Alan Hirsch

Alan Hirsch (born 24 October 1959) is an Australian missiologist, author, and thought leader in the missional church movement. For a more complete listing of his work, speaking calendar, and ongoing ministry visit alanhirsch.org

Alan is the founder of 100Movements, Forge Mission Training Network, and Future Travelers. Known for his innovation approach to mission, Alan is widely considered to be a thought-leader and key mission strategists for churches across the Western World.

Life

Early life

Hirsch was born into a Jewish family in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1959. He moved to Cape Town, in 1963 where he spent most of his childhood and adolescence. Then, he went to university in Cape Town where he studied business and marketing and moved to Australia in 1983 with his family. Although his family was not particularly religious, he was very much influenced by his Jewish heritage. He emphasizes Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and makes distinctions between Hebraic and Hellenistic thought. He served a two-year compulsory call-up in the South African military. After having moved to Australia, he had a life-changing experience with the Holy Spirit that deeply affected him. Soon after moving, he married Debra. They have been married and in Christian ministry together for over twenty years.

Sensa (diet)

Sensa is a brand of diet aid created by Alan Hirsch, an American neurologist and psychiatrist. The product lacks scientific evidence of effect and has been the subject of controversy and lawsuits. Following a $26 million fine by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission in 2014, the company ceased operations.

Claims

According to the advertisements promoting the Sensa diet, you can eat your favorite foods without counting calories, deprivation, or cravings. All that is needed is to sprinkle all the food one eats with flavor-enhancing Sensa crystals, and that will result in weight-loss.

These "Sensa crystals" were developed by Alan Hirsch, MD, the founder and neurologic director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. The Sensa crystals (or "tastants") are said to promote feelings of fullness and, ultimately, weight loss. If a person sticks with Sensa, the website claims that a person could lose 30 pounds in six months.

Background

According to the "Sensa diet", when using the product, there is no specific diet regimen or list of food restrictions associated with Sensa.