nutrition shakes?

[roseaster]

I really like Wonderslim shakes. They are only 100 calories and are pretty filling. High protein/low carb, which for me, curbs my sugar cravings. They always have coupons too, so I wait til my favorites go on sale or I have a coupon, then I stock up!

I don't have anything to add to the thread, I wanted to hijack for a moment. I really like Wonderslim products. Have you ever used www.dietdirect.com? They have a great selection and they always have sales, and discounts, and online coupons. Also, you earn reward points to use towards future purchases.

 

[Klayfish]

Correct on the comments that they have nothing to do with jumpstarting metabolism. My wife and I are both into bodybuilding/nutrition and use shakes quite often. However, it's not a metabolism thing. It's to provide nutrients that would be very difficult or impossible to get in natural foods. For example, our protein powder has 27g of protein per scoop. I have a 3 scoop shake after my workout every morning. That's 81g of protein that I can drink in a roughly 16oz shake (I don't weigh it, but it's something like that). Do you know how much chicken I'd need to eat...at 6:30am mind you...to get that protein? Ugh. Same with getting other things like BCAAs, etc... Shakes can be used for meal replacement, though unless you have a problem eating solids, I don't recommend it personally.

There are also weight gainer shakes that help a skinny person add mass. My 12 year old has been playing football for 4 years. He's a lineman, and weighs 115lbs soaking wet. Some kids he's up against are 160-190lbs. Besides weightlifting, we have him on a small amount of weight gainer.

Shakes can be very, very beneficial. But know exactly what the purpose you're using them for is, and do it accordingly.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Is it to gain weight? If so then have you tried the ones like ensure? I get them prescribed by my doctor. They come in different flavours and are premade up. I like banana and strawberry flavour. Each one has about 300 calories.

I suffer from malnutrtion due to a medical condition.

 

[nkereina]

There are multiple different kinds of shakes out there, so it depends on what your goals are.

If you're exercising and lifting, looking to lean out or tone, then a protein shake after working out is beneficial. These can be higher in calories, so this really is only beneficial if you're eating low calories and exercising.

If you feel as though you aren't getting all the nutritients that you need from the food you eat, shakes like Boost or Ensure or even V8 juices will help with that.

If you want to replace a meal because you are eating healthy/trying to lose weight and want the ease/convenience of a shake for a meal, that's where things like Shakeology, Slim Fast, GNC Lean Shake, etc. come into play.

 

[BigAlsGal]

The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to change your eating habits and exercise. I can't stand fad diets. Shakes are for suckers. Just eat better.

 

[momz]

interesting to read the comments here. I guess I was asking because a friend of mine is constantly posting on facebook about a line of products called herbal life. I don't know that these are protein shakes, they could be, but I have not researched them. But, she has lost around 70 pounds and attributes the use of these shakes with much of that (along with exercise). So, I was curious about it. Wondering how it works. But, I don't want to ask her on facebook, because I think she would harass me to buy the product from her. I think she is a rep or something. Still...she looks pretty good!

 

[lizabu]

interesting to read the comments here. I guess I was asking because a friend of mine is constantly posting on facebook about a line of products called herbal life. I don't know that these are protein shakes, they could be, but I have not researched them. But, she has lost around 70 pounds and attributes the use of these shakes with much of that (along with exercise). So, I was curious about it. Wondering how it works. But, I don't want to ask her on facebook, because I think she would harass me to buy the product from her. I think she is a rep or something. Still...she looks pretty good!

From what I understand they are meal replacement shakes. She lost weight because she put in fewer calories than she was using. You can do that with the use of meal replacement shakes but it's just as easy to do it with real food. And real food is more enjoyable. The easiest thing to do is to cut out the processed foods and eat only real natural foods. People have to eat an awful lot of carrots and apples to gain weight while a small bowl of potato chips has as many calories as three apples. Simply swapping out unhealthy foods for healthy options is enough for most people to lose weight. I would also recommend tracking what you eat in a lof such as my fitness pal. Even when eating healthy food it's still possible to consume too many calories especially when you're eating nuts and cheeses and other types of healthy fats.

 

[erin1715]

Correct on the comments that they have nothing to do with jumpstarting metabolism. My wife and I are both into bodybuilding/nutrition and use shakes quite often. However, it's not a metabolism thing. It's to provide nutrients that would be very difficult or impossible to get in natural foods. For example, our protein powder has 27g of protein per scoop. I have a 3 scoop shake after my workout every morning. That's 81g of protein that I can drink in a roughly 16oz shake (I don't weigh it, but it's something like that). Do you know how much chicken I'd need to eat...at 6:30am mind you...to get that protein? Ugh. Same with getting other things like BCAAs, etc... Shakes can be used for meal replacement, though unless you have a problem eating solids, I don't recommend it personally.

There are also weight gainer shakes that help a skinny person add mass. My 12 year old has been playing football for 4 years. He's a lineman, and weighs 115lbs soaking wet. Some kids he's up against are 160-190lbs. Besides weightlifting, we have him on a small amount of weight gainer.

Shakes can be very, very beneficial. But know exactly what the purpose you're using them for is, and do it accordingly.

Can I ask what brand of shake you use? I'm not a heavy lifter by any means but I do a combination of pilates and yoga and I know that I need to get more protein in my diet. I've used Gold Standard Whey from GNC in the past but I've read some conflicting things about the ingredients.

 

[Klayfish]

Great summary, lizabu. That's about the basics of it. There are meal replacement shakes out there. There's nothing "wrong" with them per se, but you're just swapping out a solid food meal for a liquid one. If you can do that and not be starving, great. But for me, if weight loss is the goal, it's two very simple principles. Calories burned > calories taken in, and swapping out known junk food for healthy choices. Do those two and it's hard to go wrong.

BigAlsGal, I'm totally with you in that I don't believe in fad diets like Atkins or Paleo or whatever comes along. At the same time, shakes actually can serve a very good purpose. Like I mentioned, weightlifters and people trying to just gain mass need them.

 

[Klayfish]

Can I ask what brand of shake you use? I'm not a heavy lifter by any means but I do a combination of pilates and yoga and I know that I need to get more protein in my diet. I've used Gold Standard Whey from GNC in the past but I've read some conflicting things about the ingredients.

My wife, who has a goal to be on stage in a bodybuilding competition in the next few months, and I both use the MuscleMilk brand that's sold at Costco. We buy the 6lb bag of whey protein, in either chocolate or vanilla. Here's a link to the vanilla one, the chocolate is identical.

http://www.costco.com/Cytosport-100%-Whey-Protein-Powder,-6-Pounds.product.100225865.html

 

[nkereina]

Can I ask what brand of shake you use? I'm not a heavy lifter by any means but I do a combination of pilates and yoga and I know that I need to get more protein in my diet. I've used Gold Standard Whey from GNC in the past but I've read some conflicting things about the ingredients.

I know you weren't asking me, but my absolute favorite protein shake is by Syntha 6. I order from bodybuilding.com for the best prices, but it can also be found at Vitamin Shoppe. I use the whey isolate, but they have all different kinds of proteins. I just think their flavors are the best so they are enjoyable to drink and like a snack to me!

 

[Minnesota!]

Personally, I have been having protein shakes for breakfast and lunch for about a month now. Not to lose weight, per se (although it would be a welcome side effect!), but because my anxiety has been sky high for a while and I just cannot seem to stomach food for most of the day. So, my choices were to not eat (which I was doing for a few days), or to drink my calories.

I brew a huge pitcher of oolong tea every few days, add in cayenne, ginger, and cinnamon. Then throw it in the fridge. Each morning, I fill up my thermos with the cold tea, add 1 heaping scoop of Jay Robb whey protein, and shake it up. That with a Health Warrior Chia Bar keeps me super full, but not nauseated, for 6 or so hours. I do have the same thing for lunch. Each scoop of Jay Robb has 25g of Protein, 110 calories, 0 fat, 0 sugars (Stevia based), etc.

I love them – they have become a comfort food for me. Allowing me to consume something when my body wants to not have anything.

On another note – anxiety is a beeotch.

 

[wilkeliza]

interesting to read the comments here. I guess I was asking because a friend of mine is constantly posting on facebook about a line of products called herbal life. I don't know that these are protein shakes, they could be, but I have not researched them. But, she has lost around 70 pounds and attributes the use of these shakes with much of that (along with exercise). So, I was curious about it. Wondering how it works. But, I don't want to ask her on facebook, because I think she would harass me to buy the product from her. I think she is a rep or something. Still...she looks pretty good!

Herbalife is a meal replacement shake. I can guarentee you from what I've seen with Herbalife, Beachbody/21 Day Fix, and the other big ones out there that the exercise is what is causing the weight loss not the shakes themselves. The shakes are meal replacements. For Herbalife 2 meals out of the 3 (so breakfast and lunch) are replaced with a shake. You only get solid food for your low calorie snacks and dinner. So add the severe lack of calories to the work out and bam massive weight loss. However that style of weightloss can not be maintained. Once you stop the program and go back to eating 3 regular meals a day the weight creeps back on.

21Dayfix/Beachbody/whatever they are calling their new programs is a little better. They try to teach healthier choices. So yes that can include shakeology or not. It is up to the user. The shake just replaces 1 protein serving for the day and based on your weight they tell you how many protein, carb, fruit, veggies, oil etc you get per a day. Add in the 30 minute work outs and bam weight loss. Some can be successful with just the work outs or just the food plan but most need both. Again it is making sure it is about the lifestyle change though if you want to maintain. You can't go back to eating junk and not working out and expect it to stay off.

For either program you have to follow it 100% for it to work. I did 21 Day Fix and was miserable. On the flip side I have friends who are beachbody coaches and do the plan and love it. They can drink the shakes and feel great after and cook their meals exactly to the program. I say good for them and I am glad it worked well for them but I'm going back to either just straight out calorie counting or if I decide I really need a program it will be weight watchers. I actually lost on weight watchers as long as I was logging everything and I didn't have to feel guilty about things like a pizza slice here and there or cereal with milk etc.

 

[nkereina]

The point of any meal replacement shake is that it's low in calories. If you drink that coupled with exercise, you'll probably lose weight. You'd have the same effect if you had an apple for lunch - it's low in calories, so you lose weight because there is a calorie deficit - you're burning more than you're consuming. So I agree with PP that it's not the shakes themselves, its just the low calorie part. The shakes usually do contain some protein and fiber though, so they'll be more satisfying and leave you feeling fuller for longer.

 

[Pooh2]

interesting to read the comments here. I guess I was asking because a friend of mine is constantly posting on facebook about a line of products called herbal life. I don't know that these are protein shakes, they could be, but I have not researched them. But, she has lost around 70 pounds and attributes the use of these shakes with much of that (along with exercise). So, I was curious about it. Wondering how it works. But, I don't want to ask her on facebook, because I think she would harass me to buy the product from her. I think she is a rep or something. Still...she looks pretty good!

If you google "Herbal Life Scams" or similar phrase, you will find stories about the intensity of some herbal life reps. I encountered one once and ended up disputing a credit card charge (resolved in my favor). They are definitely trained to harass potential customers!

 

[lizabu]

The point of any meal replacement shake is that it's low in calories. If you drink that coupled with exercise, you'll probably lose weight. You'd have the same effect if you had an apple for lunch - it's low in calories, so you lose weight because there is a calorie deficit - you're burning more than you're consuming. So I agree with PP that it's not the shakes themselves, its just the low calorie part. The shakes usually do contain some protein and fiber though, so they'll be more satisfying and leave you feeling fuller for longer.

That is an important tip. Protein is more satisfying and will make you feel fuller. To the OP you you not have to drink protein shakes to feel satisfied though. The trick is to have some protein with each meal or snack to make you feel fuller. So have a small piece of cheddar cheese with your apple or have a boiled egg with your salad. A little hummus with your cut vegetables.

 

[lizabu]

Personally, I have been having protein shakes for breakfast and lunch for about a month now. Not to lose weight, per se (although it would be a welcome side effect!), but because my anxiety has been sky high for a while and I just cannot seem to stomach food for most of the day. So, my choices were to not eat (which I was doing for a few days), or to drink my calories.

I brew a huge pitcher of oolong tea every few days, add in cayenne, ginger, and cinnamon. Then throw it in the fridge. Each morning, I fill up my thermos with the cold tea, add 1 heaping scoop of Jay Robb whey protein, and shake it up. That with a Health Warrior Chia Bar keeps me super full, but not nauseated, for 6 or so hours. I do have the same thing for lunch. Each scoop of Jay Robb has 25g of Protein, 110 calories, 0 fat, 0 sugars (Stevia based), etc.

I love them – they have become a comfort food for me. Allowing me to consume something when my body wants to not have anything.

On another note – anxiety is a beeotch.

I'm not sure if you have tried it but I have found that at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise each day has helped me to manage my anxiety. I often have to make myself do it but a couple minutes into it I start feeling good. It's like a way to release all the pent up anxious feelings.

 

[Minnesota!]

I'm not sure if you have tried it but I have found that at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise each day has helped me to manage my anxiety. I often have to make myself do it but a couple minutes into it I start feeling good. It's like a way to release all the pent up anxious feelings.

Thanks I take my lunch and do 100+ flights of stairs, and then 2 1-mile walks a day. Plus the gym in the evenings. It does help...I mean, I am functioning these days at least It just really is all encompassing at times. working out is truly my therapy. Just some times, the anxiety is too strong and breaks through even that.

Have a great day!

 

[pat fan]

I will tell you that I was firmly in the "scam" camp when it came to meal replacement shakes. Then, when I hit menopause, I got desperate. I figured I'd try it one month just to see. Yes, I did the MRS and exercise and the food program, but I did lose weight and feel WAY better!! Shakeology is VERY expensive!! I do 50/50 that and Ideal. Both taste good. I will say that I still watch what I eat, but not like the first few months. If I want something, I have it. I eat out and eat "real" food. BUT I do still work out 3-5 times a week, so maybe that's why the weight has stayed off. I don't know. I would like to drop the MRS due to the price, but I don't want to put the weight back on either. We shall see.

 

[wenrob]

I will tell you that I was firmly in the "scam" camp when it came to meal replacement shakes. Then, when I hit menopause, I got desperate. I figured I'd try it one month just to see. Yes, I did the MRS and exercise and the food program, but I did lose weight and feel WAY better!! Shakeology is VERY expensive!! I do 50/50 that and Ideal. Both taste good. I will say that I still watch what I eat, but not like the first few months. If I want something, I have it. I eat out and eat "real" food. BUT I do still work out 3-5 times a week, so maybe that's why the weight has stayed off. I don't know. I would like to drop the MRS due to the price, but I don't want to put the weight back on either. We shall see.

Drop it and believe it's all you doing it because it is. If the shake has any benefit whatsoever it's that it's helping keep your calorie count under control. That's it. So have a look at the nutrition label, find out how many calories are in it and replace it with something with like calories. Cash saved.