Meal replacement shakes

Any one here use them? What do/don’t you recommend? I have liked slim fast and Herbalife so far but just kind of sampling them right now. If you are going to tell me to not use them than please don’t comment at all thanks!

Replies

  • neugebauer52
    neugebauer52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    No - one should tell you what to do and what not to do, especially cheap advertising which seems to hit us from all sides. I am a traditional food eater - I like to use my teeth, crunch things, bite into bits, gnaw at things, rip things apart - but most of all let all the flavours develop in my mouth and all that with a good glass of wine. Recently I watched someone with a broken jaw which was wired up for at least 6 weeks. No plates, no bowls of delicious food, no knife, no fork, no spoon, no cups or saucers - just a drinking glass and a straw. That would literally kill me!
  • Luke_rabbit
    Luke_rabbit Posts: 1,031 Member
    edited October 2019
    18 Shake is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it because it includes stevia. Since most people tolerate stevia well, this may work for you.

    One of the reasons I make my own smoothies is because I can start with protein powders that are unsweetened and avoid the now ubiquitous (at least in "diet" foods) stevia.
  • psychod787
    psychod787 Posts: 4,099 Member
    kbushe3221 wrote: »
    Any one here use them? What do/don’t you recommend? I have liked slim fast and Herbalife so far but just kind of sampling them right now. If you are going to tell me to not use them than please don’t comment at all thanks!

    In general, liquid calories are NOT as satisfying per unit energy vs whole foods. Some people say they keep them full, but the research points to the opposite.
  • kbushe3221
    kbushe3221 Posts: 176 Member
    psychod787 wrote: »
    kbushe3221 wrote: »
    Any one here use them? What do/don’t you recommend? I have liked slim fast and Herbalife so far but just kind of sampling them right now. If you are going to tell me to not use them than please don’t comment at all thanks!

    In general, liquid calories are NOT as satisfying per unit energy vs whole foods. Some people say they keep them full, but the research points to the opposite.

    They have been filling for me. The reason they appeal to me is I lead a busy lifestyle so it’s convenient. It’s not even manageable to meal prep bc I have 11 month twins so shakes are quick and easy. I just want one that isn’t bad for me and others people had good experiences with. I should add that I do eat snacks and regular meals through out the day but dinner is easiest to drink right now!
  • OHFlamingo
    OHFlamingo Posts: 239 Member
    edited October 2019
    I make my own for lunch everyday, using protein powder, almond or almond coconut milk, sometimes yogurt or juice, fresh or frozen fruit, sometimes rolled oats; whatever I'm in the mood for. Today I took the simple route and just used almond-coconut milk, banana creme protein powder, and some pumpkin pie spice. Warmed it in the microwave, and enjoyed the taste of Fall! I used to use Equate's brand of meal replacement shakes, but they really didn't taste all that good. I like my own much better! Today's was just 250 calories, with 31 grams of protein.
  • psychod787
    psychod787 Posts: 4,099 Member
    kbushe3221 wrote: »
    psychod787 wrote: »
    kbushe3221 wrote: »
    Any one here use them? What do/don’t you recommend? I have liked slim fast and Herbalife so far but just kind of sampling them right now. If you are going to tell me to not use them than please don’t comment at all thanks!

    In general, liquid calories are NOT as satisfying per unit energy vs whole foods. Some people say they keep them full, but the research points to the opposite.

    They have been filling for me. The reason they appeal to me is I lead a busy lifestyle so it’s convenient. It’s not even manageable to meal prep bc I have 11 month twins so shakes are quick and easy. I just want one that isn’t bad for me and others people had good experiences with. I should add that I do eat snacks and regular meals through out the day but dinner is easiest to drink right now!

    Well.... how about a beer? Lol
  • kbushe3221
    kbushe3221 Posts: 176 Member
    psychod787 wrote: »
    kbushe3221 wrote: »
    psychod787 wrote: »
    kbushe3221 wrote: »
    Any one here use them? What do/don’t you recommend? I have liked slim fast and Herbalife so far but just kind of sampling them right now. If you are going to tell me to not use them than please don’t comment at all thanks!

    In general, liquid calories are NOT as satisfying per unit energy vs whole foods. Some people say they keep them full, but the research points to the opposite.

    They have been filling for me. The reason they appeal to me is I lead a busy lifestyle so it’s convenient. It’s not even manageable to meal prep bc I have 11 month twins so shakes are quick and easy. I just want one that isn’t bad for me and others people had good experiences with. I should add that I do eat snacks and regular meals through out the day but dinner is easiest to drink right now!

    Well.... how about a beer? Lol

    I could use 20
  • kbushe3221
    kbushe3221 Posts: 176 Member
    OHFlamingo wrote: »
    I make my own for lunch everyday, using protein powder, almond or almond coconut milk, sometimes yogurt or juice, fresh or frozen fruit, sometimes rolled oats; whatever I'm in the mood for. Today I took the simple route and just used almond-coconut milk, banana creme protein powder, and some pumpkin pie spice. Warmed it in the microwave, and enjoyed the taste of Fall! I used to use Equate's brand of meal replacement shakes, but they really didn't taste all that good. I like my own much better! Today's was just 250 calories, with 31 grams of protein.

    That sounds yummy
  • jenncornelsen
    jenncornelsen Posts: 969 Member
    Back in the day I used a brand called idealshape- only available online. It had the best reviews and was quite palatable. It was also quite a bit cheaper than other leading brands.
  • VegjoyP
    VegjoyP Posts: 2,772 Member
    I like Sunwarrior Illuminate Meal Replacement, Garden of Life RAW MEAL or RAW FIT. Vega One protein is good too. Vitamin Shoppe has one by PLNT, very good. All are plant based, no sugar. I use regular plant protein but have used all the ones I mentioned
    Another good choice is Plant Fusion.
  • VegjoyP
    VegjoyP Posts: 2,772 Member
    I have been using Garden of Life Sport Plant protein the past few days and was thinking of this post and wanted to share it really fills me up and I have not been hungry after. I make it warm like hot cocoa.
  • kbushe3221
    kbushe3221 Posts: 176 Member
    VegjoyP wrote: »
    I have been using Garden of Life Sport Plant protein the past few days and was thinking of this post and wanted to share it really fills me up and I have not been hungry after. I make it warm like hot cocoa.

    Think I will give it a try thanks!
  • happyauntie2015
    happyauntie2015 Posts: 282 Member
    My favorite shake is premier protein. I've poured it over ice coffee instead of using creamer as well but it's tasty on it's own too. My afternoon pick me up before the gym is usually a big ice coffee with the shake to be honest. If I run late in the mornings i use it as a meal replacement and I'm good til my lunch hour. Hope you find what works for you
  • whitpauly
    whitpauly Posts: 1,483 Member
    boldknee wrote: »
    18 Shake is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it because it includes stevia. Since most people tolerate stevia well, this may work for you.

    One of the reasons I make my own smoothies is because I can start with protein powders that are unsweetened and avoid the now ubiquitous (at least in "diet" foods) stevia.

    How come you don't like stevia? I'm just curious
  • weatherking2019
    weatherking2019 Posts: 943 Member
    I just started making shakes for my 6am breakfast because I had a case of Muscle Milk Light that I can't drink on it's own.
    I put 1/4cup Rolled oats, 1TBS Chia seeds and blend till powder.
    Add handfull of frozen black berries, half a frozen banana, few ice cubes and 1 premade Muscle Milk Light.
    Blend all together and whola! My breakfast.
    It keeps me full till 10am.
  • nuzziek
    nuzziek Posts: 69 Member
    VegjoyP wrote: »
    I have been using Garden of Life Sport Plant protein the past few days and was thinking of this post and wanted to share it really fills me up and I have not been hungry after. I make it warm like hot cocoa.

    I second this, and would like to add that their vegan protein bars are really yummy and filling too! I found them at Target.

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    boldknee wrote: »
    18 Shake is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it because it includes stevia. Since most people tolerate stevia well, this may work for you.

    One of the reasons I make my own smoothies is because I can start with protein powders that are unsweetened and avoid the now ubiquitous (at least in "diet" foods) stevia.

    Yes, I make my own with unsweetened protein powder as well. This one has just a hint of vanilla, which is not discernible amidst all the fruit and veggies.

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  • Luke_rabbit
    Luke_rabbit Posts: 1,031 Member
    whitpauly wrote: »
    boldknee wrote: »
    18 Shake is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it because it includes stevia. Since most people tolerate stevia well, this may work for you.

    One of the reasons I make my own smoothies is because I can start with protein powders that are unsweetened and avoid the now ubiquitous (at least in "diet" foods) stevia.

    How come you don't like stevia? I'm just curious

    Actually stevia decimates my lactobacillus which leads to very unpleasant side effects. It's a known issue with stevia, but seems to only happen to a small number of people. But most people tolerate it well and even find it sweet -- I find it barely sweet.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    whitpauly wrote: »
    boldknee wrote: »
    18 Shake is supposed to be good. I haven't tried it because it includes stevia. Since most people tolerate stevia well, this may work for you.

    One of the reasons I make my own smoothies is because I can start with protein powders that are unsweetened and avoid the now ubiquitous (at least in "diet" foods) stevia.

    How come you don't like stevia? I'm just curious

    I'm not the one you asked, but will reply anyway - I can take stevia in tiny amounts, like when Celestial Seasonings used to put it in some of their teas. It's also ok in my chocolate protein powder. I don't like it in plain protein powder, and my BioChem Natural Whey doesn't include it.

    I don't like it in normal amounts because to me it has a artificial-sweetener like unpleasant taste - chemically sweet, as opposed to sugar-sweet.
  • caprihana
    caprihana Posts: 38 Member
    kbushe3221 wrote: »
    Any one here use them? What do/don’t you recommend? I have liked slim fast and Herbalife so far but just kind of sampling them right now. If you are going to tell me to not use them than please don’t comment at all thanks!

    I'm going to be starting on the Arbonne 30 Healthy Eating Plan which includes protein shakes....I'll let you know how I get on!
  • iisziit
    iisziit Posts: 5 Member
    My concern is with commercial protein shakes is if it is laced with high amount of lectins (eg soy, other plant legumes - Read the "Plant Paradox") that your body cannot digest causing further health problems. Or if it has been created using GMO ingredients. Also some of these protein shakes on the market are highly priced for the average family budget. Therefore, I personally would rather make something to eat knowing exactly what went into it and using this time as an enjoyable informative experience that builds life long healthy behaviours that last long after the fad of dieting has worn off. If time is an issue then prepare your recovery meals or general meals in advance and store either in the freezer or in the fridge to quickly grab. The money you will save doing this can be put toward a better use.
  • kevinemsley
    kevinemsley Posts: 10 Member
    edited October 2019
    "meal replacement shake", isn't that an oxymoron? :-) A shake is simply a 'meal' in liquid form and if it contains the bodies required nutrients, drink them as often as you like. I have been consuming a liquid breakfast and lunch for 3 years now and found that this is an effective means of controlling and reducing the amount of rubbish i eat and thus i have managed to keep approx 20kg off my body. It is nice to have some solids now and then to make use of the teeth and to add some good fibre to the diet.

    oh and if anyone is interested, I use PHD products as I find the taste of their protein powders/diet whet etc to be much more palatable than many others (especially the Orange or Mint Choc)
  • FireyChimera
    FireyChimera Posts: 155 Member
    I don't suggest meal replacement shakes/ drinks at all. We are meant to eat real and nourishing food until we are satisfied :)
  • caprihana
    caprihana Posts: 38 Member
    I don't suggest meal replacement shakes/ drinks at all. We are meant to eat real and nourishing food until we are satisfied :)

    You're absolutely right, in the real world all our nutrients should come from food, and 50 years ago that might have been the case. These days land is over farmed, pesticides are used, and the soil just has got the same nutrients in it. If you want to get everything from food you need to be very rich, and you'd be very bloated. It's a lovely idea, and one I believed in too, but sometimes you have to put aside your beliefs and know that the world is changing.
  • candylilacs
    candylilacs Posts: 614 Member
    Premier Protein. You could buy it on Amazon and Costco. I usually use Vanilla.

    When I'm commuting 90 minutes to my job, and I can use the protein drink and chai tea latte.
  • teresa19622015
    teresa19622015 Posts: 34 Member
    I’m trying to do 5/2 until Christmas and find it hard to eat tiny portions of real food. So I bought some Exante just to use two times a week. I try not to eat too early in the morning and the shakes are fine (have only tried a few) and quite creamy so satisfying. I eat 1500 calories on the other five days. Because I have a limiting eating window and it’s only for a day, I haven’t had trouble keeping to it. I did Cambridge decades ago and couldn’t stick to it day after day.