Victoria H.

5 stars because of the low reviews. In actuality, 4 stars simply because the app is insufficient for tracking and I have to use My Fitness Pal to track foods, and my Apple Watch to track workouts. The food base on Real Appeal isn't stellar, but once getting over that annoyance and finding My Fitness Pal, it was fine. Some minor silliness in the layout and usability, but not enough to cry about.

I started this initially when I had so much going on, I really didn't have the brain space for it. I received my kit but needed to wait to actually make changes. Things got to the point in my health where it became a do or die situation and I signed up to start over.

I did not receive a new kit, which was fine. I had talked to customer service, and like anywhere, sometimes you get someone who is having a bad day, and sometimes you get someone who's super helpful. Anyway, my kit was still current, plus I found out they don't bill insurance until after several coaching sessions, so my insurance was not double billed.

I am in Week 15, have lost over 44 pounds and am encouraged by my coach, the videos, and the reading assignments. This is a "whole body" program and I'm pleased with the cognitive behavioral focus. Like anything, you get out of it what you put in. I've lost weight for other reasons and people, but true lasting weight loss comes when you do it for YOU. I am on a journey and have about 50 more pounds to go. I believe this program will get me there.

By the way, I've been in Weight Watchers several times and honestly, this is so much better. Actually focusing on calorie intake and nutrition instead of "points" or whatever, plus the focus on this being a life style change and not a "diet" has been the key for me.

Lastly, the "fitness coach" on the included DVD's is super easy on the eyes in addition to being fun and encouraging for cardio, strength, stretch, and abs. Actually, of ALL the excercise recordings I've tried, these are my favorite!

I use the items included in the kit almost daily. My portion plate was printed off center (which bugs me horribly) but I still get the idea. The bright colors and divisions stick in your head so you can "see" it when you use regular plates. Food scale is awesome, although I need a flashlight or bright light to see whether it's on grams, ounces, or pounds. Also you just have a limited amount of time to weigh stuff before it clears which can be frustrating. It's still very useful once you figure things out. Scale is great, smoothie blender is just like the nutro blenders, and books and materials are colorful and filled with great information that supports the coaching sessions.

I really recommend Real Appeal. Plus they get extra points for somehow making insurance companies see that being proactive will save them money in the future. I never understood why insurance would cover so many things like smoking cessation but not cover weight loss. It seems they were more willing to pay for serious health issues cause by weight, but not the thing that would ultimately save them money. Until now. So thank you to United Healthcare and Real Appeal. I believe you are saving my life. (Plus I'm looking so good!)

I like Forbes. I think they have been honest and fair... until this week. You have decided to "play God" with people's lives: people who thought they were doing a good job with the job they had been awarded; people who actually have integrity, intelligence and the ability to move forward in the face of incredible distress and pressure. Wouldn't you WANT people like that in your company? I guess the Forbes Magazine editor has decided that just because you have worked in a position where the "company" has tanked, you no longer merit consideration for you future. This is the most short sighted and vindictive thing I've ever seen come out of Forbes. I'm incredibly disappointed in an organization to which I previously gave credit. You might want to rethink your position and invest in a different editor.

Twitter used to be such a handy place to get snippets of information. Now, however, Twitter and their ilk seem to be the newest version of 1984. Their hypocrisy in banning "some" people while keeping others for the same types of tweets is unbelievable. I understand its your company and you can do as you see fit, but to be so completely hypocritical in your censorship does not bode well for our future as a nation that (previously) allowed "free speech" of all kinds. I have cancelled any interest in Twitter including any investments. You are censored from my life. Good riddance.