In your quest to find the perfect meal replacement shake that aligns with your health goals and fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle, you’ve likely encountered the names Shakeology, Vega One, and PhenQ Meal Shake. Each of these popular options boasts a unique set of benefits, ingredients, and nutritional profiles, making the decision far from straightforward. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, boost your nutrient intake, or simply find a convenient and healthy alternative to traditional meals, choosing the right shake can feel overwhelming.
This guide is crafted with you in mind, aiming to demystify these options, compare their offerings, and help you make an informed decision on which shake could best serve your nutritional needs and personal health journey.
Let’s explore the realms of Shakeology, Vega One, and PhenQ Meal Shake to determine which one suits you best.
Understanding Meal Replacement Shakes in a Diet Plan
Getting fit is easier said than done. There are multiple ways to do it, and it does not always entail weight loss, though it mostly does. Obesity is on the rise, and 6 out of 10 people in the US are overweight. This is alarming as carrying too many extra pounds is usually a harbinger of ill health and disease. One of the most common methods is, of course, changing one’s eating habits. Some opt to start using protein shakes to build muscle, while others adopt diet plans that cut certain foods and drop calorie counts. A lot depends on your personal goals. So, where do meal replacement shakes fit?
Skipping meals is not a smart move when it comes to losing weight. Not eating may help curb your calorie intake, but it also starves the body of essential nutrients required for optimum function and health. Starving is counter-productive as it forces the body to store more fat as it reverts to storing energy for a time in the future when meals are no longer consumed. A protein shake would provide the body with, well, mostly protein and little else.
However, when looking for a perfect accompaniment to a diet plan, what you need is a food supplement that would provide you with the essential nutrients, supply enough calories to help you exercise and function, and do so using healthy and safe ingredients. This is what a meal replacement shake is – a product that could replace a meal without tipping the balance against you.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to meal shakes. You will find meal powders for every need and fancy – to boost energy levels, which use only whole food ingredients that taste good, reinforced with exotic superfoods, with flavor options, vegan or whey. Since so many are starting to jump on the fitness wagon, supplement brands have been busy creating unique and effective meal replacement powders. Some have succeeded, others not so much.
The question here is whether the right meal replacement shake can help you shed the extra pounds. The short answer is yes, it can. But would you choose correctly? We can help.
We compared three meal replacement products, all of which claim to help you meet your weight loss goals. Let’s see which makes the cut.
Shakeology, Vega & PhenQ Complete Meal Shake: A Brief Introduction
Before we begin, there are some ground rules for using meal replacements. Unless instructed to do otherwise, it is not wise to replace more than one meal with the supplement. To even things out, you could replace your heaviest meal of the day. Replacing every meal could lead to malnutrition, gastrointestinal difficulties, or digestive issues. Always follow the instructions for preparations. Adding too little powder could dilute the benefits of use, and using too much could turn your shake into an unpalatable goop. Meal powders and children do not mix unless prescribed by a doctor; children flourish better on sold food. With that out of the way, let’s take a closer look at some meal supplements.
Shakeology
Shakeology is brought to you by Team Beachbody – a life and health brand with products ranging from protein bars to clothing and accessories. What began in 2009 has now grown into a full-bodied sub-brand for the company as Shakeology has its range of products.
Shakeology promotes a healthy lifestyle more than anything else, and its range of whey and vegan meal shakes are just one part of the process. Shakeology aims to fortify the body with proper nutrition, fewer calories, and excellent taste. The brand perseveres to help you fill in any nutritional gaps that are left open by bad diets.
With a range offlavor options, Shakeology claims to be the tastiest way to a healthy body. Although not exclusively marketed as a weight loss supplement, Shakeology does claim to promote it. With the extra protein and fiber, along with a restricted supply of calories, it is possible that Shakeology can maintain a healthy weight once you lose the extra.
As a meal replacement powder, Shakeology Whey Chocolate has the following nutritional facts: calories 160, Fat 2.5g, Carbohydrates 18g, Fiber 6g, Protein 17g, and Sugar 7g.
Vega Organic All-in-One Shake
Vega is a company that has taken plant-based nutrition to a whole new level. The company provides a range of products like meal all-in-one shakes, protein powders, super greens powders, and sports nutrition goods. Vega is known mostly because of its commitment to people and the planet’s health. So much so that the official website claims to plant a tree for each order the brand gets.
Vega’s Organic All-in-One Shake – Plant-Based Protein Powder may be a mouthful, but it is a very descriptive title. Available in 7 flavor profiles, this Vega shake is not exactly a meal replacement shake but, according to the brand, can be used as one. The meal powder is reinforced with antioxidants, healthy fats, and probiotics, all of which contribute heavily to optimum health and function.
When looked at as a fat-burning or weight-loss supplement, Vega may be closer to what you are looking for. It does come with a hefty protein content which could help with the curbing of cravings.
Vega’s nutritional value is as follows. Calories 140, Fat 3.5g, Carbohydrates 11g, Fiber 6g, Protein 20g, and Sugar 2g.
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
PhenQ is a weight loss brand brought to us the Wolfson Brands (UK) Limited that was designed to replace the abhorrent use of phentermine. The brand first launched its fat-burning pills known as the PhenQ Weight Loss Pill, which were an absolute hit with the masses. Then came along the PhenQ PM, yet another pill that works to burn fat while you sleep.
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is the third prong on the weight loss wheel. This meal replacement shake is designed to replace a meal, revive and incite the body’s natural fat-burning system, and taste good as well. Unlike the aforementioned meal shakes, PhenQ does not help you cut fat by restricting calorie or sugar intake. Instead, the supplement is designed to keep you energized for productive exercise sessions while also providing your body with the right mix of natural ingredients to start the fat-burning process.
Of the three shakes, PhenQ is the only one that was developed with weight loss in mind. Also, this is also the only one developed by a team of dedicated weight loss experts, so there is some confidence that can be invested in the shake.
PhenQ provides the following macronutrients. Calories 180, Fat 3.5g, Carbohydrates 21g, Fiber 4g, Protein 16g and Sugar 2g.
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All meal replacement powders must be reconstituted before consumption. While you can use water, the shakes taste better if reconstituted with milk or milk alternatives like almond milk. Simply add the recommended amount of powder in a shaker or blender, add 6 to 8 ounces of liquid, and you are good to go.
What Health Benefits Can You Expect from These Meal Replacements?
Every brand would feed you promises; however, with meal replacements, it would be unwise to expect these benefits overnight. Meal powders have a cumulative effect, and these would manifest over weeks of use. Of course, the benefits appear a lot sooner if you use the supplements with a balanced calorie-deficit diet and a healthy exercise plan.
The benefits listed below are mentioned as they have been on the official website.
| Shakeology | Vega One | PhenQ Complete Meal Shake |
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How Do These Meal Replacement Shakes Work?
Each meal powder is made using its particular blend of ingredients. What puts a lot of prospective buyers off is the use of artificial flavors, ingredients, and colors. The more the natural components, the greater the popularity of the product. However, for this discussion, we are looking at which shake could promote fat burning and arrest weight gain. Let’s do a deep dive into the formulae that these supplements use.
The Shakeology Meal Replacement Shake Formula
Shakeology is a lifestyle supplement that promises to deliver a balanced diet in powder form. Available in several flavors and with alternatives for those with dairy sensitivities, Shakeology is a popular choice. What has put it on the radar is an impressive combination of super greens, adaptogens, probiotics, and all the nutrients your normal diet may be missing.
Each serving of the shake would provide you with a healthy dose of vitamins A, C, D, E, K2, and six B vitamins. It also supplies mineralslike calcium, iron, iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, chromium, potassium, and sodium.
Shakeology uses a proprietary Superfood Blend, which is then further divided into subgroups based on the benefits the components provide. For this review, we are looking at the Shakeology Whey Chocolate.
Protein Blend
With inclusions like whey, pea, flax, and quinoa, Shakeology lends a hand in the building and repair of muscle tissues and also helps suppress appetite. Protein and fiber take the longest to metabolize, which leaves you feeling full for longer. The chocolate vegan version would exclude the use of whey protein.
Super-Fruit/ Antioxidant Blend
This group of ingredients contributes the most to the vitamin profile of the powder. Free radical damage caused to cells is often cited as the cause of conditions like arthritis, muscle loss, fatigue, and reduced function of organs. The group includes camu-camu, acerola cherry, blueberry, bilberry, Lycium berry, Luo Han Guo or goji berry, pomegranate, and rose hips.
Supergreen/ Phytonutrient Blend
Chlorella, spinach, kale, and matcha green tea are known as super greens for a reason. Armed to the teeth with phytonutrients, essential amino acids, and much more, this group is the backbone of the shake. It assists in getting your body its fill of essential nutrients while also taking care of fiber content.
Adaptogen Blend
Adaptogens have been traditionally used to help the body effectively interact with the world outside. Ashwagandha, cordyceps, maca root, maitake, reishi, chaga, and Schisandra all bolster the immune system, promote calm and focus, and also protect the body from mental or physical stress.
Pre- & Probiotic/ Digestive Enzyme Blend
Gut health and digestive system integrity are vital to overall well-being. Any food supplement worth its salt would include something to support these systems. Shakeology is no different. Yacon root and chicory provide fiber to keep the good bacteria fed, while Bacillus Coagulans help to replenish the numbers of said bacteria.
Amylase, cellulase, lactase, glucoamylase, invertase, and alpha-galactosidase are all digestive enzymes that ensure the proper processing of food and digestive health.
Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake Formula
Although Vega One’s impact on your weight loss journey may seem uncertain, it is undeniable that the supplements excessively emphasize plant protein. The shake does include marginally more protein than Shakeology and PhenQ at 20g per serving. Although the shake does include the term ‘Protein’ in the name, but is not a protein shake per se.
Other inclusions could help it qualify as a meal replacement shake. With each serving, you get vitamins A, C, D, and K and all eight B vitamins plus minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Unlike Shakeology which provides some explanation for the inclusions it makes, none are forthcoming with Vega One.
In fact, the inclusions are simply mentioned as a bulk paragraph, which many would find difficult to comprehend. We shall try to provide some semblance of comprehension.
The Proteins
For protein, Vega One uses pea protein, pea starch, brown rice protein, and pumpkin seed protein. All of these components are not only excellent protein sources but also contribute to the daily requirement of fiber and carbohydrates. These ingredients also come with a rich amino acid profile which the body uses for a multiplicity of functions.
The Veggies & Fruit Blend
Vega One uses a vegetable and fruit blend, which includes carrot, acerola cherry, spinach, chard, kale, lettuce, pomegranate, blueberry, and acai berry, which we can assume are the source of the minerals mentioned. However, the vitamins are added separately as they are mentioned in the ingredients list, which means these vitamins are not derived directly from the whole food ingredients in the product, but rather they are isolated or synthetic vitamins that are mixed in during manufacturing, and this is disappointing.
One would assume that a brand so centered on whole-food nutrition would include food components as the main source of essential nutrients. Apparently not, which is disappointing. There are also additions like spirulina powder, quinoa sprouts, mushroom powder, rosemary extract, and xanthan gum.
Digestive Support
To keep the digestive system in order, Vega One includes organic flaxseed powder, agave inulin powder, and stevia leaf. We assume that these are the fiber sources for the shake. The fiber helps to keep the gut bacteria fed and happy.
And last but not least, Bacillus Subtilis provides the probiotic content to replenish good bacteria numbers.
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake Formula
PhenQ’s priority is to help you lose weight while still having your body believe that it has had a full meal. Available in three dessert flavors, PhenQ’s meal replacement efficiently walks a thin line; keeping a check on your calorie intake but also providing you with enough energy for workouts or just finishing your day without the crushing fatigue that usually accompanies diets.
However, what PhenQ does is that it re-instates the AMP-activated protein kinase, or AMPK, an enzyme that targets excess body fat and burns it for energy; this mechanism is already present in the human body. Age and stress, however, slow down the working of this enzyme, which makes fat loss harder. To do so, PhenQ enlists the support of a few effective ingredients that help maintain the balance between fat loss and energy, making it the ultimate weight loss support system.
Each serving of the shake would provide you with vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamin range and the mineral sodium – these nutrients also constitute the Vegetarian Micronutrient Blend, which helps to keep the brain and body sharp and healthy. Other inclusions in the shake are as follows.
Gluten-Free Oat Flour
Oats are good for you because they contain complex carbohydrates that take time to move through the digestive system, thus curbing appetite. This means that you no longer have to deal with food cravings. Oats also support digestion, blood sugar levels, and cardiovascular health.
CARB10™
Derived from pea starch, CARB10 is a supplement in its own right. This absorbs complex carbs, prevents blood sugar spikes, and also improves digestion.
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey protein is rich in essential amino acids which are key for muscle building, weight loss, and energy production, and also shortens recovery time after exercise. Unfortunately, the presence of whey protein makes PhenQ unsuitable for vegans or those with lactose sensitivity.
Flaxseed Powder
Almost every health shake includes the use of flaxseed and chia seed. This is because both are superfoods in terms of nutrients, both macro and micro. Flaxseeds in PhenQ Complete Meal Shake Powder provide healthy omega-3 fats and fiber, both of which support digestion, boost heart health, and help with inflammation, which manifests as joint and muscle pain after exercise.
Digezyme™ Enzyme Complex
Another supplement, Digezyme contains alpha-amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, and lactase. These enzymes promote nutrient absorption and also help with the better processing of proteins, fat, and carbs. This means that you get more nutrition from the shake itself and any other meals you consume.
Before we continue, a word of caution. All three shakes have been put through rigorous trials to ensure efficacy and safety. However, there is always a risk of allergies or drug interactions. Thus, it is recommended that you seek professional medical advice before you start using these or any other supplement. This is especially pertinent if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, suffering from a pre-existing medical condition, and/or are taking prescription medication.
Where Do You Get These Meal Shakes?
The best way to buy these shakes is to order them directly from the official websites. This would ensure the quality of the product and, should you need a refund, the process would be much less of a nightmare.
Buy Shakeology
Shakeology can be bought from Amazon, Walmart, or the official Team Beachbody website, where a single bag of the shake powder would cost $129.95, which does not include shipping and handling. The choice of options when it comes to purchase is too many.
You could either opt for a single flavor, or you could opt to purchase a combo box. Aside from vegan and whey, you have the choice of six flavors. You could also choose between a single 30-serving bag or 24- single-serve packets. Each purchase comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Buy Vega One
Vega One comes in seven flavors, like French vanilla and Plain and unsweetened, and is available on Amazon, GNC, and its official site. A small tub of nine to ten servings would cost $42.99, while a large tub of 17 to 20 servings would cost $75.99 on the official website.
There are also options of ten single-serve packets and an XL tub but these options have been unavailable for some time now. A subscription would give you an automatic 20% off on your first 3 orders and 15% on every order after that plus shipping would be free. There is no standard refund policy. Should you face any issues, you should get in touch with customer service.
Buy PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
PhenQ Complete Meal Shake can be purchased strictly from PhenQ’s Official Website.
- A 14-serving bag would cost $64.99.
- However, if you purchase two bags at once, you save on shipping and get a 10% discount.
- If you purchase three bags, you save 15% and shipping as well.
- If you choose to subscribe, you get a flat 20% on all purchases.
If you are unhappy with the product, PhenQ offers you a 60-day money-back guarantee. All purchases give you instant access to e-guides and newsletters pertaining to healthy weight loss and maintenance.
Which Shake Would Best Help You to Lose Weight?
In all honesty, replacing a meal with any meal shake is a good move as long as it is low in calories and sugar content. Considering that most cooked meals are calorie-heavy, require some amount of fat, and are usually followed by dessert, a meal supplement is a lot better; and easier. A meal replacement is also packed with nutrients essential for the body, something you cannot get from Chinese take-away. So regardless of which one of the three you choose, you stand to benefit.
But how do they function as weight loss supplements? Let’s start with Shakeology.
Verdict on Shakeology Shakes
Shakeology shakes are a good product; there is no denying that. The formula for both vegan and whey options is packed with nutritious ingredients that cater to all major aspects of human health. All who have chosen the product mention that the shakes tasted good and did not have the medicinal aftertaste that some meal supplements have.
However, there are some minor flaws, too. Shakeology, or rather, Team Beachbody, is a multilevel marketing system, a business model that puts off some consumers. Another flaw is that shakes have 7g of sugar which is considered quite high for a weight control product.
The supplement label does mention that some weight loss occurred when fifty people consumed the shake for two meals without making any other adjustment to their diet or exercise regimen. How much weight loss occurred, what flavors were used, and whether all fifty experienced weight loss, are all questions we do not have answers to. What we can state for certain is that the use of this meal shake would not induce dramatic weight loss but could help keep your calorie intake in check.
Verdict on Vega One
Vega One is pretty much the same as the Shakeology shakes. With seven flavors to choose from, this supplement is hard to beat. It supplies a hearty dose of nutrients and in addition, it also provides an impressive list of amino acids like alanine, aspartic acid, arginine, cysteine, glycine, glutamic acid, and others. Unlike the vitamins and some minerals, the amino acids are provided for by the ingredients themselves.
To be honest, the Vega One shake is more of a fortified protein shake rather than a meal replacement. The amino acid profile is a testament to that. On the webpage, Vega One avoids answering the question, ‘Can Vega One help me lose weight?’. The brand answers vaguely, only mentioning that it is a nutrient-dense food. While the shake could curb cravings because of the protein content, it may have trouble helping you burn stored body fat.
Verdict on PhenQ Complete Meal Shake
PhenQ is part of a weight loss system; one that has been established and proven to work. The PhenQ shake is designed to reinstate the AMPK response in full force. This helps the body use fat as an alternate source of energy. Translating to – when your body runs out of calories to burn, it automatically turns to excess fat. As a result, you would not feel fatigued or lethargic but rather have more energy than usual to fuel longer workouts.
To increase the efficacy of the shake, you could also add the use of PhenQ Weight Loss Pill and/or PhenQ PM. While the use of the shake alone would support weight loss on its own, the pills, in addition to the shake, would help the effects kick in sooner. For weight management, loss, and fat burning, PhenQ is the only one that can actually help you shed the pounds.
Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of the three products so that you can decide which supplement you would like to add to slim that waist down.
| Shakeology | Vega One Organic All-in-One Shake – Plant-Based Protein Powder | PhenQ Complete Meal Shake | |
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| Purpose | A nutrient-dense shake designed to support healthy body function and health. | A fortified protein powder formulated to fill in nutritional gaps. | A meal replacement shake designed to support weight loss efforts and induce fat-burning. |
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| Price | $129.95 per bag | $75.99 | $64.99 |
| Refund Policy | 30-day money-back guarantee. | Unclear refund policy. | 60-day money-back guarantee. |
| Where to Buy? | Available on Amazon, Walmart, or the official Team Beachbody website. | Available on Amazon, GNC, or its official site. | PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is Exclusively available on PhenQ’s Official Website. Click Now for the Best Offers! |
Summary & Verdict
Most meal replacement supplements claim to help you achieve weight loss goals but not all deliver. We compared three such products – Shakeology, Vega One, and PhenQ. We found that for fat-burning and losing weight, PhenQ Complete Meal Shake is the best possible choice. Formulated to improve the body’s natural fat-burning mechanism, PhenQ works to keep you energized and works to promote your weight loss efforts. Hence, PhenQ is the brand we would recommend.
This is Paula. Welcome to my review site, i.e., www.phenofficial.com. Where you are about to stumble upon some of the world most effective weight loss products and formulas, that are Safe, naturally formulated, prescription-free and furnishes you with desirable results in just about a few months’ time.