Has anyone used meal replacement shakes to kick start weight loss?

[Lilxa89]

Hi all. Has anyone done a meal replacement shakes diet (replacing breakfast and lunch and then having a healthy dinner) as a kick start to losing weight? If so how much did you lose and how long please?

I've tried them but they were no more effective than eating food of the same calorie value as the shakes. It's really a personal preference - they are a time-saver - in theory they deliver a balance of nutrients and fixed nutrition with no effort - but they don't have any weight-loss properties other than being calorie counted and convenient.

If you like the taste of them and if you are the sort of person who suffers portion creep, or difficulty stopping eating once you start, they might work for you. If you'd get more satisfaction from proper food and can stick to calorie counted meals, there isn't much point to them.

I did years ago and put on 2 pounds!!

I tried once and ended up terribly constipated

My ex husband did and lost around 3st. He was only on them a few months.

Yes. I lost about two stone over 6/8 months. I stopped when Covid starters as I was so concerned that the lack of nutrition would leave me vulnerable. Piled the weight back on v quickly and sadly was not having one of those sunlit, relaxing covid furlough experiences that some had. High stress work, long hours and no exercise along with 3 meals a day and too much alcohol. So far from the ideal “weaning” period off dietary substitutes meals. I don’t think I’d do them again

Not quite this but I do use Huel from time to time. If I’m out and about and I don’t think there is a good option for food then I would rather have that than a sandwich where most of the calories are in bread, or fast food

I did the shakes a few years ago , lighter life , but there are many other online versions now that are readily available , I did the full replacement of 4 ‘meals ‘ it’s called a VLCD , very low calorie diet , my dr backed me to do this and although the first week or so was tricky it wasn’t impossible, I stayed on this for approx May to end of September and went from 16+ stone to 10 stone , felt amazing , full of energy and dropped from size 20/22 to size 10 , I kep the new weight for around 3 years over time I have put some weight back on but that’s me being greedy rather than the diet

maybe this is what I need to do again

Yes, about 5 years ago I lost about 2 stones on the shakes (shake for breakfast and lunch). However, people at work started to say I looked ill and I got really black bags under my eyes - it wasn’t healthy at all.

I also put lots of weight back on, because the shakes didn't teach me about portion size or healthy eating in the long-run. Also, my appetite sky rocketed when I stopped.

A suggestion, if you're thinking of doing this, would it be better to try 16/8 first? I.e. skipping one meal a day and having, say, a late breakfast or early lunch and dinner. Both reasonably healthy? Just curious what people would find easier. Obviously 16/8 would save you money and I think the shakes are pretty pricey.

Yes I used them alongside a healthy meal for tea. I lost 9 stone in 9 months and have kept it off 7 years now. It really helped me having the regimented routine and lack of choice! Once I lost the weight I just started eating heathily and low carb.

Which ones did you use Disturbia 81 ?

I’m using them at the moment & finding it really helpful. I’m in my first couple of weeks lost 3lb so far & 6cm from my waist. Way more effective for me than WLI and cheaper!

Shakethatweight, at the time they were much cheaper than lighterlife etc and tasted better
I used to have shake, bar, shake, bar then chicken stirfry/salad etc. It melted off! I actually still have protein shakes for breakfast as I’ve never really wanted to eat much in a morning.

Thanks for this info

I did slimfast for a month a few years back, using one of their kick start boxes, it had a 7 day initial supply of drinks and snacks and a meal plan for evening meal ideas which I found really useful. It helped me keep the right routine and focus on eating a healthy evening meal. I lost a stone.

Yes, in about 2001. It's a really stupid way to lose weight TBH. Calorie counting is just as effective and much healthier as you can balance your macros.

Yes, did this last year using Shake That Weight and went from over 13 stone in February to 9 stone in June.

I came off it, incorrectly, which I knew at the time. Put a stone on between October and January which would have happened, anyway, because I went crazy with sugar and alcohol.

I didn't eat this way before the VLCD so, there was no excuse, but I think I had diet fatigue after many years of careful eating and I don't regret it.

But, back to weight loss phase via another programme, now.

I think that's an important point. Any weight loss tool you use, you have to be prepared to use at least in a modified form for life.

I have done but most have awful sweeteners in that can inhibit weight loss. I make my own shakes now and it’s way cheaper and delicious. I buy a really good quality green powder with lots of nutrients, a good quality protein powder, collagen and raw cacao. I nutribullet it with a dash of almond milk, water and a teaspoon of maple syrup if I want some sweetness. Or skip the cocoa and maple syrup and use a few strawberries. It’s lower calorie than most shakes, much higher protein/nutrition and keeps me full for hours without any nasty sweeteners or chemicals. And much cheaper long term.

I lost 9 pounds will share how I did!

I used Shake That Weight for breakfast and lunch for 4 weeks. I lost 9 pounds. Replaced two meals with their shakes and had a normal dinner with veggies and protein. The banana shake is the best one. Not synthetic tasting. Kept me full until dinner. I am in the UK and order directly from their site. Worth it for a kick start. Just do not stay on it too long. Move to maintenance after a month.

Hope this really helps! 🤗