“Matt, what do you think of using a few shakes to help me lose weight?”
Do you want my honest answer?
Of course, you do…
Well, like most things in nutrition, fitness and weight loss…it really depends.
I can’t really say it’s wrong or right for you without knowing your situation.
So, I’m going to summarise by considering these 3 things below so you can make a decision:
1) Convenience:
Starting a weight loss plan can be difficult, especially when you have to change loads at once. If you’re the type of person who:
– hates preparing and weighing foods
– Will go into the F it mindset if it’s not perfect
Then using a shake or two MAY be better for you.
HOWEVER…
I’m obviously an advocate of WHOLEFOODS. It’s why I have over 700 simple recipes all calculated for your nutrient needs by me and a Registered Dietitian in our Simple Fit For Life Nutrition System
And I get that meal planning can seem quite time consuming.
Which is why our Fit For Life Nutrition System does this pretty much for you (and your shopping list)
2) Quality of nutrition. What about deficiencies?
So, one of the concerns is that by having a shake, you may not get the nutrients you need.
Now, this might be true if you go for one of those sugary meal replacement shakes…(although many do have vitamin supplements thrown in)
But the way I advise this would be to make it yourself.
For example:
1 handful of berries
1 handful of frozen spinach
1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
250 ml unsweetened almond milk
Blend and you’re good to go!
So, as you can see, this is pretty nutritious, right?
In fact, you can add as many veggies as you like..It may even end up being more nutritious as you can hide them in and get the nutrition in even when you’re busy.
For example, on days when I’m working with the ladies on my Fit For Life Personal Training and Nutrition Programme, I’ll sometimes make a shake the night before to have mid morning, which surprisingly keeps you pretty full up.
^^^ More on why another day…
3) Are shakes ‘natural’?
This is another question I get, especially with regards to whey protein or vegan protein powders like hemp, pea or soya.
Now, whey is naturally found in ‘natural’ yoghurt, milk, breast milk, cows milk, formula milk…I could go on.
As for vegan protein powders?
Again, it’s created simply by a process that isolates the protein from peas or soya beans, for example.
It’s no more ‘unnatural’ than eating things like peanut butter (which is blended and crushed), tomato puree, olive oil (processed food, right?).
In summary…
Its just a tool in the toolbox. That you can you use if you want. Sometimes. Every day. Once a week? Once a month? When you need a kickstart?
Either way?
It’s about personalising this stuff for you.
So you can avoid any nutrient deficiencies and make this weight loss and fitness stuff convenient for you, your lifestyle, and your family ( as whether you accept it or not, they’re strapped to this weight loss rollercoaster with you…) so you actually do it, keep the weight off and -DARE I SAY IT – have fun doing it…
Just like we do in my Fit For Life Body Transformation Programme
You check it out here: 7-Day Free Trial Using My Fit For Life Body Transformation Programme
Do you want my honest answer?
Of course, you do…
Well, like most things in nutrition, fitness and weight loss…it really depends.
I can’t really say it’s wrong or right for you without knowing your situation.
So, I’m going to summarise by considering these 3 things below so you can make a decision:
1) Convenience:
Starting a weight loss plan can be difficult, especially when you have to change loads at once. If you’re the type of person who:
– hates preparing and weighing foods
– Will go into the F it mindset if it’s not perfect
Then using a shake or two MAY be better for you.
HOWEVER…
I’m obviously an advocate of WHOLEFOODS. It’s why I have over 700 simple recipes all calculated for your nutrient needs by me and a Registered Dietitian in our Simple Fit For Life Nutrition System
And I get that meal planning can seem quite time consuming.
Which is why our Fit For Life Nutrition System does this pretty much for you (and your shopping list)
2) Quality of nutrition. What about deficiencies?
So, one of the concerns is that by having a shake, you may not get the nutrients you need.
Now, this might be true if you go for one of those sugary meal replacement shakes…(although many do have vitamin supplements thrown in)
But the way I advise this would be to make it yourself.
For example:
1 handful of berries
1 handful of frozen spinach
1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
250 ml unsweetened almond milk
Blend and you’re good to go!
So, as you can see, this is pretty nutritious, right?
In fact, you can add as many veggies as you like..It may even end up being more nutritious as you can hide them in and get the nutrition in even when you’re busy.
For example, on days when I’m working with the ladies on my Fit For Life Personal Training and Nutrition Programme, I’ll sometimes make a shake the night before to have mid morning, which surprisingly keeps you pretty full up.
^^^ More on why another day…
3) Are shakes ‘natural’?
This is another question I get, especially with regards to whey protein or vegan protein powders like hemp, pea or soya.
Now, whey is naturally found in ‘natural’ yoghurt, milk, breast milk, cows milk, formula milk…I could go on.
As for vegan protein powders?
Again, it’s created simply by a process that isolates the protein from peas or soya beans, for example.
It’s no more ‘unnatural’ than eating things like peanut butter (which is blended and crushed), tomato puree, olive oil (processed food, right?).
In summary…
Its just a tool in the toolbox. That you can you use if you want. Sometimes. Every day. Once a week? Once a month? When you need a kickstart?
Either way?
It’s about personalising this stuff for you.
So you can avoid any nutrient deficiencies and make this weight loss and fitness stuff convenient for you, your lifestyle, and your family ( as whether you accept it or not, they’re strapped to this weight loss rollercoaster with you…) so you actually do it, keep the weight off and -DARE I SAY IT – have fun doing it…
Just like we do in my Fit For Life Body Transformation Programme
You check it out here: 7-Day Free Trial Using My Fit For Life Body Transformation Programme
Matt
PS. EVERY diet works if you stick to it. Unfortunately, no one focusses on what to do AFTER you’ve lost the weight so you can keep it off.
I can’t say that I’ve definitely cracked this, but what I will say is that the messages I get from some of the ladies have really taken me back. Even ones who I haven’t worked with for years…
So if are you looking to see how we do it, check it out here:
7-Day Free Trial Using My Fit For Life Body Transformation Programme