Whey protein is a great source to help increase protein intake, replace a protein source, for a post workout recovery drink, and much more. It has even been proven beneficial in weight loss. It is highly absorbable by the body, and can help curb appetite when used in proper amounts and balance. For those that are interested in the “HCG Diet 800 Calorie Protocol“, breakfast is very important, and Sonia Russell LPN, Professional HCG Diet Coach, recommends 3 egg whites and a fruit. Since writing her book over a year ago, Sonia has researched more and more into implementing whey with HCG, and has found it compatible. I was curious and wanted to take it a step further to see if specifically Shakeology would be compatible in her professional opinion, so I sent Sonia some Shakeology samples to try for herself and evaluate all of the ingredients. After evaluating everything, she gave it the go ahead for me to try. So, for those that have been asking about using Shakeology as your shake, here is your review, but first, what exactly is Shakeology?
Shakeology, or ShakeO, is a one a day meal replacement from Beachbody that can be used for weight loss, a digestive aide, energy booster, help with cravings, or just improve overall health. It is more than just a protein shake. This video clip gives you a better idea: What Doctors say about Shakeology. I have personally been using Shakeology once a day since I finished my last round in January. It is the whole reason I signed up to be a Beachbody Coach, for the discount! It is packed full of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, adaptogens, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. The chocolate has 70 healthy ingredients in one serving of only 140 calories, 17g protein(top quality whey protein isolate), 17g carb, 1g fat, 3g fiber, and 9g non-GMO fructose(same as fruit). It is so well balanced, it has been laboratory tested and certified as a 24 on the Glycemic Index. I can go on about it, but I don’t want this to be pitchy.
The main reason I was interested in using ShakeO myself was for the overall health benefits, reducing cravings, boosting energy, aaaannndddd… digestive regularity…. Remember my article, “Everybody Poops, Right?” Well, as I talked about there, bowel movements(BM) are a very important part of our overall health, and I’m sorry, but this girl can appreciate a good duce in the morning! Who doesn’t!? If you don’t, then you are either A) having digestive issues, and need to seriously look into ShakeO, B) don’t have a sense of humor, C) are in denial. So did it help? Let’s just say I didn’t once have to gag down a single cup of “Smooth Move” tea. Or as some have come to fondly call it, Ex-lax’s next of kin(Insert Jeff Daniels in Dumb and Dumber here ). If anyone has been on the HCG diet, then they can attest to the BM issue, or lack thereof. In all of my previous rounds, I was lucky if I went 1-2x a week, and that was generally after a cup of smooooth mooove(or just – MOVE!!!). With using Shakeology this round, there were only 4 days that I did not have a BM, and 2 of those were while traveling, which is normal for me
(who likes to go on an airplane… that’s just rude lol). So for digestive health, I would absolutely recommend Shakeology while on HCG.
*on a 5 hour flight we got stuck by the bathrooms… ugh! Only now can I look back and laugh 
As far as an energy boost, reducing hunger, and satisfying cravings… A+ on all of the above! I have been having my shake every morning as Sonia recommended, and within a half hour, I am ready to go for the day. What was the coolest part about all of this, whether it was the shake, 800 calories, or just having breakfast period, there was only 1 day I remember being hungry! Day 4 was the worst, but compared to ALL of my previous rounds, it was a piece of cake! Oh, bad word, sorry – piece of Steak! I have actually felt great this round! Although, I do have to reiterate how IMPORTANT sleep is on this diet. This is my biggest fault(as I am editing this at 2:00am…). I am generally up late writing or answering emails, then up early for clients, or on call for the ambulance. If I had better sleep patterns, I probably could skip the whole time while on this diet!
So overall, I now feel comfortable saying Shakeology is OK to use while on HCG. It may not be for everyone, but I would recommend trying it, especially if you struggle with any of the issues I have gone over. More specifically, the BM part. There are lots of whey shakes out there, but very few can hold a stick to ShakeO as far as the phytonutrients, proprietary blends, and digestive benefits. Even if you aren’t ready for Shakeology, I do recommend using a whey shake as an alternative breakfast source, or for after a workout, while on HCG. No matter what protocol you are doing – original or 800, I will now always recommend eating breakfast! Too important to miss, and after all, this is about improving our health and overall eating habits.
If you are at all interested in ordering Shakeology, or have any questions, you can find more info on My Shakeology Page or contact me directly – beachbodycandice@hotmail.com.
Stay tuned to hear my final results/review of the “HCG Diet 800 Calorie Protocol” and my BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Happy Losing!!!
Hi Candace,
i am on my first round of hcg and on phase 2, did you find that using shakeology was okay on phase 2?
Hi Sonia! I did find it ok, as long as you are using it for breakfast, and not in the middle of the day. If you are looking to order, you can order through me – http://www.myshakeology.com/candiceekberg – and you get me as your coach! If you already have it and don’t have a coach, you can transfer your account to my team by emailing coachrelations@teambeachbody.com and give them my coach ID # 78964 and email address – beachbodycandice@hotmail.com – I’d be happy to help you through it!
Hi Candace,
I’m a HUGE fan of HCG and was considering another round now that I have found your blog about incorporating Shakeology – which I CANNOT live without on a daily basis! When using it while on P2 of HCG as your breakfast, did you include fruit or did you just use water/ice (since Sonia suggested egg whites and a fruit)? If you did include fruit, did you use a fruit approved for P2 and did you subtract it from one of your later fruit servings?
Thanks for the great article about HCG!
Thanks Michele! I didn’t want to give it up either, and I had so many people asking about it, so I had the Sonia, the author of the 800 protocol look it over and she loved it! She said she hasn’t seen anything like it before, and thought it would be great for hcg. Her only caution though was because of the carbs and fructose, to have it for breakfast, and don’t add any fruit to it. But you can add 1TBSP of fat free milk. It also counts as a serving of fruit. I would then have my second serving a couple of hours later, then lunch, then my 3rd serving for an afternoon snack
im doing my research and im ready to try hcg with a wedding of mine in Feb 2012, but there are so many options, any sugestions on were i should order hcg from?
Hi Lisa! I personally used local – http://www.localhcg.com/?ap_id=001 – and had great results with them! I’ve also coached hundreds of dieters on their product and have been able to see my same results replicated in them! I highly recommend them, and they even have a private support group on FB – http://www.facebook.com/groups/localhcg/. From now until December 9th, they are having a 20% off sale if you enter ‘sale’ in the coupon/code section! They have both pellets and drops. Drops are at a 3x 6x 15x 30x 60x strength, which is currently the highest on the market! Also, if you purchase through them, you get the 800 calorie protocol for free!
Let me know if you have any more questions!
Thank You, Thank You,Thank You!
I would like to order the HCG. I was goin to get the 2oz. bottle, just to try it out.. But how long will that bottle last? Should I order more?
Hi Brittney! Local’s 2oz is a 40 day supply, and you just need to do a minimum of 23 days, up to 40. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions! bodybycandice@gmail.com
I am so confused, I am about to start my Shakeology regiment but my wife has talked me into taking drops (HCG). I have read some of your stuff and just need a plain and simple answer. Can I take both?
Hi Eric! I sent you an email from my bodybycandice@gmail.com address… let me know if you don’t get it!
So I need a simple answer as well. Can you replace one of your eals with a shakeology shake while on the hCG protocol or do you eat all your calories plus a shake?
Hi Candace! The back end of my website has been down the last 2 months and my web gal finally got it fixed and back up and running! I am so sorry for the delay!!! Yes, you’d want to replace a meal while on protocol, not add a shake to it. And it is best to use Shakeology for breakfast, as it does count as a fruit serving as well and that will give your body time to burn off the carbohydrates throughout the day. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at bodybycandice@gmail.com!!!
Did you work out while on the hcg?
I did some light cardio and weights when on the 800 protocol, but nothing strenuous. You’re body already has a lot going on so you don’t want to over do it!