After being disappointed by basically everything on the market, I finally found a protein shake for weight loss that I'm incredibly impressed with.
The thing I've been so disappointed with is that all the products I've found are ONLY about delivering protein. And when you look closely at the protein sources, they're less than ideal, overly processed, and often have quite a bit of sugar and/or artificial sweeteners. Not to mention, they don't taste all that wonderful, in general.
I had already given up hope on all protein shakes, when I ran into two that I absolutely love. One of them is Shakeology. I feel it's the best protein shake for weight loss, and if you aren't looking to lose weight, it's still tied for #1 with another shake in my book.
1. Fruits & Veggies
While most protein shakes are only about delivering protein (not to mention often poor quality protein) this shake also delivers 14 of the most highly antioxidant fruits, and 11 super greens.
2. Digestion and Immunity Factors
This shake also includes 5 different strains of nondairy probiotics. Probiotics help "re-seed" your gut with healthy bacteria, which is a major key to digestion, and a good majority of your immune system. If you find you catch every little cold that comes around, or if you have skin problems such as eczema, you could be seriously lacking in friendly gut bacteria, and this shake will help you a great deal in that area.
3. You ARE NOT What You Eat
It also includes digestive enzymes. You know the term, "You are what you eat"? Well, I disagree. More accurately, you are what you ABSORB. You can be eating a diet full of vegetables, but if most of them are cooked, then the enzymes have been removed from the food. Enzymes are what breaks down the micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) in your food, and helps deliver them to your ever-reproducing cells. Basically, the inclusion of enzymes in this protein shake ensure that all those fruit and veggie extracts don't just go straight through you. They FEED YOUR BODY.
4. Sprouted Grain!
One of the main protein sources is quinoa, which is one of the healthiest grains you can add to your diet. Not only that, their quinoa is sprouted. Whenever you sprout a grain, nut, or seed (usually by soaking it overnight in water) it literally awakens the power of the grain, and it's nutrient content goes up significantly (up to 1500% more nutrient dense!). Sprouting grains, nuts and seeds is something I recommend for everyone, but it's one of the last things people implement because it's a little bit time consuming. So I'm thrilled to find a protein shake that includes a sprouted grain.
5. Phytonutrients
It contains several immune boosters and detoxifiers, including Chlorella, which helps rid the body of mercury. This is key if you eat fish at least 1-2 times per week.
6. $$$
(Scroll down to see how to get the best price.) Although the price is a bit more per serving than your typical junk protein shake, you'll actually save money if you're using it as a meal replacement. And it also allows you to save on oral supplements. Check the ingredients against your multi-vitamin and you may choose to save money in that area.
7. It Tastes Great
I like the Greenberry flavor best, and I usually add it to my veggie-filled smoothies to sweeten them instead of fruit (it's easier for me to eat fruit throughout the day than veggies).
My husband enjoys the Chocolate flavor, and he uses it as a protein shake for weight loss, replacing one meal with it.
How to Use It
~It's fantastic as an addition to your green smoothies if you're looking to add protein to them.
~It's perfect as an afternoon snack instead of heading for the pantry or the vending machine.
~As a protein shake for weight loss, I would recommend replacing one main meal per day with this shake. You'll save on calories, but still get pretty great nutrition.
Watch as my friend, Christine, talks about whether or not the cost of Shakeology is worth it:
How to Get the Best Price
At first I paid full price for this product, which I felt was worth the quality I was getting. But once I knew we would use it on a regular basis, it made sense to me to take part in one of their discount options. Here are the 3 different options:
Let me know if you try this protein shake for weight loss, or even just as a healthy low-cal snack. I'd love to know how you like it, and what fun recipes you come up with using it.
