Shake Diet, Yes or No?

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Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    Shakes aren't food, so no.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Kelley528
    Kelley528 Posts: 319 Member
    Shake diets may make you lose weight in the beginning but it doesnt teach you the proper way to eat. Eventually, you will get sick of shakes and want to eat real food. What then? If you dont know how to balance you meal calories and portion sizes then you will gain it all back.

    Shakes take the thinking out of eating for people. it is convenient. You will have greater success lsoing weight the right way. it is the same as all those meal delivery weight loss plans.

    4 women in my office did Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers. They all lost weight. They all gained the weight back again when they had to figure out what to eat on their own. I am the only one who has kept the weight off.

    My sister lost 14lbs on a shake plan. She curses me every time she sees a new pic of me because she hasnt been as successful. She is also very restriced on where,what, and when she can eat. She looks good now but she is going to have problems when she doesnt feel like paying for shakes anymore.

    Take the time and the effort to learn how to balance your meals and you will surpass your friends using the shakes.
  • I'm not starving myself. It's a fast yes, but in other words, it's a cleanse, a detox. So are you going to say to those others who do those types of things are starving themselves silly? Or those who participate in the Ramada and do not eat OR drink for 12-14 hours are just stupid because "oh no, their not eating".

    Love how to bring my children into this matter. Very mature. But yes, i understand your point. but the water fast isn't for everyone. During my detox/cleanse, I had clearer skin, better sleep, more energy throughout the day, I had a clearer mind because my body could focus on the rest of my body, instead of the constant breakdown and digestion of food. Your body needs a break too sometimes, and I would suggest you look into the positive aspects of water fasting than bashing those who take part in it from time to time, or hell, even try it yourself and then you can have your own point of experience.
  • lisamarie1780
    lisamarie1780 Posts: 432 Member
    I was just wondering other people's opinions/advice and or experience on this. Our room mate right now did a shake diet (1 meal 2 shakes with healthy snacks in between) for about a month on an off and worked out daily for at least one hour with a combination of cardio and strength training and he has been doing this for almost 9 months now and has lost about 80lbs. I've been doing water fasting and was wondering if this were a good way to go about giving my body extra nutrients, as I do take daily vitamins to help my body get what it needs while I am water fasting. Since doing this I have lost 20 lbs and the weight has been staying off. Was just wondering if this has helped any body out fairly well or does it just work for some body types and not for everyone type of deal. Thank you :)

    Unless you are going to eat in this way forever... what is the point?
  • lisamarie1780
    lisamarie1780 Posts: 432 Member
    I'm not starving myself. It's a fast yes, but in other words, it's a cleanse, a detox. So are you going to say to those others who do those types of things are starving themselves silly? Or those who participate in the Ramada and do not eat OR drink for 12-14 hours are just stupid because "oh no, their not eating".

    Love how to bring my children into this matter. Very mature. But yes, i understand your point. but the water fast isn't for everyone. During my detox/cleanse, I had clearer skin, better sleep, more energy throughout the day, I had a clearer mind because my body could focus on the rest of my body, instead of the constant breakdown and digestion of food. Your body needs a break too sometimes, and I would suggest you look into the positive aspects of water fasting than bashing those who take part in it from time to time, or hell, even try it yourself and then you can have your own point of experience.

    Sorry, I just have to say that people who fast at Ramadan are doing so for spiritual reasons... not as a quick way to lose weight. To compare the two is ridiculous... and kind of insulting
  • TheGymGypsy
    TheGymGypsy Posts: 1,023 Member
    1 day of fasting is acceptable every now and then.

    Fasting for 10 days at a time is ridiculous and I can't believe any doctor would sanction it.
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    No! Shake diets have been around for about 40 years. If they worked then I'm sure there would be a lot less people with weight problems in the world.

    Unless you intend on following the shake diet for the rest of your life then I wouldn't bother, it's not a long term solution.
  • glin23
    glin23 Posts: 460 Member
    As a diet/longer term thing, hell no. As a supplement/emergency thing to keep handy if you need something in a pinch, I'd say that's fine.
  • scottaworley
    scottaworley Posts: 871 Member
    Why do I feel like this is a troll?
  • What's the point of a juice fast? or a detox/body cleanse? Because it's a way to clean your body of impurities as a result, yes you may lose weight, but you also gain so much more in the process than others want you to think, and therefore bash it because its alien to them. You going to say that doing intermittent fasting, or the 16/8 fasting, and even the 5:2 fasting is just a "fad" because oh no, we're "starving" ourselves we're not eating 1400-1700 calories a day our bodies are going to shut down if we don't eat food.

    I also have a friend who actively participates in the Ramadan and goes without food or water for 14 hours, and at the end, his family has a huge feast to celebrate. I asked him if doing what I am doing (THE OCCASIONAL WATER FAST) would have the same positive aspects as his fast. He said yes it would, as it is granting you a clearer mind as you are letting your body be cleaned and rid of all toxins and impurities that could be blocking your judgement, and in the end, you will awaken with a cleaner soul. I in no means, meant for that to come off as insulting to anyone else. I was just stating a fact.

    On another note. I'm done replying to this topic as I'm tired of arguing with others to try and see it from my point of view as I can see none of you have a hint of open mindedness in you. So go on your ways of doing what your doing. Good day.
  • 1st of all, she asked for opinions... not to be judged. Diets affect people differently. If she is doing a water fast and her doctor says she is healthy, then why are you people being so negative? Some support team here... Keep up the good work and don't let anyone's negativity bring you down!
  • quiltlovinlisa
    quiltlovinlisa Posts: 1,710 Member
    1st of all, she asked for opinions... not to be judged. Diets affect people differently. If she is doing a water fast and her doctor says she is healthy, then why are you people being so negative? Some support team here... Keep up the good work and don't let anyone's negativity bring you down!

    Water fasts fall under unhealthy eating practices and are against TOS.
  • Feed_the_Bears
    Feed_the_Bears Posts: 275 Member
    Before making any nutritional decision ask yourself "can I do this every day for the rest of my life?". This is a very important question for shakes because once you go off the shake plan, what do you do? How do you maintain? Changes are you will gain it all back. And maybe you're okay with yo yo dieting, but it's not a solution to your life long problem.
  • harleygroomer
    harleygroomer Posts: 373 Member
    NEVER DRINK YOUR CALORIES!!!!!! When you TRY to go back to your normal life, you will gain most of it back. I use them for breakfast when I am in a hurry, but NEVER for meals. My Dr. said this and my trainer has said this. NEVER DRINK YOUR CALORIES.
  • flynnem4
    flynnem4 Posts: 22 Member
    What "toxins" or "impurities" are you getting rid of? Seriously, try to define those words in relation to your fasting; what are you actually getting rid of, specifically, a list of item a, item b, item c? Where is the medical backing for you having an excess of these specific "toxins", and needing to get rid of them?
  • Lmans77
    Lmans77 Posts: 58 Member
    you offered, you asked, you received. Why you mad?

    Ramadan is fasting for what, 14 hours max? Maybe 16? #1, its a religious observation. #2, you eat daily.

    I'm not seeing how you can compare Ramadan to an extended water fast.

    But if you are so set on it, why did you ask for opinions? Carry on....
  • SuMcP
    SuMcP Posts: 244 Member
    No no no! Also your "fasting" may well be doing you permanent damage. MFP is about changing your lifestyle, not about being on a diet. It's My FITNESS Pal, not My Starve Yourself Pal. If you eat a balanced diet with a small calorie deficit, you will lose body fat and be healthy. If you starve yourself, you will only lose weight short term and gain back more when you go back to "normal". Please get some supportive friends on here and look after yourself. :flowerforyou:
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
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    Enjoy your water.
  • ibleedunionblue
    ibleedunionblue Posts: 324 Member
    My vote is Yes. And I will tell you why. I started drinking Shakeology on June 16th. I replace 1 meal a day which is breakfast. After a couple days drinking the shakeology, I noticed a huge reduction in cravings and increased energy. Since June 16, I have lost 38 pounds. Because I have lost the weight, I can exercise and I am training for a marathon. I am a firm believer that with shakeology, there is truth to the advertising. Im not a beachbody coach, and I aint selling the product.

    Shakeology weighs in at approx 250 - 300 calories for breakfast. (I mix with milk, and either banana or lowfat yogurt). It's not low cal, and its not starvation. It's a healthy choice and equivalent in calories to some of the meal replacements in the grocery freezer section. When people ask me what I am doing, I simply say: Shakeology + MFP + Exercise + Determination = Success.
  • judymata
    judymata Posts: 42 Member
    I say NO. I did the shakes for a while and felt good. I also did veggie shakes which helped me a little more. After a while with the shakes I noticed I was always gassy and bloated. I was informed that having too much soy in your diet is not a good thing. Which HELLO my shakes were all SOY. I immediately stopped them and changed for a high protein low carb diet. I have been slow at losing the weight but have been able to maintain where I am at now which is 198. I have a ways to go but feel so much better.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    I'm not starving myself. It's a fast yes, but in other words, it's a cleanse, a detox. So are you going to say to those others who do those types of things are starving themselves silly? Or those who participate in the Ramada and do not eat OR drink for 12-14 hours are just stupid because "oh no, their not eating".

    Love how to bring my children into this matter. Very mature. But yes, i understand your point. but the water fast isn't for everyone. During my detox/cleanse, I had clearer skin, better sleep, more energy throughout the day, I had a clearer mind because my body could focus on the rest of my body, instead of the constant breakdown and digestion of food. Your body needs a break too sometimes, and I would suggest you look into the positive aspects of water fasting than bashing those who take part in it from time to time, or hell, even try it yourself and then you can have your own point of experience.

    People who observe Ramadan eat, they just do not eat between sun up and sun down. And they are doing it for spiritual reasons, not to lose weight. If they are consuming the same amount of calories when they do eat, then they are not losing weight at all.

    Detoxing is a myth.
  • sabinecbauer
    sabinecbauer Posts: 250 Member
    Simply ask yourself if you could continue either the shake diet or the water fast ( :noway: ) for the rest of your life. If the answer is 'no,' don't do it.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    I'm not starving myself. It's a fast yes, but in other words, it's a cleanse, a detox. So are you going to say to those others who do those types of things are starving themselves silly? Or those who participate in the Ramada and do not eat OR drink for 12-14 hours are just stupid because "oh no, their not eating".

    Love how to bring my children into this matter. Very mature. But yes, i understand your point. but the water fast isn't for everyone. During my detox/cleanse, I had clearer skin, better sleep, more energy throughout the day, I had a clearer mind because my body could focus on the rest of my body, instead of the constant breakdown and digestion of food. Your body needs a break too sometimes, and I would suggest you look into the positive aspects of water fasting than bashing those who take part in it from time to time, or hell, even try it yourself and then you can have your own point of experience.
    Problem is cleansing and detoxing through food or water intake aren't recognized terminology in physiology. It was designed to sell programs and products to people who think their body is polluted with chemicals.
    Truth is the body is one of the most efficient machines on Earth. Detoxing and cleansing aren't needed since it does it everyday (through liver and kidneys), whether you want it to or not. Chemicals are abundant on a daily basis since everything is made of chemicals. The body breaks down all consumed food and drink to it's simplest form and absorbed. What can't be is excreted.
    Fasting for short periods of time aren't that dangerous, but can make a difference in energy levels and for some bad side effects from withdrawl from things like caffeine. To each their own, but what counts more than anything else for weight loss is calorie deficit.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,030 Member
    My vote is Yes. And I will tell you why. I started drinking Shakeology on June 16th. I replace 1 meal a day which is breakfast. After a couple days drinking the shakeology, I noticed a huge reduction in cravings and increased energy. Since June 16, I have lost 38 pounds. Because I have lost the weight, I can exercise and I am training for a marathon. I am a firm believer that with shakeology, there is truth to the advertising. Im not a beachbody coach, and I aint selling the product.

    Shakeology weighs in at approx 250 - 300 calories for breakfast. (I mix with milk, and either banana or lowfat yogurt). It's not low cal, and its not starvation. It's a healthy choice and equivalent in calories to some of the meal replacements in the grocery freezer section. When people ask me what I am doing, I simply say: Shakeology + MFP + Exercise + Determination = Success.
    It's working now because of calorie deficit and less carbs, but unless you're one of the 10% who can successfully maintain AFTER adding solid food in for the shakes, then when regain is likely. Like all diets, 90% regain due to not be sustainable.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • oOxXxOo
    oOxXxOo Posts: 75 Member
    Everyone has their own opinion and the general consensus is shake diets are a load of rubbish. However part of the journey is being motivated to start and seeing results which continue to motivate you further. If shake diets worked for your friend that is great. Would it work for you? Your guess is as good as mine. Would anyone recommend that over eating healthy nutritious food...not unless you had to drop a significant amount of weight fast for some medical reason such as surgery. In my personal experience drinking shakes got boring pretty fast. I missed food, sitting down and enjoying a meal with my family. Did they work? Yes and no. Did I lose weight when I was on them, yep but it all came back, bought friends and family and I ended up weighing more than I did when I started. Not only that, it's not an easy way out...you only have to look at the thread what are you cooking for dinner to see what your missing out on.
  • mahanaibu
    mahanaibu Posts: 505 Member
    I've pretty much decided that if it says "diet", I say "don't do it!". :tongue:

    Most "diets", whether its a shake or whatever, are just temporary things, possibly a way to drop some pounds on the scale, but not sustainable, usually not cheap, and people who do lose end up burning out and gaining the weight back.


    I'd love for us to reclaim the word "diet" from the popular conception of it.

    Here is the actual definition of diet: "The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats."

    Diet does not mean temporary strange eating habits. It doe not mean a weight-loss plan. It's developed that connotation because of all the quick-fix weight-loss plans that use the word, but we shouldn't let them co-opt it. In fact a TRUE diet is what we are striving for: a habitual way of eating. Squirrels eat a diet of acorns, all their lives. Rabbits eat a diet of rabbit food. Great white sharks eat...well, pretty much anything they want.
  • gagrlnfla
    gagrlnfla Posts: 1 Member
    My parents have been incorporating homemade shakes into their diet for the past 4 months, along with regular exercise and watching how much processed food they consume. They look and feel GREAT! I think the key is to make sure that whatever you do that works, it has to be a lifestyle change more than a temporary fix. The shakes that they make are loaded with fresh fruits and veggies mixed with an allergen-free vegan protein mix (mom is allergic to just about everything). It isn't for everyone, but if it works, then I say go for it....a couple of pieces of advice though
    1) Make the shakes yourself....my parents do (1/2 cup each) 4 types of fruit & 4 types of veggies + SAN Raw Fusion protein powder + walnuts for extra protein and volume. It'll be plenty nutritious, tasty, and filling as well. SlimFast and other pre-made shakes are not satisfying and filled with processed chemicals.
    2) Invest in a quality blender. My parents burned through 4 types before they settled on the Vitamix, and they love it!
    3) Start off with 1 shake for breakfast...then move to a shake for dinner as well if you like it.
    4) Eat a quality lunch
    5) Give it time...I was really against the idea when they approached me with it. Now I crave evenings when I can visit and have mom make me a shake for dinner!