Review: Real Meal: Meal Replacement Powder

 Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion. I am not sponsored, nor am I a Beachbody coach. If this product is your favorite ever, I am sorry, but it does not work for me.

I purchased the Real Meal Powder from Pure Food after reading reviews only about the benefits, the price, and how it was comparable to Shakeology.

I was excited to try this, because it was a decent price... I did not look into that enough. I read that the flavor is really good, it is filling, quells cravings.... 

I found none of this. 

• PRICE: After I received it and went to make it, I found that a serving is two LARGE scoops per 10 oz liquid. This means you get 10 servings per container. When you do the math, it is around the same price as Shakeology, just broken into smaller payments.

• FLAVOR: I don't care how healthy something is, if it doesn't taste good I will not ingest it. I manage to drink half of my shake on the days that I make it, and most days don't even bother because it does nothing for me. I have mixed it with water and milk, tried adding flavorings, but it isn't worth it to me. 

• FILLING/CRAVINGS: This does absolutely nothing for me. I get no energy from this, my cravings are still there, I am still hungry. I actually suffer trying to finish drinking this. Mixing it with milk and some coffee powder helps a tiny bit, but not enough for me to repurchase. Especially since most days I walk right by it and grab a snack instead.

I have also found something else, and I tested this a few times to see if it was a fluke: It does not mix properly. the powder settles to the bottom of my BlenderBottle within a few minutes, no matter how much I shake it. So every time I take a sip, I have to shake it up again. That is a lot of work and annoying for someone who has sensory overload issues.

I will definitely be repurchasing Shakeology once I am finally done this. Here is why:

• While it has a large price tag, it is for a month supply.
• Six flavors (compared to two), both in Whey and Vegan formulas
• Tastes amazing, extremely versatile
• When I used to drink this, I craved THIS. I was excited to have it every morning, and I was always finding new recipes to liven up the flavor
• Mixes easily, stays mixed
• Boosts energy naturally (this helped me kick soda the first time)
• Offers combo packs, samplers, and numerous auto-ship options (can be purchased in a bag or single serve packets)

Not gonna lie, I have literally nothing bad to say about Shakeology, or Beachbody in general. I still use the workout programs. I trust their products. I remember trying other shakes while I was still a coach, and I disliked all of them compared to this. 

Final point: I'd rather pay a little more for something I know works for me, than something that I am so frustrated with that I don't even want to be bothered most days.

Cirkul Bottle Review

 

I am trying to be healthier. I cut out my soda intake, and want to drink more water. To help me do so, I ordered a Cirkul bottle and 6 starter flavors. I just got the bottle today, but I already have some thoughts.

Ordering Impressions: I ordered from this company because there was a discount on a bottle and 2-3 flavors. (Click here to get the deal!) Cool deal, very exciting. HOWEVER, a few things. You are forced to subscribe (you can cancel). Customer service is not responsive. I know this because: It took over a month to get my initial order. That is fine, I understand they are backed up. But, the subscription order was sent and arrived before the first order even shipped. I never got response from customer service other than a standard email saying there are delays. I am probably going to put my subscription on hold since I now have so many flavor cartridges.

On the plus side, they do have a variety of flavors and bottles. You can also choose what flavors you would like for your subscription, and it is easy to change how often you get your next package.

First Impressions of Product: After waiting so long for this bottle, I was unsure of how much I would enjoy it. So far, I am impressed. I opted for the raspberry lemonade flavor (sweetened with Stevia). It was easy to assemble. The cap stays attached, but has a clip to keep it tucked out of the way. The flavor strength is adjustable; I have it at 3, as 4 was too strong, but it goes up to 10, and you have the option to close the flavor and just drink the water. On setting #5, the flavor cartridge is supposed to last 4 bottle fill-ups, which equals about $.82 per drink. Also, the cartridges are recyclable (You may have to call your recycling center to be sure they will accept them).

I have noticed a clicking noise after I drink from it, almost like air is caught inside. But otherwise, it is great so far. I will update in a week or so, after I have tested it out more.

Quick Side Note: I just noticed that you get points depending on orders, how long you stay subscribed, etc. The points can be used on bottles AND flavors.

One Week Impressions: I really like this bottle. So far I have only used 2 of the flavor filters, but both were great. I do find myself drinking a lot more water. I have my settings at 3-4, I find anything higher is too strong for me. My current filter seems to have an airflow issue; it whistles and the nozzle overflows after drinking. Not a huge problem, just annoying. Also annoying, knowing when your flavor has run out. I thought my first one was done so I disassembled it, pulled the packet off, and there was so much left. Whoops. I also have flavors that I probably won't use, and You have to use the cartridges within 7-10 days after sipping from them as they can form mold. I think I am going to adjust my next order to include items without caffeine so that I can drink them without changing.

Fitbit Alta HR Review

Hello, everyone!

Today, I will be doing a (very late) review of the Fitbit Alta HR.

If you have read some of my earlier posts, I did a review on the Fitbit Flex a few years back. I loved the device, however, it lacked one thing: a heart rate monitor. So I waited, and saved, and finally Fitbit came out with a new device that I thought would suit my needs.

Just like my old model, this one came with one band, and a charger. This model is slimmer, and tracks more than just steps.  It works with the same app as before, and I did have issues at first getting this one to be the main device. The bands are interchangeable, but I have had them break away from the clasp. 

The monitor is on the underside of the device, and you have to make sure to not have it too tight, or it will not read your heart rate. I have sensitive skin, so the band does sometimes irritate my wrist. I do not get it wet, as I feel that unlike the first one, this may not be water resistant. 

Overall, I do like this model. It is light, fits well, and does what it is supposed to.