Is Shakeology while pregnant safe? The quick answer: For most women, YES, it will be safe.
However, is it appropriate for all? No. I used to feel that Shakeology was sufficient for women to take during their pregnancy, but I no longer feel that there is a one-size fits all approach to nutrition. So what works for one women, may not work for others. Pregnancy is a really important time and the supplements you take during pregnancy are important.
I previously worked as a Beachbody Coach, and drank Shakeology daily for almost three years. At the time, it was a good decision for me and my pregnancy. For most of my second and my third pregnancy however, I did not drink it at all.
Of course I have to tell you to check with your doctor first if you have personal questions or concerns. Every body and every pregnancy is different. Educate yourself, but check with your doctor.
Shakeology and Pregnancy:
- Vitamin A: Some people with little nutrition background look at the nutritional information and see 5000 IU or 100% DV of Vitamin A. In high doses, Vitamin A is very toxic. What they don’t look at is the fact that Vitamin A in shakeology is coming from beta-carotene- the plant precursor form of Vitamin A. It is virtually impossible to overdose on beta carotene (the same nutrient that makes carrots good for our eyes).
- Gas: At first, your digestive system may take some time to get used to the pre and pro biotics in shakeology. If you are not used to having these on a regular basis, you may experience gas and extra bowel movements. If you are nervous or uncomfortable about this, try only having 1/2 serving of shakeology per day until your body adjusts to all the goodness.
- Other Vitamins: Talk to your doctor about other vitamins they recommend during pregnancy. 300 mg DHA is recommended for pregnant women. I’ve increased omega 3’s in my diet by eating chia seeds and omega 3 fortified eggs. Never take extra iron unless your doctor recommends it.
- FDA Recommended: Supplements, including prenatal vitamins, are not tested or verified by the FDA. Meaning, we as consumers cannot be certain that what is on the label is in fact what is in the bottle. Because of this, I always recommend you research your vitamins and know where they are coming from.
- Weight Loss: While people who are cutting down on calories and exercising will most likely loose weight with shakeology, if you are eating the additional 300+ calories recommended to you during your pregnancy, you will not lose weight. You are recommended to replace one meal a day with shakeology. Since shakeology on it’s own is only approximately 160 calories, you may choose to make this a healthy snack, or bulk with healthy nutrients such as oats, milk, peanut butter, fruit, to add nutritious calories while pregnant & breastfeeding.
- Dairy: If you are sensitive to dairy or normally have a lot of stomach/GI issues, I’d recommend choosing the vegan flavors of Shakeology which are completely plant based & dairy free.
My Personal Experience
After going through an entire pregnancy, with healthy outcomes (i.e. my beautiful baby), healthy labs, no complications, I believe my healthy lifestyle has a lot to contribute to this. I had some days where I felt nauseous, tired and overwhelmed. Shakeology was staple during my first pregnancy. Not only for the complete nutrition, but because it came in an easy, compact, tasty to devour form.
I also drank Shakeology for the entire year I breastfed my first daughter. I feel it helped me with maintaining my energy, digestion, and quick physical recovery.
What is in Shakeology?
Protein and Essential Amino Acids to help build muscle and reduce food cravings*
- Help build and repair muscles
- Reduce hunger and food cravings
- Promote healthy skin, hair, and nails
- Chocolate and Greenberry Shakeology include whey protein isolate, an easily absorbable source of high-quality protein that’s ideal for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Tropical Strawberry and Vegan Chocolate include high-quality plant proteins from brown rice, pea and other sources. Essential amino acids, found in these proteins, help the body repair muscle tissue and heal wounds; and reduce hunger pangs. The protein in all Shakeology products provides a highly bioavailable source of essential amino acids.
Prebiotics, Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes, which aid in improving digestion, regularity, and nutrient absorption*
- Aids digestion
- Support a healthy intestinal tract
- Increase absorption of nutrients
- Shakeology contains many ingredients that are beneficial to the digestive system.
- Prebiotics, natural components of certain plants, help support the “friendly” bacteria in your digestive tract.
- Probiotics are strains of live good bacteria that help with the digestive process. They assist the body in absorbing nutrients and minerals, bring an overall balance to the digestive tract, and help support the immune system.
- Digestive enzymes, from sources such as pineapples and papayas, help your body break down food into its individual components, making the nutrients easier to absorb.
Adaptogens
- Help promote a strong immune system
- Help increase energy
- Help protect the body from stress
- Help balance endocrine hormones and the immune system
- Adaptogens are special herbs that grow in harsh climates and conditions, at high elevations, atop mountains where the soil is rocky and oxygen in the air is thin. Because these plants have to adapt to harsh conditions, they have highly concentrated nutrients that can help your body cope with stress, provide energy, and maintain a strong immune system. Shakeology has a total of 9 adaptogens. Which is more than any other shake out there.
Antioxidants and phytonutrients (plant-sourced ingredients) may help maintain health*
- Help neutralize harmful free radicals
- Help decrease inflammation
- Help maintain the immune system
- Potentially decrease the risk of degenerative diseases
- Many of Shakeology’s fruit and vegetable sources have been chosen for their high concentration of healthy natural substances known as phytonutrients, including flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins, and catechins. These substances have antioxidant properties, meaning they help neutralize molecules known as free radicals, which damage cells and may contribute to the aging process. In laboratory tests, phytonutrients have shown promise in helping prevent a wide variety of degenerative conditions.
23 Vitamins and Minerals your body needs to function for optimal health*
- Get a wide range of essential nutrients
- Get your necessary vitamins every day
- Make up for dietary deficiencies
- Most of us don’t get the complete range of essential vitamins and minerals in our daily diets. Some important vitamins, such as vitamin C and the B vitamins, are water-soluble, meaning they’re flushed out of your body after a short time and need to be replenished regularly. Others, like vitamin E, can be difficult to get enough of in food. Shakeology Chocolate and Greenberry provide all these nutrients in an easy-to-take form, so you never have to worry. (Tropical Strawberry and Vegan Chocolate do not have the vitamin and mineral ingredients added.)
Click the below links for the complete list of ingredients and nutritional facts for each flavor:
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Disclaimer: I used to work as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach with Beachbody, LLC. I used Shakeology during my first and much of my second pregnancy. I currently do not drink shakeology any more. If I do drink shakes currently, I use collagen protein powder or Rootz protein powder.
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