Herbalife changed my life for the better

As a military veteran, I’ve always looked up to the elected leaders in Washington, D.C. who fight for people who don’t have a voice. After all, that is the very essence of a democracy: individuals who are elected by, and accountable to, the people they represent. Unfortunately, this vital system has come under attack and may become polluted by the power and wealth of some individuals, most notably, hedge-fund manager Bill Ackman. 

Two and half years ago Ackman placed a $1 billion short on global nutrition company Herbalife, meaning that each time the stock’s price goes down he makes money. To ensure this bet was successful, he went out and spent approximately $75 million (and counting) to buy influence and generate negative press.

{mosads}In fact, in recent months there has been a lot of misinformation about the company that I know and love, so let me explain my experience. After my service I became a member of our local law enforcement – first as a sheriff’s deputy for San Joaquin County and then as a police officer. While I enjoyed and respected the work, unfortunately I was living a very unhealthy lifestyle while doing these jobs.

Working the graveyard shift as a police officer in Elk Grove, California, it was easy for me to mindlessly snack to pass the time. Not surprisingly, I soon found myself almost 20 pounds overweight. Even though my job kept me fairly active, I was tired all the time and felt unhealthy. I knew I had to do something to change.

The turning point for me was when a friend recommended I try Herbalife. It changed my life. Within months I was down 20 pounds and felt so much better. But it didn’t end there. To get healthy, I relied a lot on a community of supportive people who were on the same journey. I realized that I could be an inspiration for others, like the coaches who had helped me.

So I did my research and learned more about Herbalife. Herbalife’s weight lost products help people lose about 1.5 pounds a week.  The company provides support, education and a guaranteed 12-month buy back program of any unused products to help reduce the risks and give everyone the best chance for success. They also make it very clear that it takes a lot of work and it’s not for everyone. But then, isn’t that true of any new business?

Eventually, I started my own business selling Herbalife products through my Nutrition Club. I found reward in helping other people achieve their health and fitness goals. I enjoy inspiring others to stick with their goals and make a change in their life, just as I was able to do for myself.

What started as a side gig to supplement my income soon became something I was able to do to support my family. I quit my job as a police officer and began focusing full-time on selling the nutrition products. As much as I enjoyed helping my community as a police officer, it feels great to give back and be healthy with my neighbors. Instead of sitting behind a desk or in a car, I’m leading fitness workouts in local parks and helping people find new healthy recipes to feed their families. People often tell me that my nutrition club is their home away from home.

Herbalife has given me so many opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, which is why it saddens me that someone is trying to take down this company for his own financial gain. The reality is, if Bill Ackman succeeds, it will mean my business and everything I’ve worked so hard to build over the years will be destroyed. And it’s not just me that his effort hurts. His campaign would destroy the over 50,000 small businesses like mine. It would also mean the 550,000 Americans who rely on Herbalife products, like their shakes and nutrition bars, to change their eating habits would no longer have access to the healthy options.  

Fortunately, more and more people, including policymakers, are seeing through Ackman’s smoke and mirrors and recognizing the truth about Herbalife: these are everyday Americans looking for opportunities to live healthier and, in some cases, achieve financial independence. I strongly encourage and support all of our elected officials who are standing up for the hundreds of thousands of Americans whose voices a Wall Street tycoon is trying to drown out.

Garcia is an independent Herbalife member from Elk Grove, California.