Looking for meal replacement shake recommendations for weight loss.

[Redsparkleydeeleyboppers]

DS20 has put on a considerable amount of weight over the last few years. He had never been overweight before and is now struggling. His last blood test revealed quite elevated ALT levels and a scan revealed fatty liver disease.

He admits he has no will power and has buried his head in the sand for a year or two but came to me this morning and said he would like to try meal replacement shakes to see if it would help kick start his weight loss journey and has asked if I could help him. He is thinking on the lines of a meal replacement for breakfast and lunch and a home cooked evening meal and snacking on low carb fruit and nuts.

Tbh, I’ve never had to lose weight and just googling all of these products is mind boggling to me.

Can anyone recommend a good starting point for this kind of product? Ideally not too expensive and obviously not full of crap like Slimfast.

I make my own. I cup almond milk, 1 cup frozen berries, two scoops protein powder, 3 tbs high protein plain yogurt (about 100-150g). I also add 1 tbs ground linseeds. I like QNT brand protein powders but it doesn’t matter. About 300 calories and full of protein and fiber, and genuinely keep me full for hours.

Weight loss happens in the kitchen, not the gym, so I don’t know why people are saying he needs to gym to lose weight. You gym to gain muscle and he needs to cut his calorie intake first and move more. 15k steps a day to start with then once he’s lost some weight, get in the gym and lift heavy with 200g of protein a day. Keeps you fuller for longer and he’ll see progress so quick.

Thanks, I’ll try that and see if he likes them.

I genuinely drink at least one a day sometimes 2 and have lost 20kg over the past year.

Counterweight is the company that the NHS uses. I lost 4 stone with it.

I’ve lost 5.5 stone since Covid and kept it off. I find Slimfast shakes very good. They keep me full. Have one every day at work for lunch. Great taste, good flavours. Good luck

I've tried Huel shakes and those protein yoghurts and they've all made me heave. I've never heard of myprotein though so it's good to see a new thing to try. Thanks for asking this question OP.

I'll second the Protein Works, they are really nice. If you get on Tiktok you can get deals and trial packs.
They are reasonably priced, the customer service & delivery is great and as I said they taste lovely. The diet shakes have apx 200 cals I think and come is lots of different flavours. Strawberries n cream, one that tastes like Lotus biscuits, banana etc.
You don't need to buy a massive amount incase he doesn't like them but i think the trial pack is your best bet.
They also do complete meal shakes which are yum but have about 400 cals.

Why do you want meal replacement as opposed to meal management?

If he has no willpower then how will he control how many shakes he has in a day?

I would avoid shakes. Go with proper meals. Boiled eggs, salmon, pork, chicken with broccoli salads, potato salads, super food berriesz

he needs to eat and eat well. The shakes could have him craving normals flavours and foods.

you say he won’t go to the gym, so get him a personal trainer at the house or wherever. It’s his lifestyle that is creating his unhealthy weight. Shakes aren’t going to solve that.

failing that he probably qualifies for a GLP1 given he has co-morbidities.

I have done slim fast a few times. I like the shakes and the treat bars. It does work if you can stick to it.

I'm doing well the Fast 800 shakes. Tend to just have it for lunch