Keto And Shakeology: A Match Made In Heaven?

Shakeology is a superfood smoothie manufactured by Beachbody. It is a meal replacement shake that contains 9 to 12 grams of net carbs per serving. So, can you drink Shakeology on a keto diet? The answer is yes, but with some conditions.

While Shakeology is not specifically designed for keto dieters, it can be included in a keto diet using the IIFYM (if it fits your macros) approach. This means budgeting for the higher carb content by reducing carbs and increasing fat intake in other meals throughout the day. Additionally, using Shakeology as a meal replacement shake rather than a snack can help stay within keto macros.

Some keto dieters choose to avoid Shakeology due to its sugar and carb content, which can potentially throw them out of ketosis. However, others find that it can be included in their keto diet without negatively impacting their results. Ultimately, the decision to include Shakeology in a keto diet depends on individual preferences and how the body responds to the shake's nutritional profile.

Shakeology's nutritional value

Shakeology is a cross between a meal replacement shake and a protein shake. It is marketed as a "daily dose of nutrition" and has a devoted following, especially among Beachbody enthusiasts.

Shakeology contains a blend of proteins, vitamins, herbs, antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. The Super-Fruit and Super Green blends include fruit and vegetable powders, like kale, chlorella, goji berry, and pomegranate.

The shakes contain 17 grams of protein and vary between 140 to 160 calories per 36-gram serving. They also generally contain 4–6 grams of fiber, along with antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E.

The original Shakeology formula has about seven grams of total sugar per serving, with eight grams in the Café Latte Plant-Based Vegan option. This sugar comes from a combination of organic cane sugar and various superfood fruit powders.

The nutritional value of Shakeology can be improved by blending it with other healthy foods like fruits, nuts, seeds, nut butters, avocados, or various milks. For example, blending it with a healthy breakfast containing carbs, protein, and fat can set you up for success for the rest of the day.

However, it is important to be mindful of the additional calories that these add-ins contribute. Even when eating healthy foods, it is important to keep an eye on the total calorie count to prevent it from becoming a "calorie bomb."

In summary, Shakeology is a nutrient-dense superfood shake that can be a convenient and nutritious option for those looking to improve their dietary habits.

Shakeology's keto-friendliness

Shakeology is a superfood smoothie manufactured by Beachbody. It is a high-quality, nutrient-dense meal replacement shake made with all-natural ingredients. It contains 9 to 12 grams of net carbs, depending on the flavour. It also has 4 grams of fibre, which can aid digestion and benefit those on a keto diet.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to put the body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While Shakeology is not specifically designed for the keto diet, it can be included as part of a keto meal plan.

Some people on the keto diet choose to avoid Shakeology due to its carb and sugar content, as consuming too many carbs can kick the body out of ketosis. However, others claim that it can be consumed on keto as long as it fits within your daily macros. This approach is known as IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros), where you budget for the carbs in Shakeology by consuming low-carb foods for the rest of the day.

To make Shakeology more keto-friendly, you can add healthy fats like coconut oil or nut butter to boost the fat content and improve the macro profile. Additionally, using half a scoop of Shakeology can help reduce the carb intake.

There are also keto-friendly alternatives to Shakeology with lower carb content, such as Keto Diet Shake by KetoScience, Keto Shake by Left Coast Performance, and Keto Collagen by Perfect KETO. These alternatives typically have higher fat content and lower net carbs, making them more suitable for a keto diet.

In conclusion, while Shakeology is not specifically designed for the keto diet, it can be included as part of a keto meal plan if you account for the carb content and ensure it fits within your daily macros. Additionally, there are keto-friendly alternatives available with lower carb content.

Shakeology alternatives

Shakeology is a superfood smoothie manufactured by Beachbody. It is keto-friendly as it only has 9-12 grams of net carbs depending on the flavour. However, it is not keto-friendly due to its sugar content, which can throw the body out of ketosis.

OGX Fenix

OGX Fenix costs $2.27 per serving, compared to $4.33 for Shakeology. It has added Ganoderma, which is an adaptogen that helps each person's body in the way they need it most. It also has a great taste and texture, with no chalky aftertaste.

Exante

Exante costs $1.70 per serving, a lot cheaper than Shakeology. It has no added sugar and supports the immune system, hair and skin health, cognitive function, and protection against oxidative stress. It also has a great taste and comes in a variety of flavours.

IdealShake

IdealShake costs $1.67 per serving. Its superfood blend has only 1 gram of sugar per serving, far less than Shakeology. It comes in vanilla or dark chocolate flavours and has a great taste.

Vega Protein and Greens

Vega offers a lot for its price of just $0.91 per serving. It is certified Non-GMO, which the other alternatives are not. It also has a low total carbohydrate content of 6 grams and 2 grams of sugar.

Orgain Organic Protein

Orgain Organic Protein costs $1.10 per serving and offers an organic protein shake with just 1 gram of sugar and 21 grams of protein. The chocolate flavour is recommended.

Nature's Bounty

Nature's Bounty is the least expensive alternative, at $0.88 per serving. It is also considered the best-tasting protein shake of the bunch. The vanilla flavour is recommended and can be blended with fruit and almond milk for a tasty shake.

310 Shake

310 Shake is a plant-based alternative with 90 calories per serving, pea protein, and a tasty chocolate flavour.

Other alternatives

Other alternatives that are worth considering include Herbalife, Ka'Chava, Isagenix, It Works, Plexus, and Thrive.

Pros and cons of Shakeology

Shakeology is a nutrition shake that was developed by a team of wellness enthusiasts in 2009, including Darin Olien, the CEO and co-founder of Beachbody. It is a cross between a meal replacement shake and a protein shake.

Pros of Shakeology

• It is a convenient way to get a nutrition boost, especially for those with limited time in the morning.
• It contains less added sugar than many other protein shakes and meal replacement beverages on the market.
• It is free of artificial colourings, flavours, and preservatives.
• It is a good source of protein and is available in plant-based and whey-based varieties, making it a suitable option for those with certain dietary restrictions, such as vegans and vegetarians.
• It can be used as a meal replacement shake, a snack, or as an addition to a well-balanced meal.
• It contains a blend of proteins, vitamins, herbs, antioxidants, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.
• It can be purchased in a variety of flavours, with vegan options available.

Cons of Shakeology

• It is not a suitable replacement for real food. You can get the same nutritional benefits from consuming a meal or homemade protein shake using whole fruits and vegetables.
• It is expensive. A one-month supply (30 servings) of Shakeology costs $129.95.
• It contains lots of 'superfoods', but doesn't list the amounts of these ingredients. It is unknown whether the amounts of these 'superfoods' are high enough to make a substantial impact on health.
• There is no scientific evidence to back up the health claims made by the company.
• It could cause digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.

Preparing keto-friendly shakes

Ingredients

When preparing keto-friendly shakes, it is important to use ingredients that are low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. Some common base ingredients include:

• Unsweetened almond milk or other low-carb milk alternatives such as coconut milk, soy milk, or cashew milk.
• Heavy cream or coconut cream for added creaminess and fat content.
• Nut butter or seed butter (e.g. almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter) for added flavour and healthy fats.
• Sweetener of choice such as erythritol or monk fruit.
• Ice to thicken the shake.

Additionally, you can add protein powder or collagen powder to boost the protein content, and coconut oil or MCT oil for extra healthy fats.

Flavours

There are endless flavour options when it comes to keto shakes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Chocolate: Add cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips to your base ingredients.
• Peanut butter: Simply add peanut butter to the base recipe.
• Strawberry: Use fresh or frozen strawberries.
• Blueberry: Fresh or frozen blueberries work well.
• Cinnamon roll: Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a touch of cauliflower rice.
• Vanilla: Use vanilla extract and frozen cauliflower or cauliflower rice.

Recipe

To make a keto shake, simply add all your ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you prefer a thinner shake.

Customisation

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to find your perfect keto shake. Here are some customisation ideas:

• Add avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Use frozen fruit instead of ice for a thicker texture and extra flavour.
• Include a scoop of collagen or protein powder for a post-workout boost.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness and bring out the flavours.
• Experiment with different types of milk and nut butter to find your favourite combination.

Remember, the key to a keto-friendly shake is keeping the carbohydrate count low and including healthy fats. So, be mindful of the ingredients you choose and adjust your recipe as needed to fit your macros. Enjoy experimenting and creating delicious keto shakes!

Frequently asked questions