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.

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 a variety of 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

So are Shakeology shakes good for you? 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 level of fitness or lose weight.

But when you are drinking a Shakeology shake, you are not actually consuming whole foods. You are consuming a product that, in fact, 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.

So does that mean that Shakeology products don't provide any nutritional benefit? No, absolutely not. According to the label, a chocolate shake is a good source of dietary fiber and protein which can help you to curb cravings. The shakes are also high in vitamins and nutrients including vitamins A, B6, B12, C and E. The shake is also high in magnesium, niacin, iron and a good source of zinc.

Shakeology and Weight Loss

If you replace one meal each day with a Shakeology shake, you may lose weight as a result. Each shake provides about 160 calories. A typical meal can range from 400-700 calories and may not provide key nutrients that make weight loss easier (such as fiber and protein).

So if you reduce your calorie intake by 250 to 550 calories and still benefit from the hunger-busting benefits of fiber and protein, you may lose weight. 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 (but also the calorie count).

If you use the wrong portions of high-calorie ingredients, you may end up with a shake that is 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 gain the weight back when you return to your old eating routine. For that reason, it's important to learn how to adjust your eating habits while you use Shakeology if you want the pounds to stay off for good.

Shakeology Cost

A 30-serving container of Shakeology drink mix sells for about $129.95. The cost of shipping ranges from $15 to $25. That means that each shake will cost you around $5 (not including the cost of additional ingredients).

You can purchase Shakeology shakes online directly through the website. You can also sign up for auto-delivery to get the supplies shipped automatically each month. The company also sells its shakes and other products through the Team Beachbody community or by signing up with a Team Beachbody coach/distributor. The coaches earn an income from selling the programs and products. 

Pros and Cons of Shakeology

For some people, meal replacement shakes (like Soylent) 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 own personal tastes. Use any of these recipes to give it a try.

• 10 Healthy Smoothies Under 300 Calories
• 7 Delicious Smoothies for Runners
• Low-Calorie Smoothie Ideas
• Dairy-Free Smoothie Recipe

If you use a weight loss smoothie to replace one meal each day, remember to eat well-balanced healthy meals for the rest of the day. Fill your plate with veggies and lean protein. Choose whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates and satisfy your sweet tooth with fresh fruit. Skip sweetened beverages and sodas and drink water instead.

Learning the basics of good nutrition will help you to not only reach your goal weight but also to help you to feel energized for your Beachbody workout, improve your overall health and maintain your weight loss.