2 weeks with Soylent

ariamythe

So I decided to take the leap recently and try Soylent, the meal replacement shake that's supposed to be able to actually, really replace meals. I've been doing breakfast and sometimes lunch with Soylent. And I don't think I will be doing this long-term.

It's the most BLAND, SOULLESS way of cutting calories I have ever encountered. They say it tastes like "nothing" and they are right. It's like drinking flavorless batter. It doesn't satisfy my craving to eat, doesn't satisfy my need to taste and chew and ENJOY what I am eating. It's like joylessness in a cup. Sure, it's healthy, but I guess I'm too in love with food to bypass all that cooking and chewing and smelling and enjoying.

[And yes, I know you can flavor Soylent, but that adds calories and prep time.]

And honestly, a recommended "meal" is about 500 calories, which is generally MORE than I eat with breakfast or lunch when I'm trying to lose weight. Less wiggle-room for my non-Soylent meals and snacks.

Anyway, that's my thoughts. Anyone else out there try Soylent? What did you think?

bpetrosky

I haven't tried it. I did think it might be a useful "diagnostic" to have a extremely consistent calorie intake for a limited period of time, but I can't see me eating solely that for a long time. Also, I heard about the gas problem....

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bpetrosky

Caitwn wrote: »

First, I've never tried it. It did in fact sound horrid and 'soulless' to me. I'm just very interested that you gave it a shot and were willing to report on the experience here.

I wonder what the actual practical use is for this stuff. Maybe I'm in denial, but it seems like the number of people who would prefer to look at food as fuel and fuel only is actually quite small. Hey, you were brave to try - I appreciate seeing your comments.

I have a facebook friend who is on it...but he's the type who would implant RFID tags under his skin just because...I wouldn't take a review from him.

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ohmscheeks

Never heard of it and now I won't try it

strong_curves

Is it made of people?

I'm aging myself here.

lemurcat12

bpetrosky wrote: »

I haven't tried it. I did think it might be a useful "diagnostic" to have a extremely consistent calorie intake for a limited period of time, but I can't see me eating solely that for a long time. Also, I heard about the gas problem....

The diagnostic element -- easy way to reliably hold calories at a particular level and check TDEE -- is the only thing that seemed at all appealing to me, as I love to cook and eat too much. The gas issue has put me off of trying it for the time being, definitely, at least until they improve that bit.

bpetrosky

lemurcat12 wrote: »

bpetrosky wrote: »

I haven't tried it. I did think it might be a useful "diagnostic" to have a extremely consistent calorie intake for a limited period of time, but I can't see me eating solely that for a long time. Also, I heard about the gas problem....

The diagnostic element -- easy way to reliably hold calories at a particular level and check TDEE -- is the only thing that seemed at all appealing to me, as I love to cook and eat too much. The gas issue has put me off of trying it for the time being, definitely, at least until they improve that bit.

You and me both...I just got an electric griddle/grill combo and having fun with breakfast...I couldn't imagine giving that up for a pasty pale tasteless non-smoothie.

MorganMoreaux

strong_curves wrote: »

Is it made of people?

I'm aging myself here.

Lol- the name was enough to put me off.

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pigbox

My husband has been into soylent for a meal or 2 a day for about a year. He likes it, makes breakfast/lunch prep easy and 1ml=1calorie. I am not a fan.

SLLRunner

Soylent is people, ya know. You're replacing meals with....gulp.....people!!

atypicalsmith

I have a friend whose college student son bought a month's supply so that he wouldn't have to take time between his full-time job and full-time college to eat. Three-minute prep and full daily nutrition is what sold him. Of course, he just ordered it, and hasn't started the program yet. He's 19 and loves to eat, so I doubt it will last very long.

bpetrosky

The Oh No Ross and Carrie podcast had a review where they tried it for a time. It's amusing listening.

http://www.maximumfun.org/oh-no-ross-and-carrie/ross-and-carrie-subsist-soylent-its-not-people-edition

jennifer_417

SOYLENT GREEN IS---oh, never mind.

ariamythe

bpetrosky wrote: »

I haven't tried it. I did think it might be a useful "diagnostic" to have a extremely consistent calorie intake for a limited period of time, but I can't see me eating solely that for a long time. Also, I heard about the gas problem....

Heh. Yeah, early formulations had gas issues (the ONRAC podcast mentioned in the post above focuses a lot on it). With this new formulation, they've pretty much resolved that. At least, I haven't had any issues.

ariamythe

strong_curves wrote: »

Is it made of people?

I'm aging myself here.[/img]

Old joke:

"How does Soylent Green taste?"

"Eh, it varies from person to person."

In all seriousness, the name is taken not from the movie, but from the book that the movie was (very loosely) based on. The book has no cannibalism; instead, Soylent is made of soy and lentils. It's the food used to feed a horribly overpopulated Earth on the cheap.

LovingLife_Erin

bpetrosky wrote: »

The Oh No Ross and Carrie podcast had a review where they tried it for a time. It's amusing listening.

http://www.maximumfun.org/oh-no-ross-and-carrie/ross-and-carrie-subsist-soylent-its-not-people-edition

I love that podcast! This episode is worth a listen if you are thinking of trying Soylent.