Shakeology: A Healthy Laxative Or Just A Shake?

Shakeology is a superfood nutrition shake developed by Beachbody, a company that sells workout videos, supplements, and nutrition programs. It is marketed as a daily dose of nutrition and has gained a devoted following, particularly among Beachbody enthusiasts. However, it has also faced criticism and sparked debates about its effectiveness. One of the key questions surrounding Shakeology is whether it functions as a laxative. While it is not a laxative in the traditional sense, its high fibre content and digestive enzymes can help improve regularity and aid in the elimination of toxins from the body.

Shakeology's ingredients

Shakeology is a nutrient-dense superfood nutrition shake formulated with ingredients sourced from around the world. It contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics, fiber, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals.

The shake contains a blend of proteins, including whey and pea protein, along with vitamins, herbs, antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. It also includes Super-Fruit and Super Green blends, which consist of fruit and vegetable powders, such as kale, chlorella, goji berry, and pomegranate.

The highlighted ingredients in Shakeology include maitake, moringa, maca root, and ashwagandha. The shake also contains stevia, evaporated cane juice, pomegranate juice concentrate, goji berry juice concentrate, bilberry fruit juice concentrate, and prebiotics as sweeteners.

The Chocolate Whey flavor, for example, contains 4 supergreen and phytonutrient sources, 3 superfruit sources, 5 antioxidant sources, 4 prebiotic/probiotic sources, and 4 protein sources (whey protein, flax, quinoa, and pea protein).

The shake is designed to support healthy digestion and regularity, and some users have reported experiencing digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and stomach cramps after consuming Shakeology. It is important to note that Shakeology is not a laxative, but it can help improve digestion and promote regularity.

The science behind its claims

Shakeology is a nutrient-dense superfood nutrition shake formulated with ingredients sourced from around the world. It contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics, fiber, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals. The creators of Shakeology claim that it can help support healthy energy, curb junk-food cravings, and support digestive health, all to help you lose weight as part of a health and fitness program.

The ingredients in Shakeology include:

• Proteins and fiber: Help reduce hunger and junk-food cravings.
• Antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals: Help fight free-radical damage, while helping your body support a healthy immune system.
• Adaptogen herbs: Traditionally used to help your body adapt and respond to the effects of stress.
• Prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and fiber: Help your body absorb nutrients as well as support regularity and healthy digestion.

Shakeology contains between 140 and 160 calories per serving, depending on the flavor. It is important to note that as you add fruit, nut butters, and milk, the calorie count increases. Shakeology is not a replacement for a meal, but it can be a part of a balanced meal when combined with other healthy foods.

Some people have reported experiencing digestive issues after consuming Shakeology, including gas, bloating, and stomach cramps. This could be due to the addition of fiber, which can cause digestive side effects when consumed in large amounts. Some people may also be sensitive to certain ingredients, such as chicory root, which can worsen symptoms for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

There is some evidence to suggest that Shakeology can aid in weight loss. Replacing a meal with a shake containing fewer calories will likely result in weight loss for most people. However, it is important to note that this weight loss may be due to the creation of a calorie deficit, rather than the specific properties of Shakeology. Additionally, some studies have found that simply eating fewer calories of real food is more effective in maintaining weight loss in the long run, compared to relying on meal replacement shakes.

Its side effects

Shakeology is a nutrient-dense superfood nutrition shake formulated with ingredients sourced from around the world. It contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics, fiber, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals.

While Shakeology is not a laxative, it does help with digestion and can make you poop more. This is because it contains digestive enzymes and prebiotics that help your body eliminate toxins from processed foods.

Some people have reported experiencing digestive issues after consuming Shakeology, including gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach cramps. These issues could be due to the addition of fiber, which can cause digestive side effects when consumed in large amounts, or sensitivity to certain ingredients such as chicory root, which can worsen symptoms for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Other potential side effects of Shakeology include hypersensitivity/allergy, headaches, and heartburn. The product packaging also includes a warning that it should not be consumed by people with chronic health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a healthcare practitioner.

Additionally, Shakeology should not be used as a replacement for real food. While it contains protein, vitamins, and minerals, these same benefits can be obtained from consuming whole foods or a homemade protein shake using ingredients such as Greek yogurt, frozen berries, fresh kale, chia seeds, and almond butter.

Its cost

Shakeology is a protein shake marketed as a "superfood nutrition shake" that is claimed to help dieters lose weight, reduce cravings for highly processed foods, boost energy levels, and support healthy digestion. It is sold by Beachbody, a company that uses multilevel marketing (MLM) to sell its products.

The cost of Shakeology can vary depending on how it is purchased. Here is a breakdown of the different options:

• Amazon: Shakeology prices on Amazon are subject to change but typically range from $165 to $170 per bag, which works out to about $175 after taxes. There is no option to subscribe and save, and shipping is included for Prime members.
• Beachbody Retail: Buying directly from Beachbody will cost approximately $152 per bag, including taxes and shipping. This option allows you to purchase a single bag without signing up for automatic shipments.
• Monthly Subscriber: By signing up for auto-shipments from Beachbody, the price per bag is about $143 per month. This option includes a $3 shipping and handling fee.
• Coach or Preferred Customer: As a coach or preferred customer, the price per bag is about $125 per month after taxes, fees, and shipping. This option requires a monthly membership fee of $15.95 (or $17 in some states) and offers a 20% discount on Shakeology and other Beachbody products.

It is important to note that the prices mentioned above may not include additional fees, shipping costs, or taxes. The cost of Shakeology is considered high by some, with a 1-month supply (30 servings) costing about $129.95, or $32 per week.

In addition to the shake mixes, Beachbody also offers a line of Boost products that can be mixed into the shakes. These supplements range in price from $34.95 to $49.95 and contain 20-28 servings each. Sample packs containing 4 or 5 flavors are also available for $19.95 to $24.95.

Alternatives to Shakeology

Shakeology is a powdered nutrition supplement sold by Beach Body. It is a cross between a protein powder and a meal replacement shake. Shakeology is often marketed as a "superfood shake" or a "superfood nutritional shake". However, it is not necessary to include it in your diet, and there are several real food alternatives that are more affordable. Here is a list of alternatives that you can include in your diet:

Protein:

• Greek yoghurt
• Beef jerky
• Protein powders
• Protein bars (e.g. KIND bars, Rx bars)
• Cottage cheese
• Chicken
• Tofu
• Chocolate milk

Super-fruit/antioxidants:

• Pomegranates
• Blueberries & berries (frozen is fine!)
• Red wine

Super-green/phytonutrients:

• Blueberries
• Cocoa powder
• Kale

Adaptogens:

Maca powder

Pre and pro-biotic/digestive enzymes:

• Bananas
• Greek yoghurt
• Garlic
• Asparagus
• Tempeh

Fibre:

• Blueberries
• Fibre granola bars
• Protein bars

Vitamins & Minerals:

• Fruits & veggies
• Multivitamin supplement

Frequently asked questions