[Drugchick]

Hello;

What do you think of meal replacement shakes? I've been looking at GNC lean shakes. Has anyone tried them, and have they worked? Is it safe enough, and how often can you take it? (how many meals a day can you replace)?
I've never tried one before, and have heard various testimonials, but they seem safer than pills in any case. I just don't know how effective they would be for weight loss and fat burning.

Cheers!

[mandalinn82]

A shake can be a valuable option if you are unable to get a balanced meal of whole, real foods - I'll sometimes grab a SlimFast shake on my way out the door. But there is no additive, in any shake, pill, or drink, that is going to make you lose weight.

You don't want to replace all of your meals with shakes - 1-2 is the maximum recommended, and I'd consider 2 to be on the high side.

That being said, the GNC shake, to me, seems way high on carbs and lower than I'd personally prefer on protein. If I'm going to be satisfied, and therefore not eat more calories than I ought to, I need to aim for at least 10 grams of protein in a meal (more if I can!). Protein shakes like Designer Whey provide way more protein for the calories...9 grams of protein for 180 calories of shake just doesn't seem very protein-packed to me.

[nelie]

I agree, there is no magical ingredient in shakes that is going to make you lose weight.

I've been drinking a shake for breakfast every morning for a couple years. I like it a lot because it is quick and tasty. I don't want something too heavy in the morning and it satisfies me. My current shake consists of spinach, frozen fruit and some hemp protein powder. So I get in my veggies, fruit, protein, fiber and healthy fats all in a single drink.

Some people enjoy using meal replacement drinks/powders and some don't. It is really very individual.