I actually like Slim Fast (I buy the Costco brand). I don't drink it everyday because it's just not enough calories but I like to keep them on hand for those times when I'm just too busy to sit down and eat. I can drink one real quick in the morning or afternoon and not have to skip a meal. I also like them for pre-workout because they settle faster than solid food. This biggest thing when it comes to losing weight is lifestyle changes. Troy, you mentioned not being able to stick to meal plans because it's too much work but after awhile it becomes habit and eating healthy becomes easy. I love myfitnesspal for tracking my food but I honestly don't need to do it anymore, after years of healthy lifestyle and food tracking I can mentally tally my food plus my eating habits are right in line with my calorie goals without any effort. Exercise is where I need to focus my energy. I am moderately active, I need to become super active:) Weight loss should be a long term goal for a lifestyle not a diet. I'm 100 lbs lighter than I was 10 years ago and there's no chance I'll ever gain that back. I'd have to purposely stuff my face and sit around doing nothing because those things are no longer habit for me.