Is it healthy to replace a shake (slim-fast, atkins) for a m

SamWTFx3

I was just wondering if it was healthy to skip lunch for a slim-fast or atkins shake instead of having a meal.
Thanks!

sexygenius

not for me, becuase I will drink the shake and then be starving 10 minutes later, so it ends up just being extra cals for me lol. And those aren't great for you nutrionally...

Grokette

If you are going to do a shake as a meal replacement, invest in some REAL nutrition. Slim Fast and the Atkins shakes are processed mess. Go for something with more nutritional value and natural.

Jay Robb Protein Powder

Shakeology

SamWTFx3

Okay so what about using a protein powder and mixing it with some milk?

jaybaileys

I use Shakeology every day and it blows Slim Fast away.

taso42_DELETED

Eat a minimum of 3 real meals a day. Any shakes would be in addition to that.

Mindful_Trent

Would it hurt you to do it now and then? Probably not... but most of those shakes are full of sugar (a LOT of sugar!), preservatives, and not-so-great-stuff that you would be better off avoiding. There are plenty of easy on-the-go type lunches that can be made from home. If you plan ahead, it only takes a few minutes to make a sandwich or a wrap, or to throw together ingredients for a lunch salad (a REAL salad with meat, beans, etc. along with all the veggies), a side of almonds or something of that nature. Real food will keep you full longer and provide all the good stuff you need without all the bad extras that you don't.

SamWTFx3

Thank you! :flowerforyou:

jaybaileys

I usually just use water but yes you could do Almond milk or cows milk with protein powder. Just be careful of what kind of protein you get. Consumer Reports did a big study last year and slammed a bunch of "popular" brands. Muscle Milk was the worst if I remember correctly.

cheangela

I blend fruit, spinach, and almond milk with a little hemp protein powder and replace meals all the time with that mixture. But it's pretty nutritionally dense with all the spinach I throw in there.

00trayn

I tried replacing meals with shakes and unless I blend up a protein shake with soy milk and fruit or something more filling, it won't work. I do have EAS protein shakes and generic slimfast ones, but they are snacks only. I use them to supplement how much protein I"m getting in my meals. I will say I do have Shakeology leftover from when I used to be a Coach, but I was also satisfied after blending up Designer Whey powder with Silk and fruit.

aflane

You're better off eating a veggie heavy, yet balanced lunch. I don't think you'll be really satisfied with just the shake for lunch, and that will tempt you to snack in the afternoon. For example, here's what I had for lunch:
prepackaged chicken caeser salad - no dressing (130 cals)
2 hard boiled egg whites (i don't like the yolks) (34 cals)
4 oz carrots (47 cals)
4 oz sugar snap peas (48 cals)
sliced whole cucumber (45 cals)
Total cals = 284

So for a little bit more calorically than the slim-fast shake (approx 190 cals), I got a whole lot of food.

KadieA

not for me, becuase I will drink the shake and then be starving 10 minutes later, so it ends up just being extra cals for me lol. And those aren't great for you nutrionally...

Im the same way. I'll do a shake once in a while then follow up with a healthy snack.

Trovan

I sometimes do a protein shake for breakfast, with some kind of fruit thrown in. I have tried the Costco Weight-loss Shake, which is basically the Slim-fast shake for less. It just doesn't stick with you long enough, in my opinion.

SmartFunGorgeous

This is sort of a gross admission, but I found the shakes made me... um, constipated. So I completely avoid any of them. If you're going for low, easy calories, have some soup or a sandwich. Plan on small snacks between meals to help keep that metabolism up.

jennylynn84

Personally I don't find the shakes all that filling - or the bars for that matter. I can and have eaten a Special K or Slim Fast bar and my body immediately went "what's for lunch?"

Its definitely better than skipping the meal entirely if you don't have time to prepare something. But if you have time for something else I'd definitely try to get something else.

DaveGlasnost

I use Shakeology every day and it blows Slim Fast away.

Who sells it, just the maker? Or are there other outlets you use?

seachelle

I use Shakeology and personally it keeps me full. It is sold by Teambeachbody coaches

Caper88

I used them before years ago. They only helped a small amount. They can help you stay under your calorie count for the day but I don't think they help you with burning any fat or anything. I think the idea is just to stop you from eating too many calories. I only lost 2lbs a week so it didn't let me lose crazy amounts.