Herbalife shakes are meal replacement shakes made by the company Herbalife. They come in a powder form and are mixed with water or milk to create a nutritious shake. Herbalife shakes are popular among people looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, many people wonder just how many calories are in a Herbalife shake made with water.
What are the ingredients in a Herbalife shake?
Herbalife shakes contain a proprietary blend of proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbs. The exact ingredients vary between flavors, but some common ingredients include:
– Protein blends: Whey protein, soy protein, etc. Protein helps keep you full and supports muscle growth.
– Fiber: Fructooligosaccharides, cellulose, etc. Fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
– Vitamins & minerals: Vitamins A, C, D, E, calcium, iron and more. Essential for overall health.
– Herbal extracts: Guarana, ginkgo biloba, ginseng. Added for extra health benefits.
– Natural flavors & sweeteners: Stevia, monk fruit, cocoa, etc. For taste.
The shakes also contain a fiber and protein blend called Formula 1. This is the key nutrient component in Herbalife shakes.
Calories in Herbalife shakes made with water
When made as directed with water instead of milk, Herbalife shakes contain around 90-100 calories per serving. This is quite low compared to many other meal replacement shakes.
Here is the calorie breakdown for some popular Herbalife shake flavors when prepared with water:
| Herbalife Shake Flavor | Calories (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| French Vanilla | 90 |
| Cookies ‘n Cream | 100 |
| Mint Chocolate | 90 |
| Dulce de Leche | 100 |
As you can see, calories range from 90-100 per serving when prepared with water. This is quite low compared to many shakes and smoothies.
Does using milk increase the calories?
Yes, using milk instead of water will increase the calorie content of a Herbalife shake.
Here is how the calories increase when using 2% reduced fat milk instead of water:
– French Vanilla: Increases from 90 calories to 150 calories
– Cookies ‘n Cream: Increases from 100 calories to 160 calories
– Mint Chocolate: Increases from 90 calories to 150 calories
– Dulce de Leche: Increases from 100 calories to 160 calories
So when prepared with 2% milk instead of water, Herbalife shakes contain about 150-160 calories per serving. The extra calories come from the milk.
Of course, using whole milk or half and half would add even more calories. But 2% milk is a popular liquid choice for the shakes.
Comparing calories to other meal replacements
Herbalife shakes are lower in calories than many other meal replacement options when prepared with water.
Here is how they compare (based on calories per serving):
– Herbalife shake with water: 90-100 calories
– SlimFast shake with water: 110 calories
– Ensure shake with water: 150 calories
– Boost shake with water: 160 calories
Herbalife shakes made with water have the least amount of calories among major meal replacement shakes. This makes them a great low calorie option.
The protein content is comparable to other shakes, so you still get the hunger-reduction benefits of protein. But with fewer calories since you’re mixing with water.
Benefits of fewer calories
Some benefits of the lower calorie Herbalife shakes made with water include:
– Helps reduce overall calorie intake
– Makes it easier to maintain or lose weight
– Allows adding more whole foods to your diet
– Provides flexibility if you want a higher calorie meal later
– Great for appetites that are easily satisfied
So the 90-100 calorie Herbalife shakes promote weight control without being overly restrictive.
Other factors that affect calories
There are a few other factors that can alter the calorie content when making an Herbalife shake:
– Scoops of powder: Using more scoops adds more calories. The standard is 2 scoops.
– Mix-ins: Adding fruits, veggies, nut butters, etc. will increase calories.
– Blending: Blending with ice and extra ingredients makes a thicker smoothie with more calories.
– Serving size: Drinking a larger serving means more calories. Standard is 8-10 oz.
– Flavor choice: Some flavors are slightly higher or lower in calories. See table above.
As long as you stick to the standard serving directions, calories will remain in the 90-100 range with water. But the additions above can all increase the calorie content.
Tips for keeping Herbalife shake calories low
Here are some tips to keep the calories low when making Herbalife shakes:
– Use water instead of milk – saves 60+ calories per serving
– Stick to 1-2 scoops of powder – avoid adding extra
– Measure serving size carefully, 8-10 oz is standard
– Add minimal mix-ins if trying to limit calories
– Avoid turning it into a smoothie with lots of extras
– Choose lower calorie flavors like French Vanilla and Mint Chocolate
Following these tips will maximize your ability to keep Herbalife shakes around 100 calories or fewer when using water.
Should you have more than one shake per day?
Herbalife recommends having no more than two meal replacement shakes per day. Here’s why this guideline makes sense:
– Each shake contains 20-25g protein. Having more could exceed protein needs.
– Nutrients from solid foods are still important for optimal health.
– Most people need more than 200-400 calories from shakes alone each day.
– Variety helps support a healthy relationship with food.
Some people may go up to three shakes on occasion when trying to drop weight quickly before a deadline. But regularly having 3 or more shakes to replace meals is not considered a healthy or sustainable approach.
One or two shakes daily, alongside healthy meals, is the best practice for most people. This supports weight loss while still getting balanced nutrition.
The hungry truth about Herbalife shakes
Herbalife shakes are designed to control hunger. But some people find that one shake alone may not keep them full for long. Here are some reasons why:
– Everybody’s satiety is different based on factors like age, metabolism, activity level, etc. What’s enough for one person might not be filling enough for somebody else.
– The shakes are low calorie, with around 100 calories per serving from powder alone. For some, this is not sufficient to feel full.
– While shakes are nutritious from added vitamins, you miss out on nutrients from whole food that contribute to lasting fullness. Fiber from whole fruits and veggies can prolong satiety.
– Protein is satiating, but does not create lasting fullness on its own for everyone. Combining protein with healthy fats and complex carbs sustains satiety.
If you find one shake isn’t enough, try combining it with one of the following:
– Whole fruits or vegetables
– Lean protein source
– Whole grains from oats, quinoa, etc.
– Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado
– Soup or broth-based dishes
This completes the meal with nutrients from whole foods. An Herbalife shake can be nutritious, but works best alongside a balanced diet.
Should you have Herbalife shakes if pregnant or breastfeeding?
Herbalife shakes provide protein, vitamins and minerals that can help meet increased nutritional needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, getting nutrition from a balanced whole food diet is ideal.
Here are some considerations on having Herbalife shakes when pregnant or nursing:
– Consult your doctor first. Get personalized advice based on your health status.
– Stick to 1 shake per day max as meal support instead of sole source of nutrition. Focus on a diverse diet from whole foods as well.
– Prepare shakes with milk instead of water for extra calcium, calories and protein needed at this time. However, watch calorie intake if concerned about excessive weight gain.
– Avoid the herbal ingredients if you have any concerns. While deemed safe by Herbalife, their effects during pregnancy are not established.
– Be cautious of consuming too much vitamin A during pregnancy, as shakes provide around 50% DV.
Overall, Herbalife shakes can be incorporated in moderation as part of a balanced prenatal or postnatal diet. But a shake shouldn’t replace meals. Focus on getting nutrients from wholesome, natural foods first and foremost. Check with your provider if unsure.
Do Herbalife shakes help you lose weight?
Herbalife shakes can help with weight loss because they have some beneficial properties, such as:
– Low calorie, especially versions prepared with water. This creates a calorie deficit.
– High protein. Protein increases satiety so you feel fuller longer between meals. High protein diets can boost metabolism as well.
– Nutritious ingredients. Unlike fad crash diets, Herbalife shakes provide balanced nutrition to support health during weight loss.
– Convenient. The powder mixes quickly for an easy meal on-the-go, supporting compliance with the diet plan.
– Satiating. The fiber and protein help control hunger and cravings.
However, there are some important caveats:
– Weight loss still comes down to a calorie deficit. Shakes support weight loss when they replace higher calorie meals.
– Results will be best when combined with a healthy diet and active lifestyle long-term. Shakes alone won’t make you thin.
– Losing more than 2 pounds per week is not recommended. Extreme diets rarely lead to lasting weight loss.
For best results, have 1-2 shakes daily combined with healthy balanced meals, and increased physical activity. This creates a moderate calorie deficit for safe, sustainable weight loss for most people.
Should you use Herbalife shakes for weight loss without exercise?
Exercise always helps boost weight loss results. However, Herbalife shakes can help you lose weight even without working out, because:
– They are low calorie, which creates a daily deficit.
– Protein is satiating, reducing overeating during other meals.
– Nutrients support health during rapid weight changes.
– You control ingredients and portions for calorie monitoring.
However, there are some major drawbacks to relying on shakes alone:
– Lack of activity can cause loss of calorie-burning muscle mass.
– Appetite might increase over time, making compliance more difficult.
– Weight loss may occur more slowly or reach a plateau sooner.
– Lack of exercise is associated with weight re-gain over time.
– You miss out on all the other benefits of regular activity for health.
For optimal weight loss and long-term results, combining Herbalife shakes with increased physical activity is strongly recommended. But shakes alone can produce some initial weight loss through portion and calorie control.
Are there any side effects from drinking Herbalife shakes?
Most people can enjoy Herbalife shakes without any side effects when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, some potential side effects can include:
– Digestive issues: Gas, bloating, cramping or diarrhea from sugar alcohols like sorbitol or herbal extracts. Usually mild.
– Allergic reactions: In rare cases, allergies to soy, milk or specific herbs or spices added. Discontinue use if reaction occurs.
– Bloating/fullness: Can feel overly full when replacing meals with low calorie shakes. Split into smaller portions.
– Hypoglycemia: Shakes digest quickly, leading to energy crash. Pair with fiber, protein or fat to help regulate blood sugar.
– Too much protein: Consuming protein excessively can strain the kidneys. Maximum 2 shakes per day.
– Dehydration: Can occur if increasing protein without upping water intake. Drink enough fluids.
– Nutrient deficiencies: May miss key vitamins and minerals without enough whole foods in diet. Use shakes to supplement, not replace balanced nutrition.
When consumed moderately as recommended, most people find Herbalife shakes beneficial and safe for weight loss and health goals. But be mindful of portions and listen to your body.
Conclusion
Herbalife shakes contain around 90-100 calories when prepared as directed with water and no additional ingredients. This makes them one of the lowest calorie meal replacement shakes available. Made with milk instead of water, the calories increase to about 150-160 per serving. While not extremely high in protein, Herbalife shakes provide a good amount to help control hunger alongside a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Limiting shakes to one or two per day allows you to keep calories in check while getting nutrition to support your weight loss goals.
