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.

@Miraclemuma03 it is hard to just use the shakes on the own. I did it a few years ago with really solid results but just couldn't stick with it. Then I read a research study that said two weeks on two weeks off works just as well. The research wasn't talking about shakes, just dieting in general. All diets work if you can be consistent (providing there's no underlying medical issues obviously) so I figure its a matter of finding something you can be consistent with but it doesn't have to be all or nothing, it just needs to trend in the right direction over time if you stick with it.

How is everyone doing? I have now lost 10kg so feeling much happier. Have much more energy and am sleeping better but I realised some of this may be down to the fact that the shakes have vitamins in. I have never really taken vitamins before so wondering if I was deficient. Still have another 6kg to go which is like to lose by end of summer. Bought some nephro scales as recommended by a few people on MN which are far better than my previous scales and I like the way it records in an app.

Ive been doing the new you plan for 2 weeks and lost 10lb

I think its not eating carbs and your blood sugar is likely more stable that makes you feel better.

@youalrightpossibly, I’m not eating much carbs admittedly. Some rice and potatoes, lots of veg and the odd slice of cake but I have pretty much cut out bread and pasta. I do feel much better for it though.

I always feel better without carbs which I hate to say because I love carbs but I have a lot more energy without and don't need afternoon naps either

That’s incredible ! How long have you been doing it and which are you using ?