I’ve heard from several that you were surprised that I would promote a weight loss product here at Heavenly Homemakers. Fair enough! It does seem out of the norm for me.
I have to say that I really appreciate those of you who are questioning, “Wait! Is this really a safe product?” I much prefer this over people just taking my word for it and not looking into it for themselves. Please never read what I write and jump right in without doing your research. (Also, while I’ve got you – never listen to a sermon and jump in with what the preacher is saying without checking what the Bible says first.)
To those who are questioning if my promoting Plexus goes against what Heavenly Homemakers is all about:
I always encourage you to eat well, drink water, exercise – all the wonderful things we need to do to be healthy. That’s why I put those at the top of the review post. Those are FIRST. Always. If you aren’t doing those things, don’t ever think you can just take a supplement or product and you’ll suddenly start feeling better or achieve a healthy weight. There is no fast and easy ticket to good health. You have to be intentional about taking care of yourself, period.
I don’t talk about it much here on the blog, but my family and I take quite a few nutritional supplements to help each of us with specific weaknesses and ailments. We have all benefited greatly from eating whole foods the majority of the time, and I believe that is key to helping our bodies respond to healing and finding overall good health. But Malachi’s eczema did not fully go away until we had help from holistic doctors who gave him supplements to assist his body in healing. My asthma and migraines need more than just whole foods. I am taking supplements for overall body healing, to detox my system from heavy metals, and to help my body learn to digest properly. Asa’s allergies are finally more manageable, thanks in part to supplements. Each member of our family is taking vitamins and being boosted by specific remedies to aid our overall health.
So about Plexus:
I researched it as a supplement. I’m trying it out as a supplement. I’ve noticed a difference in my emotional stability and energy after taking it for one full week. A good friend of mine has experienced similar results, and since she has some pounds to lose, she has also experienced weight loss. She’s also watching what she eats, exercising, drinking water – well, she’s working at overall good health. I’m proud of her.
I promoted Plexus to you because I’m working with an advertiser here on my blog who asked me to give it a try. I’m not a sales rep. I don’t get a kick-back if you purchase. I simply wrote a review on my experience with this product, just like I do many other products that are sent to me for this purpose. Do the research and find what is right for you, just like you do about anything you come across.
I’m thankful I’ve had the chance to try Plexus, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Stefanie to inform you about it. She has been fabulous to answer all my questions, so do feel free to share any you might have with her as well! (sbosket5 at yahoo.com)
Roma says
Thanks for sharing that! I was shocked you were promoting this product. As you can see from the comments so many trust your opinion. People literally would buy things just because you endorse them. Yet you are right we need to do our own research on things. Let us be more like the Bereans in the bible. This keeps us from being easily swayed. Thank you Laura for being a blessing!
Jamie U. says
Thank you for clarifying. One of my realities has become a rep. for Plexus and I had to block her feed from coming through on FB because of all of the sales pitching and self promoting she was doing. So, when I saw it on your blog, I thought “Oh, no. Not here, too!”
I’ve looked into Plexus, and I just don’t trust it. $100 a month is a lot of money, yummy drink or not, and I would rather spend it on just eating right than on supplements.
Jamie U. says
*relitives… ‘one of my relitives has become a rep.’ Auto spelling is sometimes a pain. :p
Jamie U. says
Augh! *relatives …I’m so done. :/
Peggy says
Laura, I was one of the posters that was surprised at your post regarding Plexus Slim and commented accordingly.
First, I am not against taking supplements and would feel like Plexus Slim was worth the price if someone was able to share that not doing anything differently than they were currently doing they lost weight. In a nutshell, that is what would sell me. For many of us we eat healthy and walk a few times a week but still have some pounds to shed.
I would like to reference your disclosure statement because I think it goes to the heart of your readers concerns about you accepting Plexus Slim as a advertiser and then posting a very positive review.
From your disclosure statement: “I sell advertising space on my site to companies that I feel will benefit you, my readers. It’s an honor and a nice perk for what I do here at Heavenly Homemakers. What you need to know is this: I will never, ever promote a product I don’t stand behind 100%. I will never, ever link to a product I don’t feel is good for my family or yours. I will never allow an advertiser that isn’t family friendly or beneficial to you. Everything I promote, endorse, or do a song and dance about is because it is a product I truly appreciate or even LOVE. If it isn’t okay for my family, it isn’t okay for yours.
You have been given a free sample of Plexus Slim to try. Are you going to continue to take it paying the retail price of around $80.00 a month. If not, do you feel that contradicts your disclosure statement?
Laura says
What I really appreciate about your thoughts is that it takes me back to my original intent with reviews. I haven’t even read my disclosure page for several months. So thank you for keeping me accountable and helping me reflect on how I run reviews around here!
Many of the items I review are items I like, but not necessarily items I would purchase frequently. So even if I chose not to purchase Plexus frequently, that is consistent with all other reviews. I believe the purpose of sharing review items here is to inform readers of products that may benefit them. Out of the wide variety of readers here, all of whom have different needs and desires, review items will strike a chord or not – depending on the interest.
I have appreciated trying Plexus and believe it can benefit people. Otherwise, I would not have chosen to write about it positively. I believe people should check into it. I believe people can make a choice about what works for them. For my friend Lisa, it’s been a huge benefit. As for me, I have felt a noticeable difference while taking it. I’m grateful to know about this product.
Will I continue to take it? My husband and I are talking about it. If so, I would do what I do with any product (and what I believe my readers try to do) and work to get the best deal possible. My friend Lisa signed up as an ambassador so she could get the better rate. Smart thinking.
So yes, I do believe my review was in keeping with my policies here. But again, how wonderful to be reminded that I need to always check my motives and heart, here and in all I do. :)
Jane J. says
I also previously posted, probably in a too long-winded fashion. I just want to reiterate or clarify that supplements aren’t a problem. I just thought it was a bit irresponsible to promote a weight loss supplement (because that’s what it is) that encourages us to spend such an amount of money on ourselves. I also thought the number of people who commented on needing balance and thought this shake would be their answer was disturbing. I know not everyone who reads is a believer, but it was upsetting to see this drink as what might bring balance to one’s life. You’re so lovely, Laura, you don’t look like you’ve ever fought weight. Maybe you have. But let me tell you, a supplement like this, for weight loss, is like putting a glass of wine before a recovering alcoholic! It’s sooo tempting. And as I said in my last post, I find it difficult to believe that anyone could justify spending almost $100 dollars monthly on just themselves for weight loss or supplement. We’re to be good stewards of the money God has given us. So it’s not about “does it work” or “is it safe” it is a question of “is this a Godly use of my time and resources.” You do have such a following, Laura (and we all love you and your family) and I think this was a questionable and perhaps irresponsible choice to post.
Long-winded again…I apologize!
Laura says
“Is this a Godly use of my time and resources?” I love this point you make! Matt and I try to ask ourselves this question with each dollar spent and with each commitment we make with our time. (we’re not perfect at it yet…) I agree that people can throw money at gimmicks and whatnot, losing sight of what real needs are and what is truly important!
I haven’t looked into all the options, but I believe there are ways to get this product at a much lower rate than $80/month. (although that’s kind of beside the point.) :)
But here’s something I need to share as I consider $$ spent on supplements. The past few years, my family really has spent probably $100/month on holistic doctors and supplements – if not more at times. We choose to have a high deductible/low premium Christian “insurance” policy that costs us very little each month. Then we put the money we would be spending on insurance and regular medical expenses on chiropractic, holistic doctors, and the supplements they recommend for each of our needs. It adds up to a lot, but I still feel like we are saving money this way. And, we can feel good about knowing our $ is going toward actual good health.
So, choosing to spend $ on a product like Plexus, or on another supplement, or on any variety of health care so that we can feel our best and be productive servants and care for our families – I believe it all comes down to the heart and intention of your purchase. Hopefully, readers here make their decisions with God’s purposes in mind, not just for selfish reasons.
I thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, so that I, too, and hopefully others can reflect on what good stewardship looks like in this area.
Michelle Hopkins says
Thank You For Reviewing This Product. I Appreciate All Your Posts! Sometimes IGet OverwhelmeD With All The Info There And Appreciate Your Faith And Balance! Can I Ask What Helped Your Sons Eczema? I Have A Seventh Month Old. Just Gave Him Pears. But Exclusively BreastfEd OtherThan That. I’m Nervous To StartMore Solids Because He Already Had Excema. We Do Not Have Access To A Holistic Dr.
Thanks!
Laura says
Hope you can get to the bottom of your little one’s eczema! Here’s a post I wrote about what helped Malachi: https://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/getting-to-the-root-cause-of-eczema-what-worked-for-malachi
In addition, we’ve been taking him to a holistic doctor in a city nearby. She has helped so much – but the supplements she’s given him have been specific to his body’s needs. Very thankful!
Michelle Hopkins says
I’ve Never Commented So Not Sure If I Will See The Return Comment?
Katie says
Thank you so much for your posts on Plexus! I would never have looked into them without you bringing it up. I have done my own research. I know that it is a weight loss supplement, but it was not originally intended to be so. I have five children and carry quite a bit of extra weight, I have eaten a nourishing whole foods mostly homegrown diet for the last 12 years and my weight has not budged. I feel at peace with deciding to try this product out. Mine comes in the mail tomorrow! I pray over my supplements like I pray over my food. Thanking God that they bring what my body needs.
Peggy says
Katie,
Because of all the interest this product has generated perhaps Laura would allow you to write a guest post in about a month and allow those who are interested (but skeptical) to ask honest questions. Katie, are you planning to change anything else or just incorporate the Plexus Slim into your current lifestyle?
Laura, would you be willing to allow Katie to do a Q and A with your readers after she takes Plexus Slim for a month?
Wendy M says
I would love to give Plexus a try. I will check back 8/11. Thank you for your review of this product. :)
Meggin says
I’ve tried Plexus slim as well as accelerator and had a very scary reaction to it that included very high blood pressure and very high heart rate. I felt I was going to have an anxiety attack, which I unfortunately know all about. Also, I could not sleep and would be up for hours in the middle of the night. It also had a negative effect on my sister. While I know people who have had a great experience with this product, my body cannot handle it. All that being said is just to warn folks to be careful as you would with any supplement!
Linni says
Thanks for clarifying this Laura! Best wishes, Linni
Rebekah Williams says
I left this comment on the giveaway page before I realized you had already addressed the topic again, so I’m reposting here just for everyone else’s benefit:
I’m pretty disappointed to see this on your site. Plexus fills you up with synthetic fiber and blocks fat absorption (remember all those healthy fats we’re so adamant about consuming?) I don’t care if people decide they want to use it anyway, but I wish people would stop pretending it’s so natural and healthy.
You recommending Plexus as a natural and healthy “supplement” as if it were cod liver oil or chamomile tea is a pretty big stretch.
B. Winblad says
Laura,
I have to simply commend you for all of the kind and thoughtful responses you have posted to others who have had some harsh words about your decision to promote this product. I hadn’t seen anything about this uproar until now, so I read through all of the comments.
I personally have quite a bit of weight to lose, as does my husband. We are doing it in our own healthy way without the use of supplements, weight loss products, etc. We go for walks and watch our caloric counts, with the help of an app we installed on our smartphones & our Fitbits.
With that being said, I truly feel that all of us are adults and can research and figure out what is best for each of our situations. I may not be interested in such a product, even though I have weight to lose, but others may. This is your blog, your voice on the www. You can say, promote, and review anything you wish. If a reader simply isn’t interested, then bypass the post. It’s that simple.
I have been coming to your blog for a very long time. I really like reading your stories and the way you write, I love your recipes that are kid friendly and easy on the budget. I may not agree with every thought you have regarding nutrition, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you and what you do for us here. I simply modify things so that they fit our family and budget.
Anyways, I just really wanted to say how awesome it was of you to respond in such a kind way to so many nay-sayers regarding this topic. I have seen on other blogs where the owner does not respond in as nice a way when controversial topics or comments come up. You handle this with grace and extreme kindness. Well done!
Holly says
I am interested in starting plexus and was curious if you are still taking it Laura. If so, do you feel like it is still helping you have more energy and feeling better overall? Thanks!
Laura says
I didn’t continue taking it because I’m currently taking supplements and remedies created specifically for my needs by my natural doctor. But, I have several friends around here that are taking it regularly and swear by it. I really liked it when I was taking it!
Shelly says
I have looked into Plexus extensively as two of my neices have become ambassadors and post frequently on this product.
First of all, there is zero research on plexus. One study done years aga with a mere 8 people was discounted for no pere review and, lets face it, an 8 person study is pretty small.
The plexus slim has a history of banned chemicals and, as a supplement, is not required to have FDA approval. They have been altering their ingredients as they het customer feedback and when other countries, such as Canada, ban the product lines. Pretty scary that the inassuming population putting their trust in a company uses its customers as a test.
With regard to Plexus Slim: the instructions and ambassadors are adament that the product only works when you: consume a lot of water daily, exercise daily, eat healthy daily, and get decent amounts of sleep. I would argue that this lifestyle change would have positive affects on the consumer witjout the addition of the $80 supplement. This same lifestyle is included in many healthy eating and weight loss plans, however, the ones i follow advocate a “whole food”/organic approach to eating as well to eliminate toxins from the body that are responsible for many ailments in modern America. Food has changed, becoming less nutitious. Simply adding a supplement and following the plexus lifestyle will not, in and of itself, eliminate toxins. So plexus sells pricey a detoxifier as well.
Plexus also uses Stevia- yes its plant based, but it is also processed. More importantly, Stevia is a trigger for some migrain sufferers. I get a migrain with a sip of a drink containing stevia, so just something to be cautious about.
Lastly, every ambassador i see posting on social media talks about the benefits of gut health, which is good! And plexus has products to assist in gut health (no surprise here, they too are pricey). However each of these ambassadors also post photos of their wine drinking, tavern hopping on weekends drink in hand. But it is widely known that alcohol kills the good bacteria in the gut. As such, it makes me doubt that any of thses people know much about health and are more likely regergitating info from the Plexus manufacturers.
Bottom line is that by eliminating processed foods, eating organic, and living a healthy lifestyle my family has been able to eliminate migrain headaches, eczema, asthma, breast cysts, and allergy symptoms in all three of us over the last three years. The money we save in medical costs and medicines have helped cover the cost of organic food purchases and we all feel so much better – no supplements taken.
Natalie Bowen says
Did you continue your Plexus journey? I’m curious as to how it went and the conclusion you and your husband came to :)
Laura says
I didn’t. I do think the products are great. But I needed more specific health care and spent four years seeing a natural doctor who provided treatment specific for my needs to get to the root of my problems. So I quit taking Plexus so my body wasn’t overloaded. :)