Anyone else doing meal replacement shakes?

Carley
Carley Posts: 88
in Food and Nutrition
I'm not looking for negative comments regarding them. I am looking for others who do them so we can support each other.

I am doing a high protein low carb shake. Today is day 1, and I did amazing.

I'm doing this to help kick start my weight loss again, I love exercise.

Who else needs support?


I am doing shakes for breakfast and lunch

For snacks I am having fruit/nuts or veggie sticks

Then having a healthy meal. Tonight it is vegetable bake, so broccoli, cauli, beans, carrots, onions and chicken with cheese on top.

I exercise 40-60 minutes 6 times per week.
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Replies

  • auntiemsgr8
    auntiemsgr8 Posts: 483 Member
    Just a question. Are you eating any real food or only drinking shakes?
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I am doing shakes for breakfast and lunch

    For snacks I am having fruit/nuts or veggie sticks

    Then having a healthy meal. Tonight it is vegetable bake, so broccoli, cauli, beans, carrots, onions and chicken with cheese on top.
  • bbb84
    bbb84 Posts: 418 Member
    I work 12 hour shifts and suck at meal prepping... I pack a couple of the EAS carb control in my lunch box and it helps me get through the day without hitting the snack machine and it fixes my chocolate craving. However I am eating at least one meal and some fruit during the day as well.
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I posted above what my day looks like, though my mains change :-)
  • keobooks
    keobooks Posts: 92 Member
    I decided to try a few different brands because I'm going into a nonsurgical bariatric program in July and liquid diets are an option if you are my size. Errr I had a problem with all of them. After an hour or so of drinking one, I'd feel slightly ill and end up on the toilet for an hour having a miserable time. I don't know what could be in them, but something doesn't agree with me. If anyone else had this problem, was there a certain kind that your body could handle? Sorry for tmi, but I really want to know.
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I decided to try a few different brands because I'm going into a nonsurgical bariatric program in July and liquid diets are an option if you are my size. Errr I had a problem with all of them. After an hour or so of drinking one, I'd feel slightly ill and end up on the toilet for an hour having a miserable time. I don't know what could be in them, but something doesn't agree with me. If anyone else had this problem, was there a certain kind that your body could handle? Sorry for tmi, but I really want to know.

    I wonder what made you sick? I am sorry you had a bad time with them :-(
  • Maychurro
    Maychurro Posts: 4 Member
    I drink the Herbalife shakes, twice a day. I love them. They really help me stay on track. I would recommend them.
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I drink the Herbalife shakes, twice a day. I love them. They really help me stay on track. I would recommend them.

    How long have yo been doing it for now? I wish you all the best.
  • klkateri
    klkateri Posts: 432 Member
    I've been doing the Next Step shakes from Vitamin World during the week for about a month or so now and have lost 7 pounds. I like them since they are high protein, lower carb and I was never hitting my protein and going over my carbs. When I stick to them and drink water I do really well but sometimes I have them for breakfast and lunch and then pig out at dinner cuz "I have so many free calories". However, I think it's just the current flavor I'm on cuz I just hate it and it doesn't leave a good taste in my mouth so I'm looking for other things with it. Also, I'll pair a piece of fruit with it or a low calorie yogurt to help give me that "joy of chewing".
  • Maychurro
    Maychurro Posts: 4 Member
    I've been drinking them for about 3 weeks. I'm doing a 7 week weight loss challenge in my community then after that I'm going to ween myself off to work on eating healthy on my own.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,272 Member
    I've been drinking them for about 3 weeks. I'm doing a 7 week weight loss challenge in my community then after that I'm going to ween myself off to work on eating healthy on my own.

    I don't understand the point of this - why don't you just start on the healthy eating first without doing the shakes and then weaning on to healthy eating?
  • Annie_01
    Annie_01 Posts: 3,096 Member
    I've been drinking them for about 3 weeks. I'm doing a 7 week weight loss challenge in my community then after that I'm going to ween myself off to work on eating healthy on my own.

    I don't understand the point of this - why don't you just start on the healthy eating first without doing the shakes and then weaning on to healthy eating?

    I don't do shakes...personally I find them not very satisfying. I do understand why some people use them though. I think that for some it is daunting to try and figure out "what is healthy" and what fits their macro/micro levels. I know that took me a while to figure out and still stay within a calorie goal. It took time.

    Many people drink smoothies...is a shake much different? No one says a word to people who replace breakfast with a smoothie. For a brief time I drank a smoothie for breakfast...I added a scoop of "shake" powder to it make sure that it contained a more balanced nutrient content. They didn't fill me up so I abandoned that idea.

    I have managed to lose 67lbs in 9 months...without shakes or smoothies. Are they necessary for weight loss...obviously not...but...if someone uses them while they work on their meal plan...I don't see the harm. It is daunting to change breakfast-lunch-dinner all at the same time. I spent a good portion of my time just trying to revamp my eating...there were days that it became overwhelming for me.

    Please explain to me...what is the difference between replacing a meal with a shake and replacing a meal with a smoothie???

    Okay...I am through with my morning rant...on to a brighter day...
  • sjiektallgirl
    sjiektallgirl Posts: 6 Member
    I also have a hectic work shedule and don't always get the chence to prepare meals.

    I replace at least one meal a day with Annique's Lifestyle Shakes. That also add to my daily calcium/dairy fix.

    I would love to know about shakes I can mix with water and not milk, though
  • lindam4
    lindam4 Posts: 10
    You could have an allergy. I stay away from whey unless it is whey isolate. I definitely stay away from soy. You can google how harmful soy is. I also have a violent anaphylactic shock reaction from chia seeds.
    I have no reaction from pea protein and it's thick like a shake. I add raw spinach and a few berries and flax seed to it. Anything more adds too many calories. I was using Arbonne pea protein and liked it but it's too expensive. I use Olympia Labs from VitaCost.com Hope this helps.
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,272 Member
    I've been drinking them for about 3 weeks. I'm doing a 7 week weight loss challenge in my community then after that I'm going to ween myself off to work on eating healthy on my own.

    I don't understand the point of this - why don't you just start on the healthy eating first without doing the shakes and then weaning on to healthy eating?

    I don't do shakes...personally I find them not very satisfying. I do understand why some people use them though. I think that for some it is daunting to try and figure out "what is healthy" and what fits their macro/micro levels. I know that took me a while to figure out and still stay within a calorie goal. It took time.

    Many people drink smoothies...is a shake much different? No one says a word to people who replace breakfast with a smoothie. For a brief time I drank a smoothie for breakfast...I added a scoop of "shake" powder to it make sure that it contained a more balanced nutrient content. They didn't fill me up so I abandoned that idea.

    I have managed to lose 67lbs in 9 months...without shakes or smoothies. Are they necessary for weight loss...obviously not...but...if someone uses them while they work on their meal plan...I don't see the harm. It is daunting to change breakfast-lunch-dinner all at the same time. I spent a good portion of my time just trying to revamp my eating...there were days that it became overwhelming for me.

    Please explain to me...what is the difference between replacing a meal with a shake and replacing a meal with a smoothie???

    Okay...I am through with my morning rant...on to a brighter day...

    Well I guess the only difference between a commercial shake and a home made smoothie is cost and probably freshness of ingredients.

    I'm not saying either can't be part of a balanced diet or part of a weight loss plan - I just don't get the idea of using them short term and then weaning onto healthy eating - why not just start on the plan you are going to continue with ( which may or may not include shakes or smoothies)
    Why do a temporary stop gap?
  • keobooks
    keobooks Posts: 92 Member
    I thought a lot more people would have my problem, but it doesn't seem to be that way. I looked up what it could be. Turns out that it's most likely too high in zinc. I take a zinc supplement to stave off colds. The shakes are high in zinc. Too much zinc can make you really sick. So if you're taking these shakes, do not take any zinc supplements or else you'll be miserable.
  • Jessr0se
    Jessr0se Posts: 12
    Good luck! That vegetable bake sounds amazing! Do you have a recipe or just chop up some veggies, throw in some chicken and top it with cheese?
  • auntiemsgr8
    auntiemsgr8 Posts: 483 Member
    I drink a protein smoothie once a day about 3 days a week post work out. Usually on strength training days.

    But then I eat lots of protein, grains, fruit, veggies etc for balance.

    I would only caution you to be sure you are getting plenty of protein post workouts and carbs pre workout to be sure you have the energy for said workout. Especially if you do any strength training. Your muscles and your body needs it to function and build.

    Good luck
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    Good luck! That vegetable bake sounds amazing! Do you have a recipe or just chop up some veggies, throw in some chicken and top it with cheese?

    Pretty much lol

    I half boil the veggies, dice the chicken small enough so I do not need to pre cook it. Bake it 30-40 mins


    Yummy
  • MLR930
    MLR930 Posts: 95 Member
    I drink the Herbalife shakes, twice a day. I love them. They really help me stay on track. I would recommend them.

    I was skeptical about these until a couple friends started and one has lost 35 lbs and another 18. I ordered the peach mango beverage mix and fell in love with it and it surprisingly kept me full at work til I could go home and eat a real meal. I just ordered the mint chocolate shake and can't wait to try it.
  • klkateri
    klkateri Posts: 432 Member
    Mine mix with water not milk so that makes them very convenient for me to take to work. I even have the mixer cup so they aren't gross or lumpy when I'm at work. I also mix some extra fiber powder into my shakes as well.
  • JasonKnight85
    JasonKnight85 Posts: 67 Member
    Sometimes if I forget to meal prep I take a few meal replacement shakes/bars with me to work (12 hour shifts w/o breaks), but then usually I'll have a fairly decent meal planned. Nothing wrong with shakes, I don't think I'd use them long term personally because, well, I like eating food... but in a pinch, hey, gotta do what ya gotta do.
  • angrykitty13
    angrykitty13 Posts: 64 Member
    I'd be hesitant to drink two shakes a day, but that's because I love the taste of real food. I make smoothies somewhat regularly (almond milk, frozen kale, fruit, hemp protein powder) before I box 1-2 days a week because I need to eat something before working out.

    Are you drinking two shakes a day because you otherwise struggle to make healthy choices? (I'm legitimately curious.) If they help you feel like you're taking control of your eating, that's awesome, but you might be happier in the long run if you wean yourself off of them onto real food.
  • EandA85
    EandA85 Posts: 63 Member
    I've gotten into the habit of having a shake most days for breakfast. I was doing a shakeology trial, and I liked it but the recurring cost was way too high for me. So I bought a few different powders and found out I really like Tera's Whey in the chocolate - I use 8oz almond milk, a cup of frozen strawberries, some extra ice, and 2 scoops of the powder. Calories come out to about 200 and it keeps me full until late morning (I eat about 5x a day)

    I know it's psychological, but it really helps me "set the tone" for the rest of my day.
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I drink the Herbalife shakes, twice a day. I love them. They really help me stay on track. I would recommend them.

    I was skeptical about these until a couple friends started and one has lost 35 lbs and another 18. I ordered the peach mango beverage mix and fell in love with it and it surprisingly kept me full at work til I could go home and eat a real meal. I just ordered the mint chocolate shake and can't wait to try it.

    Like anything some are filling and others aren't!!! How are you doing the shakes? I'm down 2lbs and today is day 3!!!
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I'd be hesitant to drink two shakes a day, but that's because I love the taste of real food. I make smoothies somewhat regularly (almond milk, frozen kale, fruit, hemp protein powder) before I box 1-2 days a week because I need to eat something before working out.

    Are you drinking two shakes a day because you otherwise struggle to make healthy choices? (I'm legitimately curious.) If they help you feel like you're taking control of your eating, that's awesome, but you might be happier in the long run if you wean yourself off of them onto real food.

    I am doing them to kick start my weight loss and get myself into a healthy routine. I do not plan on doing them long term, but I do them every now and then to shake things up.
  • Wetcoaster
    Wetcoaster Posts: 1,788 Member
    I'd be hesitant to drink two shakes a day, but that's because I love the taste of real food. I make smoothies somewhat regularly (almond milk, frozen kale, fruit, hemp protein powder) before I box 1-2 days a week because I need to eat something before working out.

    Are you drinking two shakes a day because you otherwise struggle to make healthy choices? (I'm legitimately curious.) If they help you feel like you're taking control of your eating, that's awesome, but you might be happier in the long run if you wean yourself off of them onto real food.

    I am doing them to kick start my weight loss and get myself into a healthy routine. I do not plan on doing them long term, but I do them every now and then to shake things up.

    You have been here since 2008 and now you are trying kick start? There is no such thing. Take the advice of people who have lost much weight here. Eat food in moderation.
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I'd be hesitant to drink two shakes a day, but that's because I love the taste of real food. I make smoothies somewhat regularly (almond milk, frozen kale, fruit, hemp protein powder) before I box 1-2 days a week because I need to eat something before working out.

    Are you drinking two shakes a day because you otherwise struggle to make healthy choices? (I'm legitimately curious.) If they help you feel like you're taking control of your eating, that's awesome, but you might be happier in the long run if you wean yourself off of them onto real food.



    I am doing them to kick start my weight loss and get myself into a healthy routine. I do not plan on doing them long term, but I do them every now and then to shake things up.

    You have been here since 2008 and now you are trying kick start? There is no such thing. Take the advice of people who have lost much weight here. Eat food in moderation.

    I joined in 2008 true but never really started using the site til recently :-) thank you for your advice, it means a lot to me.
  • Carley
    Carley Posts: 88
    I'd be hesitant to drink two shakes a day, but that's because I love the taste of real food. I make smoothies somewhat regularly (almond milk, frozen kale, fruit, hemp protein powder) before I box 1-2 days a week because I need to eat something before working out.

    Are you drinking two shakes a day because you otherwise struggle to make healthy choices? (I'm legitimately curious.) If they help you feel like you're taking control of your eating, that's awesome, but you might be happier in the long run if you wean yourself off of them onto real food.

    I am doing them to kick start my weight loss and get myself into a healthy routine. I do not plan on doing them long term, but I do them every now and then to shake things up.

    You have been here since 2008 and now you are trying kick start? There is no such thing. Take the advice of people who have lost much weight here. Eat food in moderation.

    Sent you a message :-)
  • jackielou867
    jackielou867 Posts: 422 Member
    I have used them in the past, and they worked fine for short term. I think because I was paying for the product I was more able to be strict with myself. But U can't keep that up long term so inevitably would lead to failure. Since then though I have learnt to eat healthy foods and I have not looked back. In the early days I would sometimes take a meal replacement bar to work to make sure I was getting something balanced. But now I take all kinds of delicious food in an assortment of containers. Today is a long day and I have brought all 6 meals. Feel free to look at my diary. 6 meals hit my macros, a bit carb light but I still have 200 calories to spare :-)

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