Shakeology is my preferred protein + superfood shake. It is not JUST a protein shake - as it is not JUST protein powder. I started drinking Shakeology about 3 years ago to solve my breakfast dilemma. I was eating THREE small meals before lunch: multi-grain cereal, store-bought lowfat yogurt with "fruit" and store-bought oatmeal in a packet. I realized that these "breakfast" foods were providing little nutritional value as they were all carbohydrates, sugar, and chemicals.
Shakeology has given me more energy and helps curb my sugar/carb cravings. I used to eat Peanut Butter Cups D-A-I-L-Y -- at least 2, but usually 4-5 peanut butter cups A DAY. I am certain I would be pre-diabetic or diabetic if I continued on THAT path. I found that drinking Shakeology in the morning helped me reduce that craving for something sweet even hours after I drank it. It also helps to replace that craving on the days (or - ahem, times of the month) where you absolutely NEED something sweet with a healthy option. Some people claim they can have one small piece of dark chocolate to satisfy that craving - not me. I need a big girl portion: 10 oz shake, or large bowl of sweetness - and Shakeology is the answer. I also find that when I drink Shakeology consistently, I do not have that afternoon slump. No incessant yawning or desire for a nap.
Confession: I didn't compare Shakeology to anything else - I just knew it came with the workout program I was buying, and that was good enough for me. I mean, I was consuming high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, guar gum, Red No. 40, hydrogenated soybean oil, GMOs, etc. - and that was in my "healthy" breakfast(s)!! After a while, I realized that it wasn't just any protein shake that would give me these results - the makers of Shakeology actually CARED about what they put into their powder. They researched their ingredients, checked up on their sources to make SURE they were providing the best quality product and also make sure the ingredients are minimally processed so the end-product has as much nutritional value as possible.
Here are some of my favorite recipes!
*SUGGESTION: Add 1 cup of spinach to any shake - you can't taste it, and it adds a serving of vegetables to your daily intake!
*I highly recommend using frozen bananas in your Shakeology. It reduces waste and I find shakes come out creamier with frozen bananas. When your bananas reach peak ripeness (or even a bit past the over-ripe stage but not rotten), peel them and cut them in half. Wrap each half in waxed paper, and put them all in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer.
Banana Butter
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
2 tsp all-natural almond butter
2 Tbsp raw sunflower seeds
1/2 large banana*, cut into chunks
1 cup ice
Place all ingredients in blender, cover. Blend until smooth.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
1 cup strawberries (frozen or fresh)
1 cup ice
No-Bake ~ Shakeology Cranberry Bliss Bars
Ingredients:
* ⅔ cup dry old-fashioned rolled oats
* ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
* ½ cup all-natural smooth almond butter
* ¼ cup raw honey
* ¼ cup chopped raw pecans
* 1½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
* 1½ scoops Vanilla Shakeology
* ⅓ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
Instructions:
1. Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with plastic wrap (or aluminum foil). Set aside.
2.Combine oats and coconut in food processor; pulse for 20 seconds.
3.Add almond butter and honey; pulse until blended.
4.Combine almond butter mixture, pecans, pumpkin pie spice, Shakeology, and cranberries in a large bowl; mix well with clean hands or a rubber spatula.
5.Lightly press oat mixture into pan. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until set.
6.Cut into twelve bars (approx. 2½ x 2-inches).
Enjoy!
Portion Fix Containers
1 Yellow
½ Orange
1 tsp.
Source: Beachbody
Amanda's Vanilla PB Cup
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water (or a mix of both)
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
1 tsp. natural creamy peanut butter
1/2 banana, cut in half
1 cup ice
Berry-Licious Vanilla
1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
1 cup berries (blueberries, strawberries, or a mix)
1 cup ice
Banana Latte Shakeology
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop Cafe Latte Shakeology
2 tsp. all natural smooth peanut butter
1/2 large banana, cut into chunks
1 cup ice
Faux Frapuccino
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup coffee
1 scoop Cafe Latte Shakeology
1 cup ice
*Add your favorite Frapuccino add-ins like Caramel Extract or use 1/2 scoop of Chocolate Shakeology + 1/2 scoop Cafe Latte Shakeology for a chocolate Frap flavor!