You are interested in shedding some pounds and have been scouring the internet for the perfect method. Additionally, have you consulted with friends who strongly recommend various diets. Exercise regimes have been suggested and rejected and you would rather find something that suits your needs, your schedule, and your convenience. As humans, we are slaves to habit, and as attractive as weight loss may seem, we aren’t ready to work too hard for it. Leave the guilt aside as you are not the first or the last person to feel this way. This is the normal beginning of a diet plan.
With your current busy schedule, all your time is already spoken for. So, how do you plan to make room for exercise and weight control? Instead of being lured into signing up for gyms you won’t attend or buying vegetables that will go to waste, there are a few simple actions you can take to begin losing weight.
Listed below are a few steps that aren’t the most effective and are slow to results but it would be a great way to warm your body and mind toward weight loss and restrictive dieting.
- Get a handle on portion size. While giving up certain foods may be difficult, it would be easier to consume less than usual—one slice of pie instead of two or more veggies and sides instead of more fried chicken.
- Drink more water. This would fill your tummy, and the extra water would start to improve digestion, gut health, skin health, and kidney function.
- Fruits are nature’s candy. Instead of snacking on packets of processed sugar, have a banana or grapes or a peach. The antioxidants would help your body recover and the fiber would work wonders for bowel movements.
- Dinner should be your lightest meal. And ensure that you finish dinner at least 3 hours prior to physically going to bed.
- Walk more, drive less. If there are distances that can be crossed by foot, do so. You get the job done and would also get some exercise in.
- Start using a meal replacement shake to keep body and soul together.
Meal replacement shakes are excellent ways to get your dose of essential nutrients without the additional calories. Many such meal shakes act like protein shakes or are formulated to support burning fat and losing weight. All you have to do is find the right meal replacement shake for you. We kid you not when we say that the market is flooded with such supplements; each claiming to be better than the others. How do you decide? You compare. And since you may not have the time and convenience to do so, we compared three popular meal replacement shakes, all of which claim to do more for weight management and fat burning. Do they work? Well, let’s find out.
IdealShake, Shakeology & Instant Knockout Complete: A Brief Introduction
Before we begin, you must know that a meal replacement shake is meant to replace just one meal, the heaviest one, if possible. Most shakes tend to have a low-calorie count that is designed to keep your extra-calorie intake in check. However, macronutrients like proteins, carbs, and fats also feature in restricted quantities. While one nutritional shake a day can be compensated by the other two meals you take, consuming just the shake all day may be counterproductive. Also, its time you know that, a protein shake is not a meal replacement shake. A protein powder supplement features more protein and little else. A meal replacement powder, on the contrary, is fortified with all the nutrients required to keep you healthy.
Now let’s talk about the 3 meal replacement shakes that are currently trending.
#3 – IdealShake
IdealShake Nutrition Facts: Calories – 100, Carbs – 6g, Protein – 12g, Fat – 2g, Fiber – 4g, Sugar – 0g.
IdealShake is brought to you by Exante, a wellness supplement brand that leans toward fitness and weight management. The brand is not as prevalent as most. In fact, the official website does not feature any reviews from existing customers. This may be an oversight by the manufacturers or may be a testament to the popularity of the product. For this review, we will be looking at IdealShake Vegan Mocha which is a plant-based meal replacement powder. The brand claims that this shake can replace up to two meals a day. However, contrary to the claim, the nutritional value of the shake claims otherwise. With the low quantities of carbs, protein, and fiber, there is a good chance that you end up hungry or malnourished. The USP of the shake is the use of Slendesta – a hunger-curbing component known to suppress appetite for at least 3 hours. It also includes vitamins and minerals that could nourish the body. Whether the powder lives up to its reputation remains to be seen.
#2 – Shakeology
Shakeology Nutrition Facts: Calories – 160, Carbs – 18g, Protein – 17g, Fat – 2,5g, Fiber – 6g, Sugar – 7g.
Shakeology is the fitness nutrition branch of the supplement brand Team Beachbody. The brand promotes a fit and healthy lifestyle that enhances weight management rather than weight loss per se. This nutritional shake is a clinically tested formula that addresses several aspects of health rather than just losing weight. It facilitates digestion, gut health, muscle growth, antioxidation, and appetite control. The meal replacement comes in several dessert flavors to suit every palette but for this review, we shall be looking at the Chocolate Whey Shakeology. The brand states that only one meal must be replaced. The Shakeology USP is that all its offerings are available in both whey and vegan options, making the supplement all-inclusive. However, the brand is on the pricey side, which makes it an expensive option in the long run.
#1 – Instant Knockout Complete
Instant Knockout Complete Nutrition Facts: Calories – 400, Carbs – 35g, Protein – 35g, Fat – 13g, Fiber – 13g, and Sugar – 3g.
Instant Knockout Complete is part of a fat-burning and muscle-preservation system. The brand, Roar Ambition was first dedicated to athletes who wished to shed the extra pounds without losing muscle mass. The Instant Knockout Cut; fat burner was such a big hit that the meal replacement shake was then formulated to support the weight loss efforts, further. Instant Knockout Complete is designed for individuals who are committed to burning fat while also maintaining the muscle tissue they have diligently built. It is designed to fill in nutritional gaps caused by a calorie deficit but balanced meal. It also provides the body with an energy boost to see through exercise regimes with a higher helping of carbs and calories. This ensures that your weight loss measures do not affect the protein tissue in the body, a.k.a. muscles. The USP here is simple – the shake is designed to improve exercise performance while helping the body shed pounds faster. Also, the science used is sound.
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What Does Each Meal Replacement Shake Promise to Do?
There are the obvious nutritional benefits, of course, but in an attempt to stand out from the crowd, each shake has made some impressive claims. Whether the shakes can actually live up to these claims is a different matter entirely. We shall be looking at the formulae used and also at customer reviews to check efficacy but for now, here is a list of what these meal shakes claim they can do.
| Exante IdealShake | Team Beachbody Shakeology | Instant Knockout Complete |
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These benefits would not manifest all at once or overnight. However, when a meal replacement shake is used in tandem with a balanced meal with fewer calories, low sugar content, and a healthy lifestyle, these benefits will begin to show almost immediately. Similar to any dietary regimen, there is a compounding impact, and much of these outcomes will be influenced by your routines.
The Food Ingredients in Each Meal Replacement
A good meal shake brand would stick to high-quality ingredients, even though not organic. Many other shakes would stick to low-cost components, artificial ingredients, and artificial sweeteners to save costs and draw a profit. This is why it is pertinent that you read the nutrition labels on supplements before you purchase them. To save you the effort, we looked it up for you.
The IdealShake Formula
This meal replacement powder fails to impress yet again. The inclusion here is basic, in every sense of the term. While some may appreciate the simplicity of the formula, others may argue why one should pay a price that high for a protein powder combination. In addition to a blend of vitamins and minerals, there is little else in the powder. Per serving, you get a healthy dose of vitamins A, C, D, and B complex and minerals calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, and potassium, which is probably the only saving grace that the shake has.
Proteins
Some may also argue that IdealShake is actually a protein shake rather than a meal replacement. The shake features pea protein concentrate, pumpkin seed protein concentrate, watermelon seed protein, and potato protein extract. While the protein does keep you feeling full and fills your daily protein quota, it does not necessarily support weight loss. Even with so many protein powder inclusions, the per-serving weight is only 12g, which is subpar.
Slendesta
A natural appetite suppressant, Slendesta helps to promote satiety, feel fuller for longer, and support weight loss. The supplement claims to help reduce waist and hip measurements and has clinical studies proving to be effective. Slendesta is mostly used as a supplement on its own, but its addition here could help with weight loss.
The Shakeology Formula
These shakes have exclusive plant and whey protein options. Users comment that the shakes are designed to appeal to everyone with a sweet tooth. The ingredients here are broadly divided into groups based loosely on the benefits they reap but these groups are not mutually exclusive. It would be unfair not to mention that Shakeology does more than a decent job. With a number of inclusions that provide a range of health benefits, this meal replacement shake is the real deal. In each serving, you get vitamins A, C, D, E, K2, and six B vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, chromium, potassium, and sodium.
Proprietary Protein Blend
With protein, you have the base for muscle building, appetite suppression, and energy production. Shakeology uses whey protein, flax seeds, quinoa, and pea protein. The flax seeds and quinoa also provide fiber and healthy fats.
Proprietary Superfruit / Antioxidant Blend
Free radical damage is the cause of many chronic problems. If you don’t have a daily intake of fresh fruits and veg, Shakeology covers the deficit with like Camu-Camu, acerola, blueberry, bilberry, Lycium berry, Luo Han Guo, pomegranate, rose hips, and vitamins A, C, and E. These components also support the immune system.
Proprietary Supergreen / Phytonutrient Blend
Phytonutrients are found in fruits and veg and are a collection of essential nutrients that help the body function better. These nutrients support cell division, repair, and maintenance, and also support the expression of DNA. This blend includes chlorella, spinach, kale, and matcha green tea.
Proprietary Adaptogen Blend
Stress can wreak havoc on the body and mind. Adaptogens are herbs and botanicals that can effectively improve the body’s response to stress. This blend features ashwagandha, astragalus, cordyceps mushroom, maca root, maitake mushroom, Reishi mushroom, Schisandra, and Chaga mushroom.
Proprietary Pre and Probiotics / Digestive Enzymes Blend
Gut health is often cited as the seat of overall well-being. With ingredients like yacon root, and chicory root, and digestive enzymes like amylase, cellulase, lactase, glucoamylase, alpha-galactosidase, and invertase, Shakeology provides to maintain gut and digestive integrity.
The Instant Knockout Complete Formula
Of the three meal replacements, this is the only one that is dedicated to weight loss and muscle growth. This is just what many athletes need. Unlike most meal replacement shakes whose primary aim is to provide all-round nutrition, Instant Knockout Complete targets the AMPK response which is the fat burning mechanism in the body. This however does not mean that the meal shake does not have a nutrition profile. Per serving you get vitamins D, A, C, D, E, and K, the B vitamin complex, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, chloride, and choline.
Plant-Based Protein
Instant Knockout Complete is vegan-friendly so it only uses plant-based protein sources like pea protein and soy extract. These sources are known to have a rich amino acid profile, which helps to support muscle building and repair and significantly shortens recovery time.
Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT)
An excellent source of healthy fats, MCT is usually used as a supplement for weight loss. It is proven that MCTs improve metabolic rates and support the use of body fat as an alternative energy source. It can improve BMI in as little as two weeks.
Golden Flaxseeds & Chia Seeds
Rich sources of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and protein; flaxseeds and chia seeds come with a multiplicity of health benefits. They promote digestive health, keep you feeling fuller for longer, and provide a range of essential nutrients in the absence of a large meal.
Oat Flour
By featuring a low glycemic index, oat flour is an excellent source of healthy carbs. This would not lead to spiking of blood sugar levels. Instead, it is believed to improve nutrient absorption and increase energy production.
Organic Brown Rice
Brown rice is an alternate source of protein and an excellent source of BCAAs. This helps to support muscle growth, healthy recovery from exercise, improved bone health, and increased metabolic rate.
Bacillus Coagulans (LactoSpore) & Lactobacillus Casei
These probiotic inclusions help the digestive tract to better adapt to a change in diet without causing any issues during the transition. These inclusions would also help with easier digestion of the other meals you consume.
What is the Price and Where Can You Get These Meal Replacements?
The best way to get your hands on these meal replacement powders is to order them directly from the official websites.
Buy IdealShake
An IdealShake tub of 30 servings would cost you $29.99 from the website. The cost elsewhere is $59.99. There is no standing refund guarantee on this shake and it is subject to review. If you wish to return your purchase, you will have to get in touch with customer service and the return, exchange, or refund of the product would depend on your particular situation.
Buy Shakeology
If you wish to drink Shakeology shakes, you can find the entire range on the website. This is a pricier brand, costing $129.95 for either a bag of 30 servings or 24 individually packed sachets. Shipping and returns cost extra. There are six flavors to choose from, like vanilla, salted caramel, and chocolate flavors, all of which are available in whey and vegan options. The returns policy is slightly dicey, and it is recommended that you read the terms and conditions before you purchase any products from Team Beachbody.
Buy Instant Knockout Complete
The Complete Shake can be bought at the Official Instant Knockout Official Website.
- A pack of 14 servings would cost $59.99 and is available only in a vanilla flavor.
- If you purchase a month’s worth, it would cost $118.00, but this would give you free shipping plus free access to a number of e-books and guides that could help with diet and exercise plans.
- The brand also offers a 30-day refund guarantee.
Which is the Better of the Three Meal Replacements?
In truth, any meal replacement that can add the goodness of whole foods to your everyday diet and taste good is not half a bad idea. In case your everyday schedule does not usually include healthy foods and a generous helping of fruit and veggies, a meal replacement shake would be a great move towards an optimally functioning body. By comparing different shakes, we can identify the healthiest option for you and determine which one is most suitable for your requirements.
IdealShake is a disappointment because of a multiplicity of issues. Firstly, the brand claims that you can replace two meals a day with a shake. However, you get 100 calories per serving, and that is dangerously low. In fact, all the macronutrient contributions are small, and replacing more than one meal is not the best move forward. Apart from a combination of protein powders, Slendesta, and micronutrients, there is little else that you can find in the shake. Yes, it is vegan and gluten-free, but that is about the only saving grace that the shake has. Yes, the shake could support weight loss, but it has a very unhealthy way of going about it.
Shakeology is a much better option. This is more of a superfood shake that is aimed at overall health rather than just weight management. Shakeology includes components that address all aspects of health, and it doesn’t do a bad job either. The use of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, whole foods, and adaptogens ensures that there is no aspect of health that is left unaddressed. If anything, a few complain that the formula is a bit too busy. The only major complaint is the price. It is one of the most expensive shakes on the market, and this is probably the only reason why many opt for Shakeology alternatives.
Instant Knockout Complete is the best option of the three if you are looking for a dedicated weight loss supplement and the best Shakeology Alternative. Not only is the shake designed by a reputed weight loss brand but also includes components that support muscle recovery and growth. Created initially for MMA athletes, the brand has retained most of its athletic goals. This nutrient-dense shake is an easy and convenient replacement for a meal, and, supported by two calorie deficit meals, your body would be able to shed the fat and preserve muscle tissue simultaneously.
Reviews are usually a great gauge to check the efficacy and acceptance of a supplement. IdealShake does not feature any customer reviews on the official website, which is bleak. Over the web, the few existing reviews are lukewarm to negative, with customers stating that the shake made no difference but didn’t taste half bad either. On the contrary, both Shakeology and Instant Knockout Complete are highly praised by customers everywhere. There are a few comments on expenses, especially for Shakeology. Hence, the customers quickly sought out an alternative to Shakeology due to its high cost.
To keep things in perspective, here is a quick recap of all the information we have so far.
| Exante IdealShake | Team Beachbody Shakeology | Instant Knockout Complete | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Developed to aid weight loss and curb appetite. | Developed to fulfill nutrition gaps and promote overall health. | Developed to support weight loss while preserving muscle mass. |
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| Flavors | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| Reviews | Negative | Positive | Positive |
| Price | $29.99 for a month’s supply. | $129.95 for a month’s supply. | $118 for a month’s supply. |
| Return Policy | Terms and conditions apply. | Terms and conditions apply. | 30-day return policy. |
Summary & Verdict
A meal replacement is an easy, convenient, and usually cheaper way to get something healthy and nutritious into your everyday diet. It’s even better if the shake helps you shed those extra pounds that you have been trying to shift for a while. Many brands claim that their products can help burn the fat but not all of them live up to the hype. An honest shakes review puts things in perspective though. As evident from our comparison, we have assessed IdealShake, Shakeology, and Instant Knockout Complete to determine their effectiveness in helping you lose weight. And we can conclude that, Ideal Shake was a total bust where nothing about the shake was made to impress. Shakeology is a great product, but it is not dedicated to weight loss. Instant Knockout Complete came out the winner as it was formulated to support weight loss efforts, curb hunger, and also help with the preservation and repair of muscle tissue. Designed for athletes and, now, everyone, Instant Knockout Complete is the one that gets our vote.
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