Dear Kayla,

I was wondering if you’ve ever heard of the product called Inmit? It’s a drink I’ve seen on tv that is specifically for intermittent fasting to drink in your fasting window. I’ve been doing a 16/8 mostly and I usually just have lemon water and coffee with half and half while I’m fasting in the morning. And water at night if I’m thirsty. I was thinking of maybe trying that product just for something different. Any thoughts on it?

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Thanks,

Liz

Dear Liz,

I’m a frugal person. I save the soy sauce packets when we splurge on Chinese takeout, choose the off-brand nine times out of ten, and mostly buy our clothes from thrift stores. However, I will pay a premium for something when it is truly useful. On the weight loss journey, I have purchased Fitbits, gym memberships, and new New Balance Arishis. Those were all worth every penny because they helped me achieve my goals.

I looked at Inmit’s website. They claim it will help “increase your calorie burning ability and kick-start your fat burning process.” After that sentence, they put a funky little symbol. That symbol directed me to the fine print. Here’s what it says: “when used following an intermittent fasting plan, and taken in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise program.”

In other words, the things that will help you lose weight are fasting, reducing your caloric intake, and regularly exercising. The InMit itself is just some vitamins, caffeine, and fiber. And they’re way overpriced. It’s $56.95 a month for a subscription. (The first month is only $19.95, and then they automatically renew you at that new higher price. That was also in fine print.)

It’s a lot of slick marketing, for something that in my opinion, you just don’t need. If you want some electrolytes, add salt to your diet. If you want more caffeine, drink more coffee. And eat more fiber during your eating window so you feel fuller longer. Then take that $56.95 a month you’d spend on the Inmit and go to lunch with a friend, or indulge in a massage. That amount of money would also buy a lot of excellent coffee, tea, and unsweetened, flavored sparkling water, like LaCroix, all of which you could use to give yourself some variety in the fasting window.

Ultimately, the thing that makes the fasting window easier is staying busy. Fill up your life to the brim with things other than food. That’s my two cents.

Sincerely,

Kayla