Viral Video Gone Wrong: The Amazing Swedish Diet

“Lose 10 Pounds In 10 Days!”  “Get Fast & Easy Results!”  “Trim Your Body Without Skipping On Dessert!”

These and many other taglines have appeared on countless television commercials, magazine inserts, and company websites.  Not only do such headlines accompany ineffective, worthless products, they belong to sub-par advertisements as well.  Thanks to the growth of Youtube traffic and the success of viral marketing, “Super Diet” businesses and their plethora of drinks, pills, and other “nutrition” aides now permeate the online video market.  One firm in particular, The Swedish Diet, has created a 1 minute Youtube video for its meal replacement shakes that belongs in the Recycle Bin or the Trash, depending on whether you use Windows or Mac OS.  Unfortunately, I can’t give you back the 60 seconds you are about to waste watching this video, but I believe it is my utmost duty to inform you of this digital advertising downfall.  Please forgive me:

 

One of The Swedish Diet's
"scientists." - The image
of credibility...

I don’t know if I should laugh, cry, or find the video’s director and give him/her something to “Ja” about.  Don’t get me wrong, as a proponent of weight loss and fitness, as well as digital advertising, I think the use of viral video is a creative and meaningful way to promote exercise and nutrition products - when they’re healthy and effective.  The Swedish Diet and its Youtube advertisement, on the other hand, leave me with quite a bit of skepticism.  Not only does the video make me want to jump off the Swiss Alps, the diet it promotes belongs in the “too good to be true” category.  Without getting into details - I could go on for hours (pages in this case) - cleansing and meal replacement shakes are notoriously ineffective (and frequently unsafe), and I suspect that the “Jamazing” Swedish Diet is no different.  Yet, the video has enjoyed approximately 47,000 views, which hopefully did not result in a profitable number of sales.  But, then again, we all certainly want “to look great in those cute new tights” we just bought online, don’t we?       

Andrew’s Advice - Training Tips, Nutrition Notes, And Healthy Habits

Nutrition Note (September 24, 2011):

When choosing a protein supplement, select the one that’s right for you.

Protein is a essential nutrient required by our bodies to build and maintain muscle tissue.  At basic levels of physical activity, one can easily consume enough protein each day by following a proper nutrition regimen.  However, whenever we increase our daily exercise, or reduce our caloric intake, it can become quite easy for a protein deficit to occur.  Although supplements should never take precedence over the consumption of healthy, nutrient-dense foods, many bodybuilders, professional athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts have found a considerable amount of value in adding a protein powder to their daily consumption pattern.  Despite such benefit, not every protein supplement is created equal.  Most have been designed to include ingredients for a specific type of fitness goal, so you need to select the type that best fits the objectives you have set for yourself.  To help you sort through such a wide and somewhat confusing assortment, here are four broad protein powder categories that you should bear in mind when considering your next purchase:



One of my personal
favorites!

1.  General Whey Protein.  Whey protein offers both rapid absorption and convenience, making it a superior alternative as a pre- and/or post-workout beverage, or as a quick snack when on the go.  Although multiple categories of Whey protein exist, most manufacturers offer a “basic” version that is loaded with protein and amino acids, while containing moderate levels of carbohydrates and minimal fat.  Whey protein is apt for all goal types, including weight loss, muscle building, and general health and fitness.

 

Another favorite!

2.  Weight Gainer/Mass Builder.  Weight Gainer/Mass Building supplements usually contain a substantial amount of whey protein and carbohydrates, moderate levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat (i.e. healthy fat), and anywhere from 500-1200 calories.  The high nutrient values in this form of protein make it a great source of fuel for individuals who have a hard time gaining weight and building muscle, or for long-distance endurance athletes who need to recover after a long training session.

 3. Soy Protein.  Somewhat unknown and underestimated, Soy Protein supplements possess an abundance of protein and amino acids, contain extremely low levels of fat and carbohydrates, and are often cholesterol-free.  Also, because Soy Protein is derived from plant sources, it stands as a viable alternative for vegetarians who still consume dairy products, and also supports a healthy heart.  Due to its high protein and relatively low carbohydrate/fat content, Soy Protein can help individuals seeking to lose weight ensure that they still consume adequate amounts of amino acids, despite a reduction in their overall caloric intake.

4.  Casein Protein.  Casein protein offers all of the benefits of standard Whey protein, but our bodies absorb and digest it at a significantly slower rate.  Because of its time-released effect, Casein protein supports long term muscle development and tissue repair, making it an ideal choice as a post-workout supplement or a healthy bed time snack.  Although anyone can benefit from the use of Casein Protein, it is most often reserved for serious athletes who must maintain their muscle density due to performance requirements, or for individuals who frequently miss meals due to long work hours or other outside obligations.

Consuming an adequate amount of protein is a fundamental component of any nutrition regimen, and many protein supplements exist on the market that can help you meet your body’s requirements for this vital nutrient.  When choosing the supplement that’s right for you, always consider the goals you have set for yourself - for weight loss, improved performance, or general health and fitness - as well as your monetary budget and flavor preferences.  Speaking of taste, most protein product companies have now crafted their formulas to deliver exceptional taste without sacrificing nutrient quality, meaning you no longer have to worry about choking down a glass of blended “chalk water.”  No matter what form you choose, always remember that a protein supplement is just that, a supplement.  A major portion of your daily protein intake should always come from lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds; use your supplement(s) to fill in the gaps as needed.

By the way, if you did not notice, I am quite partial to protein supplements from Optimum Nutrition and CytoSport.  Both companies have formulated top of the line protein powders that support healthy muscle development and taste great.  And, to top it off, a majority of their products can be found and purchased at almost any nutrition outlet for a fairly reasonable price.  #Winning

Don’t forget: I want to hear from you!  Leave a comment below, send me an E-mail (snydeaab@uni.edu), or find me on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!

One more thing, if you plan on going to CVS Pharmacy in the near future, do not say “Ja to the amazing Swedish Diet.”

Andrew Snyder