If you’re one of 115 million Americans trying to lose weight, here’s a hot tip:
Don’t go on a diet.
According to recent studies, diets can actually cause WEIGHT GAIN in the long term.
It sounds weird, but there are two major reasons dieting can cause weight gain
1. STRESS
Dieting is hard on your body and your mind!
Dieting is ineffective because it increases chronic psychological stress and cortisol production. Cortisol is known as “the stress hormone” and increased levels of the hormone make you crave sugary, fatty foods.
Basically, Dieting = more stress = more cortisol = higher appetite for junk food = more belly fat.
2. BINGE EATING
Research has shown that frequent dieters are more likely than non-dieters to binge eat and gain weight.
If dieting doesn’t work, what’s the answer to weight loss?
The answer might be different for every person, but millions of people have used meal replacement shakes as a SIMPLE way to control hunger and start losing weight.
What are meal replacement shakes?
Everyone knows a meal replacement shake is well, a shake to be used in place of a meal. Doesn’t take much brainpower to figure that one out.
However, ask someone what’s inside a meal replacement shake or how it’s different than a protein shake and you’ll get more confused looks.
A meal replacement shake is NOT a protein shake. A meal replacement shake can and should have an adequate amount of protein, but a meal replacement shake is much more than that.
Meal replacement shakes help you replace high-calorie or unhealthy meals with a lighter, more balanced option. They make the nutrition part of losing weight simple.
Since meal replacement shakes are meant to replace a meal they contain essential nutrients, carbs, fats, and protein equivalent to a balanced meal. Meal replacement shakes designed for weight loss should also contain hunger blockers to keep cravings and appetite under control.
A meal replacement shake:
- Turns an unhealthy meal into a healthy one (Replaces breakfast, lunch, or dinner)
- Includes a healthy balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates
- Comes fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Includes fiber and other ingredients to block hunger and reduce cravings
Why do meal replacement shakes work?
So how exactly do these shakes work? Do you just drink them and the weight magically falls off? Not quite. Like anything in life there is an explanation that makes sense.
When it comes to losing weight, you MUST burn more calories than you consume. This is best done with a combination of eating less and moving your body more.
Eating right can be extremely difficult in a world where Mcdonald’s and Dr. Pepper exists. The opportunity and temptation to overeat presents itself nearly every meal nearly every day.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have dieting which is really not any better for your health and waistline. Why? Because most diets fail. Backfire even.
Diets fail because they often restrict too much too quickly leaving dieters hungry, craving everything, and in a poor mood. Once you end the diet, you go right back to your bad habits, binge eat because you’ve been so deprived, and put the weight back on (or more).
It’s a vicious cycle, but meal replacements can help end it! Meal replacements are delicious ways to cut calories without starving or depriving yourself.
When should you drink a meal replacement shake?
Meal replacement shakes can be used in place of any meal or used as a healthy snack to satisfy your hunger until your next meal.
Many people enjoy using a meal replacement for breakfast because they are quick and filling. Simply shake and go! Others prefer to have them for lunch or dinner. It’s really up to you!
I would suggest using it for the meal you struggle with most. So if lunch is when you tend to make poor choices and end up eating three cheeseburgers, try a meal replacement shake instead and save yourself hundreds of calories in the process.
Another opportune time to use meal replacement shakes is in the evening as a way to fight cravings. Next time you’re dying for something sweet while watching the Tonight Show, mix up a yummy shake instead of opting for that entire bag of Oreos.
Which meal replacement shake is the best?
Now that you know that meal replacement shakes are effective for weight loss, which one do you choose? Will any old shake do?
When it comes to choosing the right shake, there are some things you are going to need to consider:
- Does it provide adequate vitamins, minerals, carbs, and protein?
- Does it taste amazing?
- Is it a good price?
- Does it have some sort of hunger blocker to keep you from going hungry?
- Is there any sort of guarantee with the shake or social proof?
If the shake you choose can answer all of these questions, chances are it’s a good fit.
Our personal favorite is this meal replacement shake from IdealShape. It fits all our criteria for a delicious and effective meal replacement shake.
Here’s why we love IdealShake
- IdealShake has 11g of whey protein with absolutely no soy. It also contains 5g of fiber and is high in all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
- IdealShake has an INCREDIBLE taste with no weird textures or aftertastes. Plus it comes in 8 unique and fun flavors so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- IdealShake is one of the best priced shakes on the market coming in at just over one dollar per serving! You’ll actually save money while you’re losing weight!
- IdealShake has a powerful and clinically studied hunger blocker called Slendesta that has been shown to block hunger for up to three hours. This is huge! If your shake can’t block hunger, it’s not going to be very effective in helping you lose weight.
- Finally, IdealShape gives a fantastic 100% money back guarantee on IdealShake. If you don’t love it, no problem. Just send it back! There is absolutely zero risk for you. Now that’s ideal.
I’ve used meal replacement shakes in the past, and they helped me lose 20 pounds.
I need to lose a few pounds again so I’d love to try these.
Never tried before, but I would love to give them a shot!
i’ve always wanted to try a protein shake, especially one that also has a serving of fiber in it.
Great info, you know it all just makes sense doesn’t it? You eat or drink the right foods along with exercise and your body will respond. Just need to right info on the products that have the right stuff in it. Great to be well-informed. Thanks
yeah they work for sure
Ive tried this before and not only does it work really well but seriously tastes great!
I’m on steroids….I’m hungry ALL the time….LOL
I tried Slim Fast years ago and I would be hungry about an hour after drinking it. It would be interesting to try the newer product you describe in your article.
Have you tried the new high protein slim fast? They are much better and not as much sugar!
Hi, I just tried slim fast high protein meal replacement shakes today. It’s my new diet along with Herbalife. I absolutely love it because all I had was the shake and half of a salad and feel full for hours. Definitely willing to try this shake described in this article.
So much confusing information about protein shakes! Would like to give these a try for weight loss.
Hi Shari, There’s a lot of great products out there for weight loss. If you are interested click on my name and you can learn more about a healthy meal replacement product that offer more nutrition per calorie than any other product on the market. Let me know if you have any questions, I would be glad to help you out!
Vaden Hoffman
Hello Shari, ask for samples. They will send you some. I got some..have not try them though. This is my third day on Meal Replacement Shake for Breakfast ( using Vega One Chocolate mixed with 1 cup frozen berries + 1 cup Almond Milk + 1 Tsp PB2 ). Delicious.
How do you ask for samples??
//www.idealshape.com/bundles/4-sample-packs-shaker-bottle-idealplan-ebook-smoothie-ebook.list
Is this available in nutrition stores?
Not currently. You can buy online here: //www.idealshape.com/meal-replacement-shakes.list?widget_id=313537
The samples are not free.
What us pb2?
powder peanut butter //www.gnc.com/PB2-Powdered-Peanut-Butter/product.jsp?productId=15329556&network=s&device=c&product_id=13828027&creative=125833953554&c3ch=PLA&c3nid=13828027&matchtype=&adpos=1o1&gclid=CK_C5ffo6dECFdW4wAodPtYGPg&eesource=CA_DF:15329556:GNC
It is always a good idea to become informed with a product before trying it out. Always consult the professionals.
Great review Skyler!! I think the most important thing about any meal replacement shake is to get a product that also offers nutrition as well as protein, since you are replacing a meal you want to make sure that you have a lot of nutrition packed into the shake, otherwise you will lose weight but you will be starving yourself nutritionally. I would love for you to do a review on Mona Vie’s new meal replacement shake. I value your opinion and think it would be a hit your thread. Here’s a link to some science and testimonial videos on the new product.
click on my name to follow the link
A plgnaisely rational answer. Good to hear from you.
I have low thyroid (hypothyroid) and since 2008 I have gained over 40lbs and I hardly eat. I once weighed 130 and now I am in the 170+ range. My thyroid levels are normal. I go to the gym but can’t seem to get the weight off no matter what. My body is swelling all over and I’m about to go insane. I have never been this big, not even when I was pregnant w/ twins!
My question is: can I use this product being hypothyroid?
Florence,
One of the biggest challenges people face is the effect of constant dieting on their metabolism. Being in calorie restriction for long periods of time can eventually drive down your metabolism to the point that it makes it difficult if not impossible to lose weight. The first step to resolving this problem is to stop dieting and start building your metabolism back up. For a lot of people that means eating more often and a meal replacement shake can help you get enough meals in through out the day. We generally, recommend that individuals eat 5-6 small meals a day. And start strength training to rebuild the lost muscle mass caused by dieting. Muscle burns calories and drives your metabolism.
Always consult a doctor before trying any product, especially when you are being treated for specific illnesses.
I too am hypothyroid. I’ve been active (weight training & aerobic activity) all my life but constantly struggled to keep weight off. About two years ago I started gaining weight and swelling in my ankles. I think it’s a combination of my thryoid function dropping and approaching 50. My doctor has increased my synthroid slightly but unless I’m severely restricting calories, I gain weight. I decided to try to the Ideal Shape shakes to help me keep my calories down, but still get the right nutrients to feel good and have energy to excercise. It’s only been three days, but I’ve lost two pounds and my husband and friends are commenting that I’m “perkier”. I do like the shakes especially mixed with a little fruit and they keep me just as full as a high calorie meal does. It’s definitely worth a try for you. I don’t know how they will do for me long-term but so far so good.
has anyone actually tried the Idealshape shakes before? If so how much did you loose and how long did it take?
2 Friends and I started using the shakes: Visalus, Herbal Life and I did IdealShape. After 1 month of doing everything by the book, I lost 4 lbs, Visalus friend lost 6 lbs and Herbal Life friend lost 11 lbs. The difference? I have no idea. It doesnt work for everybody and all bodies are different. My best guess: do exercise and don’t over eat. (by the way all 3 have good flavors)
i did total food replacement for 7 weeks and i lost 2 stone. in my first week i lost 9 pounds 😀 i have put over a stone back on because i havent been eating healthy and i always eat alot when im bored! i have bought tescos food replacement, and going to do it all over again up to christmas. it does take alot of will power to stick to it and you will feel hungry for the first week but for me after that first week i didnt feel so hungry and i didnt even think about food! when you do start eating all 3 meals again make sure you eat healthy else you’ll end up putting all the weight you lost back on and maybe more. the food replacement i did was with my local chemist and was called ‘ lipotrim ‘ you go down and get weighed every week and the chemist keeps a record of your weight. it is alot more money than a supermarket brand food replacement but for me it was worth it. it cost £36 for a weeks worth of shake powder wich you just added water to, good luck
I am ALL FOR using meal replacement shakes. The protein really helps me get through the day, and I think a lot more people should try this strategy. I’m sad when people seem to struggle with hunger during the day as they try to lose weight.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information.
Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.
I like to drink a shake for breakfast. I usually don’t feel hungry in the morning and I really don’t like too many breakfast foods. Eating eggs every day for protein gets old. Grab a shake and I get what I need without slowing down. Great post on shakes.
I’d like to know which replacement meal plan works fast and better tasting. Also how do you make it and how often do you take it. Ex once a day 7 days a week or 2x a day etc.
Also , once you lose weight and you decide to stop it , would you gain your weight back.
Can I get this shake any where in stores instead of online?
When I was going to college I had no time for breakfast, so I made my own shake and it was delicious and filling. The only thing is that it didn’t last long in the tummy. Approx. 2 hrs. later I was very hungry so I had in my lunch bag a mix of raisins, and unsalted nuts rolled up in aluminum foil;like in a tube shape. With a couple of handfuls of this mixture, it satisfy me until lunch. I lost 20 lbs. in no time and I would call this a high protein diet. The shake consisted of frozen strawberries, a half of a banana and a protein powder from a health food store. and it came in different flavors and it was mixed in a blender. Try it a few times and you’ll love;try it for lunch but not for dinner as it’s not filling enough for 6 hrs. Good Luck
Can you take the ideal fat burner while taking blood pressure and high cholesterol medication
I would like to try it!
Hey Etta! You can find IdealShape here: //www.idealshape.com/meal-replacement-shakes/
This piece was cogent, wentw-riltel, and pithy.
I LOVE my isagenix dairy free shakes. I never had been a shake person before but it’s so easy, and so healthy!
I’m 49 yrs old and taking meds for diabetes, high blood pressure and triglycerides. Is there any bad interaction of the shake and this meds?
Hey Carolina, It’s safest to check with your doctor first.
i want to design a video game but dont know what i need?what tools will i need to design a video game?how do i come up with an idea for it? how do i start planning it out? help me please!
I have tried every diet, every diet pill, and many different shakes! This product works!! It leaves you not hungry!
how much have you lost and can I have you plan, would love to try it
Is this product made with goats milk whey? I’m allergic to cows milk..causes inflammation from my sinuses and throughout my digestive track..also can’t do anything with acid, so no citrus either..
Hey Joyce, I believe IdealShape is made with whey from cows. You might try a plant based meal replacement shake like Vega One!
I use Ideal Shake and love the taste. I add fruit and peanut butter powder for a tastier shake. The PB powder is low in calories but gives you the extra protein I need!
I ordered this 10 days ago and still haven’t received it
Hey Holly, sorry to hear that. I would contact their customer service! //www.idealshape.com/articles/contact-us.list
Can you use these shakes if you are hypoglycemic and will they keep your sugar stable?
What is the difference between a meal replacement shake and just drinking a protein shake?
Hey Eva, great question! A meal replacement is meant to replace a meal and by so doing help you cut calories and lose weight. Meal replacements have sufficient carbs, protein, fat and vitamins to replace a meal with less calories. A protein shake is high in protein and is meant to be taken before or after a workout to help the body recover and rebuild muscle tissue. They really shouldn’t be used as a meal replacement because they usually lack carbs and fat and extra vitamins.
Is there caffeine in these shakes? If so, how much and what is the amount equivalent to? Like a cup of coffee, tea…?
There isn’t any caffeine in the shakes. There might be a very small amount in the mocha and chocolate flavored, but not enough you’d notice any effects.
I really need to try this, I’m 50 lbs over weight, a diabetic, high bp, cholesterol, I snack at night before I go to bed and get up during the night to snack, mostly sugary treats, not good!
I’m bummed that they contain sucralose (Splenda)! Wish they had Stevia instead!
I have a lot of weight to lose so I am going to try it.
Do you make a variety that is make with a dairy-free protein source?
Currently, IdealShape only has whey protein. Vega One would be a great plant based (dairy free) option! You can find a good deal on amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R0Y0V94/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00R0Y0V94&linkCode=as2&tag=performsupple-20&linkId=c7f7bb11406a049e69e1b004613ec829
My husband ordered the sample ones you were selling on October 3, 2016. He got an email thanking him for the order. I wanted to try the samples so I can see which ones I liked to order. As of today, December 7, 2016, we haven’t received a response. He emailed and called twice but no one has called us back. It’s been over 2 months. I want my money back since no one has called us back.
I just got my order, what can you mix it with? What works best.
Hey Diane, you can mix it with water, low-fat milk, almond milk, anything you like really! My favorite is chocolate with almond milk and 1/2 a banana. So good!
I’ll stick with Isagenix, which has 24grams undernatured whey protein, no soy, non-GMO, gluten-free, and loaded with vitamins/minerals to support “Nutritional Cleansing.”
If you order the sample pack are you stuck in an auto ship type thing or is it a one time deal?
Tied ideal shake, taste wasn’t that great, wasn’t really bad, but there are others out there that have same (or better) protein, zero sugar, you just have to look 360 degrees abound
What your phone number please Mine phone is 859 605 9511
Can you drink replace 2 meals a day?
If i could find one without iodine that’d be great.
I need to lose 60lb I weight 230lb
Is this an auto ship product and how long does it take to receive. Can I us this product to replace 2 meals a day?
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Hello to everyone Just wanted to say that the most of the reviews were positive So I’ll give a try and keep you all posted after I’ve tried it for 30 days. I’m waiting on my order should be here soon.
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