SHAKEOLOGY - Day 1 from a Skeptic

Beachbody does not make any claims that Shakeology counteracts symptoms of MS but there are people on the BB message boards who claim when they started drinking Shakeology, THEIR symptoms were alleviated in different ways. There is a whole link of people with MS who discuss how it has helped THEM.

My friend has suffered from an autoimmune disease. When I met her 3 months ago, she was in pain-all of her joints ached and she was in a lot of pain. She spent most of her time on her couch. She decided to give Shakeology a try with no real expectations other than she needed a healthy shake because her disease causes sores inside of her mouth and food hurt to swallow. She started some treatments, sort of like chemotherapy (I'm not really sure exactly what they are but they are via IV) and they leave her in pain too. SInce drinking the Shakeology, she started walking, then running, she does barre classes, Tai Cheng and is no longer lying on her couch all day. This is NOT to say that Shakeology is a miracle cure, but the ingredients include many superfoods. Its not a gimmick.

Please look up Darin Olien on Facebook. He's the co-creator. Beachbody also has a booklet that explains each ingredient and why its in the shake and what it does for the body. The book has 12 chapters, and this only book 1. Sachi Inchi, Astagalus Root, Papain, Wild Grasses, Goji Berries, Maca Root, Quinoa Seed, Chia, Yacon Powder, Cordyceps and Amaranth.

I won't list them all, but here is an example: Sacha Inchi: contains more immunity-boosting vegetarian omega 3s than any other food on the planet. It contains all of the essential fatty acids. Omega-3s help promote heart & joint health, better memory & mood health while promoting a strong immune system. It is naturally rich in protein & fiber so its a strong appetite controller. It also speeds up your metabolism. Its easy to digest, then full absorbed by your body, so it all goes to work right away. It draws its nutrients from the rich soils of Peru. They are grown on farms & Darin works with the farmers to make sure they are using the best indigenous agricultural methods-without using chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Sacha Inchi was researched by the University of Life Sciences in Prague in the Czech Republic. They revealed that Sacha Inchi is ideal for young and old alike-improving digestion in children and also helping to provide a wide range of benefits for the elderly.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition publshed a study showing that individuals who consumed the highest levels of omega 3s, a key component of Sacha Inchi-had the strongest bones.

So, for me, that one ingredient MIGHT be why its helped my friend so much. I know for me, my depression is much less than before and I have been able to decrease my anti-depressants to a minimal amount. My mom is 65 and is finally losing weight, has energy, and feels better than she has in a long time. Shakeology is NOT a weight loss product but for my mom, I believe feeling better mentally & having more energy has, in turn, given her the motivation & desire to walk & eat better.

Is it for everyone? No, not if you don't like shakes. It disappointing because there are so many junk filled shakes that give ALL shakes a bad name & that is just not the case.

I've been drinking it for 3 years, so has my husband & my mom. My kids drink it. I am a coach so I can save 25% and drink it for $89 with free shipping. For me, its worth it. And, I DO still eat "real" food, but this is where I get all of my vitamins. My cholesterol has never been lower & I haven't gotten a pre-diabetic results from my blood work since drinking it (and I used to get it all the time prior to it).

I'm interested in hearing both sides. I've sat and listened to the creator of this product and researched some of the ingredients but I've never heard an opposition from the scientific side, only those who complain about the price.

To the lady who started this thread: Congrats on finding something that fits into your life that you feel comfortable with. If it is helping you reach the goals that you want for YOUR body, then more power to you. It has taken me a VERY long time and many trials to find out what works for me and I am glad that you have found something that works for you.

For those of you who are doing what this site is meant for (which is supporting people in their journey) : Thank you. It shows me that there are still people out there who can still be happy for others.

To those who feel the need to bash her: Please just stop. She is not forcing her opinion on you. She is merely stating what works for her in case someone else is struggling and may find something useful in what she has to say. She is not pitching, she is merely commenting.

Can you mix the shake with ice cream?

Body by Vi is sweetened by Splenda. Shakeolgy does the same thing correct? I almost bought it. I am highly allergic to Aspartame and Splenda it is poison to my respiratory system. I found in my opinion the best Protein shake and it is Jay Robb and he backs it up with a money back guarantee plus the whey comes from free range cattle and everything in the shake is organic. 110 calories and 1 carb.

All of the ingredients in Shakeology serve a purpose. There are different ingredients that have different results.

Proprietary Super-Protein Blend: The Whey, Sacha Inchi, Chia, Flax, Quinoa, Amaranth, Pea - Help to build lean muscles, improve skin and hair, support mental clarity, and reduce cravings

Proprietary Super Fruit/Anitoxidant Blend: Camu-Camu, Acai, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Goji Berry, Grape Seed, Green Tea, Luo Han Gua, Pomegranate, Rose hips - provides antioxidant support and promotes a healthy heart and optimal blood pressure.

Proprietary Super-green/Phytonutrient Blend: Moringa, Chlorella, Spirulina, Spinach, Barley Grass, Kamut Grass, Wheat Grass, Oat Grass - helps alkalize the body and promotes detoxifacation of the liver, kidneys, and blood to restore health and vitality.

Proprietary Adoptogen Blend: Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordycepts, Ginkgo, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Shisandra, Tulsi (holy basil) - Helps protect the body from stress, support the immune system, and balance the endocrine system.

Prorprietary Pre-and Probiotic/ Digestive Enzyme Blend: Yacon Root, Lactobacillus, Sporogenes, Amylase, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, Bromelain, Papain - Helps increase the nutrient absorption, promotes regularity, and improves digestion

Hm, this is one of the problems I have with supplements such as Shaleology in general - a whole lot of sciency-sounding things that nonetheless fall short of making any claims of causation that would expose them to scrutiny from regulators, and in reality is total nonsense. This is classic advertising double-speak.

For example: 'Super-protein' blend! Helps build lean muscles; Sure - like any calorie can 'help' build muscles.

"super-fruit' 'promotes' a healthy heart!! Yeah, like eating fruit does. And breathing. Breathing helps 'promote' a healthy heart too.

"Super-green' 'Alkalizes' the body. This one is pure BS - your body is extremely well buffered to maintain correct pH. In pathological states sometimes the blood and tissue can build up excess acid. But eating some green stuff does absolutely NOTHING to change that. This one is complete bunk. "Alkalising' is another empty buzzword that implies the body needs something it plainly does not. Like saying 'tables! Our products promotes the healthy balance of tables that help you sit down and eat your dinner' . Sure, tables are useful. But ingesting them won't do you any good.

"Adoptogen'. WTH is an adoptogen? It's another made-up term that has absolutely no meaning. If you went to a doctor or scientist and said "I hear I lack sufficient adoptogens' they would be very puzzled. These ingredients appear to be mostly leaves. Leaves are very unlikely to help 'balance' your endocrine system. Indeed, it generally does not need balancing.

"Probiotic blend' Most people have heard of probiotics, so this one seems useful. Except - let's look at what's in there. Amylase.. that's the salivary enzyme that breaks down starch. Most people don't lack that. Lipase and lactase - breaks down fat and lactose, respectively. Here's the problem with this - you are ingesting them. Enzymes are extremely sensitive to temp and pH. How much are they going to do for you after they get digested in your stomach acid? Nothing.

So actually all of this stuff is there for one purpose only - it creates the impression of the product being 'worthwhile' and 'scientifically sound', which justifies a high cost. The nutritive value of all this stuff is probably extremely close to 0.

for any skeptics out there
survey of 100 doctors who recommend shakeology to their patients
http://youtu.be/8l0wOwPtV48
watch the video

Doctors are NOT nutritionists. We are taught the bare minimum about basic nutrition for healthy people (protein have 4 calories per gram, sucrose gets broken down into glucose and fructose, etc), and then we had a 2 hour interactive session about nutrition for sick patients taught by students studying for their RD. And this is over the course of 4 years. Everything I know about nutrition was from taking nutrition courses in undergrad.

Sure there are doctors who go on to specialize in preventative medicine, which does include knowing your nutrition, but an ER doc? Really?

I really hate that people think physician = knowledge about everything ever so we must bow down to them and take their word.

And I'm a medical student. Totally not biased.

Plus I'm willing to bet my late night ice cream that they were compensated in some way.

I finally decided to give Shakeology a try. But I am going to start to what led up to this because I am a believer in NOT replacing meals with shakes....the changes we decide to make in life must be something we can make for a lifetime or they won't stick.

Let me just say that I love breakfast!!! I was raised in the country where FRIED meant LOVE! My mom always made fried foods. I love a big ole country breakfast which usually includes: Fried Eggs, Fried Potatoes, Fried Bacon and many other such unhealthy things!!!!!

Before I started watching what I ate I would go get 2 Breakfast Jacks and a Large Fry for Breakfast from Jack in the Box. UGH!!!!!!!! That is disqusting now. Haha. Can't believe I would eat that bad.

I still have my fried foods for breakfast...usually a Potato, Egg and Cheese Taco with Jalapenos and Salsa. Only runs me about 300 calories but the sodium and cholesterol are terrible. I don't think there are any good nutrients in this. Plus I was/am spending up to $5 a day on Breakfast...just on the weekdays....on the weekends more.

I have really tried to change my breakfast habits....because I want to like healthier things for breakfast....I went through a lot of egg whites, english muffins, etc. I still fall back into my cravings. And I never get enough nutrients.

So....this is what made me think Shakeology would be good for me. Not because I want to be thin. Not because I want a quick fix....but because I want what I start my day with to be packed full of nutrients to provide energy and good choices for my body throughout the whole day. My main concerns were/are:

Am I going to be hungry still?
Is it going to taste good?
Is the cost worth it?

So....

THE COST:

Shakeology is $119.00 a month. WOW! But when you break this down and realize how much you are already spending a month on breakfast....it evens out.
I was spending $5/day on weekdays and let's say $7/per day on weekends.
20 weekdays a month x $5 a day = $100.00
8 weekend days a month x $7 a day = $56
That's $156.00 a month!!!! Uh...what?!?!?!

Definitely worth the price. CHECK!

THE HUNGER:

So....I made my Shakeology at 7:30 am. Started drinking it as I walked out the door and didn't finish it until 10 am!!!!!! It took me so long to finish because I was feeling FULL!!!! And here it is 11:57 am and I am still FULL! I am usually clawing at my face ready for lunch by now.

I made my Shakeology as below:

1 Scoop of Chocolate Shakeology
8 oz Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
4 Ice Cubes
Blend in blender!

Curbs the hunger!!!!! CHECK!

THE TASTE:

So....I was warned by my beachbody coach that Shakeology does have a chalky taste...And this is true. It's not terrible. But it's not the best I have ever had. What would you expect though with so many good ingredients jam packed into one shake. And there are several recipes to pruce this shake up. I just had mine plain jane. The flavor was not bad...little chalky but I could definitely drink this everyday. It tastes better knowing that what I am putting in my body is good for me.

Tastes decent but not amazing! Check!!

Overall, I am very satified with my purchase so far. I feel great. And the best part is...I haven't had nor have I craved a Diet Dr Pepper today. I am so addicted to those. This is going to help me in so many ways. Just thought I would include some information on Chocoloate Shakeology below for those interested.

NUTRIENT GROUP INGREDIENTS BENEFITS*
Proteins and Amino Acids
Vitamins and Minerals
Antioxidants
Phytonutrients
Adaptogen Herbs
Prebiotics
Probiotics
Digestive Enzymes
Whey protein, brown rice protein, pea protein, sacha inchi, quinoa, chia, flax, amaranth
Vitamins
Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, vitamins B1, 2, 3, 6, and 12, biotin, pantothenic acid, folic acid
Minerals
Calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum,
phosphorous, zinc
Açai berries, acerola cherry, bilberry, blueberries, camu-camu, goji berries, pomegranate, rose hips, luo han guo, grape seed, green tea
Moringa, chlorella, spirulina, spinach, barley grass, kamut grass, oat grass, wheatgrass
Astragalus, ashwagandha, cordyceps, gingko leaf, tulsi (holy basil leaf), maca root, maitake mushroom, reishi mushroom, schisandra
Yacon root
Bacillus coagulans
(Lactobacillus sporogenes)
Amylase, bromelain, cellulase, lactase, lipase, papain, protease
• Help build and repair muscles
• Reduce hunger and food cravings
• Help keep blood sugar steady
• Promote healthy skin, hair, and nails
• Support brain function to help promote alert thinking and well-being
• Support your immune system to help you stay healthy and strong
• There are 13 vitamins that are considered essential for proper body function. Shakeology has all of them.
• There are a total of 23 vitamins and minerals in Shakeology.
• These vitamins and minerals are important micronutrients your body needs to carry out every chemical process needed for life.
• Help your cells make energy
• Build and repair muscles and strengthen bones
• Support energy production
• Protect the body from free radicals
• Prevent cellular damage
• Promote cardiovascular health
• Support strong immune function
• Promote healthy aging
• Help detoxify the body
• Promote an ideal alkaline state
• Help promote strong immune system function
• Help the body cope with environmental stress
• Naturally help increases energy
• Help promote ideal cognitive function
• Promote calmness
• Probiotics need special nutrients—prebiotics—to grow and thrive
• Yacon root has the highest concentration of prebiotics of any plant in the world
• Helps strengthen the immune system
• These are the good, healthy bacteria that live in your intestines
• Promote healthy digestion and normal colon function
• Help you break down food so you can assimilate nutrients better

Did anyone even listen to what the scientist in this thread said? Might be a good thing to do. Go back and read then buy food.. or a cheaper shake if you are just craving a sweet drink.

I think it's so strange that shakeology gets such a bad rap around here.....as though its some sort of scam. Unless the label is a lie they obviously went out of heir way to pack it with a hell of a lot of nutrition - including leafy greens.

I agree that you, at some point, must go back to normal food. but, as someone who alternates days between shakes and regular food, shakes helped me get a handle on my right and jump started my diet plans.