Meal Replacement Shakes?

melodyfrederiksen
melodyfrederiksen Posts: 17 Member
edited November 23 in Food and Nutrition
I'm considering incorporating meal replacement shakes into my daily diet (looking to replace lunch). I currently have classes throughout the middle part of my day and don't have time to really go anywhere for lunch. I have the option of buying ready to eat meals at the student center between classes, but the healthy options are expensive. I usually buy a cliff bar and eat an apple that I bring with me. I am usually still starving though.

Bottom line is, I need a lunch that is low in calories, high in nutrients. Something that is portable, fast, filling, and doesn't require refrigeration or reheating. Shakes are looking like a good option to me.

If you have tried it in the past or are currently trying it now, what has your experience with meal replacement shakes? Specifically, has anyone tried total lean or ideal shape shakes? Do they make you feel full? Are they satiasying? Are they low in sugar and other processes ingredients?

I work out twice a day and walk everywhere. I am trying to lose ten pounds. I enjoy eating healthy food and while I would rather have fresh food instead of a shake for lunch, this seems like a good alternative. Please do not post any comments bashing this idea. I understand the negativity benind meal replacements but I'm still collecting research. I've heard of this method working for some. Thoughts?
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Replies

  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    They are inevitably full of "processed ingredients" :-

    Other Ingredients: Carb Blend (Carrageenan, Fructooligosaccharides, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Oat Bran, Resistant Starch), Milk Protein Concentrate, Nonfat dry milk, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Creamer (Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Maltodextrin, Sodium Caseinate, Monoglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Dipotassium Phosphate), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Biotin, Folic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, Chromium Chloride, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Ferric Orthophosphate, dl-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Cupric Oxide, Vitamin A Acetate, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Dimagnesium Phosphate, Maltodextrin (glucose polymers), Potassium Iodide, Niacinamide, Calcium Carbonate, Cyanocobalamin), Salt, Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose

    or

    nutrition-panel-chocolate-shake.png
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    edited September 2015
    but some of that is inevitable to be a "meal replacement" as you need a load of micronutrients from somewhere. The total lean version has 5g of sugar which is just over 10% of the calories.

    Personally I would eat nuts or seeds with cheese and dark chocolate. I have done shakes and yes it works and is a good way of controlling intake.
  • melodyfrederiksen
    melodyfrederiksen Posts: 17 Member
    Nuts are calorically dense, I am lactose intolerant.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    a lot of people (for various reasons ) like shakes.

    me? I prefer to eat my food. ;)

    LOL
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    If your lactose intolerant then it reduces your choices. Soya based types might be good for you as that would give you complete protein.
    Maybe have a look at a few protein websites for vegan protein shakes. Hemp, pea, there are a few that aren't dairy based.
  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    edited September 2015
    melodyfrederiksen wrote: »
    Nuts are calorically dense, I am lactose intolerant.

    So are shake mixes. I take an ounce of nuts in a container. You'll have to look hard at shakes if you're lactose intolerant, while there's virtually none in hard cheese I can see dried milk powder in the Total Lean shake above.
  • oh_happy_day
    oh_happy_day Posts: 1,137 Member
    I've never had a shake that makes me feel full. I would get either a thermos for soup or a small refrigerated lunch bag. I have a bag that folds down and freezes. It easily fits a smoothie in a mason jar, small containers of leftovers/salads, hard boiled eggs, fruit etc.
  • jess_howes
    jess_howes Posts: 9 Member
    I would definitely not recommend having a shake as a meal replacement - you're best having a meal that has all the nutrients in that you want. Perhaps like a green soup, spirulina soup from Holland and Barrett is pretty good! Or perhaps pre prepare your lunch? That's what I do - and I have chicken with Mediterranean vegetables a lot, as this is my favourite ☺️
  • sgeh13
    sgeh13 Posts: 1 Member
    I just started drinking a meal replacement shake a week ago, and I am finding it a good alternative to the bad food choices I may otherwise make. I'm using Priemere Protein (I got it from Costco), it has 30 grams of protein per shake and only 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, and I think it tastes good (I've had some terrible ones, this doesn't taste like chemicals!). It keeps me full for about 3 or 4 hours. I know that shakes aren't necessarily ideal but it keeps me from making bad food decisions throughout the day when I might normally grab fast food or an unhealthy snack because I'm constantly on the go as well. Good luck!
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    Unless it is a way of eating that you can see continuing after your weight loss, I wouldn't bother. That being said, many of my breakfasts are coffee with whipped cream or coconut cream, and a protein powder. I like that and have been drinking a variation for of it for years.
  • southhamptonmike
    southhamptonmike Posts: 61 Member
    just had a gnc lean shake burn shake with 1/2 avacado and water. I like to use this as a meal replacement. It is loaded with the protein and fats and fiber I need and it keeps me full for a long time. I also drink plenty of water after. I use this a couple times a week. I now won't eat untill my late afternoon barbecue.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    sgeh13 wrote: »
    I just started drinking a meal replacement shake a week ago, and I am finding it a good alternative to the bad food choices I may otherwise make. I'm using Priemere Protein (I got it from Costco), it has 30 grams of protein per shake and only 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, and I think it tastes good (I've had some terrible ones, this doesn't taste like chemicals!). It keeps me full for about 3 or 4 hours. I know that shakes aren't necessarily ideal but it keeps me from making bad food decisions throughout the day when I might normally grab fast food or an unhealthy snack because I'm constantly on the go as well. Good luck!

    that looks to me like a protein supplement, not a meal replacement...there's a difference.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    I've done meal replacement shakes made from healthy ingredients but they tasted bad, were expensive, and had insufficient fat to be filling. Why not bring a sandwich in a small cooler?
  • skinnyontheinside27
    skinnyontheinside27 Posts: 20 Member
    Why can't people just keep comments to themselves? I like vega nutritional shakes. They are vegan, gluten free, sugar free and taste OK. Make sure you get the nutritional shake versus proteins and greens though because that is only meNr to be added to smoothies and isn't complete meal replacement.
  • keelybird57
    keelybird57 Posts: 63 Member
    OP, I use Premier Protein, too. One at breakfast keeps me satisfied for 4 hours.
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    Imo, I would get a protein powder . I would go to your local vitamin shop or GNC and ask the clerk for the small sample packs of protein powder. You can tell him your lactose intolerant and that you would like to find a protein shake mix that suites your needs. I find that a protein shake will keep me full for a while and its fast and easy when there's just no time for a meal. You can still bring your apple or cliff bars with you and carry your shaker bottle with water inside so all you would need to do is mix in the protein packet . these stores usually have the small sample packs and then after you find the one which you like, you can purchase a large jar.
  • agreenid
    agreenid Posts: 218 Member
    sgeh13 wrote: »
    I just started drinking a meal replacement shake a week ago, and I am finding it a good alternative to the bad food choices I may otherwise make. I'm using Priemere Protein (I got it from Costco), it has 30 grams of protein per shake and only 160 calories and 1 gram of sugar, and I think it tastes good (I've had some terrible ones, this doesn't taste like chemicals!). It keeps me full for about 3 or 4 hours. I know that shakes aren't necessarily ideal but it keeps me from making bad food decisions throughout the day when I might normally grab fast food or an unhealthy snack because I'm constantly on the go as well. Good luck!

    I drink these too and agree with all of the above .
  • ki4eld
    ki4eld Posts: 1,213 Member
    I like Bariatric Fusion. The flavors are great and the nutrition profiles are good too. You'll need to check for allergens, but it's at Bariatric Fusion Protein.

    The Cinnamon Bun flavor almost brought this Pagan soul to Jesus. It's that good and it's even better with a dash of pumpkin pie spice in it.
  • Longbowgilly
    Longbowgilly Posts: 262 Member
    Maybe try a green Thickie? It's like a smoothie but has fillers like oats to make it more substantial so it keeps you fuller for longer. There is a website that you can Google which explains it all.
  • nvmomketo
    nvmomketo Posts: 12,019 Member
    2Poufs wrote: »
    I like Bariatric Fusion. The flavors are great and the nutrition profiles are good too. You'll need to check for allergens, but it's at Bariatric Fusion Protein.

    The Cinnamon Bun flavor almost brought this Pagan soul to Jesus. It's that good and it's even better with a dash of pumpkin pie spice in it.

    :D LOL I'll have to keep my eye out for it!
  • MarziPanda95
    MarziPanda95 Posts: 1,326 Member
    skinnyontheinside27 wrote: »
    Why can't people just keep comments to themselves? I like vega nutritional shakes. They are vegan, gluten free, sugar free and taste OK. Make sure you get the nutritional shake versus proteins and greens though because that is only meNr to be added to smoothies and isn't complete meal replacement.

    Um, because OP asked for opinions? This is an open internet forum. Of course she's going to get people saying it's a bad idea, and offering simple alternatives... because it is a bad idea.
  • JessicaB523
    JessicaB523 Posts: 70 Member
    I use 100% Food a lot. Just add water (or milk or whatever liquid you want). Taste is decent. I usually add a little cinnamon. I hate cooking and food prep, so it has really helped with my quality of life. ;)
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    skinnyontheinside27 wrote: »
    Why can't people just keep comments to themselves? I like vega nutritional shakes. They are vegan, gluten free, sugar free and taste OK. Make sure you get the nutritional shake versus proteins and greens though because that is only meNr to be added to smoothies and isn't complete meal replacement.


    well, i mean.. they asked for OPINIONS.....
  • melodyfrederiksen
    melodyfrederiksen Posts: 17 Member
    Thank you to everyone who shared their own experience or helpful alternative ideas. For those of you that obviously failed to read the entirety of my question, I don't consider you any more or less a health expert than myself. I explicitly asked for comments from people who've tried it. Not demeaning remarks from people who feel superior by calling other diet ideas dumb. Obviously, I have my reasons for asking the question. Good day.
  • M30834134
    M30834134 Posts: 411 Member
    melodyfrederiksen wrote: »
    Thank you to everyone who shared their own experience or helpful alternative ideas. For those of you that obviously failed to read the entirety of my question, I don't consider you any more or less a health expert than myself. I explicitly asked for comments from people who've tried it. Not demeaning remarks from people who feel superior by calling other diet ideas dumb. Obviously, I have my reasons for asking the question. Good day.

    Well, OP, if an idea is dumb, what do you thing will people say? It appears that you were not looking for opinions but simply for validation of your choice. I wish you re-read the thread and take it as what it is - opinions of other people. You are the one who ultimately will have to make a decision.
  • msapril87
    msapril87 Posts: 6 Member
    I have a question I wanted to increase my protein macro so I bought vegan protein powder and mix it in with some frozen fruit yogurt and milk as a smoothie in the am. I've been hearing lots of bad things about protein powder being super bad for you?
  • erimethia_fekre
    erimethia_fekre Posts: 317 Member
    If I do a shake I usually just make sure it has protein. The extra crap I don't care about.

    Take a multi that day and drink up. It's better than nothing
  • poejegg
    poejegg Posts: 26 Member
    MasterVal wrote: »
    melodyfrederiksen wrote: »
    Thank you to everyone who shared their own experience or helpful alternative ideas. For those of you that obviously failed to read the entirety of my question, I don't consider you any more or less a health expert than myself. I explicitly asked for comments from people who've tried it. Not demeaning remarks from people who feel superior by calling other diet ideas dumb. Obviously, I have my reasons for asking the question. Good day.

    Well, OP, if an idea is dumb, what do you thing will people say? It appears that you were not looking for opinions but simply for validation of your choice. I wish you re-read the thread and take it as what it is - opinions of other people. You are the one who ultimately will have to make a decision.

    He asked for opinions about the shakes from people who have tried the shakes. He even got specific:
    "Specifically, has anyone tried total lean or ideal shape shakes? Do they make you feel full? Are they satiasying? Are they low in sugar and other processes ingredients?"

    He didn't ask you whether shakes were dumb or not. He's clearly made up his mind on shakes and wants to get some opinions from people that use them, not from people who look down their nose at them.
  • poejegg
    poejegg Posts: 26 Member
    Thanks for creating this thread OP, the more constructive comments were very helpful!
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    You could pack a sanwich with an icepack....as for shakes been there done that. I would suggest getting something with out artificial sweetener like designer whey and packing some snacks like nuts and granola bars
This discussion has been closed.

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