Update 1/30/20. According to the Isagenix website, IsaLean Shakes “contain superior nutrition compared to other meal replacement shakes on the market” and are designed to “take your health and performance to new levels.” Powerful words indeed; but words aside, the big question is, does the Isagenix shake work or not? In this review, I’m going to look at the clinical research and ingredients in the IsaLean Shake. Hopefully, this will help you better decide if the IsaLean Shake is right for you.
IsaLean Shake Ingredients
According to the product website, one Isagenix IsaLean Shake (Dutch chocolate flavor) has 240 calories per packet and the following nutritional information:
| 240 calories | |
| Calories from fat = 55 | |
| Calories from saturated fat = 20 | |
| %DV | |
| Total Fat 6 g | 9% |
| Saturated fat 2 g | 10% |
| Trans fat 0g | |
| Polyunsaturated fat 0.5g | |
| Monounsaturated fat 3g | |
| Cholesterol 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium 265 mg | 11% |
| Potassium 430 mg | 12% |
| Total carbohydrate 24g | 8% |
| Dietary fiber 8g | 32% |
| Sugars 11g | |
| Protein 24g | 48% |
DV = daily value. DV based on eating 2000 calories per day
Tip. The easy way to read a food label in the US is to remember these two facts about the daily values (DV):
- When you see 5% or less, it’s low in that nutrient.
- When you see 20% or more, it’s high in that nutrient.
Looking at the basic nutrition label for the product, we can say that the Isagenix Lean Shake is high in protein. Its 24 grams of protein provides 48% of the body’s protein need per day (assuming you are eating 2,000 calories per day).
The shake is also considered high in fiber because the 8 grams it provides is 32% of the fiber we should have in a day. The fiber (and protein) likely help people feel full longer—so that is good.
Vitamins In The Shake
Here are the vitamins and minerals listed in the product
| Vitamin A 50% | Vitamin C 40% |
| Calcium 30% | Iron 14% |
| Vitamin D 80% | Vitamin E 35% |
| Thiamin 60% | Riboflavin 70% |
| Niacin 45% | Vitamin B6 60% |
| Folate 80% | Vitamin B12 200% |
| Biotin 45% | Pantothenic acid 40% |
| Phosphorous 25% | Iodine 40% |
| Magnesium 50% | Zinc 45% |
| Selenium 40% | Copper 50% |
| Manganese 60% | Chromium 80% |
| Molybdenum 60% |
How Much Fat Is in the IsaLean Shake?
The IsaLean Shake is 22.9% fat, so it is high in fat. I got this value by dividing the fat calories (55) by the total calories (240) X 100. In other words, 55/240 X 100 = 22.9% fat. This is a high-fat food because it’s more than our “20% or more is high” rule.
Note. As a rule, most healthy people should consume less than 30% of total calories in fat in a day. If the IsaLean Shake is the “worst” thing you eat per day, you are ok, because it only makes up 22.9% of the 65 total grams of fat of our daily recommendation (if we eat 2,000 calories per day).
Now for saturated fat. The shake has 20 calories coming from saturated fat. So, doing the same math as before, 20/240 X 100 = 8.3% saturated fat. So, the IsaLean Shake is neither low (less than 5%) or high (20% or more) in saturated fat. Putting this in a better perspective—people should aim for not more than about 15 grams of saturated fat per day. One IsaLean Shake provides 2g of those 15 grams. Overall, I’d say it’s not too bad.
Isagenix distributors will point out that the saturated fats in IsaLean Shakes come mostly from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that come from coconut oil. These are fats the body processes differently. As a result, they are less likely to be stored as fat and more likely to burn for energy. This might help people to lose weight―and there is some evidence of this too.
Many people say that MCTs are healthy fats, but in all due respect to those individuals, I must point out that more research is needed on this issue. For more on MCTs, see this review.
IsaLean Shake’s Ingredients
Below the Nutrition Facts Label are the ingredients in the IsaLean shake. There are a LOT of ingredients. Fortunately, ingredients in the US are always listed in order from the most to the least so we can see which ingredients a product has the most of. So, reading from left to right, the label indicates that one packet of the Isagenix IsaLean Shake has the following ingredients:
| Myo-IsaLean Complex™ | fructose | natural Dutch cocoa powder |
| isomaltooligosaccharide powder | sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil powder | natural flavors |
| olive (Olea europaea) oil powder | xanthan gum | flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed powder |
| medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil powder | Ionic Alfalfa™ | potassium citrate |
| magnesium oxide | tricalcium phosphate | sea salt |
| magnesium citrate | enzyme blend | silicon dioxide |
| yucca (Yucca schidigera) root powder | vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | magnesium stearate |
| psyllium seed powder | biotin | selenium amino acid chelate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus | cinnamon(Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder | stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) leaf extract |
| vitamin E succinate | copper amino acid chelate | vitamin A (betacarotene) |
| zinc oxide | manganese amino acid chelate | iodine amino acid chelate, |
| niacinamide | d-calcium pantothenate | vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) |
| chromium amino acid chelate | niacin | molybdenum amino acid chelate |
| vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) | vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | vitamin B2 (riboflavin) |
| vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride) | folate (folic acid) |
The Myo-IsaLean Complex™ is composed of whey protein concentrate (undenatured), milk protein concentrate (undenatured), and low-heat nonfat dry milk.
The Enzyme blend is composed of: lactase (from Aspergillus oryzae), lipase (from Rhizopus oryzae), cellulase (from Trichoderma longibrachiatum), invertase (from Saccharomyces cerevisiae), protease (from Aspergillus oryzae), amylase (from Bacillus subtilis), bromelain (from Ananas comosus), papain (from Carica papaya), and acid-stable protease (from Aspergillus niger).
Looking over the ingredients in the IsaLean Shake, I can make these general statements:
- The enzyme blend won’t help weight loss. There's no evidence for this.
- The second ingredient in the list is fructose, for those who consider this.
- I believe most of the shake’s 8 grams of fiber come from mostly from xanthan gum and flax.
- I don’t know what the “natural flavors” are.
- It contains an ingredient called isomaltooligosaccharide (iso-malto-oly-go-sack-a-ride) powder. Isagenix calls this a prebiotic.
Prebiotics are basically the food of probiotic bacteria. That said, prebiotic supplements are not needed.
- The Myo-IsaLean Complex is an invented word that refers to the type of protein the shake contains. The Myo-IsaLean Complex of whey and casein proteins, which are found in milk. Whey protein is a good source of branch chain amino acids. The casein protein is absorbed slower than whey protein. This combination may be present because of the desire to supply muscles with a steady stream of amino acids over a long period of time, in the hopes that this might enhance muscle growth. The prefix “Myo” refers to muscle, but I’m not aware of any evidence that the Myo-IsaLean Complex of protein builds or maintains muscle or helps people get lean better than other forms of whey and casein protein.
Isagenix Research
Now, let’s talk about the research on the Isalean Shake. I searched online as well as on the isagenixhealth.net website and found two studies on the shake that I will summarize below:
Study #1
A study published in 2012 in the journal, Nutrition and Metabolism Here is the summary :
- Fifty-four overweight women were randomly put on either a liquid intermittent calorie-restricted diet or a food-based calorie-restricted diet for 8 weeks. The liquid diet consisted of two Isagenix IsaLean shakes per day.
- For this program, the women ate fewer calories for the first 6 days and on the 7th day, consumed only water and 120 calories of juice powder.
- On the calorie-restricted days, the women consumed an IsaLean Shake for breakfast and lunch and ate a 400–600 calorie dinner. This means that on their calorie-restricted days (6 days of the week) the women were eating between 880 and 1,080 calories per day in 3 meals. This is less than the average person eats per day.
- The women in the food-based diet were instructed to reduce their calories by 30% of normal in the 3 meals per day they were to eat. On the 7th day, (fasting day) they also were to consume only 120 calories.
- Both groups met with a registered dietitian who instructed the women on how to eat healthily.
Study Results:
- Greater reductions in body weight and waist circumference were seen in those getting the IsaLean Shakes.
- After 8 weeks, women in the IsaLean shake group lost about 8 lbs. Those eating food lost about 6 lbs.
- Significant reductions in fat mass were seen in those who used the IsaLean Shake compared to those who didnt (about 6 lbs lost vs. about 4 lbs).
- Significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL were seen in those getting the IsaLean Shake.
- A significant increase in LDL particle size (this is good) was seen only in the Isagenix Shake group.
- Both groups saw a significant reduction in small particle-sized LDL molecules (this is good).
- Significant reductions in leptin, IL 6, tumor necrosis factor, homocysteine, and IGF1 were significantly lower in those getting the IsaLean Shakes.
- CRP, a measure of cellular inflammation (and a marker for heart disease), did not change in the Isagenix group. Interestingly, CRP did decrease a little (non significantly) in the group who just dieted.
Study Problems
1. Only women were in the study. What about men? It's possible different genders react differently.
2. The researchers did not track calorie intake. I feel this is the biggest problem for the women who did not get the IsaLean Shake. In other words, how do we know they ate the same calories as the women who drank the shake? We don’t.
3. The participants knew who was getting the shakes. Since the women were aware of who got the shakes, it’s possible those women may have acted differently (ate fewer calories on purpose, for example) than the food-only group. The food-only group should have gotten a placebo/zero-calorie shake to eliminate this possibility.
4. The study was funded by Isagenix. While I have no problems with companies funding research on their supplements (I like it actually!), I prefer that the researchers have no association with the studies that are conducted. In this investigation, one of the researchers had a “consulting relationship” with Isagenix.
Another question: why do people do intermittent fasting? Why not just test the shake itself? Even if intermittent fasting is part of the Isagenix program, I think a more useful study would be to take those same 54 women, do the same measurements but randomly give them either the two IsaLean Shakes or two placebo/zero-calorie shakes a day for 8 weeks, tell them to cut their calories and see who lost the most weight and was the healthiest? The way the study is done, we can't know if it was the shake or fasting that caused the results.
Another study option: compare the weight loss and health benefits of the IsaLean Shake to other meal popular replacement shakes such as:
- Shakeology (click to see my review)
- Body by Vi Shakes (click to see my review)
- Right Size Smoothies (click to see my review)
- Herbalife Formula 1 Shakes (click to see my review)
Heck, they could have even compared the IsaLean Shake to Slimfast!
Study #2
This study is titled Intermittent fasting combined with calorie restriction is effective for weight loss and cardio-protection in obese women.
Here’s the thing. This is the SAME study as study #1. As such, it suffers from the same drawbacks as the first investigation. Why did they re-purpose the same study data under a different name?
Bottom line: Whether it’s kosher or not in the scientific community to do re-purpose the same data under a different name is irrelevant in my opinion. It’s sneaky science and it gives Isagenix distributors a false sense of how much research supports the products they sell.
See the review at Science-Based Medicine for another review on the research
IsaLean Shake and Exercise
The Isagenix website notes that the IsaLean shake is designed to “take your health and performance to new levels.” By “performance” I assume they are referring to exercise performance. While I don’t think the Shake will hurt the ability to exercise, I am also not aware of any clinical research to show it improves exercise ability either.
The Isagenix Cleanse
Included in the Isagenix program are cleanse days on which people eat fewer calories in conjunction with taking various Isagenix supplements. This is said to rid the body of toxins, which, after they are lost, makes it easier to burn fat and lose weight. But what are these toxins? Either way, theirs no clinical proof the shake eliminates toxins.
The Isagenix Company
Isagenix―also called Isagenix International LLC―was founded by Dr. John Anderson and Jim and Kathy Coover in 2002. Dr. John Anderson is called the “Master Formulator” of several Isagenix supplements.
According to the product website, the company is located at 2225 S. Price Road, Chandler, Arizona 85286. That address doesn’t come up on Google maps, but I did locate another address for “Isagenix International.” That address is 601 S 54th St, Chandler, AZ and on Google maps, does indeed show a building that says “Isagenix” on the outside. That's good.
Isagenix has a contact number of 480-889-5747. According to the Better Business Bureau file on Isagenix, the company also has a contact number of 480-889-5777. The BBB gives the company a rating of “A+” as of 1/9/15. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Isagenix Side Effects
The shake is expected to be safe in healthy people. Online reviews don't turn up much of negative side effects although if you have health issues, its wise to consult a doctor first. Here's a short list of things to consider
- Start with less than is recommended for the first week to see how you respond
- Stop the shake at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Talk to your doctor first if pregnant/breastfeeding
- Exercise performance may be reduced by the nature of taking in fewer calories
- Diabetes should be aware of eating less may lower blood sugar. In theory, this may be an issue for diabetics who take blood sugar-lowering medicine.
For those who have health problems, show the ingredients to your doctor or pharmacist, just to be safe.
Isagenix vs. IdealShape
There are no head-to-head clinical studies comparing Isagenx to the Ideal Shape supplement. Isagenix distributors have asked me about this so if that's you, here's my IdealShape review.
Does It Work?
I like that the IseaLean shake has 240 calories. While this is a bit more calories than in other shakes—like Shakeology—I think this is probably closer to what people typically eat for a snack. I also like that the Shake has more fiber. In addition, I like that the shake has 24g of protein, which when combined with the fiber, might help people feel full longer, reducing overeating setbacks. While not proven, the added protein might also help spare muscle loss during dieting.
The big question, however, is this: Is the Isagenix IsaLean Shake better for weight loss? Currently, I see no compelling proof that it’s better than other shakes. While I feel it can be a healthy addition to the diet, I see no benefits―other than convenience―that it’s healthier than the homemade shake I make in my kitchen. I think this is an important point to remember for those who are price-sensitive because the shakes can be expensive. I do believe that if people follow the Isagenix program, they will lose weight. But that’s not because of anything unique in the IsaLean Shake or the cleanse system. I believe people lose weight with Isagenix because they eat fewer calories.
Question…….how would the Isagenix products help me convert my body to burn fat during exercise rather than relying on glycogen.
I do longer races, typically around the 6 hour mark, so my weekly training is around 10 hours. Would my body start using muscle for fuel with the calories being so low on the regular and cleanse days?
Thank you
Hi Andi, it’s good to remember that we are always burning a combination of carbs (glycogen and glucose) and fat. At lower intensities, we burn a greater percentage from fat while at higher intensities of activity, we use a greater percentage from carbs.
Another way of saying this is that the longer we can do something, the more fat we burn. Races lasting 6 hours are burning a LOT of fat.
It’s also good to remember that both calories (total calorie intake) and carbs, help protect muscle (and protein in general) from being burned for fuel. That said I’m not aware of clinical studies on how Isagenix impacts the respiratory quotient (which would tell us what you are burning for fuel during exercise and at rest).
I can say that maintaining adequate carbs during exercise will reduce protein breakdown but how much I am not sure.
Just my 2 cents but I dont think you need “cleanse days.” Exercise is a great cleanse by itself.
Any other questions, just ask.
Yes I did. I remember also having to drink an awful lot of water with it too. Not necessarily a bad thing if you don’t your digestive system is really compromised! Main reason I want to take this again is that I have a ton of it. I don’t want to throw it out. And one of the biggest benefits of the system is the wonderful “face” transformation you get. Really a dramatic change.
Hi Michelle, the drinking of water is common with wt loss products but here’s a question: how much water are you drinking? There is such a thing as drinking too much water. Its called hyponatremia (hypo-nay-tree-mE-ia). One of the side effects is headache. Here’s something on hyponatremia that might help: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyponatremia
Hi Joe,
Starting the Isagenix shake plan “Again!”
My first impressions: Good: good taste, filling and convenient. Bad: headache right right off the bat. Feel like I have to pee constantly.
Can you make a comment about the headache? Any idea what could cause that? I did have them regularly when I was doing the Isagenix thing for about 4 mos. Also, if avoiding dairy usually helps with weight loss for me, is the dairy whey in the Isalean shakes contraindicated?
Thanks so much as always for your great insight and expertise navigating all this, Joe!!
Hi Michelle, I honestly am not sure what is causing those headaches you mentioned. There is a lot of ingredients in the Isagenix shake. Did you get headaches as soon as you drank the shake every time?
Has anyone else noticed headaches?
Yes. Headaches within 5-10 minutes after the shake. But I was attributing it to the fact that I mix it with ice.
Nothing on the ingredient list is usually a trigger for me.
I have found though that caffeine decreases the intensity of the headaches.
Lula, that’s an interesting point. Could the headaches be caused by drinking cold stuff too quickly (like “ice cream headache?”). Yes caffeine can help headaches. Caffeine is in some pain relievers for that reason.
Thank you! This is the best review I’ve been able to find on the shakes… neither damning them for being an MLM scam, nor praising them as a holy grail.
I (very reluctantly) started Isagenix a couple weeks ago. I’m generally having one shake in the morning for breakfast, and subbing a second shake for either lunch or dinner. I don’t think I’ve lost weight, but my energy levels do seem a bit better.
My primary motivation is convenience and cost. I work long hours and have very little time at home to cook, so either I don’t eat or I eat out for most meals. That ends up being costly and generally not particularly healthy. I had looked at “full nutrition” drinks before (like soylent), and this seemed at least marginally better.
I haven’t had any negative side effects, and it’s mostly kept my hunger curtailed during the day. And once I divide the cost per meal, it’s tremendously cheaper than a restaurant meal twice a day.
I tried Shakeology once, and it was delicious but destroyed my digestive system. I expected this to be similar, and have been pleasantly surprised to find that not to be the case!
Hi Marie, thanks so much for saying that and I am very glad Isagenix is working well for you
Hi there. I’ve tried many shake regimes to loose weight. Been on Isagenix for ten days and lost over 2 kilos before I got ill with an infection so I had to stop for a month as I am on antibiotics and now I am back for a week and lost another Kilo already.
I can not drink milk so this was perfect cos i don’t have the side effects, however, the snacks have dairy so I am careful on what I choose to eat in their snacks and bars. I like the shakes, it keeps me full for a longer time however I develop rashes randomly with my body with the 30 day program.
I am not sure what particular product does it. I have been trying to do process of elimination and not successful. I had may deep cleanse yesterday and day before and you are to drink the Cleanse for Life 4 time throughout the day plus the different tablets to help detoxify.
More rashes appeared randomly. I will probably just stay with the shakes and no to the rest from now on and see how it goes.
Hi Lil, thanks for sharing and I agree, just stick to the shake. For what its worth, I dont think hardly anyone needs to cleanse. Its my experience cleanse is just another word for laxative.
This cleanse will not have you running to the toilet, but I agree, there are a lot of cleanses out there like that. I was very skeptical of Isagenix when I started it. I have never had results as good or as fast as with this program. There are a lot of scientists and doctors that boast the benefits of nutritional cleansing.
I challenge anyone to try this program for 30 days, stick to it completely and tell me your body and mind don’t feel completely different. They are one of the only, if not the only, nutritional company that uses independent 3rd party testing for purity and potency. Plus, they offer a 30 day money back guarantee on all products, something most companies don’t do. Two weeks in and don’t like your results? Send it back for a full refund. That to me is also a testament to the products.
Thanks Matthew, I’m happy that you are happy with the results you are getting.
The rash could be a Niacin Flush. If you are taking the natural accelerator with the cleanse it can possibly give you a Niacin Flush.
Lil,
The rash could be couple things. It could be toxins leaving your body. Your skin is the biggest organ on your body. Or as Jana said, a niacin flush. Stop the accelerator. Continue to cleanse, your body is releasing toxins. It’s a process. You should be fine.
For what its worth I dont think the rash was from toxins leaving the body. I dont think the rash was due to the niacin flush because, if memory serves, the shake contains niacinamide. This is another form of niacin that is not associated with a niacin flush.
It’s stopping your cravings NOW
But when you get off product those cravings will return until you teach yourself how to eat properly
Yeessss sooo right!
I’ve been drinking the Isagenix IsaLean shakes for one month now. I figure- it’s a get your money back, stop any time you want plan, so for me, a win win situation.
So far I truly CANNOT BELIEVE the incredible increase in my energy and stamina. My aches and pains have gone away, I work out in a gym 3 days a week. I’ll be 60 in December, so, to me, this is incredible! My cravings for sugar (I was practically a sugar addict) have disappeared almost completely. I am VERY satisfied and pleased so far with this product and WILL NOT be stopping it anytime soon!!!
Hi Sue, thanks for sharing and I’m really glad Isagenix is giving you those results.
Joe, Have you ever done a review of a product called Purely Inspired Organic Protein? I have been using this as I cannot have any dairy, whey or soy products. I actually can take the taste of it. I mix it with one cup of unsweetened Almond/Coconut milk, one 5 oz container of plain greek yogurt (Oikos Zero or Choboni O% fat brands) a banana, 1/2 cup fruit, 1/2 cup veggies and a few ice cubes to thicken it to a milkshake consistency.
I use the french vanilla flavor so that I can add my own flavors via the fruits I choose to use or sometimes add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa if I am in a chocolate mood, or other flavor extracts depending on what I am in the mood for that day.
The label says that it has flax in it but doesn’t say how much so I have been adding a tablespoon of my ground flax seed powder to it every day too. Since using this product regularly my IBS has just about completely been eliminated, I am starting to be able to fight through the depression that has had a grip on me for months and actually am able to get up and move getting into an exercise program again, something even a month ago seemed impossible for me.
I have shown the label to my doctors (cardiologist and primary care) and they both are not concerned with me using the product and basically said if it helps then use it, as they don’t see anything listed on the label that would harm me.
The fact that it is easily available, at Walmart or Walgreen’s for only $20 a container makes it fit into my tight budget a lot easier too. My sister has been involved with Herbal Life for years and has had me try their stuff but I can’t handle it because it makes me physically sick, gives me headaches, makes me vomit and gave me uncontrollable diarrhea (guess that’s how you lose weight on it LOL).
I have a niece who is now into this Isalean shakes and pushing the dairy free shakes. I am happy sticking to the Purely Inspired Organic shakes. Since starting to use it the beginning of April I have noticed my nails are not splitting & breaking anymore and my hair is looking so healthy & shiny again too which for a lady is an added plus.
I’d be interested in hearing anything you have found out on this product or to read any review you have done on it. Thank you. This article here has been informative.
Hi Susan, Ive never heard of Purely Inspired Organic Protein but if its helping you and your feeling better – and inexpensive – than Id say stay with that rather than other things that you cant tolerate. Hopefully now that your IBS is getting better, that your depression will lift. keep me posted on how you are doing.
Hey Joe,
I think I spelled it wrong. I copied the link for you to look at. I do understand your point that I need to be patient and stick with something that works and increase exercise. But what I’m curious about with this link is the idea that certain foods, gmo foods and other processes foods cause inflammation. I feel that is one of my biggest problems. Rings still tight after a month on Isagenix which is disappointing. I trust your judgement and opinion. Thanks! Michelle
https://www.facebook.com/thomas.delauer/videos/1722369024645979/
Hi Michelle, yeah, I noticed it and still found it
Ok I checked out the video. It looks like hes a personal trainer and fitness model. Inflammation is implicated in many disorders. I would say that weight loss can reduce inflammation and exercise can help too, as can eating more fruits and vegetables.
One of the most interesting books I’ve read in a long time is “How Not To Die” which, in, easy to understand language, describes how eating more fruits/veggies can reduce the risk of many different diseases. Fruits and veggies (organic and non-organic) have little bits of natural aspirin in them which helps them reduce inflammation naturally. A side effect of doing this also would be fewer calories eaten and weight loss, which further can reduce chronic inflammation.
It looks like the product hes selling is a $17 healthy eating recipe book. That’s not a big investment, so I’m glad of that. Overall, I have no issues with eating better and I do feel that surrounding yourself with good information can only bolster our resolve to achieve a goal. I have no issues with eating organic and if you can do it, non-GMO too. I’d only say that sometimes these foods can be more expensive so let your wallet be your guide on this.
If you just ate more fruits and veggies (GMO or Non GMO, organic or non-organic), I think you are doing your body a great service.
Dont worry about the rights being tight on your fingers right now. Give this time. Id rather you lost weight slowly. People who lose weight fast tend to gain it all back. I want you to lose weight and keep it off forever
Hi Joe,
I have been on the Isagenix system for about 1 month. Have only lost a small amount of weight (maybe 4 lbs) and don’t think this is the best plan for me to lose weight. I do like the shakes like Shann. I feel they are tasty, filling and a really good meal replacement shake. But I was wondering if you could comment on the: the Organic 7 day reboot program by Thomas Denhauer.
Hi Michelle, Ive never heard of Thomas Denhauer but I can say that organic foods have no special weight loss properties. This reminds me of what Actress Kirstie Alley was doing a few years ago with her Organic Liaison supplements. Here is my review of Organic liaison.
The “reboot” in the name reminds me of the video “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” where Joe Cross traveled the US and helped people lose weight with juicing. He called it a “Juicing reboot.” Anyway you look at it, my hunch is the 7 day reboot program is just a low calorie eating plan. If Im right, it will work – but will it work better than other low calorie plans?
Michelle, losing 4 pounds in a month is pretty good. Overall, its usually not recommended to lose more than 2 pounds a month but my guess is since this was your first month, some of your weight might have been water? Either way, I think losing weight slowly is a better way to go. Id say if you like the Isagenix shakes, and can afford them, stick with it and see how you are doing in another month. I dont think you need any of the other Isagenix supplements either, just use the shakes as meal replacements. Remember to do some exercise too – even walking. it will help you to keep your muscle, which is vitally important to your health.
Write back in a month and let’s see where you are then.
I’ve been on the isagenix program for 2 months and I don’t want to ‘compare’ to other products, nor do I want to be a preacher about how great it is, as everyone is different. The point I did want to put across though (without going into too much detail) is you not seeing the difference between isalean shakes and homemade shakes.
I’m not sure what you put in your homemade shakes but isalean shakes consume whey protein (the best of its kind, cold pressed so you don’t lose all the goodness from heat), live enzymes and a lot of nutrients that couldn’t be consumed by food alone in a day.
I’m not an advocate for selling these products and I’m certainly no nutritionist. And I do like how un-biased this thread is. What I can tell you, in my personal opinion and experiences, is that I’ve tried ALOT of different weight loss and nutritional programs and this is the only one that I will stick to. I will always incorporate isagenix in my daily meal plan (even after I’ve reached my goal weight).
Weight loss aside (although it’s been incredible) these shakes are the only ones that have ever kept me full, I feel better, I look better, my horrible skin has cleared up, I have energy that I haven’t had since an early teen, I have a clearer mind and I’m sleeping like never before and actually waking up ‘awake’.
I eat every 2-3 hours which is more than I used to, but now it’s whole, healthy smaller meals. I’ve tried this without the shakes after speaking with a nutritionist and I didn’t have results even close to what I do now.
Shannon, thanks for sharing and I am really happy that the Isagenix shake is working for you.
My wife wants to hop on the is isagenix craze. I myself am a recreational weightlifter.
Comparing is isagenix to my vitamin shop protein, usage mix has more calories 240, compared to mine which is 150 with the same amount of protein, a 5lb container for me cost 50.00 dollars ,which lasts a month, hers usage isagenix
will cost me $200.00 for a month. What a rip off
Just another fad diet,hardworking and discipline works the best
Your protein is $50.00 for just that…. Protein. Isagenix is a whole lot more than just protein. It’s a meal replacement with all the micronutrients and macronutrients with 23 vitamins and minerals and active enzymes to help ensure the body digests it likes it’s supposed to.
I used to think potato, potatto. But it really is a big difference. Plus since it’s a meal replacement you save money on other food. I believe in hard work too, but if the body is not firing right. It’s almost a waste.
Joe, my wife is interested in this Isagenix. Looking at the shake, I think its lacking. I use Lean Body Hi-Protein Drinks. Mine has 25g of Cholestrol, 9g of carbohydrates, 0g sugar, 40g of Protein and 260 calories. All the vitamins contained are 25% of daily. I love it. I use one for breakfast, and sometimes one for a lunch too. But I followed weight-watchers.
I list 57 lbs in 3 1/2 months with 45 minutes of normal exercise a day during the week. Weekends I ate what I wanted, within reason. But my wife, who just wants to lose an extra 5 lbs, feels she couldn’t lose anymore than she had from WW. So be it. My question is, what do you think of Lean Body 40g shake compared to Isagenix?
James, Ive never compared isagenix the lean body shakes. In your comment I think you mean to say your shake has 25 mg of cholesterol (not 25 grams). At the end of the day if its working for you that’s what counts.
I certainly will! And I look forward to reading more of your reviews and conclusions on other issues. Thanks!
Michelle
Joe,
I am so glad I found your website and reviews section. After reading your review and “all” of the comments I feel that you have delivered a very fair assessment. I also feel that your coverage was unbiased, and based on considerable experience and expertise in the area of nutrition and diet. Thank you so much! Look forward to reading more.
P.S. I now feel more confident about my purchase of the starter pack. Because as you said, there’s nothing magical about eating less calories to lose weight. But if “Isagenics” works for me as a vehicle to do just that, then maybe it is “magic.”
Hi Michelle, so glad you found my reviews helpful
I hope isagenics helps you. Do keep me updated on how things are going.
Michelle, I have both Shakeology which I have used on and off for a few years and recently Isagenix. I have never joined their MLM programs so I’ve never sold either product. Since these are the two main meal replacement shakes I’ve had, I will compare them.
Taste: shakeology chocolate is superior in taste to Isagenix Dutch chocolate. I find all the Isagenox shakes relatively bland, especially the vanilla. The taste is fine though and I would be able to drink – shake daily. I find there 2 shakes a day meal plan too much.
Ingredients: Isagenix is higher in protein and calories. It has a ton of amino acids which shakeology does not. Their whey protein is in denatured. Shakeology does have a bunch of “super foods” in it like ashwagandha, camu-camu, Himalayan salt, etc. They both have enzymes. Shakeology’ protein is a blend of whey, pea protein, flax, chia, and quinoa. Shakeology has more vitamins. (Isagenix does have Ionix supreme which does have large amounts of B vitamins and has a bunch of herbs, but is is added cost and separate from the shakes.
Fullness: when both are mixed with just water Shakeology makes me feel fuller longer even though it has less protein. However, Isagenix is smoother. For Shakeology to be smooth I add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt which also adds protein and calories. Both do make me feel more full when mixed with milk, but the fullness lasts longer with Shakeology again.
Cost: Shakeology is $130 for a one month supply. Isagenix shakes are a little less at $100.
I personally don’t like dealing with MLM stuff. Sellers pressure you to buy and annoy the crap out of you to keep buying.
I recently tried Omnihealth meal replacement shakes which compare themselves to Shakeology. The taste is good, the ingredients are almost the same as Shakeology, but the price is $50 for a one month supply. Omnihealth is sold exclusively at Walmart.
Good luck!
I apologize for the mistakes, I typed quickly on my phone. I forgot to mention Isagenix Cleanse for life made me nauseous and sick.
Cassie, thanks. I didn’t see any mistakes but no worries. I understood what you were saying
Cassie
When people can’t tolerate the CFL it’s generally called a Niacin flush. If you purchased directly from Isagenix via an Isagenix Associate then it’s a guaranteed product. Meaning call Isagenix customer service if you purchased directly from them. Even if it’s past 30 days you should try calling.
If you ordered through Amazon or some other means then Isagenix is not able to guarantee the products.
Good luck!
Hi Carole, the niacin flush is the flushing of the skin that occurs when people take too much niacin, which is a vadodilator. There is actually more than one type of niacin. Niacin can cause the niacin flush however niacinamide does not.
I looked up the ingredients in the Flush For Life. It contains niacinamide (not niacin). If a flushing effect does occur, its not from niacinamide.
I hope that helps.
Cassie, thanks for sharing that comparison! I know it will help everybody who reads it. I’ll try to pick up the OmniHealth shake next time I’m in Walmart.
I made an earlier comment but forgot to mention i hate the taste of stevia and won’t buy any products with that in it. So you have to know you are okay with Stevia
My friend has been on this/these shakes and lost a lot of weight. She didn’t weigh herself but I noticed a lot of weight loss, about 10-15 pounds maybe (don’t know) in one month.
All she has to do is have only a shake in the morning, then regular good lunch, then 1/2 dinner portion with the shake, then fast once weekly with this company’s supplement things for that day. I want to lose belly fat though overall I am petite, but the shakes have dairy.
I still have to look into it deeper because one of the shake’s ingredient list said milk protein but then said skim milk later on too. I am ok with dairy as long as it’s lactose-free.
I read on another website good protein is essential in losing belly fat.
Hi Para, your friend lost weight because she was eating fewer calories than normal. By having a shake in the morning, a regular lunch and then a smaller dinner with a shake, as you said she did, she would be eating fewer calories. I want to point that out becuause anything that does the same thing will probably work just as well.
Protein might help weight loss because it helps curb appetite by helping us stay full for a longer time. When we lose weight, we do not just lose belly fat. We lose fat from all over the body at the same time.
I hope some of this helps Para. If you have any other questions, just ask
Was looking at your review and the thing that I really dislike about these shakes is that they have the synthetic form of folate. When a majority of the population now has the MTHFR gene and need folic acid in the absorb able form (5-mthf, folinic acid etc). Same goes for the b12 (cyano) when many people need p-5-p due to their genetics and SNPs…
Shari, yes, I’ve also noticed folic acid and the cyano-version of B12, in many supplements, which I understand some may not like as much as their methyl-group donating counter parts. I do believe a good diet can compensate to a degree for being Homozygous or heterozygous for the MTHFR gene. Chris Kressor had a nice discussion on his podcast a while back about methyl groups and MTHFR which you might be interested in. I like your website by the way and I wish you much success with it and that’s a very nice family picture you posted too
Hi. Great information and discussion. I’d like to add a bit of perspective, gleaned from 30 years as an owner of a gym. Over the years I’ve seen many “diet” products – shakes, potions, etc… and I won’t deny that many of them “work” – at least in the short run.
However, I’m of the opinion that most of the success people have is due to changes they make in their lifestyle (i.e. eating less – or better, exercising more, etc…) rather than consuming a shake or special drink. Studies on weight loss suggest that sticking to a “diet” is the hard part – and our multi-billion dollar weight loss industry reflects this with a constant bombardment of new plans for success.
Research also suggests that replacing food with shakes or drinks is not sustainable for most of us (for the long-run). People may likely have early success when they participate in one of these shake-based programs – but, most will likely get bored or fatigued (with the limited variety of “food” options) over time.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that if a shake diet plan is needed to kick-start a move to a more healthy lifestyle, then go for it. However, if people think or believe the magic is in the shake – they are being misled. And, unless they make positive changes in what they eat (or how much they eat) they will be looking for another “program” soon.
Great work with the site. Thanks.
David, thanks much and I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.
a relative just left us a bunch of sample shakes in the attempt to get us to buy this stuff.
After trying one, I have a very plausible theory on how these cause weight loss – they’re horrible. They taste like slimy flavored mucous. They coat your mouth in that horrid flavor for hours and frankly, after that the idea of eating ANYTHING is pretty abhorrent.
Never mind that I immediately discount ANY product that is supposed to “cleanse” or detox you – that is almost always the sign of snake oil – but this stuff is awful, I can’t believe anyone gets past their first time trying it.
Blech.