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The Shakeology Weight Loss Plan: Does it Really Work?

by | Apr 18, 2019 | Last updated Feb 15, 2022

Author: Stephanie Santoro

Shakeology is a protein shake and meal replacement plan hybrid developed and distributed by Beachbody. It’s a supplement that can be used on its own but also as an enhancement to various aspects of the Beachbody style of dieting and exercising. Shakeology is supposed to help increase energy, improve wellness, and decrease calories and cravings. But is it really possible to lose weight with this shake-based diet?

What’s in Shakeology?

Each Shakeology shake includes 17 grams of a protein (whey and pea) and contains about 160 calories or less per serving, depending on which flavor you get. Like many weight loss shakes, it contains sweeteners to help improve flavor, including added sugar (plus natural sweeteners stevia and monkfruit extract that add no calories – Shakeology does not use artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors or preservatives). Beachbody Shakeology boasts of its nutrients like probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, digestive enzymes and more.

Consuming two servings per day is recommended and only one Shakeology drink should replace a meal, if you’re so inclined. (Often Shakeology recipes are said not to be enough calories or filling enough to stand in as full meal replacement shakes.)

Shakeology shakes come in chocolate, café latte, vanilla, greenberry, and strawberry. There are also vegan Shakeology flavors available for those unable to or not wanting to consume dairy or animal products. Vegan options include chocolate, vanilla, tropical strawberry, and café latte. Shakeology can be mixed with beverages like juice or milk – and you’ll find recipes calling for additions like peanut butter, fruit and other ingredients – but mixing with water is ideal for calorie reduction.

Shakeology is $260 + Shipping (Per Month!)

Read any review of Shakeology and there’s a good chance you’ll hear the price mentioned, and not in a positive way. A big sticking point with subscribers is that the Shakeology weight loss program is expensive, making it inaccessible to a lot of dieters. Quickly dulling in its charms of convenience to even those who can afford it, almost no one remains loyal for long. For about $130 plus shipping you get 30 servings, so the price of Shakeology amounts to over $4 per serving, and it takes no less time to prepare than a shake you buy your own ingredients for. The $130 Shakeology supply lasts half a month if consumed as instructed. At this price, if you buy Shakeology you end up spending $260 per month, because you’re supposed to drink two shakes per day. It’s easy to see why the cost of Shakeology is just too high for most people – especially when the benefits of Shakeology for weight loss are pretty dubious at best. 

A Weight Loss Experience for a Fraction of the Price

Between recipes, advice from certified professionals, and tons of first-rate tools to help a dieter become successful in their weight loss journey, Noom delivers results for a low monthly subscription fee. It not only helps you eliminate weight but also helps you eliminate excess costs that go to gym memberships you don’t use and meal plans and supplements that don’t work. Noom is a customizable experience, first and foremost. Noom might offer ideas for protein shakes that work with your weight loss goals but won’t charge you extra for it. Unlike Shakeology and Beachbody, Noom doesn’t hit you with endless add-ons (there’s a Shakeology cleanse, Shakeology protein bars, Shakeology gear, etc.), costing you extra money. Noom is for you and only you—so you won’t be pressured into à la carte transactions that aren’t designed for your weight loss plan.

Shakeology Works, But Not Really

Will you lose weight if you drink Shakeology? Maybe. In the short term. If you use the shakes as an add-on to a comprehensive weight loss plan. And the plan already incorporates healthy eating and regular exercise.

But even then, most people get bored with Shakeology drinks, complain about the taste of Shakeology, and eventually get sick of draining their bank accounts on a powder that doesn’t measure up to its promises. The ingredients in Shakeology just aren’t worth the price. And since it doesn’t really work by itself, you’re really left wanting (and not just because you’re hungry). Shakeology for weight loss is an incomplete strategy at best.

Get Your Own Shake On

Before you spend your hard-earned money on a bag of Shakeology, consider your options. One of the best Shakeology alternatives is buying a large pack of high-quality whey protein or another protein powder of your choice, with your own selection of superfoods to blend together. That goes a long way for a lot less than the cost of Shakeology. Not to mention you’ll know exactly what you’re consuming.

For those wanting the option of a shake at any given time, picking up a protein powder, frozen fruits, and other mixers at the store is easy. Then ingredients are on-hand and easily thrown together for having a meal replacement shake on your terms. This gives you the freedom to mix Greek yogurt with berries, whey powder with almond milk, greens with fruit, or whatever else you prefer. This is generally a healthier and tastier shake strategy that’s also significantly cheaper than Shakeology.

Shakeology, the Opposite of Weight Loss Logic

The Shakeology Weight Loss Plan claims that Shakeology ingredients – its superfoods, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – do a wide range of things, such as stress relief and improvements in gut health. However, Shakeology nutrition claims are doubtful. There is no scientific data provided that equates the Shakeology ingredient list or Shakeology products with the wellness claims indicated. You deserve a weight loss plan that works and takes you seriously. Everyone has different needs and goals that can’t be met by simply buying expensive bags of protein powders.

Before you order Shakeology, try a different approach: get a free initial weight loss evaluation from Noom. It only takes 30 seconds, and it’ll show you how we think, and hey – maybe it’ll be the first step in your sustainable weight loss journey.