Anyone ever try Soylent?
russkiballerina
Posts: 53 Member
I'm currently inpatient for Addison's disease, and while killing time researching I came across soylent and got super stoked. I'm new (few months) to veganism, having recently gained the approval of both my endocrinologist and my hematologist and even though I'm on heavy steroids (catabolic and for my illness, not anabolic) I am having the hardest time putting on weight due to unpleasant side effects of my treatment, it's hard to eat, hard to keep food down, I have issues with absorption and LOTS of nausea and food prohibitions 
Soylent seems like it'd be the perfect way to consume calories! I just wonder if it's safe and also if the content of vitamin K would be harmful (because I'm on coumadin) - I will ask my docs, of course, but the hospital nutritionist isn't exactly the most understanding person ever (at least the one that spoke to me), even though I explicitly stated that my docs were 100% ok with my diet she harped on how I'd never gain on a vegan lifestyle and I'd waste away and etc, etc, etc and I'd always be anemic due to "lack of meat" (my anemia is due to a blood disorder, I take iron but it's pretty useless as I am getting transfusions regardless due to my marrow not producing enough RBCs)...sometimes I find it weird that nutritionists can't understand that BEANS are a thing (and my 9bean pottage is killer) 
Anyone else try it before? I was on Ensure as inpatient for ED a LONG time ago and it was always so, so bad, so I hope it at least tastes better.
Soylent seems like it'd be the perfect way to consume calories! I just wonder if it's safe and also if the content of vitamin K would be harmful (because I'm on coumadin) - I will ask my docs, of course, but the hospital nutritionist isn't exactly the most understanding person ever (at least the one that spoke to me), even though I explicitly stated that my docs were 100% ok with my diet she harped on how I'd never gain on a vegan lifestyle and I'd waste away and etc, etc, etc and I'd always be anemic due to "lack of meat" (my anemia is due to a blood disorder, I take iron but it's pretty useless as I am getting transfusions regardless due to my marrow not producing enough RBCs)...sometimes I find it weird that nutritionists can't understand that BEANS are a thing (and my 9bean pottage is killer) Anyone else try it before? I was on Ensure as inpatient for ED a LONG time ago and it was always so, so bad, so I hope it at least tastes better.
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Is Soylent available for purchase yet? Last I heard it was still being funded by Kickstarter.0
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Soylent Green? I'm sorry I couldn't resist. 0
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It's people you know0
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If you drink enough Soylent you should put on weight. I hear it's thick like pancake batter with a vanilla taste. As for vitamin K and coumadin, anytime you change your diet you should get your PT/INR checked. Ideally you should be getting it check monthly, more if something changes. It's not that you can't eat vitamin K it's that you need to eat a consistent amount. If you're eating the same amount of soylent every day then you're getting the same amount of vitamin K. Get a check and a recheck and your dosage adjusted if necessary.0
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Soylent (green) is people.0
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Yes, everyone gets it, the guy named it after Soylent Green, and Soylent Green is people. Ha ha ha.
But seriously, it's a thing, and OP has a legitimate question.0 -
It's odd that they'd put vitamin K in a product, since most people make enough in their gut.
And the company's choice of name is unfortunate to say the least.
Almost on the order of naming a space heater the "Dresden" model, or a bed intended for a little girl the "Lolita" model. (Yes, those actually happened.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green0 -
52cardpickup wrote: »Yes, everyone gets it, the guy named it after Soylent Green, and Soylent Green is people. Ha ha ha.
But seriously, it's a thing, and OP has a legitimate question.
Ahahaha sorry I legit thought it was a joke thread!
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52cardpickup wrote: »Is Soylent available for purchase yet? Last I heard it was still being funded by Kickstarter.
According to their website they've already shipped 3 million bags, so it sounds like it's up and running. I've never heard of the product, but it seems like something that the OP could use to bulk.
Also, their website says there is a 4-5 month delay in shipment, so OP if you want to try it, you should order now and realize that it's going to be a while. Between now and when it arrives, maybe try to find a different nutritionist who is more understanding of your lifestyle but still understands your medical problems?0 -
Soylent is a thing. The name is intentional. Not made of people.
http://www.soylent.me/
About the developer:
http://www.vice.com/en_ca/read/rob-rhinehart-no-longer-requires-food
Nutrition label:
http://blog.soylent.me/post/74770956256/soylent-1-0-final-nutrition
I've read that Rinehart will modify the formula if anyone convinces him he's missed something.0 -
I sympathize with the nausea and food intolerances/prohibitions. From my personal experience, might I suggest you get the smallest pack available, just in case Soylent does not agree with you either? You might also try different methods of eating/drinking like through a straw, tiny portions, that sort of thing.0
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You do mean that you'd be adding it to your regular diet and not using it as a meal replacement, right? I know the idea is that it's complete nutrition and you can just consume Soylent, but in your case I don't think that would be advisable.0
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Apologies for the delay, it's a bit hard to keep on track of the internet in the hospital! It's not a joke thread,
The name is funny, though, I get the Wumpscut song stuck in my head every time I say it (not to mention the movie)Also, their website says there is a 4-5 month delay in shipment, so OP if you want to try it, you should order now and realize that it's going to be a while. Between now and when it arrives, maybe try to find a different nutritionist who is more understanding of your lifestyle but still understands your medical problems?
Good to know! I'll speak to the doc ASAP about it so I can order it already, I am very worried about my weight loss (it's a bad side effect) and it's always bad when you're losing and can't really eat because it's the one time in life when it pays to have some extra padding.
It's hard to find good nutritionists, unfortunately. The hospital one I thought was going to be great because she advises the patients at the cancer center, but apparently cancer patients can't be vegan according to her, though my hematologists says he has a bunch of patients who keep to a very high carb and high protein diet on chemo and they're all fine, even equivalent to their omnivore patients (though we do need extra B12 shots and vitamin D)As for vitamin K and coumadin, anytime you change your diet you should get your PT/INR checked. Ideally you should be getting it check monthly, more if something changes
If it's pasty, like milkshake-y like, then all better
I hated Ensure because it tasted like ashy milk (I know it's a colorful description, but you get what I mean)
Since I started on steroids, I check my PT/INR every four to five days, it's a PITA, but it's a necessary evil. It's been pretty stable considering. I do miss kale and spinach, and I only allow myself leafy greens twice a week per doc's orders. I compensate on lots of beans, though.
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Issue with having to cut white carbs (because steroids predispose you to developing diabetes 1 -- also the sec Addison's, too) and leafy greens when you're vegan and not absorbing stuff well it's that it becomes so hard to get enough calories that you feel like just giving up, but I don't think I'd be able to ever eat meat again, and not just because of the ethical reasons, but it also used to make me very sick to my stomach because of the amount of time it demanded of me, digestion wise. I sometimes have that issue with beans (esp lentils) but it's way, way less. I was thinking of allowing myself salmon occasionally if I absolutely can't. One other thing I was thinking of adding and I don't eat lots is mushrooms, they have tons of vitamin D, and I like them lots.You do mean that you'd be adding it to your regular diet and not using it as a meal replacement, right?
Oh yes! As tempting as it would be to not have to feel pain during digestion, I love food WAY too much to not eat, and it'd defeat the purpose of getting enough calories to gain weight. I need at least about 30lbs of healthy weight put on, well, 20 for my doc to let me off the hook and extra 10 for extra protection (and I also want to look somewhat good again)I sympathize with the nausea and food intolerances/prohibitions. From my personal experience, might I suggest you get the smallest pack available, just in case Soylent does not agree with you either? You might also try different methods of eating/drinking like through a straw, tiny portions, that sort of thing.
I'm so sorry you have to deal with that stuff, too. it can make it really hard to focus on other stuff.
You have a really good suggestion and I will definitely take it, thank you. I never tried through a straw but for a while now I've been eating my food in little sides of everything, it's time consuming but gets the job done.
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Thanks everyone so far for the kind replies!
PS: I'm stupid and don't know how to quote users :S0 -
Soylent Green is people!!!!0
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It's odd that they'd put vitamin K in a product, since most people make enough in their gut.
And the company's choice of name is unfortunate to say the least.
Almost on the order of naming a space heater the "Dresden" model, or a bed intended for a little girl the "Lolita" model. (Yes, those actually happened.)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green
They actually named it after the book Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison which the movie Soylent Green is based on. The book didn't have a soylent as made from people but a super food made from soybeans and lentils hence "soy" + "lent" = "soylent".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Make_Room!_Make_Room!
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52cardpickup wrote: »Is Soylent available for purchase yet? Last I heard it was still being funded by Kickstarter.
Yes. I ordered it on Sunday (I think). It was shipped today. Until recently, there was a 4-6 month wait.
OP, Soylent has a DIY page as well, so that you can make your own based on your individual needs. I may try making this one.
I don't intend to use it full-time, but simplify breakfast and lunch, and then eat dinner with my family.0 -
Whatever the nutritional benefits of it may be, I can't help but think of it as the most joyless, soulless food out there. It just makes me sad.0
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I'm curious about it, even if some say it gives you "horse killing farts".0
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The horse-killing farts was something that happened on Soylent 1.0 - 1.2. It was resolved with version 1.3 and beyond (it's currently at version 1.4)
I've been on Soylent for about two months now and it comprises most of my intake (I usually only eat 'real food' on social occasions -- so once or twice every few weeks). I just had a physical lately and, on Soylent, my good cholesterol went up and my bad cholesterol went down. My doctor gave me lots of high fives for my great bloodwork results and weight loss.0 -
I started using soylent eight days ago and I'm down eight pounds. I generally use it to replace everything on weekdays. My plan is to enjoy weekend eating and not lose my mind. I found no issue with tempting food during the week. I even signed up for a gym membership that I plan to continue using in place of the time I used to spend purchasing and eating food during lunch. For the most part soylent just keeps me out of stress eating during the week. I admit I went overboard on the weekend but it was less than my weekends used to be.
No definite plan on how long I'll do it but my primary effort is to have it as a suppliment for times when I don't have time. I could keep me out of old patterns like, no breakfast, no lunch, then the dinners. Same daily intake total but at the worst possible time of day. No late evening heavy eating since starting soylent.
I suspect it is all in how you use the stuff. I cannot see a lifetime of it for complete replacement.
Anyone using it long term? I didn't read this entire thread but noticed two months?
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Almost forgot to mention my original concern. My weight was secondary to my blood pressure. After a week I've gone from 141/90 to 120/83.0
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Update . . . using soylent only to replace breakfast or lunch when time is an issue. That is usually one or both daily. Down 25 pounds and blood pressure is regularly around 120/80 now. It's been about seven weeks now.0
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I started using soylent eight days ago and I'm down eight pounds. I generally use it to replace everything on weekdays. My plan is to enjoy weekend eating and not lose my mind. I found no issue with tempting food during the week. I even signed up for a gym membership that I plan to continue using in place of the time I used to spend purchasing and eating food during lunch. For the most part soylent just keeps me out of stress eating during the week. I admit I went overboard on the weekend but it was less than my weekends used to be.
No definite plan on how long I'll do it but my primary effort is to have it as a suppliment for times when I don't have time. I could keep me out of old patterns like, no breakfast, no lunch, then the dinners. Same daily intake total but at the worst possible time of day. No late evening heavy eating since starting soylent.
I suspect it is all in how you use the stuff. I cannot see a lifetime of it for complete replacement.
Anyone using it long term? I didn't read this entire thread but noticed two months?
How many total calories are you eating? Because if you are cutting two entire meals with protein shakes, there is a reason you are losing.. it's because you are on a ridiculously low calorie diet. And if that is true, say goodbye to a lot of muscle and a slower metabolism.0 -
How many total calories are you eating? Because if you are cutting two entire meals with protein shakes, there is a reason you are losing.. it's because you are on a ridiculously low calorie diet. And if that is true, say goodbye to a lot of muscle and a slower metabolism.
Soylent isn't a protein shake0 -
How many total calories are you eating? Because if you are cutting two entire meals with protein shakes, there is a reason you are losing.. it's because you are on a ridiculously low calorie diet. And if that is true, say goodbye to a lot of muscle and a slower metabolism.
Soylent isn't a protein shake
Yea, I should have said meal replacement.0 -
I started using soylent eight days ago and I'm down eight pounds. I generally use it to replace everything on weekdays. My plan is to enjoy weekend eating and not lose my mind. I found no issue with tempting food during the week. I even signed up for a gym membership that I plan to continue using in place of the time I used to spend purchasing and eating food during lunch. For the most part soylent just keeps me out of stress eating during the week. I admit I went overboard on the weekend but it was less than my weekends used to be.
No definite plan on how long I'll do it but my primary effort is to have it as a suppliment for times when I don't have time. I could keep me out of old patterns like, no breakfast, no lunch, then the dinners. Same daily intake total but at the worst possible time of day. No late evening heavy eating since starting soylent.
I suspect it is all in how you use the stuff. I cannot see a lifetime of it for complete replacement.
Anyone using it long term? I didn't read this entire thread but noticed two months?
How many total calories are you eating? Because if you are cutting two entire meals with protein shakes, there is a reason you are losing.. it's because you are on a ridiculously low calorie diet. And if that is true, say goodbye to a lot of muscle and a slower metabolism.
It's actually designed to provide complete nutrition for people who can't eat food; I believe if you use it for all three meals, you can get around 2000 calories per day (I'm assuming there are different recommended serving sizes for different calorie levels). So in theory, you can take as much or as little to supplement your needs, but even if you replaced all of your food with it, it wouldn't necessarily put you in a calorie deficit.0 -
I started using soylent eight days ago and I'm down eight pounds. I generally use it to replace everything on weekdays. My plan is to enjoy weekend eating and not lose my mind. I found no issue with tempting food during the week. I even signed up for a gym membership that I plan to continue using in place of the time I used to spend purchasing and eating food during lunch. For the most part soylent just keeps me out of stress eating during the week. I admit I went overboard on the weekend but it was less than my weekends used to be.
No definite plan on how long I'll do it but my primary effort is to have it as a suppliment for times when I don't have time. I could keep me out of old patterns like, no breakfast, no lunch, then the dinners. Same daily intake total but at the worst possible time of day. No late evening heavy eating since starting soylent.
I suspect it is all in how you use the stuff. I cannot see a lifetime of it for complete replacement.
Anyone using it long term? I didn't read this entire thread but noticed two months?
How many total calories are you eating? Because if you are cutting two entire meals with protein shakes, there is a reason you are losing.. it's because you are on a ridiculously low calorie diet. And if that is true, say goodbye to a lot of muscle and a slower metabolism.
It's actually designed to provide complete nutrition for people who can't eat food; I believe if you use it for all three meals, you can get around 2000 calories per day (I'm assuming there are different recommended serving sizes for different calorie levels). So in theory, you can take as much or as little to supplement your needs, but even if you replaced all of your food with it, it wouldn't necessarily put you in a calorie deficit.
Well you learn something every day. Thanks.0 -
I just orderered a 2 week supply to try it out and see if it can help me getting my everything levels normalized. I'm aiming at 1800 calories a day, if I follow my plan, I can also lose some weight with it. We'll see!0
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I started using soylent eight days ago and I'm down eight pounds. I generally use it to replace everything on weekdays. My plan is to enjoy weekend eating and not lose my mind. I found no issue with tempting food during the week. I even signed up for a gym membership that I plan to continue using in place of the time I used to spend purchasing and eating food during lunch. For the most part soylent just keeps me out of stress eating during the week. I admit I went overboard on the weekend but it was less than my weekends used to be.
No definite plan on how long I'll do it but my primary effort is to have it as a suppliment for times when I don't have
How many total calories are you eating? Because if you are cutting two entire meals with protein shakes, there is a reason you are losing.. it's because you are on a ridiculously low calorie diet. And if that is true, say goodbye to a lot of muscle and a slower metabolism.How many calories are you eating? Because if you are cutting two entire meals with protein shakes, there is a reason you are losing.. it's because you are on a ridiculously low calorie diet. And if that is true, say goodbye to a lot of muscle and a slower metabolism.
Total calories vary. Friday/Saturday are generally 2000-3000 since it's date night Friday and I take the kids out Saturdays.
Sundays usually around 1000-1300
Weekdays are usually 1200-1600
Workouts are generally 30-60 minutes m-f
The idea for me now with soylent is to use it when I sleep in so I don't overeat later in the day. Since I workout at lunch time I am using it to replace most lunches. I still bring fruit to eat and eat something small upon getting home.
Because I stated at 248 most of my weight left in the first few weeks. Currently I am losing 1-2 pounds a week.
Rather than malnutrition I believe the following factors are the reason for weight loss...
1 I am obese so reduction in calories had immediate impact. It was not unheard of to her depressed and eat an entire pizza for lunch. Even eating 2000/day would have resulted in some weight loss where I stated.
2 I work out consistently. This helps balance the days I go crazy and put away 4000 calories.
3 Soylent helps me keep regular eating routine and broke my cycle of skipping breakfast and lunch ending my day in a three meal sized dinner.
So, many days one or two traditional meals will be replaced using soylent. When on vacation almost zero meals were replaced. I am using it to replace so I don't break my historical fast and binge pattern.
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Not sure why my post looks like a quote. Sorry .
. . I don't know how to repair and I'm posting without glasses. Major contributing factor I'm sure.0
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