Meal replacement shakes

There's no reason to replace a meal with a shake unless you like that sort of thing. Replacing a meal with a shake is only effective if you eat less calories as a result. Really, unless you're planning to replace a meal with a shake for the rest of your life, doing it for weight loss doesn't teach you how to maintain your goal weight. The only thing it teaches you is to buy someone's diet product when you want to lose weight.

One thing I say to anyone looking to lose weight: You shouldn't spend money to lose weight. In fact, since losing weight involves eating less, it should save you money.

Log what you're eating, eat less calories than you burn and you'll lose weight while still eating the foods you normally eat. You'll just be eating less of them.

If you plan on keeping the weight off, I'd suggest learning and practicing overall healthy eating habits rather than rely on a quick "weight loss" shake (unless, of course, you plan on drinking them for life).

I use the SlimFast shakes occasionally, but not as part of the SlimFast "plan" - drinking them twice a day every day would be ridiculous. Sometimes when I work out over my lunch break, I'll grab one to take back to my desk. It's easy to keep track of the calories if I don't have time to weigh out food, and it has protein, iron, and B-vitamin supplements, which are important since I'm vegetarian. I agree that you should probably not use them on a regular basis, as it's more long-term effective to learn how to prep a nutritious low-calorie meal. However, for certain circumstances I think they can be helpful.

Did not read all the comments so I am sure it has been said. There really is no need to replace meals with a shake. Generally eating at a calorie deficit and establishing a good relationship with food is the only way to go for the long haul.

ceoverturf wrote: »

YalithKBK wrote: »

When I am no longer losing weight (and therefore have more calories available every day) I can eat a real breakfast and lunch.

You forgot to add "and put all the weight back on".

Yep

SueInAz wrote: »

branflakes1980 wrote: »

ceoverturf wrote: »

YalithKBK wrote: »

When I am no longer losing weight (and therefore have more calories available every day) I can eat a real breakfast and lunch.

You forgot to add "and put all the weight back on".

Yep

Given that it was implied that this was a cycle of "shakes while I'm losing weight and regular food when I'm not"... agreed.

So you are losing weight and then gaining it all back on purpose?

SolotoCEO wrote: »

I drink a protein shake (with espresso) in the morning. As I'm not a big breakfast fan, this works for me. I've tried almost all of them on the market, but haven't heard of the one you mentioned. I mix Click Mocha (3 scoops) with EAS complete protein (1 scoop) with 24 ounces of water and some ice - blend well. I like both the taste and the consistency. To me, it doesn't have that chalky, grainy, fee that many have. The rest of the day I eat real food (as clean as possible).

This I get, and it's why I said "unless you like that kind of thing."

I'm not a big breakfast eater, either. Mine is usually a protein bar eaten at my desk at around 8:30 or 9:00am with lunch 2-3 hours later. I'll also have a protein shake some summer mornings after I run (it's too hot to run after work). It barely dips down below 80°F most mornings so I'm hot and really not in the mood for any food at all. A low sugar protein shake is a good compromise for me.

I agree that there's no real need for a meal replacement shake. You can find foods that fill you up and give you the nutrients you're looking for, likely making it a more lifestyle-friendly change than a shake. I've found shakes to get really boring, like nearly anything you have every single day.

That said, I drink Shakeology a couple of times per week because I like it (I add PB2 to my chocolate Shakeology) and I have found it's one of the more filling and long-lasting breakfast options that I've tried. I have used Slim Fast and Atkins shakes, but with less fulfilling results (in taste and in terms of keeping me full). I wouldn't drink Shakeology every day, though, or I'd get beyond sick of it. Other days I'll have a serving of fruit, English muffin, and peanut butter. I also like, though it takes a little more time, scrambled egg whites with salsa. Each of these things leaves me full and satisfied while not giving me the calorie hit of breakfasts past (think: bagel and cream cheese).

In terms of weight loss, that's not about what shake you use so much as calories in vs. calories out. Find something that gives you more for your calorie, and you'll be satisfied and less likely to binge.

SolotoCEO wrote: »

I drink a protein shake (with espresso) in the morning. As I'm not a big breakfast fan, this works for me. I've tried almost all of them on the market, but haven't heard of the one you mentioned. I mix Click Mocha (3 scoops) with EAS complete protein (1 scoop) with 24 ounces of water and some ice - blend well. I like both the taste and the consistency. To me, it doesn't have that chalky, grainy, fee that many have. The rest of the day I eat real food (as clean as possible).

EAS Complete Protein is my go to protein shake now. I don't use it as a meal replacement, but it is good. Works great as part of an iced coffee, in pancakes, with some almond milk, in overnight oats, etc. The taste is so much better than what I was using before. Absolute love for it.

I like total soy protein by naturade at Walmart its only $10 taste super good only 8 grams of sugar per serving and 130 calories. I mix the chocolate and vanilla together. Look at the YouTube reviews on it.

shabaity wrote: »

I'm considering using em mostly because the thought of solid food before noon kinda makes my stomach churn. Atkins has an interesting one very little carbs lots of protein, I'm counting on my fruit addiction to make up the difference carbwise.

IMHO, Atkins shakes are thin and completely unsatisfying. The taste isn't too bad but they're thin like milk. Maybe if you blend them with some ice to give them some "bulk" they'd be better, but I don't know.

I've actually found Cytosport 100% whey protein powder to be better for me. 1 scoop with water is 140 calories for 27 grams of protein and only 3 grams of carbs. And it's much cheaper since it's not pre-packaged and I buy a big bag at Costco. Of course, it's all about what you like and don't but that's my preference.

I always get sick doing them as replacement meals. There is a risk of diverticulitis with long term use because it is difficult to get needed fiber with some plans.