I did it about a year ago. I lost some weight - steady losing - the food wasn't bad (if you set your mind to it). You still supplement the food with some fresh items. I think you could manage on your own w/ items from the grocery store - unless you really need someone else to plan exactly what you are going to eat. (i needed that at the time!) It is not a bad plan, but you don't really learn how to eat once you go off plan. Give it a try for a month - I don't think you need to sign up for anything long term. You will lose weight, but you can't be on it forever & that is when the true test is! Good Luck!