Meal Replacement Powders etc

[MAC2020]

You could try making it up with gin!

LOL!!!

 

[zuludog]

@zuludog happy to confirm Vegan Coffee, Chocolate, and Blueberry all taste fine to me. Only vegan Banana lets the side down. Will experiment ways to improve Banana's taste as I have 14 more sachets to get through!

I quoted this post so you would get an alert

My vegan Exante shakes came a couple of days ago -

Banana Bread - You're right, it's not very nice, It has a strange bitter aftertaste and it feels like granules in the water; also it doesn't mix very well. I drank it without too much trouble but I wouldn't buy it again

Coffee and Walnut - This was OK apart from the texture, see later

Plain Banana - The taste was OK, if a bit sweet; it had that same gritty texture

I have a few others to try but I'm expecting the same sort of results. They are definitely inferior to the ordinary ones based on SMP

They're not so easy to mix up, especially the Banana Bread.
I started with the ordinary Banana with a jug & fork, and it was quite lumpy, so I transferred it to an Exante shaker jar which was better; also a shaker jar for the Banana Bread and the Coffee & Walnut

They have fine solid material in them, and the ingredients show that this is probably oat flour. Not too bad but you should shake it each time you have a drink, which is fiddly
The SMP ones dissolved to be quite smooth

I think that if you can't tolerate lactose you might be able to live with the vegan ones as long as they're no worse, apart from the Banana Bread

So really it's a question of using them and keeping your eyes on the target weight
I think on some of the YouTube Exante videos they show making up the shakes into a meal, like pancakes or a keto cake.

 

[MAC2020]

I quoted this post so you would get an alert

My vegan Exante shakes came a couple of days ago -

Banana Bread - You're right, it's not very nice, It has a strange bitter aftertaste and it feels like granules in the water; also it doesn't mix very well. I drank it without too much trouble but I wouldn't buy it again

Coffee and Walnut - This was OK apart from the texture, see later

Plain Banana - The taste was OK, if a bit sweet; it had that same gritty texture

I have a few others to try but I'm expecting the same sort of results. They are definitely inferior to the ordinary ones based on SMP

They're not so easy to mix up, especially the Banana Bread.
I started with the ordinary Banana with a jug & fork, and it was quite lumpy, so I transferred it to an Exante shaker jar which was better; also a shaker jar for the Banana Bread and the Coffee & Walnut

They have fine solid material in them, and the ingredients show that this is probably oat flour. Not too bad but you should shake it each time you have a drink, which is fiddly
The SMP ones dissolved to be quite smooth

I think that if you can't tolerate lactose you might be able to live with the vegan ones as long as they're no worse, apart from the Banana Bread

So really it's a question of using them and keeping your eyes on the target weight
I think on some of the YouTube Exante videos they show making up the shakes into a meal, like pancakes or a keto cake.

Good morning @zuludog, glad your sachets arrived and thanks for the update.
Also happy to hear that you also found the vegan banana bread taste not very nice. So far the only way I've been able to improve the taste is to dilute it a little more with lots more ice cubes and a touch more water. I use a blender to make up the shakes and even with a blender it's still a little granular, so I concur, I wouldn't buy them again. Beginners enthusiasm mistake to buy 15 of them in one go. Oh well! Live and learn.

I don't know whether it's getting shakes or my schedule these last few days but I've only been having one morning shake plus one evening meal. I haven't been calorie counting the evening meal so don't exactly know whether there will be beneficial weight loss but will see how I get on in the coming weeks and months. I need to lose about 20kgs or 3 stones in old money.

 

[zuludog]

Good morning @zuludog, glad your sachets arrived and thanks for the update.
Also happy to hear that you also found the vegan banana bread taste not very nice. So far the only way I've been able to improve the taste is to dilute it a little more with lots more ice cubes and a touch more water. I use a blender to make up the shakes and even with a blender it's still a little granular, so I concur, I wouldn't buy them again. Beginners enthusiasm mistake to buy 15 of them in one go. Oh well! Live and learn.

I don't know whether it's getting shakes or my schedule these last few days but I've only been having one morning shake plus one evening meal. I haven't been calorie counting the evening meal so don't exactly know whether there will be beneficial weight loss but will see how I get on in the coming weeks and months. I need to lose about 20kgs or 3 stones in old money.

Yes, beginners enthusiasm!
I ordered a 4 week kit from Exante as it seemed a good way to try several of their products; plus I wanted the shaker

I also bought some MRPs, from local shops - H & B, Boots, ASDA, Tesco

Oh well, at least you have found a way to make the vegan MRPs at least edible, even if they're not absolutely wonderful

You could combine the vegan MRPs with other suitable weight loss diets & meals
Use the Search box on YT for vegan/dairy free weight loss meals and similar wording
Isn't there a vegan or a lactose intolerance society/association? no harm in asking their advice

 

[zuludog]

I've just re - read your post
One shake and one evening meal? That's good!
I hope you show some weight loss soon, that's always encouraging, and that you keep it up to your target

I resist the temptation to weigh myself too often; just once a week. I do it every Monday morning, first thing, before I've even had a cup of coffee, without any clothes on (don't let me put you off your dinner!)

Let us know how you go on

 

[MAC2020]

I've just re - read your post
One shake and one evening meal? That's good!
I hope you show some weight loss soon, that's always encouraging, and that you keep it up to your target

I resist the temptation to weigh myself too often; just once a week. I do it every Monday morning, first thing, before I've even had a cup of coffee, without any clothes on (don't let me put you off your dinner!)

Let us know how you go on

Yes, will do.

 

[KJS]

Hi all,

I started Exante yesterday and already I have had a terrible headache all morning that hasn’t been received with paracetamol.
I feel weak and a bit light headed and the thought of my lunch shake is making me feel nauseous.

is this normal? Has anyone experienced this on the second day?

 

[Leadinglights]

Many years ago I tried some sort of nutrient shake meal replacement but I can't remember what it was called now. Same thing dreadful headache, felt nauseous but thought must persevere so had the second one and within an hour was violently sick. I thought that's how it works to make you lose weight. So I'm afraid they went in the bin, not cheap either if I remember.

 

[MAC2020]

I have started the Extante Vegan shakes MRP. I haven't been sick or violently ill. I did dislike one of the flavours, Banana bread, on account of its taste but that is all so far. Also I'm on the vegan shakes, not the normal ones.

So sorry you've had a bad experience with them. Maybe you are allergic to one or more of the ingredients?

 

[AngelSprings]

Hi Mac2020 and other lovely contributors

Interesting to read that you are going to give Exante Meal Replacements a trial. Is this to lose weight?

Why I ask is because I was diagnosed as prediabetic approx two years ago, and followed rigidly a low carb/keto diet, but didn't lose a pound and had no energy. One contributor to the Red Site suggested that I limit my low carb meals to two a day, which I did but still no weight loss.
For a while I went a bit off the rails and included small amounts of potato, other root vegetables, and three or four multi-grain Ryvitas a day. And it was when I did this that my energy levels returned to normal. However, I do not know what made me have a rethink but about a month ago I went back to low carb eating.

I do find it quite easy to miss breakfast, and for lunch usually have meat and above the ground vegetables, but can't manage without a good gravy usually made with 1/2 to one tablespoonful of Bisto granules. And around 5/6 o'clock will have a Seriously Low Carb Roll filled with protein and bits of salad. This usually fills me until about 8 o'clock, and then I will snack on three chicken wings or a boiled egg or similar.

I'm getting on in years now, but in the past have lost over three stone at Weightwatchers several times, so I'm petty dedicated to sticking to a diet. I don't mess around, what's the point when you've paid for meetings.

But I'd love to lose a couple of stones. Anyone have any ideas why I'm not losing?

Best wishes.

P.S. I do enjoy walking and will do three miles or so two or three times a week.

 

[MAC2020]

Hi Mac2020 and other lovely contributors

Interesting to read that you are going to give Exante Meal Replacements a trial. Is this to lose weight?

Why I ask is because I was diagnosed as prediabetic approx two years ago, and followed rigidly a low carb/keto diet, but didn't lose a pound and had no energy. One contributor to the Red Site suggested that I limit my low carb meals to two a day, which I did but still no weight loss.
For a while I went a bit off the rails and included small amounts of potato, other root vegetables, and three or four multi-grain Ryvitas a day. And it was when I did this that my energy levels returned to normal. However, I do not know what made me have a rethink but about a month ago I went back to low carb eating.

I do find it quite easy to miss breakfast, and for lunch usually have meat and above the ground vegetables, but can't manage without a good gravy usually made with 1/2 to one tablespoonful of Bisto granules. And around 5/6 o'clock will have a Seriously Low Carb Roll filled with protein and bits of salad. This usually fills me until about 8 o'clock, and then I will snack on three chicken wings or a boiled egg or similar.

I'm getting on in years now, but in the past have lost over three stone at Weightwatchers several times, so I'm petty dedicated to sticking to a diet. I don't mess around, what's the point when you've paid for meetings.

But I'd love to lose a couple of stones. Anyone have any ideas why I'm not losing?

Best wishes.

P.S. I do enjoy walking and will do three miles or so two or three times a week.

Hi @AngelSprings

Yes I am trying Exante shakes to lose weight. I want to lose 20kgs approx 3 stones. Many on here have had success losing this and more, so I am going to give it a go. I was doing well in autumn of last year, down to 77kg but Christmas, Covid and comfort eating sabotaged my progress and I am back to over 80kgs. So now the hard work begins again.

Well done at previously losing 3 stones with WW. Several times! Good job. Yes why pay and not lose weight? You certainly have the discipline and determination. But I think weight loss success and beating DB is built around a mind shift. Not so much a diet, more a lifestyle. Your new normal.

I notice at family gatherings just how much carbs people, usually younger people, are eating, and am horrified because I know I used to eat like that. Now I can't do breads, rice, pasta, potatoes let alone all in one buffet style meal.

I'm like you. I can quite easily miss breakfast, or break the fast later in the day so it's actually lunchtime before I eat, like today I haven't eaten yet and it's passed midday. I don't feel hungry either. I can do long fasting times like fast for 18 hours and only eat one or two meals between 6 hrs quite easily, without thought. Doing so I need to be mindful with portion control as it can be tempting to overload a small saucer with food. Sabotage again!

To lose weight take a look at what you're drinking. Could be hidden sugars in there like in alcohol. Also think about hidden sugars in sauces and condiments. The food industry is very sneaky. Low fat or free from often means high sugar so scrutinise labels. And like me you like walking so see if you can walk 3 miles six or seven times a week or everyday. Once you master that take longer walks or walk a little faster. Your body will soon thank you for it.

But you are doing FANTASTICALLY WELL for 83! I'm exactly thirty years younger so I'd benefit from you mentoring me!

 

[Drummer]

Hi Mac2020 and other lovely contributors
Why I ask is because I was diagnosed as prediabetic approx two years ago, and followed rigidly a low carb/keto diet, but didn't lose a pound and had no energy. One contributor to the Red Site suggested that I limit my low carb meals to two a day, which I did but still no weight loss.
For a while I went a bit off the rails and included small amounts of potato, other root vegetables, and three or four multi-grain Ryvitas a day. And it was when I did this that my energy levels returned to normal. However, I do not know what made me have a rethink but about a month ago I went back to low carb eating.
But I'd love to lose a couple of stones. Anyone have any ideas why I'm not losing?
Best wishes.

P.S. I do enjoy walking and will do three miles or so two or three times a week.

I suspect that you were not eating enough fat to supply the energy you needed, and might just not be eating enough, so your metabolism is carefully cherishing every bit of food as there is (obviously) a famine in the land.
I only eat twice a day, but I have two proper meals with meat or fish and salad or veges - but only 40 gm of carbs a day maximum.
When first diagnosed I was eating 50 gm a day, but that was 4 years ago, and I lost weight without trying - just realised it was gone one day.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I suspect that you were not eating enough fat to supply the energy you needed, and might just not be eating enough, so your metabolism is carefully cherishing every bit of food as there is (obviously) a famine in the land.
I only eat twice a day, but I have two proper meals with meat or fish and salad or veges - but only 40 gm of carbs a day maximum.
When first diagnosed I was eating 50 gm a day, but that was 4 years ago, and I lost weight without trying - just realised it was gone one day.

Meat, fish , salad and veggies?
Do you add butter, or cream, or some form of extra fat, or fry everything in a coconut oil.
Where does the extra fat come from to build up the energy?

 

[Drummer]

I buy chicken either as whole chickens or thighs with the skin on and bone in, and I do not remove the skin - except to eat it, I cook vegetables in the tray beneath the chicken or other meat, so all of it is eaten.
I do scrambled eggs with butter - not huge amounts, a block of butter lasts a month so half an ounce. I have cream in my coffee and buy a large tub of Greek yoghurt 1kg twice each month.

It isn't really extra fat, just the fat which is in the foods naturally and very like the foods I ate when I lived at home.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I buy chicken either as whole chickens or thighs with the skin on and bone in, and I do not remove the skin - except to eat it, I cook vegetables in the tray beneath the chicken or other meat, so all of it is eaten.
I do scrambled eggs with butter - not huge amounts, a block of butter lasts a month so half an ounce. I have cream in my coffee and buy a large tub of Greek yoghurt 1kg twice each month.

It isn't really extra fat, just the fat which is in the foods naturally and very like the foods I ate when I lived at home.

Chicken thighs, skin on are a favourite too. Usually slow cooked in the crock pot in a curry. I figure if the skin is on, they haven't been tumbled with other stuff to bulk them up.
Scrambled eggs with cheese and chives works for me.
Butter does last forever to be fair as well.
I'm partial to decent sausage, just meat, no bulking, and probably the belly pork minced rather than low fat.
So maybe our diets aren't actually too different, and we are concentrating way too much on the names, and not the actual substances here?
(Although, I really don't like cream in coffee, and bulletproof coffee just sounds so wrong, so there is a gap there maybe)

 

[Drummer]

I have a hot air fryer - made by Tefal. I throw in a pack of thighs and set it going - they come out all moist inside but the skins are crispy, so I fish them out and then cook button mushrooms in the juices, whilst the chicken skins tend to evaporate.....
Scrambled eggs, cheese (Red Leicester) and a thinly sliced tomato on top when it is just cooked, plate on the top for two minutes so the tomato is just warmed.....
Sausages - we had a real butcher just around the corner, closed now (sigh) so we have to make do with the best that the Co-op can supply - but the lowest on the hog I go for a joint of meat is shoulder - leg would always be my first choice, for the crackling.
I keep butter in the freezer, cut the packs in half to keep it fresh.
Curry - I prefer lamb or hogget, then served over chopped cauliflower.
I suspect that given half a chance we could open a restaurant and have half the forum members clamouring at the door to get in - in more normal times.

 

[Deleted member 21371]

I have a hot air fryer - made by Tefal. I throw in a pack of thighs and set it going - they come out all moist inside but the skins are crispy, so I fish them out and then cook button mushrooms in the juices, whilst the chicken skins tend to evaporate.....
Scrambled eggs, cheese (Red Leicester) and a thinly sliced tomato on top when it is just cooked, plate on the top for two minutes so the tomato is just warmed.....
Sausages - we had a real butcher just around the corner, closed now (sigh) so we have to make do with the best that the Co-op can supply - but the lowest on the hog I go for a joint of meat is shoulder - leg would always be my first choice, for the crackling.
I keep butter in the freezer, cut the packs in half to keep it fresh.
Curry - I prefer lamb or hogget, then served over chopped cauliflower.
I suspect that given half a chance we could open a restaurant and have half the forum members clamouring at the door to get in - in more normal times.

Pork joint in the slow cooker.
Pull off the skin, slice it up, and bake on 250 in the oven for crackling.

 

[Drummer]

I am going to get a joint of pork out of the freezer before I go to bed.

 

[AngelSprings]

Hi
Cor blimey, thank you all for your great replies! All this talk of food is making me feel very hungry. I've just gone into this page to reply to Maca2020's kind posting, but I'll have a closer look at what you all have to say in a short while. Many thanks.

 

[AngelSprings]

Hi Maca2020
Thank you for your comprehensive reply to my query on how to shift weight yet still stick to a low carb diet. I've taken on board the helpful comments about checking the carb content of sauces and alcohol and will do this.

If weight loss was my only priority I could be tempted to go back to Weightwatchers, but keeping blood glucose levels within the normal range must come first. And though I lost weight with WW I was always hungry on the diet. At least with a low carb diet one can fill up on protein and fats and it does seem to satisfy more than restricting calories.

I'd like to have the energy to walk every day but I don't. To walk three or four miles every other day is my limit. However, it's amazing how many steps one can clock up even when food shopping.

I hope you have a lot of success with the Exante diet, and please keep us informed on your progress. Before Covid I had a few treatments with a local beautician, and she and her husband were on the Lighter Life diet. Apparently, he was a long distance lorry driver and his diet was pretty dire, but on Lighter Life he lost stones and reversed his diabetes. However, they seemed reluctant to return to normal eating , and lived on shakes, bars, and soups, which seems a bit unnatural.

Right that's brought me to lunchtime and I can eat! I'm having a Seriously Low Carb roll filled with salad and a portion of sea bass. If I discover a magic bullet to lose weight I shall contact you immediately!

Best wishes to you and everyone.