On-the-go meal shakes - Huel & Alternatives
On-the-go meal shakes - Huel & Alternatives
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Discussion

TheHeadhunter

Original Poster:

11,203 posts

140 months

Saturday 6th December
quotequote all
My daughter is on ADHD medication, which is working really well, but it's also suppressed her appetite, and she's gone from 45kg to 40kg in 4 months and still dropping. Her healthy weight is probably around 42kg, that was where she was happiest.

She has a good balanced diet, a range of food-sourced supplements and is active, but she is just struggling to eat more. We all see a nutritionist so we know her diet is good, but we just need to get more calories (but not just sugar/processed carbs) in to her outside of meal times when she is on the go and preparing something is not feasible.

I suggested adding a meal replacement/On-the-go meal shake as an after school/before activity drink (not to replace a meal) or anytime when she's not eaten for a whilst but isn't hungry - but she knows she could drink a 'milkshake'.


SO...... Any recommendations for healthy, balanced and nice tasting (16yr old girl nice tasting) pre-made On-the-go meal shakes?

Huel seem to have the market covered (I've never used them, or anyone) but I'm interested to hear of alternatives.

Thanks!

Tekno

211 posts

121 months

Saturday 6th December
quotequote all
Hi..

I’d avoid Huel as not one of the flavors mask the ingredient/powder type tatse.

I’ve been using YFood for several years now and have it on subscription. I’ve solely used the chocolate flavour and genuinely tastes like a chocolate milkshake. Nicer the colder it is.

Yfood I think have a starter pack so that you can try a few flavours.


beermtb

15 posts

1 month

Saturday 6th December
quotequote all
I tried Huel but it gave me a funny tummy! As above I use YFood shakes which will keep you feeling full for a few hours. I love the Fresh Berry flavour but Chocolate is good too. Drink cold if possible.

My nutrition app hates YFood but likes Huel but if you aren't using it for diet control it won't matter.

Bob_The_Builder

3,019 posts

213 months

Saturday 6th December
quotequote all
Going through the same myself (but as an adult).
Breakfast is the key for me, as much protein and sliw release energy as possible. I make our own granola with oats, nuts and seeds roasted in the oven. A huge blob of yoghurt and some fruit chopped like a banana. Maple syrup instead if sugar as it is a slower release. A sprinkle of macca powder for the hormone balancing properties for my wife, off we go. Shop cereals are pointless, loaded with sugar and not much else.

On the go food, fuel type things are a no no for me. Instead fruit or home made energy balls made with date paste (available in all good Arabic shops). As someone who has suffered eating disorders for 30+ years I find that instant meals don't help. I need to take the time to cook and look after myself. It's a good habit to get into at a young age.

Edited by Bob_The_Builder on Saturday 6th December 13:13

danb79

12,490 posts

92 months

Saturday 6th December
quotequote all
TheHeadhunter said:
My daughter is on ADHD medication, which is working really well, but it's also suppressed her appetite, and she's gone from 45kg to 40kg in 4 months and still dropping. Her healthy weight is probably around 42kg, that was where she was happiest.

She has a good balanced diet, a range of food-sourced supplements and is active, but she is just struggling to eat more. We all see a nutritionist so we know her diet is good, but we just need to get more calories (but not just sugar/processed carbs) in to her outside of meal times when she is on the go and preparing something is not feasible.

I suggested adding a meal replacement/On-the-go meal shake as an after school/before activity drink (not to replace a meal) or anytime when she's not eaten for a whilst but isn't hungry - but she knows she could drink a 'milkshake'.


SO...... Any recommendations for healthy, balanced and nice tasting (16yr old girl nice tasting) pre-made On-the-go meal shakes?

Huel seem to have the market covered (I've never used them, or anyone) but I'm interested to hear of alternatives.

Thanks!
Make your own; too much crap in the bought ones IMO

Lots of different recipes on Google etc - just ensure you get oats, bananas/strawberries in there etc (buy frozen, makes it easier) and then whichever protein you want to use (yoghurt as an example)

No need to buy powders and stuff

bodhi

13,397 posts

249 months

Saturday 6th December
quotequote all
I'd suggest the Skyr Yogurt Drinks - I've never had a massive appetite and generally skip breakfast which works ok unless I've agreed to play golf in the morning. One of these before I go normally gets me through without feeling hungry.

They are quite high in sugar (they'll be hit by the updated sugar tax) but are also zero fat, have a good amount of protein and taste far better than any of the other protein drinks I've tried.

The wife swears by the UFit Protein drinks, but I find them a bit artificial tasting. May also be worth a try though?

Defcon5

6,455 posts

211 months

Saturday 6th December
quotequote all
I like the chocolate huel black edition. 40% protein too

TheHeadhunter

Original Poster:

11,203 posts

140 months

Monday 8th December
quotequote all
Thanks all. Yes we already do make a number of smoothies & juices at home as well as having overnight oats/home-made bars etc permanently available, I just wanted something more grab and go as a variety for when she just isn't hungry.

She tried a couple of Huel flavours over the weekend and didn't like, and I have to admit, I can see why. A bit 'old school protein shake'. I'll try the yfood options.

Thanks again.

TheHeadhunter

Original Poster:

11,203 posts

140 months

Monday 8th December
quotequote all
bodhi said:
I'd suggest the Skyr Yogurt Drinks - I've never had a massive appetite and generally skip breakfast which works ok unless I've agreed to play golf in the morning. One of these before I go normally gets me through without feeling hungry.

They are quite high in sugar (they'll be hit by the updated sugar tax) but are also zero fat, have a good amount of protein and taste far better than any of the other protein drinks I've tried.
We do use these, and another yoghurt+ brand I can't remember.

I'd rather have higher fat and lower sugar though!

the-norseman

14,855 posts

191 months

Monday 8th December
quotequote all
Wife tried Huel for a while but it didnt agree with her.

Bluevanman

9,004 posts

213 months

Tuesday 9th December
quotequote all
TheHeadhunter said:
We do use these, and another yoghurt+ brand I can't remember.

I'd rather have higher fat and lower sugar though!
You'd be surprised at how many people still think foods that push the low fat angle are healthy,the last time I looked even the NHS was still coming out with the same twaddle

Mirinjawbro

933 posts

84 months

Tuesday 9th December
quotequote all
First food / meal as early as possible.

As also in reverse when I diet down i eat the first meal as late as possible

Cut caffiene if any

Maybe some physical exercise to get that body clucking for nutrients

Peanut butter / teaspoon of oil over some meals.

TheHeadhunter

Original Poster:

11,203 posts

140 months

Thursday 11th December
quotequote all
Mirinjawbro said:
First food / meal as early as possible.

As also in reverse when I diet down i eat the first meal as late as possible

Cut caffiene if any

Maybe some physical exercise to get that body clucking for nutrients

Peanut butter / teaspoon of oil over some meals.
She's a 16 year old girl, she's can't even communicate until she's had breakfast. The issue is later in the day after her meds.

MrCheese

358 posts

203 months

Try the ready made little bottles of the normal (not Black) Huel Chocolate flavour and put them in the fridge before drinking. Pour them into a nice big glass and it's a reasonably tasty milkshake. Completely different from the powder, which I really could not get to taste nice.

Mirinjawbro

933 posts

84 months

TheHeadhunter said:
Mirinjawbro said:
First food / meal as early as possible.

As also in reverse when I diet down i eat the first meal as late as possible

Cut caffiene if any

Maybe some physical exercise to get that body clucking for nutrients

Peanut butter / teaspoon of oil over some meals.
She's a 16 year old girl, she's can't even communicate until she's had breakfast. The issue is later in the day after her meds.
Can you put some peanut butter in it?
Full fat milk aswell

Does she like flapjacks / brownies ?

Some good cheap homemade ones you can make that when I did they were 300 400 calories each

Quattr04.

772 posts

11 months

I like “protein works” they have a few different options, I have the diet ones which are 250 calouries if you mix with water but she could mix with milk for more cals? They also have a range of meals and protein shakes with different flavours which would be suitable

https://www.theproteinworks.com/complete-360-meal-...

Lincsls1

3,850 posts

160 months

I use the regular Huel powder/shake. Chocolate flavour.
Have been for a couple of years now.
Only use for as a meal replacement when I'm at work for lunch, so 5 meals a week.
I use it as a tool, it makes my working Iife easier. I can 'eat' my lunch in just 2 minutes and then carry on with my working day.
It tastes nice enough, and mixes easily with just the shaker. I remember it took a few days for my stomach to accept it properly but otherwise I recommend it.
Of course I'd prefer fish n chips, or a tasty sandwich, crisps etc. but repeating myself, I use it for convenience and to help my working day.

mooseracer

2,515 posts

190 months

I tried Huel and yfood back in the summer when I had a nasty bike accident and couldn't eat solids for 2 months.

Didn't like Huel powders
Wasn't impressed by yfood
Did get on with the Black Edition Huel drinks. I do still occasionally have them - breakfast while driving for example.

biggbn

29,042 posts

240 months

A good if often overlooked addition to a home made shake is an avocado. I used to have one in my protein shake every morning, made it really creamy and tasty and it is calorie dense fatty fruit that 'burns off' slowly, gives loads of energy.