Visalus Shake vs Shakeology - What are you willing to put in your body?

 

Visalus Shake vs Shakeology

What are you putting in your body, and do you feel comfortable feeding it to your children?

A lot of time was spent gathering this information for you. I want you to be able to make an educated decision on what you put in your body. I at least want you to be educated so you can make an educated decision without the marketing hype clouding your rational thoughts.

Why did I do this research? Well, the same exact week I was introduced to Shakeology, though the Insanity in home workout program, my best friend from high school called me excited about Body By Vi and this shake that taste like cake batter. Well, Glen never gets excited about stuff like this so I had to take a look. Beside, I was not even sure I wanted to start drinking any shake. I was just looking to loose some weight, get back in shape and control my cholesterol. 

Well, after just looking at the ingredients of both shakes, it was obvious which shake I was going to consider. But I'm not a nutrition expert so I sent the ingredient list to a nutritionist I've known for years. She stated I'm already drinking one and recommend it to my clients, the other one is similar to Slim Fast and nothing really spectacular about it. 

Her (my nutritionist friend) other comment was, Body By Vi shake ingredients are found in our everyday processed foods, and no one thinks twice about researching to see what it is they are putting in their bodies.

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF), the Body By Vi Shake cannot be compared to Shakeology.

Shakeology is in a class all it’s own and nothing compares. I'm not just saying that.

• The Vi Shake is a diet shake with artificial flavors and ingredients.
• Shakeology is a protein/weight loss/Dense Nutrition Shake. 100% Natural

See for yourself below, then do your own research.

NOTE: Beachbody does have a meal replacement Shake that’s the same price as the Vi shake but it does not compare to Shakeology either because it does not have all the super foods you will see below. You could compare that Beachbody meal replacement shake to the Vi Shake. 

Now, I’m not denying you can lose weight with the Vi Shake, especially if you replace two meals a day as Body by Vi suggests. But the Vi Shake does not have near the nutrition nor the super-foods that Shakeology has.

One Vi Shake only has about 90 calories.

Did you realize...

Calories are not bad, if you're getting those calories from healthy sources. However, your body needs more than just 180 calories a day. 

Myth vs Fact

Myth - Shakeology is more expensive than Vi Shake (Smoke and Mirrors)

• Fact: Vi Shake is $59 retail $49 on auto ship (30 day supply bag) for the base shake. For the 90 day weight loss it's recommended to drink two shakes a day so you need two bags ($118). But wait... there's more.
• Then, you have to purchase all the additives (appetite suppressant, flavors, vitamins etc.). Bottom line, the Vi 90 day Challenge costs at least $250 per month for three months. A total of $750 plus tax and shipping.
• If you're goal is to lose weight you can order the Vi Transformation Kit. It's only $311 for the first month. Making the 90 day challenge $933. 

• Fact - A 30 day supply of Shakeology costs $129.95 retail and $97.46 coaches price. It's recommended to replace one meal a day. And Shakeology is a complete meal, nothing needs to be added other than the liquid of your choice. (You can also save even more by ordering your workout, Shakeology and Coach Support in a Challenge pack ($140 - $205).
• That makes the Beachbody 90 day Challenge (retail) just $389.85 plus tax.

What was that?

How much was the Beachbody 90 day Challenge, with a workout program, on-line support and one on one accountability? Less than $400. Just 90 days of Shakeology would be $389.95. And you don't have to add anything to it. You see the smoke yet?

Myth - Vi Shake has 60 flavors Shakeology has 3.

Fact -

• Vi Shake has one flavor, vanilla. You then have the option to purchase artificial flavors from Visalus to mix in the shake. You can also add other fruits and flavors to the vanilla base flavor. 
• Shakeology has four base flavors (Greenberry, Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. Plus two vegan blends - Chocolate and Tropical Strawberry. There are literally endless flavors you can make by changing the liquid you mix Shakeology with (water, 2% Milk, Almond milk, coconut milk, Ginger Rush, juices etc.). And, you can mix in other ingredients and fruits to make all types of seasonal flavors. 

Let's talk business -

What Visalus does have is a very good marketing plan and a good compensation plan. They have taken social networking and marketing to a new level. Visalus is very good at marketing. They know what appeals to the masses (Taste and Weight Loss) so that’s what they focus on “It Tastes Like Cake Batter”. The problem is (some see as a good thing) is Visalus attracts a lot of professional networkers. Why is this a problem for you and the company? These "Pro Networkers" come and go. When they go, they take huge teams with them. It's not good for business so be careful. 

I will say, if I was only looking for an income opportunity when I first saw Visalus, I might have joined just because of who was in that company. But those people left the company and took their entire team with them in mid 2013. Besides, Body by Vi does not give customers to their associates like Team Beachbody does. 

I liked what I saw in Team Beachbody much more. I liked the integrity of the company.

Besides, our team has a marketing system for you to plug into so you can start receiving customers the first month of business, without contacting one family member or friend. I don't know why you would want to keep this from anyone, but you have that option. 

One Minute... Tony Horton, one of the healthiest people in the US has a few things to say about Shakeology. 

Here’s the break down: The work was all done for you so you can make an educated decision.

This is a long post to my blog, and I’m sure it will be the longest by far. However, I’m sure you can glance over most the info below and get my point.

Body By Vi Shake ingredients are about the same as SlimFast…

Soy Protein Isolate, http://www.mercola.com/article/soy/avoid_soy.htm

Digestive Resistant Maltodextrin (from Fibersol™), http://www.adm.com/en-US/Products/_layouts/ProductDetails.aspx?productId=36

Whey Protein Hydrolysate - http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/casein-hydrolysate-and-anabolic-hormones-and-growth-research-review.html

Whey Protein Concentrate - http://wheyoflife.org/home/about-us/whey-protein-components/

DiCalcium Phosphate - http://www.livestrong.com/article/147763-negative-effects-of-dicalcium-phosphate/

Sunflower Oil - http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-40-SUNFLOWER%20OIL.aspx?activeIngredientId=40&activeIngredientName=SUNFLOWER%20OIL (see the side effects tab—pretty interesting read for pregnancy/breastfeeding/diabetes users)

Natural and Artificial Flavor, (what does this mean? Where does it come from?)

Medium Chain Triglycerides - http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-915-MEDIUM%20CHAIN%20TRIGLYCERIDES%20(MCTs).aspx?activeIngredientId=915&activeIngredientName=MEDIUM%20CHAIN%20TRIGLYCERIDES%20 (MCTs) (see side effects tab)

 Maltodextrin - http://ingredienthealthreview.com/blog/2010/10/maltodextrin-what-is-it-and-is-it-bad-for-you/

Gum Arabic - http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11224050

Xanthan Gum - http://blog.fooducate.com/2010/09/23/10-facts-about-xantham-gum-a-very-popular-food-additive/

Sodium Caseinate - http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924971

DiMagnesium Phosphate -  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimagnesium_phosphate (in laymans terms-a chemical that is manufactured)

Magnesium Oxide - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601074.html

Soy Lecithin - http://preventdisease.com/news/09/073009_soy_lecithin.shtml

Mono and Diglycerides - http://www.dldewey.com/columns/monodyf.htm (hydrogenated oils. Period)

Patented Protease (from Aminogen™), http://www.triarco.com/consumercenter/aminogen/qa.asp#

DiPotassium Phosphate - http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_176407.htm (a fertilizer?!)

Sucralose - http://www.medicinenet.com/artificial_sweeteners/page9.htm

Ascorbic Acid - http://www.rxlist.com/ascorbic-acid-drug.htm (not derived from a food, but a manufactured additive)

Vitamin E Acetate - http://www.lotioncrafter.com/vitamin-e-acetate.html

Chromium Amino Acid Chelate - http://www.livestrong.com/article/188255-chromium-chelate-supplements/(another warning to diabetics)

Molybdenum Amino Acid Chelate - http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9926142 (if it needs an MSDS, then it was produced in a lab and is not real food derived)

Selenium Amino AcidChelate,  http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/ans_ej952_Selenium_amino_acid_chelate_st_en,0.pdf?ssbinary=true(Europe says safety cannot be assessed. Enough said) 

Biotin - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600259 (yes biotin is found in foods, but what is the source of THIS PARTICULAR biotin?)

Vitamin A Palimate - http://www.livestrong.com/article/518650-is-vitamin-a-palmitate-natural/

(did you know that this synthetic vitamin is found in every store bought milk, including organics and including almond and coconut?!-Despite what the safety precautions say)

Niacinamide - http://www.drugs.com/sfx/niacinamide-side-effects.html

Potassium Iodide - http://www.drugs.com/sfx/potassium-iodide-side-effects.html

Zinc Oxide - http://www.medicinenet.com/zinc_oxide-topical/article.htm (yumm Desitin Diaper cream)

Copper Gluconate - http://ezinearticles.com/?Copper-Gluconate---Discover-Four-Things-to-Consider-When-Taking-Copper-Gluconate-Supplements&id=5208319

Calcium Pantothenate - http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=1831 (not the first ingredient in this list that is found in cosmetics)

Cyanocobalamin - http://www.drugs.com/pro/cyanocobalamin.html

Manganese Sulfate, http://vitamins.ultimatefatburner.com/manganese-review.html

(“Manganese supplements should be taken on an empty stomach and should not be combined with iron, calcium, copper or zinc”—all of which are in this ingredient list)

Cholecalciferol - http://www.drugs.com/mtm/cholecalciferol.html

Pyridoxine Hydrochloride - http://www.livestrong.com/article/181931-pyridoxine-hydrochloride-dangers/

Thiamin Mononitrate -  http://www.livestrong.com/article/313249-the-side-effects-of-thiamine-mononitrate/ (synthetic vitamin b6 “you may want to seek a more natural source of thiamin”)

Riboflavin, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/drug-riboflavin_vitamin_b2/article_em.htm (synthetic Vitamin B12)

Phytomenadione - http://www.drugs.com/mmx/phytomenadione.html (synthetic vitamin K)

Folic Acid - http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1017-FOLIC%20ACID.aspx?activeIngredientId=1017&activeIngredientName=FOLIC%20ACID

BOTTOM LINE: The 'nutrition' isn't coming from REAL FOOD SOURCES. It is coming from chemicals that are thrown together in a lab.

Here's another great source of information about Visalus:

This is a third party review. 

http://www.davidmodderman.com/blog/index.php/weight-loss/body-by-vi-is-it-all-hype/

**I encourage you to utilize the internet to reserach the ingredients on your own if you do not trust the research above. I didn't do anything special but type each ingredient into Google and check several websites to see that the information was the same and also to try and find the easiest one for the average person to understand**

How do you feel about disease prevention, a natural "face-lift", skin rejuvenation, memory enhancement, improved sense of well being, aid for diabetes control, an endurance aid and tools to fight cancer? It’s all in there! I encourage you to research the Shakeology ingredients for yourself but, for your convenience, here is an introduction to them.

Acerola powder (fruit) -Acerola can be found throughout northeastern Brazil and is rich in Vitamin C and carotenoids, and one of the richest known natural sources of vitamin C.

Camu-Camu powder (fruit) - Coming from the rainforest, this is one of the most nutrient-dense foods, offering considerable disease-prevention and the highest amount of vitamin C of any plant in the world. For a free in-depth report on this fruit, please go here.  http://www.naturalnews.com/Report_Camu_Camu_0.html

Pomegranate powder (fruit) -The anti-oxidant properties of this fruit benefits the heart, can be helpful in treating diabetes, dementia, cancer and menopausal problems, and perhaps even prevents sunburn. Bilberry powder (fruit) -An antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic agent, this fruit has shown to improve vision and symptoms associated with diabetes.

Blueberry powder (fruit) - Blueberries are very high in fiber and nutrients and have been proven to lower blood pressure, protect against oxidative stress and maybe even help you lose that hard to get rid of abdominal fat, according to a study published in Experimental Biology 2009.

Lycium (Goji) powder (berry) - These berries contain around eighteen amino acids, are plentiful in iron, with more beta carotene than carrots. Dubbed as a natural anti-aging food, goji is used to treat hepatitis B (because of the physalin produced by the berries), heart and blood pressure conditions, as a memory enhancer, a treatment for breast and cervical cancer, an anti-inflammatory, and an antifungal, antibacterial.

Açai powder (berry) - A powerful anti-oxident that is being studied for it’s beneficialproperties on blood pressure, cholesterol levels, heart health and cancer prevention.

Cordyceps - A type of Asian fungus (mushroom) that may have beneficial properties for bone marrow and kidneys, while it increases stamina, protects against free radicals and restores energy. 

Maitake powder - A mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to enhance the immune system, regulate blood pressure, glucose, insulin, and both serum and liver lipids, and may also be useful for weight loss. 

Reishi powder (Ganoderma)- Reishi is a mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine, protecting the liver, as an analgesic, antiinflammatory, and anti-cancer treatments.

Citrus bioflavonoids - Extracted from fruits, bioflavonoids are widely used in Europe to treat diseases of the blood vessels and lymph system.

Rose Hips powder - Rich in vitamin C, rosehips are commonly used for reduction in asthma symptoms and allergies.

Schisandra powder (berry) - An Asian vine believed to be beneficial to those suffering from hepatitis, and seems to work well as a stimulator for the central nervous system, increasing brain efficiency, improved reflexes, and an accelerated rate of endurance.

Gingko powder (leaf) - The oldest living species of plant on earth, gingko has been used in Chinese medicine to stimulate the blood circulation and have a tonic effect on the brain, reducing lethargy, improving memory and giving an improved sense of well-being.

PROBIOTIC BLEND: Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus thermophilus - Since most degenerative disease conditions can be linked to intestinal toxemia and our inability to properly eliminate it from the body, this blend is useful for a healthy intestinal tract.

Maca powder (root) - A nutrition-packed root vegetable from the mountain plateaus of the Peruvian Andes that is rich in amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals - known to increase energy, stamina and endurance, support the immune system and adrenal function, reduce chronic fatigue, regulate and support the endocrine system, and even treat menopausal symptoms (it is now being prescribed by many health practitioners as a safe, effective alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy).

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis) meal - With an average of 48 to 49 percent omega-3s, Sacha Inchi is an excellent vegetarian source of fatty acids, contains high amounts of protein and can assist the body's formation of nerve tissues, eye tissues and cell membranes. It may also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and help regulate blood pressure and support normal function of the immune system.

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) powder - Grown in the Andes of Peru, Yakon helps to regulate sugar blood levels.

Flax (seed) meal - Flax is high in B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, omega 3, fiber, and our best source of lignans which may promote fertility, reduce peri-menopausal symptoms, and possibly help prevent breast cancer. In addition, lignans may help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Chia (seed) meal - Not just a cute gift in the shape of a famous mouse, chia is a muscle and tissue builder and a good source of amino acid and Omega 3’s. However, what is amazing is researchers believe a gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach (when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten) which creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar. “In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar aids in physical endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.” (living-foods.com) read Magic of Chia : Revival of an Ancient Wonder Food by James F. Scheer

*Spirulina and chlorella have been hailed in many studies for some miraculous health benefits!

Hydrilla - This plant from Asia, Europe and Africa is hailed for providing increased energy levels, improved immunity, improved digestion, reduced body fat, increased mental clarity, decreased appetite, improved joint, hair, skin and nail health, and an overall increased sense of well-being.

Apple pectin powder - Apple pectin is a water-soluble fiber, helpful in removing cholesterol out of the intestines and delaying glucose absorption.

Astragalus powder (root) - Used in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed to strengthen debilitated patients and increase resistance to disease in general and boost immunity. 

Spinach powder - Spinach has been used for years to help relieve anemic problems due to its high iron and chlorophyll content.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) - Supports healthy connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and muscle. Thus, it is important in conditions such as arthritis, muscle pains, bursitis, etc.

Pea fiber - May help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol. Fiber is credited with helping to lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood and may thus help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Quinoa (sprouted) - Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all the eight essential amino acids and an excellent source of potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium (Nature’s medicine for people suffering from Migraines), iron and B vitamins. Excellent for the heart and since they are an insoluble fiber, it helps in gallstone prevention.

PROPRIETARY ENZYME BLEND: Amylase, Papain, Cellulase, Lactase, Lipase, Protease, Bromelain - These enzymes aid in digestion, reduce heartburn problems, gas and bloating, may also dimminish allergies.

Ashwagandha powder (root) - Has rejuvenative properties commonly used in Ayurveda for stress-induced fatigue, nervous exhaustion and general debility

Barley grass - Barley grass is hailed as "the" healthiest of the healthy green grasses, acting as a free radical scavenger and known to reduce inflammation and pain. Although nutritionally, they are close cousins to dark green leafy vegetables, the "nutrient density" is much higher (more of the beneficial phytonutrients).

Kamut grass - Ancient Egyptian wheat known for its low gluten levels and contain more protein and minerals than common wheat or other cereal grass.

Oat grass - Contains beta-carotene, vitamins K and C, folic acid, calcium, iron, protein, fiber and B vitamins. 

Wheat grass - Wheat grass by itself is not very palpable, however, it contains P4D1, a "gluco-protein" that acts like an antioxidant, reducing inflammation. It is also thought to be able to help the body attack cancer cells. This grass has high levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein, enzymes, chlorophyll and mucopolysaccharides, and is known to be highly alkalizing to the body, aiding detoxification.

Amaranth (sprouted) (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) - This ancient grain (used by the pre Columbian Aztecs and also in India) is very high in iron and protein. Additionally, Amaranth has three times the calcium of milk.

Grape seed extract (seed, 95% proanthocyanins) -Surprisingly, grape seed extract may be better for you than the grapes from which it is derived. A vast array of health-giving ingredients are in these tiny seeds. Protein, lipids, carbohydrates and polyphenols help the body fight viruses, allergens, and carcinogens. A phenol you might be particularly interested in is procyanidin. Procyanidins bond with collagen. Collagen is a key component of skin, gums, bones, teeth, hair and body tissues. The bonding promotes more youthful looking skin - what has been dubbed a natural facelift!

In addition, procyanidins can improve your vision, the health of your arteries and body tissues (such as the heart), joint flexibility and strengthen capillaries and veins to improve your circulatory system, act as an anti-inflammatory, and scavenges oxygen free radicals. If that was not enough, grapes contain reservatrol, which has proven to contain neuroprotective capabilities.

Green tea decaffeinated extract (leaf, 50% polyphenols) - Green tea has important antioxidants and compounds. Studies reveal an impact on heart disease and cancer which are promising. The antioxidants, called catechins, scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA.

Holy basil powder - Holy basil powder contains vitamin C, carpteme, calcium and phosphorus which helps the skin stay healthy and supple by protecting it from environmental toxins. It contributes to the health of the throat chest and lungs and protects the respiratory tract and has been used as an anti-inflammatory.

Sweetened with Stevia - Native to subtropicall/tropical South America and Central America, stevia sweetens whatever it is added to without adding calories. Research shows a regulating effect on the pancreas and has been used to help stabilize blood sugar levels, therefore useful to people with diabetes and hypoglycemia. It may lower elevated blood pressure, aids in digestion, reduces gas and stomach acidity. It has been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay.

(Greenberry also contains natural strawberry and raspberry flavors, while Chocolate contains cocoa and chocolate powder, with natural vanilla and cinnamon powder for flavoring.)

Feel free to download and read this free e-book! If you know anyone struggling with cancer, please send this book to them.  

http://www.truthpublishing.com/chlorellaspirulina_p/pdf-cat21249.htm

Here is a small sample of what the book will explain:

“...did you know that, ounce per ounce, spirulina contains twelve times the digestible protein of beef? It's a far better protein than beef, and it contains a much healthier mineral balance (such as magnesium) that just isn't found in beef.

Did you know that a phytochemical found in chlorella can actually rebuild nerve damage in the brain and nervous system? That's why chlorella is being used in the recovery of patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Were you aware that both chlorella and spirulina can actually reverse cancer in the human body? Both of these super-foods have been clinically shown to demonstrate stunning preventive and curative properties when it comes to all sorts of cancers.

And finally, did you know that these superfoods also contain a high content of essential fatty acids such as GLA that are routinely missing from the diets of most Americans and yet are critical for healthy brain function? " (Mike Adams )