Fit Fun Tina

Shakeology information (and alternatives that won’t bust your budget!)

shake central

 

Shakeology is a wonderful nutritional tool for many people living a healthy lifestyle. However, it can be a pricey for many, which often leads to a search of more affordable Shakeology alternatives. As a former Beachbody coach, I can understand those concerns! I’ve spent a lot of time looking for more affordable alternatives. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of my research. 

Shake Information:

Meal Replacement vs. Protein Shakes There IS a difference! This article will help to explain what to look for in your research.

Meal Replacement Shakes:

If you’re using 21 Day Fix nutrition, I would use 1 serving for 1 red container for the meal replacement shakes.

Shakeology (This is my informational post from my coaching days. The information is still relevant, but I am no longer a coach.

Shakeology Review – The Real Skinny on Shakeology (non-sales review). Here’s the good and the bad on Shakeology.

NEW REVIEW

Vega One In-depth article and review.

Skinny Gut In-depth article and review.

The following Meal Replacement shakes I have not had a chance to personally review (yet). However, the Amazon links will take you to their product pages and you can see the nutrition information as well as ingredients). *Note* the Amazon links are affiliate links, so if you purchase through those links I will receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. The commission helps to support the running of this blog. Thanks!


(Amazon) Orgain Organic Meal (Plant-based). I’m surprised this one does not get mentioned more often. They contain complete nutrition from plant/food sources, and is completely organic. (Sweeteners used: erithyritol and stevia)

(Amazon) GNC Total Lean Shake (Contains sucralose)


(Amazon) IdealShake (Contains sucralose)

(Amazon) Phood (Plant-based, vegan, gluten free. Sweeteners used: erithryitol and stevia)


(Amazon) RAW Organic Meal (Gluten free, vegan, dairy, and soy free. Sweeteners used: erithryitol and stevia)

Protein Shakes:

Young Life Complete Pure Protein In-depth article and review.

Quest Protein Shakes In-depth article and review.

Summary:

I’m always on the hunt for Shakeology Alternatives. It seems that the closest ones have been Vegan. Personally, I prefer the taste and texture of the non-Vegan varieties.  Have you found something worth mentioning? Send me an email to tina@fitfuntina.com

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The search for an epic blender on a budget

The search for an epic blender on a budget...and why I love my Ninja!

I love my Ninja. In the past four years I’ve been through 3 of them. (Each of them had to be retired due to my neglect – sometimes when you do things such as leave the motor on top of a toaster oven you end up with a product that needs to be replaced). After this past weekend, I had a similar incident, and decided it was time to replace it. I needed to get a budget friendly blender that was going to get the job done. While I have loved my Ninja, this time I was ready for more options. I was recommended the Blendtec, which had amazing reviews all across the board, but was sadly out of my budget at this moment. Then there was the Nutribullet, which also had great reviews, but I wanted a bigger container for blending to keep my options open.

However, my impatience to continue looking (and lack of a blender for my shakes) let me to go with my first love, the Ninja Master Prep.

Here’s what I love about the Ninja Master Prep:

1. The blades are SHARP. I use my Ninja every day to make my Shakeology, and even after a couple of years of use, the blades are still sharp enough to chop ice for my shakes.

2. Easy to clean. The blades can easily detach from the jar, so it is easy to rinse them out and keep clean. My only complaint is part of the lid is sometimes harder to clean, so having one of those little brushes would be handy to keep those spots clean.

3. Smaller food processor jar. The Ninja comes with a smaller jar to use for food processing. This has made is super easy to chop onions/vegetables within seconds. It has also opened up options for making my own foods such as salsas and peanut butter.

4. It works quickly. My morning shakes only take about 30 seconds to mix, and I have a perfect consistency every time.

5. Detachable motor/safety features. The motor for the Ninja rests on top of the jars, and it is a one-button operation. The motor will also not operate unless the pieces are put together as instructed. It gives me a piece of mind to know that I’m not going to have food spraying all over the kitchen because I didn’t assemble the jar/lid correctly.

There are two different basic models for the Ninja Master Prep, and I have used both of these throughout the past few years.

Ninja Master Prep QB1000. My favorite choice for a blender!

Ninja Master Prep (QB1000)

Current Amazon price: $44.99 with free Prime shipping (as of 7/21/2015)

Comes with 450 HP motor (stronger than the QB900B). This is the one that I picked. Not only is the motor stronger, but it has an extra set of blades in the bigger container.

Ninja Master Prep

Put the power in the palm of your hand with the versatile Ninja Master Prep that crushes ice into snow in seconds, blends frozen fruits into creamy smoothies, and chops fresh ingredients evenly! Mince, dice, chop, blend, and puree for consistent results in the 16 oz (2 cup) chopper bowl and achieve perfect frozen blending in the 48 oz (6 cup) pitcher.

Pulse Technology

The interchangeable and ergonomic 450-watt power pod quickly switches between the 16-oz chopper bowl or 48-ounce pitcher for added versatility in the kitchen. The pod features a large chrome pulsing button for ultimate control and consistent results.

Patented Ninja Blade Technology

Handle any job from mincing onions to crushing ice, and wide, no-slip bases and splashguards keep everything steady and clean. For added convenience, storage lids are included to keep your food fresh and all removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

Ninja Master Prep (QB900B). A great powerful blender and food processor for those on a budget.

Ninja Master Prep (QB900B)

Current Amazon price: $31.99 with free Prime shipping (as of 7/21/2015)

My thoughts: I used this blender for a couple of years. It has great functionality as the one listed above. It’s still a good choice above standard kitchen blenders, but I prefer the Ninja above because it has the more powerful motor and extra blades.
Ninja Master Prep with Patented Blade Technology

Put the power in the palm of your hand with the multi-talented Ninja Master Prep that crushes ice into snow in seconds, blends frozen fruits into creamy smoothies, and chops fresh ingredients evenly! Mince, dice, chop, blend, and puree for consistent results in the 16 oz (2 cup) chopper bowl and achieve perfect frozen blending in the 48 oz (6 cup) pitcher.

Pulse Technology

The interchangeable and ergonomic 400-watt power pod quickly switches between the 16-oz chopper bowl or 48-ounce pitcher for added versatility in the kitchen. The pod features a large one-touch pulsing button for ultimate control and consistent results.

Additional Features

Wide, no-slip bases and splashguards on the pitcher and chopper keep everything steady and clean. For added convenience, storage lids are included to keep your food fresh and all removable parts are dishwasher-safe.

*Disclaimer: Tina Bartholomew is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com. Although I earn advertising fees, views expressed are completely my own. 

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Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse

The Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse  is  designed to help give you a jump start to your weight loss, break through a plateau, or shed weight in a fast & healthy way. This is achieved through a calorie deficiency that provides the most nutrients possible out of the fewest number of calories. Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse allows 800-1100 calories of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and of course Shakeology. With this cleanse, you don’t have to restrict your activity.  The Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is intended to be done alongside any of the Beachbody workout programs. Its main purpose is to provide the body with nutrients it is deficient in, replace the unhealthy toxins it is helping eliminate and prepare the body for weight loss and the commencement of a Beachbody workout program.

Tips for success:

  1. The Shakeology 3-Day Cleanse is meant to be a short term solution. You should only do it once every 3-4 months for best results.
  2. Plan your 3 days during a time that will work for you, and you can fully commit through the entire period. Most people tend to do their cleanse during the work week so they don’t have to worry about temptations on the weekend.
  3. Gather the supplies you’ll need before starting and remove any temptations that might get in your way.
  4. Print the picture below and keep with you to reference throughout the course of your cleanse.

If you don’t have Shakeology at home already, you can click HERE to order it.

Shakeology 3-Day-Cleanse

 

My review: I had a GREAT experience with this cleanse. I started it after coming back from a family trip, and lost 4 pounds in three days. It gave me the kickstart that I needed to refocus on my nutrition and get back into my normal daily routine. Have questions? Send me an email at fitfuntina@gmail.com!

 

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The Value of Shakeology (and how to save money!)

The value of Shakeology (and how to save money!)

For those who are on monetary budgets like myself, the thought of shelling out $129.95 for a month’s supply of Shakeology can seem a little overwhelming. However, with the nutrition you get, it’s easy to see the value in paying full price (but keep reading below, and I’ll tell you how to not have to pay full price!).

The value:

1) Shakeology is more than a protein powder. It is a meal replacement shake. Unlike proteins, which provide…protein, Shakeology does more. With the nutrition of six salads within one shake, it contains:

  • Probiotics
  • Prebiotics
  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamins and Minerals
  • Fiber
  • Phytonutrients
  • Proteins and Amino Acids

2) Shakeology helps to reduce cravings. Imagine being able to satisfy your sweet tooth with a delicious shake instead! You *could* have a chocolate candy bar, or you can make a chocolate shake that would provide satisfaction with fewer calories and a greater nutrient value.

3) Convenience. Making a shake takes less than two minutes! That’s less time than a drive through, and you already have your shake ready to go as you start your day. Traveling or working long days? You can take it with you, and prepare it wherever you are, instead of raiding vending machines.

4) Keeps you full. Drinking Shakeology helps to keep you full for 2-3 hours.

The cost:

Shakeology seems a little costly since you’re paying for a month in advance. With the bag, it comes out to about $4 per serving. Even at full price, it is still a more economical option than hitting a fast food chain for breakfast, and definitely cheaper than Starbucks!! (You can put coffee in your shake!) Here are some ways you can save money every month (note, taxes are not calculated in any of these figures):

1) Shakeology HD (Home Direct)

Cost: $129.95 plus $2 shipping

When you sign up for auto-shipment, you save $10 on shipping every month. If you want to try a different flavor every month, simply contact Beachbody and ask to switch to a different flavor for the next month.

2) Club Membership

Cost: $129.95 – 10% (plus shipping)

Club membership: $2.99/week, billed quarterly at $39.95

When you’re a Beachbody Club member, not only do you save 10% on Shakeology (and other Beachbody programs), you also can access to Beachbody on Demand, an online streaming service to many of Beachbody’s fitness programs.

3) Become a Coach

Cost: $97.45 +$15.95 monthly coaching fee

Beachbody coaches get 25% off Shakeology (and other Beachbody programs), so if you’re going to order more than one month you’ll recoup your coaching fee of $39.95 in two orders. You can also waive the initial coaching fee by ordering a Challenge Pack. Some people sign up to be a coach for the sole reason to get the Shakeology discount.  Beachbody set up the coaching opportunity in such a way that even for those who don’t want to do the business, can save 25% on products like Shakeology.   The Shakeology discount alone is worth it if you plan on using Shakeology on a regular basis. There is a one time fee of $39.95 and a monthly account maintenance fee of $15.95. The monthly fee covers your two web sites that Beachbody provides to you, your coaches online office (COO).

*Military members! As a thank you for your support, Beachbody waives all coaching fees (via reimbursement) for all active duty service members and their spouses. This means you get an even better discount!!!

4) Earn through referrals

Cost: $97.45 +$15.95 monthly coaching fee, plus 25% of every referral

Also, as a coach, if you decide to recommend Shakeology to others you will earn a 25% commission on every sale.   Once your friends see your success, they will ask you what you’re doing – so it’s easy to just give them your link to order when they do. The commission isn’t just on the first shipment either, it’s for every month your friend continues with Shakeology.  Start referring them to the challenge groups as well, start earning even MORE. Through referrals you could potentially cover the cost of your own Shakeology (and earn money on top!).

Here’s a breakdown of the chart:

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Ready to order? You can order directly through the Team Beachbody website, which you can do (OR you can find a coach to help you out). As a former coach, I’d love to give you some suggestions based on the type of coach you’re looking for! (We all have different coaching styles) 🙂 Send me an e-mail at fitfuntina@gmail.com and I’ll be glad to help you out.

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