have coached and personally supported hundreds of my registered clients on their Feel Great journey, all of whom have achieved great results in losing weight, controlling their blood sugars for diabetes, lowering cholesterol, and more.
The Feel Great System: A Lifelong Commitment to Wellness, Not a Temporary Fix
Reviewer Statement: "Need to take forever. The Feel Good System is intended to be taken forever…that’s a long time."
The statement that the Feel Great System is intended to be taken "forever" might seem daunting, but it reflects the system's core philosophy as a sustainable lifestyle change rather than a temporary fix.
Unlike restrictive diets or passing fads, the Feel Great System is designed to support individuals throughout their lives, recognizing that our dietary intake will never be perfect and that the foods we consume may lack essential nutrients. By filling these voids, the Feel Great System offers a balanced and realistic approach to health and well-being.
It's not about a short-term transformation but a lifelong commitment to wellness, guided by science, quality, and individualized support. It's about embracing a path that aligns with your health goals and values, making the Feel Great System a trusted and enduring partner in your health journey.
Intermittent Fasting and the Feel Great System: A Balanced Approach to Time-Based Eating for Optimal Health
Reviewer Statement: "The Feel Great System recommends fasting. I don’t. Without consistent fuel, our body can turn to other fuel sources, including ketones, which is not optimal. Our bodies, especially our brains, prefer carbs. The key to this is to feed our body frequently enough to prevent us from getting too hungry, which leads us to over-eating and then the pendulum swinging back and forth between the two."
This statement reflects a specific belief and philosophy of the reviewer, and it's worth noting that opinions on fasting and nutrition can vary widely among experts in the field.
The field of health and nutrition can be complex, often conflicting, and ever-changing. A randomized controlled trial at the University of Illinois, Chicago, has shown that intermittent fasting can be as effective as calorie counting for weight loss.
In my book, 'Beyond Feel Great', I offer a science-backed explanation of what happens when we bathe our system with carbs all day, and I dedicate a chapter to the topic of Intermittent Fasting.
Recent studies emerging as a result of the pandemic have even shown that those who practiced regular intermittent fasting experienced less severe complications from COVID-19. There are many reasons why Unicity has encouraged 4-4-12 time-based eating for decades, and how the evolution into the Feel Great System now encourages a time-based eating routine to enhance results.
Quality Assurance and Third-Party Verification: Unicity's Feel Great System's Commitment to Safety, Standards, and Dietary Needs
Reviewer Statement: "There is no mention of 3rd party verification of quality. Supplements are not well regulated in the US and 3rd party verification is how you have confidence in what you’re buying."
The concern about third-party verification for the Feel Great System's quality is met by the rigorous standards and certifications Unicity adheres to. The Feel Great System products, Unimate yerba mate and Balance Fiber Matrix, are NSF Certified for Sport®, and their listings can be found on the NSF Certified for Sport® website. NSF’s global Certified for Sport® program helps athletes, dieticians, coaches, and consumers make safer decisions when choosing supplements, ensuring they are recognized as safe for professional sports and many other competitive organizations. Additionally, Unicity Balance is also certified as Gluten-free, Kosher, and Halal, catering to various dietary needs and cultural practices.
Many people wonder if the Feel Great System products are FDA approved, but in the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as a category of foods and not subject to specific FDA approval. However, in Canada, dietary supplements are categorized as "Natural Health Products" (NHPs) and treated as non-prescription drugs by Health Canada.
These Feel Great System products are approved by Health Canada's NHP program, reflecting compliance with global standards for safety, efficacy, and quality. In the U.S., they align with FDA guidelines for dietary supplements and their manufacturing facilities are FDA approved. Unicity has more products listed in the Prescribers' Digital Reference (PDR) than any other supplement company, a trusted source used by healthcare professionals. Unicity's dedication to the entire process, from research to delivery, and alignment with these recognized standards, underscores its commitment to quality and effectiveness. This makes the Feel Great System a reliable and trusted choice for overall health and wellness.
Understanding the Feel Great System's Comprehensive Approach to Health and Wellness
This review of the Feel Great System has brought to light various perspectives, concerns, and appreciations. While some criticisms were raised, it's essential to recognize the comprehensive and scientifically-backed approach that the Feel Great System offers. It's more than a weight loss solution; it's a pathway to overall well-being, metabolic health, and a sustainable lifestyle change. By addressing the concerns with transparency and providing insights into the system's core principles, I hope to empower readers to make informed decisions.
The Feel Great System is not just about shedding pounds; it's about embracing a comprehensive approach to health, well-being, and a sustainable lifestyle. Through this review, we've explored the system's core principles, scientifically-backed research, ingredients, and Unicity's commitment to overall wellness. Whether you're looking to manage weight, enhance metabolic health, or embark on a transformative health journey, the Feel Great System offers a unique and personalized pathway.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Dive deeper into the Feel Great System's philosophy, benefits, and success stories by downloading the Feel Great System eBook. This valuable resource will empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions and embrace a lifestyle that truly makes you feel great. Your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here.