I’ve heard many of these ideas before and I do agree with some of them. You’re right that meal replacement is a fairly loose term, it’s mostly just a useful way of comparing shakes, as some have extra nutrients and others don’t.

And yes, Shakeology isn’t normally called a protein shake or a weight loss shake. But, the marketing strongly implies the concept. And, regardless of whether those terms are used or not – many people buy the shakes for weight loss benefits first and foremost. Why even bother otherwise? The nutrients are useful, sure, but there are many other sources of them.

Shakeology’s composition is gluten free but due to the manufacturing process (the facility it’s made in is not gluten free) they cannot claim it due to the possibility of cross-contamination. I have friends who are gluten-sensitive that drink it without an issue.

Also, the term “meal replacement” should be used loosely. It can be drank as a snack, not necessarily as your main breakfast or lunch if you so wish. The nutrition plans accompanied with Shakeology allows you to drink it whenever a red container is required.

Last, we don’t like to refer to it as a protein shake or weight-loss shake. It’s a nutrition shake with powerful probiotics, natural sugars from the amazing superfoods that are in it and no soy. Shakeology is definitly for someone who is conscious and emphasizes what is put into their body. Many of us have also found we don’t need to take our other daily supplements anymore as well as Shakeology covers much of what we were missing (using those savings to put towards Shakeology).

Shakeology is meant to be used as a healthy lifestyle change not a weight-loss quick fix. Also the fact that Idealshake makes it hard to find the nutrition on the additional flavors is alarming. Adding flavors adds sugar and other nasty products.