Shakeology Review: Does It Really Work?

A weight loss journey requires a little push, and that’s where a meal replacement¹ and protein shakes play a role.

Meal replacement shakes help in curbing hunger, reducing calorie intake and enhancing general performance when maintaining a healthy weight or losing those extra pounds.

You have probably heard about Shakeology.

It is a nutrition beverage that is a combination of a protein shake and a meal replacement shake.

According to BeachBody, Shakeology is ‘the daily fuel for your goals, packed with the taste you love and the potent nutrition your body craves’.

Some years back, Shakeology was in trouble over concerns of lead levels in their supplements, after an issued warning from Dr. Oz, who reported that this product had 12.7mg of lead per serving.

Nevertheless, the manufacturer has since redeveloped their supplements to contend with the claims.

But will Shakeology help the average person lose weight and those extra pounds?

Read our unbiased Shakeology review to find out!

Shakeology is a nutritional shake commonly marketed as a superfood shake.

It has a rich blend of probiotics, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens that support a richer dietary intake.

It is manufactured by BeachBody, a company that delights in nutrition programs, workout videos, and supplements.

BeachBody applies a multi-level marketing strategy, where products are sold directly using independent contractors, including Shakeology.

The supplement comes in five basic flavors, with vegan variations available and recipes to make different drinks to help you lose weight.

• Latte
• Chocolate
• Strawberry
• Vanilla
• Green Berry

The company banks on the great taste of the meal replacement shakes, but many users have shown that this may not be their strong point.

This beverage claims to:

• Promote weight loss².
• Reduce junk food cravings and promote healthy eating.
• Boosts energy levels.
• Enhance bowel regularity and digestion.
• Works great with whole foods.

The shakes have 17g of protein, 4g of fiber, 7g of sugar, 13g of carbohydrates and about 140-160 calories in a 36-gram serving.

It contains stevia, fructose, and numerous vitamins and minerals.

They are designed through an excellent blend of superfoods that are categorized into five groups.

1. Protein and fiber blend

This blend aims at fat loss and muscle growth

It comprises:

Whey protein isolate

Whey protein isolate is easily digestible and contains amino acids that are essential in the body³ .

Pea protein

Pea protein is high on arginine, branched -chain amino acids and iron.

It supports the loss of the belly fat and keeps the stomach full.

Additionally, it enhances heart health and muscle growth⁴.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed⁵ is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids and has a potent dietary fiber.

It contains high-quality plant-based protein.

Moreover, it maintains healthy cholesterol and reduces blood pressure.

Chia seed

Chia seeds⁶ contain protein, fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

It maintains stable appetite and blood sugar levels.

Also, it enhances muscle growth and healthy cardiovascular health.

A 2014 study reported that chia was associated with losing weight and better cholesterol levels.

Sacha inchi seed

Sacha inchi seeds⁷ have amino acids that support muscle repair and growth.

It is rich in protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, and Omega 3,6 &9.

Sprouted quinoa

Sprouted quinoa is rich in all the 9 essential amino acids that have significant roles in the body.

2. Antioxidants/ superfood blend

This blend focuses on protection from oxidative stress.

They result in better vision, improved immune system, more energy levels, healthy mental function, and positive cardiovascular health.

It comprises of acerola cherry, pomegranate powder, maitake powder, Camu-Camu powder, bilberry powder, blueberry powder, and goji berry.

3. Phytonutrient blend/super green

This blend aims to boosts energy levels, control cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.

It contains kale, chlorella, spinach, moringa, and spirulina.

Spirulina is blue-green algae that are known to boosts the immune system in the body.

Several studies have supported the positive benefits of spirulina in the body. One study showed that it improves the body’s defense system.

4. Adaptogen blend

This blend aims to achieve concentration, endurance, and focus.

It comprises of maca, reishi, ashwagandha, cordyceps,Schisandra, and astragalus.

5. Pre – and probiotic blend/ digestive enzyme

These digestive enzymes focus on aiding digestion, nutrient absorption, and bowel regularity.

They include yacon root, amylase, lactase, chicory root, and cellulose.

Shakeology focuses on the nutritional gaps that exist in our daily intake.

Thus, it supplies the body with the required nutrients that support healthy digestion, boosts energy levels, reduces cravings and helps improve focus and concentration.

It suppresses appetite and enhances satiety.

Thus, the desire to eat is lowered and lowers the amount eaten at the next intake.

Besides, it ensures that the diet has a good amount of greens, which is quite good for the body and for a weight loss regimen.

The manufacturer recommends that one scoop of Shakeology should be mixed with 8-12 ounces of water, milk or juice once or twice daily.

The company advises that Shakeology should be used as a healthy snack or along with a healthy meal.

However, those who prefer using it as a meal replacement are cautioned not to replace it with more than one meal a day regularly.

Shakeology has so many ingredients and not everyone can tolerate them.

But weird enough, the internet is filled with only positive things about it.

With this hype, we got a little bit skeptical.

We found various side effects associated with it.

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Stomach upsets
• Gas

The product seems to be working well among many individuals.

So, NO it is not a scam

Shakeology has received massive positive reviews, maybe more than any other shake.

Well, this got us thinking, can it be so perfect? Is it?

Well, it has over 500 customer reviews on Amazon, with an overall rating of 3.8 stars out of 5 stars.

Let’s start with the positive ones

Melissa Hadley says it is great despite being skeptical about it at first.

Here is what she wrote on Amazon.

… given my condition (Multiple Sclerosis) to give it a try and see if it helped me. I first researched the ingredients; there was nothing in there that could potentially harm me; no artificial ingredients, no soy, no GMOs…so I gave it a shot. Within a month I felt a difference […]

I had more energy and for someone with MS, this was HUGE! I was a new mom and I had an abundance of energy. I had better digestion and my MS symptoms were dissipating. Of course, it is not a cure for any disease, but what we eat and put into our bodies certainly effects how we feel…

Navin attested to have lost weight.

Here is what he had to say on Amazon.

… after the first 30 days of drinking it, I lost 6 pounds (with no changes to diet or exercise)! Now I can’t go a day without Vanilla Shakeology. Sometimes I mix it with Chocolate Shakeology, and it tastes like a Wendy’s frosty! I usually just add water and a frozen banana for a healthy breakfast, and it always keeps me full until lunchtime. It’s definitely worth the $4/day!!

What about negative reviews?

Most users seemed to have an issue with the price.

This was backed up by Teresa Fox who wrote on Amazon.

The price is horrible, most people don’t have that kind of money for shakes. I’m just starting 21-day fix and I could not afford the shakes. I think you guys could afford to reduce the price.

Some like Douglas did not like the flavor.

This stuff is absolutely disgusting. I have tried a bunch of different recipes and not one of them can even begin to cover up the horrific flavor. I am not usually one to write reviews, but this is so bad I want to warn others to try something different.

Soylent is available on the official website: shakeology.com.

See below how the official site looks like.

BeachBody offers a 30-day money back guarantee which they refer to as ‘Bottom of the Bag’.

It means you can return the packages whether opened or used.

The company is very clear that this a dietary supplement to aid in weight loss and provide the body with overall health benefits.

They advocate using the shakes alongside other meals, especially breakfast, and before and after workouts.

Shakeology is no magic and requires your effort as well in achieving the desired goal.

However, their claims are not yet backed up by scientific evidence.

We were also more concerned about the use of fructose, a controversial sugar.

All the same, Shakeology is a high-quality shake but always remember to take a well-balanced meal when using the shake.

We laid out the facts, will you buy Shakeology? Comment below and tell us what you think!