Has anyone switched to meal replacement shakes for weight loss?

[Miraclemuma03]

So after months, well actually 2yrs on and off, of tediously counting my calories and not losing a thing and in fact still gaining weight somehow. I have decided to start shakes, I no longer have to weigh my food, search for my food to log and find healthy alternatives to everything and still stress out when I get on the scales and still havnt lost anything. It hasnt been a full week on the shakes and I finally have lost some weight. 1.5kg. Is there anyone else who is struggling with weight loss and turned to shakes? My weight gain started when I hit perimenopaus and it became out of control and to this point I have gained 30kg, starting at 60kg. 1200 calories a day still isnt working or getting the weight off and i have become frustrated, unhappy, stressed with all the work involved. So have decided to do the intense weight loss program that optifast offers with their shakes and things. I have also added in more excises and even a brisk walk around our local lake.

Is that Huel?

Be aware that the supermarket ones, although high in protein, are much more calorific than the ones designed for weight loss. Huel for example are double the Herbalife ones. But I do agree they are much cheaper.

Interested in this. I’m struggling with which are best value for money. Any recommendations? I’d prefer a mix of shakes and soups.

I did wonder if slimfast may be comparable to the Herbalife shakes but I’ll be honest I’ve not checked. The Herbalife shakes involve mixing a flavour with some protein mix to make the shake.

So I’ve just googled it. This is slimfast

So slimfast 204 calories and 15g protein.

And Herbalife

Herbalife 210 calories and 24g protein. So there is more nutrition in Herbalife but you’re paying for the privilege. The slimfast high protein ones are 247 calories and 30g protein though so more comparable. And only £3 each.

Interesting thank you. I will look in the supermarket this week for the slimfast high protein ones. Herbalife don’t do any premixed shakes and it would be nice to have some to keep me on track if I’m out for the whole day.

what I do like about Herbalife is it makes me accountable as I go there a few times a week to weigh in. But once I’m down to my target weight I hopefully won’t need that quite so much. I need to find somewhere with a machine where you can weigh yourself and get a print out. They used to have one in boots but I don’t think it’s there now as I could go and do that each week.

I am struggling with counting calories so looking for a less-effort way to get back on track. Might try shakes!

Also interested to know which are the NHS approved ones from Amazon, please?

I bought the my protein powder. It isn’t filling, though. I’m really hungry about an hour after I’ve had it. 🤦🏻‍♀️

There’s a Boditrax machine in my gym. Doesn’t give a printout but stores all info on an app. Might be worth checking if there’s one near you?

@Zippidydoodahso I have a shake for breakfast abt 8, snack at 11, shake at 1, snack at 4, dinner at 7 and I find it works ok

And yes I’ll look at the gym for the scales thank you. I only do classes so never go in the actual gym but they might have one there.

It’s cheaper to just buy protein powder and make your own. I’m currently having a breakfast shake now. Vanilla protein powder, frozen strawberries and bananas, blueberries and water, all blitzed in the blender. Tastes lovely and is approx £1.20 per shake and about 120 calories.

I find that if I drink more water, I definitely feel fuller.

yes I’ve really upped my water intake I’m aiming for 2l a day. Although it shows me that my bladder is quite weak

Me too! Trying to go for longer walks but then always need a wee!!

For anyone considering Herbalife, I’d ask that you watch ‘Betting on Zero’ on Netflix first. Heartbreaking. Absolutely vile company when there are so many alternatives.

I also have experience of Herbalife, having unknowingly hosted an event for their top US earners, booked by a conference organiser and end client not disclosed until a week before. The cost of the incentive trip, for top earners and their families, was eye watering. Ridiculous opulence and indulgence, and many of the suppliers in the small town were never paid.

It’s a predatory MLM, and has destroyed countless lives. Give it a massive swerve.

They’re called Habitual - I find best not to over think it when doing it - just think that’s what I’m having - no choices/ calorie swaps and drink at least a glass of water after each shake.

I don't think you should do that if not eating along side it as you won't be getting all your nutrients and vitamins you need the actual meal replacement shakes

I have a protein shake 2-3 times a week instead of dinner. Works well for me. Im eating well the rest of the week ( maybe one shop bought lunch and one restaurant a week) the rest is all home cooked, nutritious food.

I lost lots of weight on them a few years ago but gained it all back plus extra. All I did though was use it as a way to cut calories, I didn't plan my protein and I didn't build muscle so looking back it was inevitable I would gain it back once the diet was over.

I lost on GLP-1s and am now maintaining and getting stronger with a high protein (and fibre) diet and weights and HIIT.

If I was doing meal replacement shakes again now I would use the Huel Black edition to relace 2 meals a day and then have a high (30g plus) protein (with lots of veg) meal and do strength and HIIT focused workouts (15 minutes daily works for me currently, the consistency helps).

I have protein works ones just because they do NHS discount and good offers.
At lunch I have carrot sticks and hummus and half a shake at work.

@TellHerToFuckOffim well aware that’s it’s an MLM but I’m not involved or recruiting anyone just using their products which works for me.