Shakeology

jglhklhgl
jglhklhgl Posts: 41 Member
edited November 19 in Food and Nutrition
Shakeology vs other protein shakes. How does it compare with regular protein shakes? Is it worth the price? Any alternatives that are just as effective?
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Replies

  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    It's more of a meal replacement than a protein shake, and in terms of amount of protein, it's not anything spectacular. I haven't tried it, but pretty much everyone I knew who did either really liked it or hated it, there wasn't any in between. Those who liked it did have to add a bunch of stuff to it, which kind of defeated the purpose when trying to be in a calorie deficit in my mind.

    I don't really do protein shakes anymore because I'm hitting protein just fine with food, but I did like Syntha-6 vanilla ice cream flavor, although I didn't love the calorie count. I also tried Optimum Nutrition Gold French Vanilla Creme, and Dymatize Nutrition, both the ISO 100 Vanilla Creme and the Whey and Casein Elite Vanilla Creme. All of the above I added milk, not water.

    I also went insane for a short period of time and thought that making recipes with protein powder was a good idea. It never was, yet I kept doing it thinking something would change. "Hey, if I add some of this to Greek yogurt, it'll be double the protein!" No. Just no.
  • toxikon
    toxikon Posts: 2,383 Member
    edited June 2017
    kgeyser wrote: »
    I also went insane for a short period of time and thought that making recipes with protein powder was a good idea. It never was, yet I kept doing it thinking something would change. "Hey, if I add some of this to Greek yogurt, it'll be double the protein!" No. Just no.

    I am 100% in love with making protein fluff right now. You basically just whip your protein powder and a small amount of low-fat milk product (I use unsweetened almond) in a Kitchenaide mixer until it becomes a big bowl of fluffy marshmallow-like Protein mousse. It's basically like making a 'solid' protein shake, makes a great dessert.

  • Bianca42
    Bianca42 Posts: 310 Member
    I was replacing my breakfast with Shakeology for a while, because I was running out of time to eat. I switched to Garden of Life Raw FIT meal replacement shakes and am just as happy. The price is about 1/3 of the price of Shakeology.
  • Athijade
    Athijade Posts: 3,300 Member
    Shakeology is just a waste of $$.

    Why are you looking for by using it or something like it? That would help people suggest other options for you. Is it just the protein?
  • jglhklhgl
    jglhklhgl Posts: 41 Member
    I guess I'm looking for both? So would it be better if I bought a protein shake and add a greens supplement into it? I'm doing a beach body program and they're insisting shakeology but I can't fathom spending over 100 bucks in protein shakes a month
  • jglhklhgl
    jglhklhgl Posts: 41 Member
    I eat a pretty high protein diet so is it pointless to do shakes?
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    Find out what you want, and why, and whether what you're considering, will provide you with that.
  • jglhklhgl
    jglhklhgl Posts: 41 Member
    I've read reviews on the shakes. People rave about how much energy it gives them and how it helped them accomplish their weight-loss goals. I have a coach from beach body saying that I should get into it. I guess I'm just wondering is it some type a super drink or is it just a regular protein shake and it's overpriced because it's "in right now".
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Muscleflex79 wrote: »
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I've read reviews on the shakes. People rave about how much energy it gives them and how it helped them accomplish their weight-loss goals. I have a coach from beach body saying that I should get into it. I guess I'm just wondering is it some type a super drink or is it just a regular protein shake and it's overpriced because it's "in right now".

    definitely not a superdrink...more like an overpriced sales pitch that they are trying to make $$$$ off of..

    ^^This...They (beachbody and the "coach") are just trying to sell you a product you don't need to make $$.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I guess I'm looking for both? So would it be better if I bought a protein shake and add a greens supplement into it? I'm doing a beach body program and they're insisting shakeology but I can't fathom spending over 100 bucks in protein shakes a month

    FWIW, I've done a few BB programs, and I have always found their recommended dietary plans to be completely off for my needs. I've had much better luck using the MFP calculations. I think if you are going high protein, there are better options out there that will give your more protein bang for your calorie buck. I personally don't think it is worth the money.
  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    kgeyser wrote: »
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I guess I'm looking for both? So would it be better if I bought a protein shake and add a greens supplement into it? I'm doing a beach body program and they're insisting shakeology but I can't fathom spending over 100 bucks in protein shakes a month

    FWIW, I've done a few BB programs, and I have always found their recommended dietary plans to be completely off for my needs. I've had much better luck using the MFP calculations. I think if you are going high protein, there are better options out there that will give your more protein bang for your calorie buck. I personally don't think it is worth the money.


    Quoted - and bolded - for truth. I did P90X a while back. I tried following their diet plan for me - I got fat(ter). I ate less than what they recommended and got leaner, while improving my performance on the workout plan.

  • ziggypop93
    ziggypop93 Posts: 133 Member
    AnvilHead wrote: »
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I've read reviews on the shakes. People rave about how much energy it gives them and how it helped them accomplish their weight-loss goals. I have a coach from beach body saying that I should get into it. I guess I'm just wondering is it some type a super drink or is it just a regular protein shake and it's overpriced because it's "in right now".

    Of course the "coach" says that. Because they make money from you buying their overpriced shakes. They also will hope to solicit you into becoming a "coach" (which is actually nothing but a salesperson, they have no training to be actual coaches), which makes them more money because you're part of their downline. That's how multi-level marketing works.

    Here's an objective look at Snakeoilogy from a pharmacist:
    http://pharmadaddy.blogspot.ca/2013/07/shakeology-shaking-up-its-foundations.html?m=1

    As far as their claim of their snake oil containing "superfoods", that's BS too:
    http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/superfoods/?awt_l=BV.g9&awt_m=3gv.Upbtrx0ExV5


    All it takes to become a "coach" for BB is money. There is no nutritional education requirements, which if you are giving nutritional advice, you should probably have quite a bit of education. I have a lot of friends who have gotten sucked in to become coaches, and I wouldn't trust their advice as far as I can throw them because they have no background in nutrition. It's a sales pitch and a pyramid scheme (sorry, multi-level marketing...)
  • mph323
    mph323 Posts: 3,565 Member
    edited June 2017
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I eat a pretty high protein diet so is it pointless to do shakes?

    If you're already hitting your protein goals through your food plan (and good for you!), adding extra (expensive) protein shakes won't do a thing for your health or fitness.

    eta: Especially if you're thinking of replacing protein in food with protein from a shake.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,428 MFP Moderator
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I eat a pretty high protein diet so is it pointless to do shakes?

    If you are getting .6 to 1g of pro/lb of bw, you are good and don't need a supplement.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I've read reviews on the shakes. People rave about how much energy it gives them and how it helped them accomplish their weight-loss goals. I have a coach from beach body saying that I should get into it. I guess I'm just wondering is it some type a super drink or is it just a regular protein shake and it's overpriced because it's "in right now".

    your "coach" is telling you to get it because he makes money off selling it to you.

    You can meet all your fitness goals and never use shakeology or beach body products...
  • elyssadawn17
    elyssadawn17 Posts: 1 Member
    Optimum Nutritions protein powder is pretty reasonably priced and tastes good. Also much cheaper than Shakeology and you don't have to worry about the whole auto ship thing like with Beach Body. It's also more expensive than buying protein powder, adding milk and making your own shake, but I've been using the Muscle Milk Pro series shakes and would also recommend those. They work well for me because they're already ready to go.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    OP, I'm a reformed BB coach. Selling a barely average meal replacement shake for a ridiculous price is the only way coach's make any money. People spend so much money on it that they subconsciously convince themselves it is doing awesome things for them, until they finally realize they are just flushing their money down the toilet. They won't even let an independent lab confirm that what they list on the bag is even in there.

    Personally, when it's hot out I like to have a shake in the morning rather than my usual oatmeal. I am currently using Trutein (which I think tastes amazing even just mixed with water!), and I throw it in a blender with 1/2 cup of 2% milk, 1/2 a cup of water, giant handfuls of whatever leafy green was cheap at the grocery (spinach, kale, romaine, whatever), some rolled oats, and some frozen berries (again whichever was cheapest). You can get samples of Trutein from their website which is awesome too.

    I've also used Optimum Nutrition and EAS and thought both were great. I tend to be a little low on protein and found myself eating stuff I didn't really want to in order to hit the number, so finding a protein shake I really liked worked out great.

    If you are already getting enough protein in your diet, you don't even really need a protein shake. All these protein powders, pre-workouts, post-workouts, energy drinks, etc are just pushed because they are money makers. I drink coffee before my workout and eat dinner right after so I don't need anything extra anyway :drinker:
  • lilndnfeather22
    lilndnfeather22 Posts: 40 Member
    If I want a shake in the morning to spare time I use Spiru-tein. It's way cheaper plus it's plant based and full of vitamins and minerals. I usually blend it up with water, some banana, and spinach.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/316219-spiru-tein-weight-loss/
  • broseidonkingofbrocean
    broseidonkingofbrocean Posts: 180 Member
    Are you planning on doing the complete shakeology diet or just using the powder? Personally think both are bad ideas. The powder is overpriced. You can easily buy a quality protein powder and a whole foods carb powder for cheaper. The diet itself is based on a 1200 calorie diet. Not accounting for what YOUR deficit should be at. It suggest not using any sodium. Which may be fine if you aren't active however if you workout or do active stuff it probably wont be. Sodium is important and most people who lift and eat whole foods tend to be in a sodium deficiency. I did a quick read on it just now so I might be missing other points. The way it looks tho is its a whole foods diet where you add in 1 shake a day, you could do that on your own with a better tasting and better quality powder.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,993 Member
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I eat a pretty high protein diet so is it pointless to do shakes?
    If you're meeting your protein goals, then YES it is pointless because you don't get extra credit for consuming more. It's just extra calories.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,993 Member
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I've read reviews on the shakes. People rave about how much energy it gives them and how it helped them accomplish their weight-loss goals. I have a coach from beach body saying that I should get into it. I guess I'm just wondering is it some type a super drink or is it just a regular protein shake and it's overpriced because it's "in right now".
    Anecdotes aren't evidence though. The only thing you need to do to meet your weight loss goals is be CONSISTENT with calorie deficit. The rest is just fluff with the exception of exercise to help retain muscle.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,993 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    OP, I'm a reformed BB coach. Selling a barely average meal replacement shake for a ridiculous price is the only way coach's make any money. People spend so much money on it that they subconsciously convince themselves it is doing awesome things for them, until they finally realize they are just flushing their money down the toilet. They won't even let an independent lab confirm that what they list on the bag is even in there.

    Personally, when it's hot out I like to have a shake in the morning rather than my usual oatmeal. I am currently using Trutein (which I think tastes amazing even just mixed with water!), and I throw it in a blender with 1/2 cup of 2% milk, 1/2 a cup of water, giant handfuls of whatever leafy green was cheap at the grocery (spinach, kale, romaine, whatever), some rolled oats, and some frozen berries (again whichever was cheapest). You can get samples of Trutein from their website which is awesome too.

    I've also used Optimum Nutrition and EAS and thought both were great. I tend to be a little low on protein and found myself eating stuff I didn't really want to in order to hit the number, so finding a protein shake I really liked worked out great.

    If you are already getting enough protein in your diet, you don't even really need a protein shake. All these protein powders, pre-workouts, post-workouts, energy drinks, etc are just pushed because they are money makers. I drink coffee before my workout and eat dinner right after so I don't need anything extra anyway :drinker:
    So this.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
    9285851.png
  • thatdesertgirl777
    thatdesertgirl777 Posts: 269 Member
    jglhklhgl wrote: »
    I've read reviews on the shakes. People rave about how much energy it gives them and how it helped them accomplish their weight-loss goals. I have a coach from beach body saying that I should get into it. I guess I'm just wondering is it some type a super drink or is it just a regular protein shake and it's overpriced because it's "in right now".

    I drink it because I think it tastes good, and I bought it on ebay for a lower price. But the people who tell you it gives you extra energy and cuts out cravings and replaces 8 salads are either lying, or drinking the kool-aid. If you are getting enough protein they are TOTALLY not necessary. But if you like the taste and convenience of it, then go for it.
  • fatcity66
    fatcity66 Posts: 1,544 Member
    These are my favorite shakes. They don't have the highest amount of protein, but they are the best tasting, IMO, and they keep hunger at bay for at least a few hours. idealshape.com
  • myheartsabattleground
    myheartsabattleground Posts: 2,040 Member
    It's not a protein shake, it's meal replacement.
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