Shakeology for Weight Loss

Shakeology is the nutritional beverage program affiliated with the expansive BeachBody fitness and lifestyle empire. According to the company, the beverages provide a "daily dose of dense nutrition" to help consumers reach weight loss, fitness, or health goals.

Shakeology shakes are available through Beachbody coach distributors or online. Learn more about Shakeology shakes and how they may be used for weight loss, along with the drawbacks of using meal replacements.

What Is Shakeology?

Shakeology drinks are often used as weight loss shakes, and many consumers use them as meal replacements to reduce calories. The company says that the drinks can also be used to curb cravings, as a healthy snack, or along with a balanced meal to boost fitness and improve wellness.

Consumers choose from various flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, cafe latte, strawberry, and Greenberry. Shakeology vegan flavors, including vanilla, cafe latte, and tropical strawberry, are also available. Recipes are provided to help consumers make different drinks with the basic flavors. The company recommends that you drink at least one Shakeology shake each day.

According to Beachbody, each beverage provides protein (from whey or plant sources), probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and adaptogens (herbs). Because the beverage contains so many nutritional elements, the company refers to the drinks as "dense nutrition."

Nutrition Facts

The following nutrition information for one serving (42g) of Shakeology chocolate mix is from the Shakeology website.

• Calories: 160
• Fat: 2.5g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 17g

The company says that each shake provides a beneficial mix of superfood ingredients. The website claims that "incredible whole food ingredients from around the world, uncooked and unprocessed, provide a wealth of superfood nutrition all in one shake."

Since many weight loss doctors and nutrition experts promote the benefits of eating whole foods for improved health and wellness, these statements sound appealing to anyone trying to improve their fitness level or lose weight.

But you are not consuming whole foods when you drink a Shakeology shake. You are consuming a product that has been processed into powder form. The company acknowledges that its statements about the benefits of its products have not been evaluated for accuracy by the FDA.

Shakeology shakes do provide some nutritional benefits. According to the label, a chocolate shake is a good source of dietary fiber and protein, which can help curb cravings. The shakes are also high in vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E, magnesium, niacin, iron, and zinc.

Shakeology and Weight Loss

If you replace one meal each day with a Shakeology shake, you may lose weight. Each shake provides about 160 calories. If this replacement leads to a calorie deficit over time, weight loss will occur.

You may lose weight if you reduce your calorie intake by 250 to 550 calories below maintenance while obtaining the hunger-busting benefits of fiber and protein. The company recommends adding ingredients to the shakes to fill out your meal.

If you add high-quality ingredients such as nuts, seeds, milk or non-dairy milk alternatives, vegetables, and fruits, you can increase the nutrient profile of these shakes.

Drawbacks of Shakeology for Weight Loss

It's important to know that while reducing calories is essential for weight loss, there are drawbacks. Reducing calories by too much can cause metabolism, NEAT slow-down, and other health problems. Focusing on nutrient quality with a small, sustainable deficit is best for health if your healthcare provider recommends weight loss.

Using large portions of high-calorie ingredients may result in a shake higher in calories than a well-planned, well-rounded meal. Additionally, chewing whole foods aids in satiety, and some people may not feel full just from drinking a shake.

Your weight loss may be short-lived if you become dependent on the shakes. If you eventually stop buying and using the shakes, you may regain weight when you return to your previous eating habits. Therefore, it's essential to learn how to adjust your eating habits while using Shakeology if you want to maintain a balanced weight.

A Word From Verywell

For some people, meal replacement shakes are a helpful way to reduce calories and lose weight. Shakeology shakes are easy to mix and might be a convenient choice for you. But you can also make your own shakes at home using fresh fruits, vegetables, and other whole-food ingredients.

When you control the ingredients in your meal replacement smoothie, you have the comfort of knowing what you're putting in your body, and you can tailor your drink to your tastes. Learning the basics of good nutrition will help you not only reach your goal weight but also help you to feel energized, improve your overall health, and maintain your weight loss.