Diet Program Review: Spark People

Overview

Spark People got its start when founder Chris Downie decided he wanted to “spark” others to reach their goals. The program, unlike the majority of weight loss sites, is completely free. The site provides a number of tools for weight loss and better health, articles to increase your knowledge of healthy living, and forums and teams to interact with other dieters. If you can't find a team that interests you, you can also start your own. Members are provided with a Spark Page, similar to a profile, and a blog.

The website was voted best online health site in Business Week's 2006, 2007, and 2008 “Best of the Web” awards. Several members have been featured in popular magazines such as People and Woman's Day after reaching their weight loss goals.

Spark People has a few sister sites. Spark Recipes offers member and expert-submitted recipes with nutritional information. Spark Teen teaches teens about healthy weight loss. Baby Fit helps expectant mothers keep in shape during pregnancy.

Pros

• It's completely free. The site is supported by funds from the founder and advertising.
• You get expert advice in health, nutrition, fitness, and motivation through articles. The experts also participate in the forums so if you have a question not covered in articles, you can ask.
• Meal plans are offered. Low-sodium, vegetarian, and low cholesterol meal plans are only a few of the meal plans to choose from. For those that prefer to craft their own meal plans, you can turn meal plans off and use the food log to track and calculate your intake.
• Fitness plans are also offered. Just fill in a few details to have the program automatically calculate how many calories you need to burn through cardio and put together a strength-training regimen. Like the meal plans, you can turn this feature off and just use the fitness log to track exercise.
• It is friendly to other diets. If you are on Weight Watchers or another diet, you can still use the tools.
• Spark People has an awesome community. Whether you're in the forums or you join one of the many groups available, the members are the most supportive I've found on any website.

Cons

• Since it is online, dieters without internet access can't use the site.
• Dieters that need face to face contact may find that Spark People doesn't work for them.
• There is advertising on the site. While it is low-key, some may not like seeing ads. Also, while efforts are made to keep out fad diet links, some occasionally slip through. I will say that in my experience, the offending ad is usually removed fairly quickly once Spark People finds out about it.

Overall

For the dieter on a budget, you can't go wrong with Spark People. The combination of tools, education and support make it an excellent program not only for dieters, but also for anyone wanting to begin a healthier lifestyle.