Low Carb Very Cheap Meal Replacement drinks?

Wowgirl38

First off, I will not need these forever, some day I will gain the motivation to make my own, eat healthier, etc. However, today is not that day, I doubt I will see that day in the next month or two. I am very bad about taking baby steps...even with something as important as my health.
I was diagnosed with Endometrosis and my doctor wants me to go on a low carb diet. Well, I am 2 months past my 1 month follow up, because I never started. I decided I am going to take my first baby step.
The last time I lost quite a bit of weight was doing the "Special K Challange". At that time I thought it was a healthy alternative. I drank the shakes for breakfast and lunch, had fruit or vegetables if I needed something extra and ate just about whatever I wanted for dinner. Most nights I even had a snack. I slowly made changes to my dinner to be more healthy. I ended up losing over 30lbs in 4 months. I was able to then back down to 1 shake for breakfast(since I liked them and wasn't a breakfast person) and kept the weight off. Then I got pregnant and gained 90lbs. I am 30 down with 60 to go. I want to start with the shake diet again. However, I know that the Special K shakes are NOT going to line up with my doctors diet...or my budget.
So I am looking for a very cheap low carb, medium protein, higher fat shake. I was thinking around 10-15g of Protein, 10 or less of Carbs and would like 10g of fat, though I am not finding ones with that much fat.
Also...has to be lactose free as I am lactose intolerant. Would prefer a ready made drink or a powder that is mixed with water. Don't have the budget for that much lactose free milk as I already have to buy too much for my 13 month son. Would prefer $1.50 or less per shake. 3 dollars a day doesn't seem like much, but with a 200 dollar a month budget for food for 3 people it is a lot!
Hopefully someone knows of something! Thanks!

HYP1317

For a low carb shake try one packet diet swiss miss ,0.5 T coconut oil,1egg and 1T heavy whipping cream.
Mix swiss miss in small amount of hot water,add ice and the rest of the ingredients to a blender and blend to get consistency that you want.This will keep you full for a few hours.(4g carb 25g fat 9 g protien)
Have you tried bullet proof coffee in the mornings?

FeebRyan

Hi I mix all my shakes with almond milk, its yummy!

Wowgirl38

I don't drink coffee, so never tried that. Not even sure what it is, is it just a variation of coffee? I can't seem to do raw eggs. Every time I try(even without knowing they are included) I get sick to my stomach and yes...this includes raw cookie dough, which is pretty much a curse! My husband has tried making me a variety of shakes with his whey powder and fruits, vegetables, milk, etc. We really didn't have any luck finding any combination that I would like. I also tried a few of the combinations at our local vitamin shop(which has a juice bar which will make protein shakes). I just couldn't find anything that I would be able to stand to drink twice a day. I love the Special K ones. I know that by going with a healthier one that they probably won't taste as good as the special K, but ease of making it will hopefully balance it out.

volfan22

I use Syntrax Nectar brand shakes - zero carbs, 20g of protein (not sure of the fat content) - I use them as a meal replacement or after a workout. (For example I'll mix the chocolate truffle powder with 1 tbsp of peanut butter *natural* a handfull of clean fresh spinach and unsweetened almond milk with ice in a blender - great start to a day and tastes like a reeses peanut butter cup. (Yes it's green, get over it - you don't even taste the spinach!) The powder is fairly cheap if you use a scoop per day you'll spend about $45-$60. (Depending on where you are and where you get it from.) If you don't like chocolate they have vanilla (I mix with strawberries - but it's higher in carbs) You could mix with blackberries instead...just make up recipes using things you like. Good Luck!

volfan22

I have never seen the egg in bullet proof coffee - how is it? Still have yet to try it - kinda scared of putting butter/coconut oil in my coffee! LOL

wonderbeard101

Whey protein with olive oil or coconut oil mixed in. Not the tastiest, but it gives you plenty of protein and healthy fats, which is what you need if you're doing low carb.

HYP1317

Bullet proof coffee (my version) strong brewed coffee,1T of unrefined virgin coconut oil,
1T of heavy whipping cream 1 pat grass fed butter blend in blender.

williams969

Does it HAVE to be a drink? I only ask, since, whoa do I understand a truly tight budget. A two egg omelet with veggies of your choice (maybe even a smidge of oatmeal or 45 cal piece of toast) would just about fit the bill, I think. Once I ran the math, I learned that two eggs (hard-boiled are very portable) just about tops any protein drink, in terms of cost vs. macro breakdown.

Of course, YMMV. Just my very humble opinion, based on making my finances stretch to fit my macro needs :flowerforyou:

WalkingAlong

If you mix up your own with protein powder and coconut or other oil to bring up the fat, it's going to be like 1/10 the cost of shakes. I know canned is convenient but sometimes it just isn't worth paying someone to blend up your meals for you.