Weight loss is a booming industry. From a business point of view, it is the one concern that would forever plague the human race, whether for aesthetic or health reasons. Since the problem will exist forever, so will the need for remedies. Hence, the market is always packed with products that claim to help you shed pounds and burn fat. The question is, though, do these measures really work?
Of the multitude of weight loss supplements, the most common ones are pills, exercise regimes, special diets, and meal replacement shakes. We shall be discussing the last of these options, simply because they have not received as much attention as the others. Meal replacement shakes are mostly an afterthought; the last line of attack on stored fat. This is probably because meal replacement powders are usually mistaken for protein drinks. However, they are not. Protein shakes are used to improve muscle growth and preserve muscle mass. A protein powder is usually fortified with amino acids and other essential nutrients that support muscle building and energy production. On the contrary, a meal replacement shake is designed to support your efforts to lose weight, suppress hunger, and keep your body from creating fat deposits. While protein does play a nominal role in weight loss, it is not the focal point.
Meal replacement supplements are designed to, as the name suggests, replace a meal. They contain about 200 to 400 calories to keep energy stores up, include a variety of vitamins and minerals, and should ideally contain fiber, protein, and healthy fats. The point of the product is to support whatever weight management measures you have taken by keeping you feeling fuller and stopping you from opting for snacks with excess sugar or salt. That, at least, is the principle. While some brands adhere to these guidelines, not all of them follow the rules. Some simply throw a formula of ingredients together and hope for the best. This is why you must check all the information about the product before you invest.
And since you may not have the time to trawl through the internet, we have compared three meal replacement supplements to check if they can actually make a dent in your weight loss efforts.
Herbalife vs. Amway vs. PhenQ Meal Shake: What Are They?
#3 – Herbalife’s Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix
Herbalife is a multilevel marketing supplement brand that depends on a band of distributors and the official website to market its products. As much as such companies are not very popular, Herbalife has managed to carve out a niche for itself by providing a range of health products that claim to be extremely effective. Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake is a nutrient-dense meal shake designed to fill in the nutritional gaps and help the body function optimally. This Herbalife shake works on the principle of protein. The brand claims that a high protein diet would help the body in a multiplicity of ways like cell manufacture, muscle growth, suppression of hunger, and even staving off heart disease. While this is not entirely untrue, there are other factors that affect overall health. Herbalife claims only once, that the shake can help with weight management and clubs the meal replacement shakes with other weight loss supplements. Herbalife Formula 1 has mixed reviews from users. The shake is available in Vanilla Dream or Creamy Chocolate flavors.
How to use
Mix 2 scoops (52g) with 8 ounces of water or milk. Herbalife recommends that the shake be used in tandem with Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex and Formula 3 Cell Activator® for best results.
Nutritional Facts
Calories – 200, Protein – 20g, Carbohydrates – 23g, Dietary Fiber – 0g, Fat – 3g, Sugar – 3g.
#2 – Amway’s BodyKey by Nutrilite Meal Replacement Shake Mix
Amway is yet another pyramid scheme like Herbalife but with a much better reputation. Between the two companies, Amway is viewed to have better quality products and a larger range of products. Amway provides personal care products to nutrition, which makes it more of a global supplement and product provider. Nutrilite™ is the nutrition branch of the company and Bodykey Meal Replacement Shake Mix that can replace up to two meals a day. This soy-free and gluten-free powder is designed to satisfy hunger, control portion sizes, and stay away from artificial colors, flavors, or additives. While this Amway shake does not claim to promote weight loss, it does state that the use of the shake would help to support any efforts that you may be making. As with other Amway products and supplements, reviews for the shake are positive, though there have been some incidents of clumping. The meal powder is also certified halal and kosher and is available in Chocolate, Strawberry, and French Vanilla flavors.
How to use
You can either blend or shake 2 scoops of powder in 300ml of cold water. You can replace 1 to 2 meals a day.
Nutritional Facts
Calories – 230, Protein – 20g, Carbohydrates – 24g, Dietary Fiber – 5g, Fat – 6g, Sugar – 9g.
#1 – PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
Of the three supplements here, PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is the only one that is dedicated to weight loss. Part of a system formulated to encourage fat burning during the day and night, PhenQ has become synonymous with shedding extra pounds. The shake is only a part of the plan but you can use the product on its own even without the pills, namely PhenQ Weight Loss Pills – Day Formula and PhenQ PM – Night Formula. The results would still be there. PhenQ claims that its unique mix of natural ingredients would help the body switch on AMPK or AMP-activated protein kinase, a certain enzyme present in the body that facilitates fat burning and loss. AMPK, or AMP-activated protein kinase, slows down with age or stress, potentially leading to weight gain and reduced metabolic efficiency. PhenQ states that the re-igniting of this enzyme is key to sustainable weight management. When used in tandem with a healthy, balanced, and calorie-deficit diet plan and appropriate exercise, PhenQ states that body fat would soon become a thing of the past. The shake is suitable for vegetarians but not vegans as it does contain whey protein. Furthermore, it is also gluten and soy-free. You can buy the product in three flavors – Rich Chocolate, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, and Strawberries & Cream.
How to use
Add one heaped scoop of the powder to 300ml of water, milk, or milk alternatives. Stir or shake. Use once a day.
Nutritional Facts
Calories – 180, Protein – 16g, Carbohydrates – 21 or 22g (depending on the flavor), Dietary Fiber – 4g, Fat – 3.5g, Sugar – 2g.
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake Power: Bulk Up on Bags, Trim Down on Costs!
What Amway also belong Benefits Can You Expect?
While shakes, protein or replacement ones, are considered healthy, there is a limit to which they perform; especially the latter. Unless specified otherwise, you should replace just one meal a day. In an effort to lose weight quickly, many customers opt to replace all meals with shakes and that is not a wise decision. You see, meal replacements are designed to fill nutritional gaps and not create them. While they may be fortified with essential nutrition, they lack healthy fats and dietary fiber. You only get a fraction of what you are supposed to get daily. If you supplement all your meals with shakes, you will create more health problems like gut health issues, malnutrition, and digestive problems. However, before you start the use of meal replacement powders, you should speak to your physician or dietician to ensure what sort of plan you should follow.
The benefits listed below are those that are stated by the brands on their official websites. Apart from replacing a meal, these shake powders promise to do the following as well.
| Herbalife Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix | Amway BodyKey by Nutrilite™ Meal Replacement Shake Mix | PhenQ Complete Meal Shake |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
The Formulae
Each brand adopts a unique blend of ingredients hoping to be original enough and creative enough to snag the customer’s attention. However, in this endeavor, some brands lose sight of what it is they are attempting to do and have a great-sounding but subpar product in hand. High amounts of a substance do not necessarily translate to better quality. For example, trace amounts of sodium are required for several biochemical processes in the body, yet too much of it and your blood pressure would increase to levels capable of causing cardiac arrest. Also, another factor is the inclusion of food ingredients. Manufactured ingredients are alright but the more food you find in shakes, the better. Of course, none of this would matter unless you start to eat a balanced meal and follow a healthier lifestyle. A meal replacement shake alone cannot make a sizable dent in managing weight; you have to make some sacrifices, too.
Studies have shown that replacing your heaviest meal is the most effective. You could also use the shake to accompany a normal breakfast or as a snack.
The Herbalife Diet Powder Formula
When it comes to healthy weight management, you will find no dearth of Herbalife products. All of Herbalife’s products are plant-based but they do contain soy. That being said, there are a few issues with the formula that don’t quite sit right.
- The official website states that the shake contains bioengineered food ingredients, which loosely translates to ‘there is no real food in here.’ This is not a good sign.
- Secondly, the shake contains zero fiber. Without any fiber at all, how Herbalife claims to support digestion and gut health is unclear.
- Yet another issue is that the shake is more of a Herbalife protein shake. Apart from the 20g of protein and 23g of carbs, there is little contribution towards the macronutrient quota. This isn’t healthy.
Thus, the claims it makes in terms of benefits are not supported by the formula.
On the upside, the shake does include an impressive range of micronutrients. However, some doses, like that of potassium, are as low as 8%, which just won’t do. With every serving of this shake, you get vitamins A, C, D, E, and B complex. You also get minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, chromium, and molybdenum. Amway also belong
The formula itself is quite unimpressive. Apart from the nutrients, there are very few actual ingredients, namely Maltodextrin, Soy Protein Isolate, Pea Protein Isolate, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Gaur Gum, Xanthan Gum, Soy Lecithin, DL-Methionine, Apple Skin Extract and Sucralose. The flavors used are also artificial. Herbalife has left us less than impressed.
The Amway Nutrilite Formula
Like all Amway Nutrilite products, The BodyKey Meal Replacement Shake Mix has quite a reputation even though the brand follows the MLM business model. However, when you go to the website, almost every other statement is an Amway business opportunity – getting AmPerks points for future purchases or possible combinations to pair the shake with. This is a strategy that most brands follow, but it makes the purchases feel forced. Unlike Herbalife, Amway includes food ingredients along with processed foods as well. And also, unlike Herbalife, there is fiber here. Amway Nutrilite is already looking like the better of the two products.
Amway also fortifies the meal powder with essential micronutrients like vitamins A, C, D, E, and B complex, and minerals like iodine, phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, sodium, molybdenum, selenium, and potassium.
Amway also belongs to the school of thought that states that protein is the highlight of every health product. To this end, it includes a Protein Blend that includes milk protein isolate, pea protein, and whey protein isolate. There are also Coconut Oil, Skim Milk Powder, Salt, Caseinate, Cellulose Gum, Sunflower Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Stevia Leaf Extract, Rosemary Extract, and Tocopherols. With a few food ingredients coupled with extra nutrients, there is a possibility that this Amway Nutrilite shake can support weight loss.
The PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
Of the three shakes, PhenQ seems to be the most attuned to fat loss and weight loss. The brand was built as an alternative for phentermine – a weight management drug that was misused widely, PhenQ fat burner pills were natural and effective. The pills allow the body to melt excess fat through thermogenesis and use that fat as an alternative energy source. The PhenQ’s Complete Meal Shake was devised to be a part of that weight loss system but can be used as an independent supplement, too. PhenQ uses a combination of food ingredients and trademarked components to help you along on your weight loss journey.
To properly act as a replacement, PhenQ adds the Vegetarian Micronutrient Blend, which includes Vitamin C, Niacin, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Thiamin, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12. The official website describes the reason behind each addition to the formula and the role it plays when it comes to weight management. The inclusions are as follows. Since PhenQ is the only brand that explains its inclusions, we can get a better idea of the role each ingredient plays.
Gluten-free oat Flour to help suppress hunger cravings and improve digestion without spiking blood sugar levels. The complex carb can help produce more energy while still keeping you feel sated.
Carb10™ is a trademarked pea starch supplement that helps to absorb carbs in the stomach and stop glucose levels from rising.
Whey Protein Concentrate is rich in essential amino acids which help with muscle growth and preservation. The protein also helps with satiety and muscle recovery after intense exercise.
Flaxseed Powder is a superfood rich in healthy fats, fiber, and powerhouses of energy.
Digezyme™ Enzyme Complex is a supplement that consists of digestive enzymes – alpha-amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, and lactase. These enzymes help with the proper breakdown of proteins, carbs, and fats.
Even though the replacement shakes are made to replace meals, there is always a chance of allergies or drug interactions. So, it is advised to please speak to your physician, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions and/or are taking prescription drugs. Amway Nutrilite products are not meant to be used by pregnant or nursing women or children under the age of 12.
Where Are These Products Sold?
The best way to buy most natural supplements is to get them directly from the manufacturer, as this would guarantee product quality, and, in case you are dissatisfied with the results, refunds would be a lot easier to negotiate.
Buy Herbalife
Herbalife is an MLM distributor which means that even though you can look at the product and the features on the official website, you cannot purchase it there. You have to find yourself a distributor. These distributors can be contacted only through word of mouth. Some businesses offer to find a distributor for you, but Herbalife does not do that either. If you live in a remote area or have no independent distributors in your locality, you cannot have any of their products. The company offers no prices on the website or any other discounts as these details have to be taken up with the distributor. The company offers refunds only through the distributors, which makes the purchase of the shake or any Herbalife products cumbersome.
Buy Amway
The company culture at Amway is slightly different, even though the business model is similar to that of Herbalife. The BodyKey by Nutrilite™ Meal Replacement Shake Mix would cost $56, and you can purchase the shake directly from the website. Each purchase you make from the brand gives you points called AMPerks, which can be applied towards future purchases. Shipping would cost extra. Amway does have a complicated Return Policy, so ensure that you go through the policy thoroughly before you purchase the product. Amway also offers its customers the chance to become independent business owners, so that might be something you want to look into.
Buy PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is a breeze to get a hold of. Available in three flavor profiles, you have several offers available for purchase exclusively from the Official PhenQ Website.
- If you opt for a single bag of this shake, it would cost you $64.99.
- Add another bag, and you get 10% off on the purchase.
- If you buy three bags at once, you get a 15% discount on the total price.
- Shipping is free on all purchases.
- If you subscribe, you save 20% on all purchases.
In case you are not happy with the results, the company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, which entitles you to a complete refund of your purchases, no questions asked.
So, Which is the Best Meal Replacement Shake?
Technically, using a meal replacement shake instead of a calorie-heavy takeout meal is a good move. However, if you are going to invest in a product, you might as well do so in a good one rather than one that may not work nearly as well. Since this is a comparative article, let’s compare the three meal shakes, starting with Herbalife.
Herbalife is a supplement brand that provides a range of supplements, even sports nutrition products. The meal replacement shake is just one of many products that the brand aims to hawk, and there is the usual lack of attention to detail that accompanies large supplement brands. The Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake formula is weak at best and uses artificial flavors and bioengineered components. Despite its assertions of a substantial protein content, Herbalife provides a modest 20 grams per serving, which, while adequate, does not truly qualify as ‘high.’ Furthermore, the product entirely lacks dietary fiber, contrary to what one might expect from a nutritional supplement aiming to support overall health and wellness.
The purchase of the product is impossible unless you have already located an agent and it is difficult to find the price of the shake or the refund policy online. The Herbalife Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix has severely failed to create a good impression. Reviews are mixed to negative.
Amway is a better meal replacement formula when compared to Herbalife Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix. The shake includes a healthy dose of macro and micronutrients, and it also includes food ingredients that are a lot healthier. The shake is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Even though Amway Nutrilite is a multi-product branch of the company, it does seem like the company has gone through some effort to put the shake together. As the supplement suggests, it does seem capable of suppressing hunger and promoting healthy energy levels. However, with just 230 calories per serving, supplementing 2 meals a day may be a little hard on the body. So, we strongly advise that you consult your dietician or physician about how many meals you should replace for your particular weight loss journey. But overall, Amway BodyKey by Nutrilite™ Meal Replacement Shake Mix is a good enough product.
Last but not least, the PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is designed exclusively for fat-burning and weight loss, and this is why there is a lot of support for this shake. PhenQ uses food ingredients that are rich in macronutrients which support the AMPK response in the body and also help to suppress hunger by keeping hormones in check. The fiber helps to keep you full for longer and the benefits are achievable results given the formula the shake uses.
Of the three brands, PhenQ is the only one wholly created and dedicated to supporting fat-burning and weight loss. Reviews are stellar, and there are comments stating the shake works better when teamed with the fat burner pills. But that is a decision left up to you. PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is an easy drink to buy and use, and sales do not depend on distributors or agents. This makes purchase easy and if you choose to subscribe, your life becomes a whole lot simpler.
To make it easier for you to compare one shake to the next, here is an easy comparison chart containing all the information we have.
| Herbalife Formula 1 Instant Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix | Amway BodyKey by Nutrilite™ Meal Replacement Shake Mix | PhenQ Complete Meal Shake | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros |
|
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
|
| Audience | Adults over the age of 18. Consult a physician for use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medication. | ||
| Allergens | Contains soy. | None. | Contains dairy. |
| Price | Contact the distributor for details. | $56.00 per bag. | $64.99 per bag. |
| Refund Policy | Depends on several factors. | 60-day money-back guarantee. | |
Summary & Verdict
Meal replacement shakes are an excellent way to keep your weight in check and to help stay fit. However, not all such shakes are made the same, which makes it important to thoroughly study and compare the products available on the market. While Herbalife and Amway are big supplement brands, PhenQ Complete Meal Shake emerged as the better weight management product. Developed by a brand that exclusively caters to fat-burning and losing weight, PhenQ Complete Meal Shake can suppress cravings and hunger, increase energy production, encourage fat-burning, and keep a check on digestion and gut health. In a nutshell, if you’re on the hunt for a top-notch meal replacement, our top pick is the PhenQ Complete Shake – your go-to shake for health and vitality!
Table of Contents