D.B.
I think you have already discovered a key problem in many products - one makes you feel "weird" which means there's some sort of upset in your body balance, or excessive stimulation of the central nervous system. These are red flags.
I read the 2 responses below, and I agree with some things and not with others. I do agree that absorbable nutrition is critical - doesn't matter what you swallow, it matters what you absorb. I also agree that liquid nutrition (powder mixed in liquid) is far superior to vitamin pills (extremely low absorption rate) or premixed liquids (which degrade on the shelf, usually). I agree that science, not profits, has to be behind the design of the products. I agree that nutrition needs to be an overall lifestyle choice and not a "quick diet" approach, and that products that satisfy your cravings and nutritional needs are the best.
I disagree that endorsements mean anything if they are from a celebrity spokesperson who is paid - that means money goes to people, not science. I disagree that picking and choosing different vitamin packages is a good way to approach health! Every cell in the body needs the same nutrition every day, whether it's a nerve cell or a muscle cell or a skin cell. That was proven over 45 years ago. Companies that make you think you should choose this vitamin combination over that one are either on the wrong track, or interested in profits by selling you more options. First of all, vitamins and minerals don't work at optimum levels if they are not fully complemented by all the other nutrients needed! They are just eliminated - waste of money and potentially dangerous because megadosing and overdosing are possible. Secondly, the consumer doesn't have the expertise to determine what she needs, and should not be in the position of playing "kitchen chemist" to mix and match nutrients. I also disagree strongly with the idea of a short-term cleanse! It's a huge stress on the body, and once it's done, then what? You go back to not having ingredients fully absorbed? Yes, preparation is important but it should be ongoing and much more gentle than a 2 or 3 or 4 week program. Food science is very well documented on that.
In my professional opinion, we should start with a balanced, comprehensive supplement. If you want to do meal replacement for one meal a day, that can be done. Or you can use your regular food and just supplement. Beyond that, if you have a specific need, there can be a role for functional formulas (e.g. joint health, women's issues, muscle repair & recovery) BUT those formulas must be designed to work both independently and with the comprehensive formula.
I'd recommend the following: patented products (safety, efficacy and uniqueness proven- and the patent should be on the formula not just an ingredient or two); clinical studies before and after, conducted independently; certificates of analysis for every ingredient before manufacture; FDA Good Manufacturing Practices award (for supplements which are not categorized as drugs but rather food and therefore "FDA Approval" doesn't apply); top Chief Scientific Officer highly rated among national surveys of CSOs; membership in Council for Responsible Nutrition; a company that has never had a legal claim against it; money-back guarantee; a nutritional consultant assigned to you (for free) and access to the CSOs staff/department by email or phone; if a direct sales company, membership in (and a seat on the Board, at least on a rotating basis) of the Direct Selling Association (an invitation-only watchdog group for the direct marketing industry).
Finally, I'd look to cutting edge nutrients - does the products contain lunasin, the only dietary agent proven to affect gene expression (the proper switching on and off of genes within each cell - featured on Dr. Oz, Time magazine cover, scores of scientific journals) and also associated with cholesterol reduction, anti-cancer properties, immune system support, and (important for you) satiety! If your nutritional levels are met (which just can't happen with today's food supply) AND you feel full because enough lunasin supports the 2 hormones that make you feel satisfied, you'll naturally eat less. There are a number of companies that provide junk lunasin, but you want bioactive (survives digestion) and concentrated lunasin from non-GMO plants. There's only one company that has been awarded the rights to this, and which also has the patent on the mechanical extraction of the lunasin from the plant (chemical extraction is one reason we're in the nutritional mess we're in now!).
Buying from a store shelf can be a problem - no follow-up from the company, and so many layers of distribution centers and food brokers who jack up the price but provide nothing to the consume in the way of services. Don't be fooled by "health food stores" - their products are made all over the world and not always to high standards, and they make their money by selling you bottles and bottles of different things and asking you to mix and match yourself. Direct sales is preferred IF you aren't forced to buy things you don't need, if there's no pressure to bring in others, if there's a one-year buyback, and if there is DSA membership (which covers the "evils" that turn people off to network marketing. But network marketing takes out the profits of middlemen, usually doesn't throw a lot of money into advertising and celebrity endorsements (which jack up the price), and rely on good service for continuing customers.
Let me know if you want more specific recommendations, and what else you are interested in besides weight loss. Then I can be more specific.
