Any thoughts on Meal Replacement Shakes?

ecsmelser
ecsmelser Posts: 2 Member
edited November 19 in Getting Started
I'm just starting this journey. 34 year old ex competitive gymnast and cheerleader here 224 lbs, the heaviest I've ever been. This is mainly contributed to my eating habits and career change to a desk job. Not excuses, just truth. My goal weight is 200lbs.
Does anyone have thoughts/experience on Meal Replacement Shakes? I have done some research and think I have found one that works for my situation. Ill only be using it as a jump start to my weight loss as well as while I'm getting used to cooking and shopping healthy. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    Jump starts are neither necessary nor effective. If you think healthy cooking and shopping is difficult, I would focus on learning about that, instead of buying and drinking shakes. When you're counting calories, you can eat anything you want. To stick to your calories, you have to eat what you want, or you'll burn out. If you want meal replacement shakes, have them, but think through what it is about meals that makes you think you should replace them.
  • ecsmelser
    ecsmelser Posts: 2 Member
    Thanks for the input. I suppose I should have worded it differently. I don't think shopping or cooking healthy is difficult. Its more changing bad habits, which has proven difficult for me. But hey, if it wasn't difficult, it wouldn't be worth it, right?
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    edited June 2017
    A lot of meaningful things are worth an effort. Working to change bad habits is indeed meaningful. I think it's smart to just start on that, and not take the detour with shakes. Sometimes our habits just need a few gentle nudges. When you feel your quality of life improves, it will be so rewarding, and it's great fun to see how many little habits can line up to form efficient and powerful routines.
  • curvylicious369
    curvylicious369 Posts: 61 Member
    I like premier protein shakes. They're low carb and have like 30g protein. Sams club has them the cheapest that I've found. They come in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, banana, and caramel
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,344 Member
    If you're just thinking of using them as a transition thing, I have to wonder why. Why get used to one new thing, only to then have to transition again? Why not just start doing what you plan to do, long term? Breakfasts and lunches are easy to make calorie-goal friendly and simple.

    I've tried them and a) they didn't teach me any good habits and b) I got super sick of having 2 of my meals be a shake - ie sweet. I missed normal, savoury food.
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    I'd much rather eat my calories than drink them. :)
  • inertiastrength
    inertiastrength Posts: 2,343 Member
    I think it's a good idea to have something on hand that you can have just to grab while you adjust to cooking and eating how you want... I don't see anything wrong with meal replacement shakes but I typically don't replace my whole meal with one. I sometimes find myself in a rush so I'll grab something lowish calories like a Wendy's chilli, or english muffin with cold cut sandwich and then pair it with a GNC lean shake or something like that. As long as you're tracking and your overall calories are less than you burn, it makes 0 difference how you get those calories so keep that in mind.
  • H_Ock12
    H_Ock12 Posts: 1,152 Member
    I skip breakfast and "replace" lunch with a protein shake (1c chocolate milk, 1c coffee, 1 scoop whey isolate)...I find it filling and it has less calories than most actual meal replacement shakes I've seen.
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    You may find that drinking your calories is way less satisfying, leaving you to crave snacks (and going over).
  • ritzvin
    ritzvin Posts: 2,860 Member
    They'll work better in a situation where you don't have the time to eat food rather than not having the time to shop/pre-prepare it.
  • Goldstr324
    Goldstr324 Posts: 19 Member
    I love my meal replacement shakes! I use Isagenix- 240 calories and 24g undenatured whey protein. They also have their 'pro' shakes that have 36g of protein per shake. I lost 35lbs and 55" overall and have maintained now for a year
  • JASONSEIG
    JASONSEIG Posts: 7 Member
    I like Muscle Milk. It genuinely seems to fill me and keep me full, depending on when I take it. I will drink one after the gym on my way home to sleep in the morning( after work) and I do not wake up hungry during the day.
  • robertw486
    robertw486 Posts: 2,401 Member
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    I'd much rather eat my calories than drink them. :)

    This applies to me as well. Quality shakes smoothies are great to refuel after long workouts, but do little for my hunger. The right protein bars, some fruit, milk, and a few others can get me through a meal when needed.

    But if a shake keeps other people from otherwise eating less healthy choices or eating too much then it could be a good option. It's just not an option that usually works for me.


  • tinkerbellang83
    tinkerbellang83 Posts: 9,140 Member
    MotherOfSharpei wrote: »
    I skip breakfast and "replace" lunch with a protein shake (1c chocolate milk, 1c coffee, 1 scoop whey isolate)...I find it filling and it has less calories than most actual meal replacement shakes I've seen.

    They have less calories because meal replacements are intended for just that, to provide adequate nutrition when you don't eat a meal, whereas protein shakes are intended to supplement your diet to increase your protein intake not to replace a meal.
  • erienneb66
    erienneb66 Posts: 88 Member
    I drink core power protein shakes but not as a replacement. I find that drinking my calories does not at all satisfy my feelings of hunger, so I don't use it as a meal. I just use shakes as a suppliment to my diet.
  • PurpleLavender77
    PurpleLavender77 Posts: 201 Member
    I have tried Shakeology, ItWorks and Isagenix. I currently use Isagenix. It's my favorite. I have also tried several over the counter, but I'm pretty picky about taste!

    There are a lot of quality shakes out there right now whether you go through one of the network marketing companies or you local grocery store. The key is finding something that you feel good about and that you like the taste.
  • Kullerva
    Kullerva Posts: 1,114 Member
    Making your own shakes is cheaper, in the long run, than buying them premade. Plus you have the added advantage of knowing what's in them.

    I use protein shakes (spinach, apples, protein powder, chia seeds, almond milk) on all my heavy exercise days as a nutrient-dense, filling snack. I like them but wouldn't recommend replacing an entire meal with one.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    MotherOfSharpei wrote: »
    I skip breakfast and "replace" lunch with a protein shake (1c chocolate milk, 1c coffee, 1 scoop whey isolate)...I find it filling and it has less calories than most actual meal replacement shakes I've seen.

    Okay, but a meal replacement and a protein supplement aren't the same thing though. If OP is replacing a fair % of his daily calories with shakes....a protein supplement is likely not going to be adequate nutrition.

    Now, starting with a protein supplement and adding veggies, fiber & fat.....is a better idea.
  • CindyWard2
    CindyWard2 Posts: 88 Member
    I need to actually eat food or I never feel satisfied. I honestly think I could drink 3 meal replacement shakes for a meal and still not feel satisfied. I just love food and eating and can never be satisfied with just drinking something.
  • highlightshadow
    highlightshadow Posts: 116 Member
    They've been a life saver for me personally .... i got to the end of my tether both with weight going up and up and issues i have with food (long story) .... it's taken away so much stress for me .... i'm going to keep using them until i get to a point where i can have my issues resolved properly (which needed me to lose weight)...

    I'm 4 stone down so far
    I appreciate i'm not 'learning to eat' but as the saying goes 'walk a mile in my shoes' .... i've had such a hate-hate relationship with eating ... once i'm sorted i will learn again but that'll be a healing process for me mentally as much as anything
  • firef1y72
    firef1y72 Posts: 1,579 Member
    edited August 2017
    I only use "shakes" when I have a lot of Calories left for the day and don't feel like eating anything else, but then they're not meal replacement shakes, they're smoothies made with almond milk, frozen fruit and protein powder (using hemp atm) and maybe some nut butter at around 300 Calories they're not particularly low calorie, but they are pretty nutrient dense and very yummy.
  • MamaMc3
    MamaMc3 Posts: 213 Member
    I drink a protein shake almost every day for breakfast because I like them, and they keep me full. If they work for you, use them. They aren't any easier or healthier than an actual meal, though!
  • Kuraudo
    Kuraudo Posts: 1 Member
    I don't see a problem in this. I find it difficult to want to chew and chew chicken breast, or solid food to get all my protein macros in, so a whey protein shake really helps. It also helps aid in filling in meals that have not enough protein. Sometimes I don't want to spend the time washing the dish i ate off of, or spending time actually eating. Too busy.
  • JeromeBarry1
    JeromeBarry1 Posts: 10,179 Member
    OP hasn't logged in since his first reply to kommodeveran.
  • Rufftimes
    Rufftimes Posts: 349 Member
    Whatever works for you. What you will find on these boards is that there is a ton of people who believe their way is the only way. I love my shakes. I don't take them daily, but after 8 months of doing this, I get sick of chicken breast too, no matter how many ways you can prepare it.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    Rufftimes wrote: »
    Whatever works for you. What you will find on these boards is that there is a ton of people who believe their way is the only way. I love my shakes. I don't take them daily, but after 8 months of doing this, I get sick of chicken breast too, no matter how many ways you can prepare it.

    Is chicken breast the only alternative to shakes? I would get sick too.
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