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Saturday, May 5, 2012

Body By Vi Shake Review

There are several reasons that I do not do many reviews.  For one thing, that is not why most of you come to my blog.  I am a story teller, a humorist, a commentator, and a lot of other things, but I do not consider myself a product reviewer.  If and when I decide to review a product, you will know that it is either really, really good, or it is really, really bad. 

I receive dozens of product review requests every week.  99% of them, I reject outright.  These may be awesome products, but for me to even consider reviewing a product it must be something that I already use or have been wanting to try, and I usually get offers for products that I do not use or that I do not think that you guys would care anything about.

I also have trouble writing reviews unless I feel strongly about the product. It is generally pretty hard for me to get past “It works.”
A couple of months ago, I was on a Facebook page that had reviewed the Body by Vi 90 Day Challenge (which utilizes protein shakes made by the company Visalus) asking the admin there her opinion.  One of the distributors of the shakes, Courtney James, chimed in on our conversation and offered to send me some of the shake mix to review.  I agreed for  a couple of reasons -- the meal plan that I was following regularly utilizes protein shakes as both meal replacement and as supplement, (see the plan that I have been following in this post:  "Crap. It Works.") and I had heard really great things about the shakes -- how well they work, how great they taste, how easy it was to order, etc. 

About a month ago, I received my bag of shake mix.  As eager as I was to try them, what I was doing was still working well.  I wanted my review of them to be based purely upon their merit, and not how well they worked with what I was already doing.  So I waited until my weight loss had sort of stalled to even open the mailer that the shake had come in.  When I opened the packet a couple of weeks ago, I was disappointed almost immediately.  They are made from Soy based protein.  Now, for the general population, Soy is an awesome and healthy source of protein.  However, I cannot eat Soy.  In case you didn't know, I have a thyroid problem.  Soy is not a good idea for people with thyroid issues because it is a goiteragenic -- it can cause a goiter if you have thyroid problems, and if your thyroid problem IS a goiter, it can cause it to grow.  Rapidly.  I quickly sent an email to Courtney who had sent me the shakes asking for her to let me know if she had any problem with my husband being the one to actually use them and I would still write the review.  When I didn't get any objections, (and after I had convinced my husband to be my guinea pig), we proceeded. 

My husband had actually been off of our plan for a few days as he was out of town, and not home where he could easily follow our plan.  He had gained a little weight back by travelling and eating WAY off plan.  It was the perfect time to try the shakes.  Although I could not consume the Soy based shakes, I did taste each of the ones that we made so that I could honestly tell you that THEY ARE AWESOME.  They taste amazing -- you will think that you are cheating on your diet because they are THAT good.  The letter that the Courtney sent in the mailer, called this sweet cream flavored mix "The shake mix that tastes like a cake mix" and it definitely lives up to that name.  She also sent me a few flavor packs with added nutrients and benefits (things like energy boosters, cardio care, etc.) that you can add to change up the flavor.  Courtney had also sent me an email with several great recipes for ways to change up the shakes by adding things like fresh fruits and juices.  My favorite recipe (big shock) was the Cafe Latte that used cold coffee.  I REALLY wanted to drink the whole thing, but my reaction to Soy kept me from indulging in more than a couple of sips.

The shakes are 90 calories each, 12 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, one gram of fat, and full of vitamins and minerals (just in the mix, before adding the liquid of your choice). You can make them with water or with skim milk, (water for a snack, milk as a meal).  One thing that really impressed me about the shakes was that they are safe to give to kids over 4 years old -- I would not feel comfortable giving my kids a lot of the popular grocery store brand "diet" shakes, I would definitely let my kids have these.  Once you add 8-12 ounces of skim milk, the calorie count goes up to 170 (still very low) and the protein shoots up to 20 grams (very high).

shake's price, I also found that the flavor packets that add the additional benefits, and "Hunger Blockers" that you can add into your shake cost quite a bit extra.  However, I will say that my husband felt that any Hunger Blockers were unnecessary as he didn't feel hungry.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this product, (providing of course that you don't have a Soy allergy or thyroid issues).  The price is very reasonable (especially on auto-ship), and if Courtney James is any indication, your rep will be extremely supportive and helpful.  If you have any questions for her, or if you want to place your own order, you can contact her directly at 604-628-7804, email at info@vigirl.ca, or just go directly to the website www.vigirl.ca.  She also has her own Facebook page as well where she is documenting her own 90-Day Challenge Journey -- http://www.facebook.com/cc90daychallenge

Courtney also sent me the following info from Visalus about the Soy that they use in their shakes.  My endocrinologist has told me that his advice is to avoid ALL Soy, but I wanted to include it for you guys because you should talk to your own doctor and follow his or her advice specific for your circumstances.
There is a lot of misinformation and confusion about soy in the marketplace today. In countries where consumption of soy is high (like Japan) the populations are healthier and have fewer health issues than in America today. So we know that there is misinformation, and facts being taken out of context.
Of the concerns over soy, there are a few common ones. First, is referring to raw soybeans, that can contain a form of phytic acid that can block certain minerals absorption. However, that is based on massive consumption quantities, and of the raw soybean and only occurs in those animals that lack the digestive enzyme phytase. It is only an issue for people who consume those foods to get minerals in their diet, and in massive quantities. The issue is in developing countries, and may have a genetic basis as well because they are lacking the digestive enzyme (which can be supplemented and therefore alleviate the concern). It is not an issue for our products because of how we process the ingredients.
The second common concern with soy are due to some of the components of soy, particularly the isoflavones genistein and dadzein which can affect and inhibit thyroid peroxidase which is necessary for the production of T3 and T4. Thus there is some evidence that it could lead to thyroid enlargement (Goiter) . Our soy has been processed to remove the isoflavones, so this is not an issue.
A third common concern about soy is the effect it may have on estrogen levels in the body. This is again due to the isoflavones, which we have had removed. So this is a non-worry. We should note that many menopausal women do supplement with isoflavones, as it has been shown to help them experience fewer side effects of menopause.
Lastly, our Soy is not genetically modified (it is non-GMO). Many people worry about genetically modified soy, and if any of the ingredients got altered in the breeding process. We use the most natural form we can get, that has not been genetically modified.
Why use soy? It is a complete protein, it is easily digested, and with adequate soy in the diet it can help reduce c-reactive protein (an signal of inflammation and heart disease) in the body, along with cholesterol.
c.james

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

You mention the taste of the shakes, but not anything about effectiveness. So why would you 'definitely recommend this product'??

I've always had concerns about diets that substitute supplements for real food. What happens when you go off the diet? A better plan is to learn how to make healthy food choices and control portions, don't you think?

Anonymous said...

Body by Vi is a yo-yo diet...If you don't continually eat healthy you will gain every bit and then some you just lost. You can however use this as a way to jump start your way but you must continue on a healthy eating plan afterwards. Otherwise you are wasting your money and time.

Anonymous said...

Body by Vi cannot be considered a meal replacement with only 90 calories... That's not a meal!! If your adding a almond or skim Milk then the entire calorie, carb, fat content changes.... The cost goes up etc.
I feel as if that is false advertisement... They are promoting it at 90 calorie shake when reality is you need to add to it to make it a meal... It reminds me of slim fast.. Replace 2 meals a day and get great results!! Uh ya but that is not realistic!!! You are not gonna have a drink for 2 of your meals for the rest of your life... And when you start to eat normal then all the weight comes back!!
People eat healthy and working out is the key to a healthy life... Even of you're only walking around your block 1x a day but making healthy food choices you will see results!

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Anonymous said...

DUH! Just like ANY diet or lifestyle change, in order to keep the weight off, you have to continue eating healthy and working out, if you don't you will gain the weight back. You can't do the plan and lose all that weight then go off and eat Big Mac's and Pizza Hut everyday.

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My Scentsy Story said...

I also have thyroid/goiter issue. I have tried many things and not too many have positive results. Would you mind sharing the name of the other program that you said you were using that was working?

My Scentsy Story said...

I also have major issues with my thyroid/goiter. In the review you mentioned that you had been using another product that was working for you. Would you mind to share what program you were following that was working for you? If you want to inbox me rather than post it on here, that would be great!

Anonymous said...

Ok, I just need to say that this does actually work and it is not a "yo-yo diet". Your calorie deficit is what makes you lose weight. I drink these with almond milk, coffee, and vanilla creamer...its delicious and I am full. Then in-between shakes you need to eat a snack. Obviously if you don't pick something healthy, these shakes won't work. Eating spinach, fruit, low-fat string cheese, etc. is how you lose the weight. I cut back from two shakes to one a day...when you fill that other meal, you have to eat healthy. Obviously you will gain all the weight back if you go back to eating the way you always did...if you eat healthy and exercise (Both are extremely important) you won't gain any weight back and you will be healthy.

Anonymous said...

I like the flexability. I can use them for whichever two meals i choose. I can add a little olive ol as I need it in my diet. I often throw a half a chopped up (raw) zucchini in the blender to make sure I get more fiber and green vegetables. What I noticed right away was my energy level had increased and without knowing it, I also lost inches. One day I put on a short-sleeved jacket that had always been tight on my upper arms and low and behold, there was room to spare!

Anonymous said...

So I had half my thyroid removed 4 years ago cause had an over active thyroid. I'm not on medication but have noticed that trying to loose weight is hard. So my question is, can I drink these shakes since mine was not a goiter? Please help me

Anonymous said...

I have also tried the Body by Vi shakes and they are delicious! I lost 10 lbs the first 2 weeks and felt phenomenal! However, I've been having substanial hair loss! Does anyone know about that? I don't know if Body by Vi is the cause, I just have that question.

Anonymous said...

There is NOTHING in body vi that would make your hair fall out..

Anonymous said...

Yeah, Soy Protein will make you lose your hair. It also interferes with thyroid production if you have a thyroid condition that requires you to be on medication. Usually, you can ingest soy 3 hours after you take your thyroid medicine with no effect upon the medicine. This sounds like a glorified version of Medifast to me. I felt better and had more energy as soon as I quit Medifast. Now I eat healthy with lean proteins, complex carbs, and a lot of veggies and fruit. I LOVE green smoothies and make them myself. I also exercise everyday. I am continuing to lose weight on MY OWN diet plan and encourage you to do the same. There is no substitute or equivalent to REAL food. That is what your body needs and wants.

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kaney said...

Swelling in the neck is the most visible form of thyroid disease. Lack of iodine in the diet affects the thyroid gland and leads to swollen necks known as goiter. Located in the neck, thyroid is an endocrine gland that produces essential hormones.

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Anonymous said...

Talk to your doctor. Hair loss is sometimes an indicator of a thyroid issue.

Anonymous said...

Bobdy by Vi has no where the needed protein the body needs...with not enough protein you can loose your hair, and muscle mass...so yes consuming 2 of these shakes a day, that only offer 12 gms of protein per shake..when the body needs 70-100 during weight loss..can cause your hair to fall out. No it's not the product itself...its the lack of protein the product doesn't have. Research the ingredients..they are not "all natural" as they claim. Just google boby by vi scam, lie, or anyhting and you will see a ton of nutritionist and much more telling the truth on this product.

Anonymous said...

You absolutely need to eat healthy both during and after using this supplement method...but it helps you to get a jump start on a healthy lifestyle! It helps you break addictions to sugar and fat. Plus, once you've begun to feel so great with the added energy and slenderness, you will be motivated to stay AWAY from fast, greasy, fried foods! I think supplement diets are the perfect answer to America's rampant obesity. We don't have the will power to train ourselves to eat right with fast food on every corner, and such busy lifestyles to boot! What a terrible combination and no wonder we are so overweight as a population. That said, there are many effective weight loss solutions, and perhaps healthy eating and exercise IS the best way...but not all of us have the ambition without some type of boost to head off on that path. Kudos to you Mrs. Mom of Four. Great Review.

LBWhite said...

You need to read this article before recommending Body by Vi. I was interested in it too as all my friends are selling it.
http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/low-carb-dieter-beware-soy-based-body-by-vi-visalus-protein-shake-mixes-not-a-panacea/12336

Anonymous said...

Aaagh. Soy is bad for both my hypothyroid ANd my kidney stones. I can't have soy or almonds or..spinach even. Sounds good otherwise as a quick way to lose some wieght for short term use.

Anonymous said...

I have currently started this program...though I did NOT buy from a sales rep...well I bought them from Ebay...which was a lot cheaper and i did not have to worry about trying a product and it giving me a headache. I am writing about my everyday REAL experience as I am taking it. I am not a seller of this and so far it seems to work well. Its only been since this past Monday but I feel full and i have been taking the shakes twice a day. I started at 250 and as of yesterday I was 248. I dont want to check quite yet how much more I lost. I did nto want to join until I knew this product worked...and even if it work I may not join because I do not like the auto ship or being haggled into joining something I dont want to join to have to sell. Anyhow I will try to continue to post my feedback as the weeks go by. So far the first two pounds fell off the first day. Lola Lshs 79 at hot mail if you would like an honest opinion with out it being from someone telling you to purchase from them but I did love your blog..its the first from someone who didnt sell it

Anonymous said...

I have been using Body by vi for 4 month and was very happy with my weight loss until my chem 20 test results. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and visit my doctor every 6 months. Today, my triglyceride level was 565 instead of the normal 124. I explained about the new diet and surprise SOY can affect your body ability to digest good nutrients. I would suggest you get a chem 20 before and after because this may happen to you. The product did make me lose weight and may not effect your triglyceride the same. Better safe than sorry.

Anonymous said...

You have some incredibly negative followers darlin. 90% of everything I read from them is WRONG & unfounded opinion. I did a lot of research before choosing ViSalus & I chose to compile it in my own blog. Feel free to look it over. Also their is absolutely no reason you should avoid VISalus because of the Soy. You are completely safe with ViSalus as all the phytoestrogen has been removed & all the anti-nutrients. http://kingofjunglewbt.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/visalus-vi-shape-shake-researched-review/

Neal Hilton said...

The shakes are OK at best

Savvy_V said...

I too purchased the shake from eBay and chose to do it that way for the same reasons, I don't enjoy the pyramid schemes either. But I just started the shake today and it has made me tired and not at all has it curved my hunger

Anonymous said...

FYI a goiter in the past has been considered a sign of female beauty