SAN is a well-known sports nutrition company with a wide product range.  SAN supplements we’ve reviewed elsewhere on UltimateFatBurner.com include Tight (fat loss), Estrodex (estrogen control) and MyoTEST (testosterone booster). The product line also includes a number of nutritional products, such as Infusion – which is described as a “nutrient complex.”  According to the company, Infusion  “… effectively stimulates growth, increases metabolism, promotes fat loss and hormonal equilibrium.”  It comes in four flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal, Wildberry Yogurt and Vanilla Caramel.

Manufacturer’s Description: ”The introduction of Infusion starts a whole new era in “anabolic” nutrition. Formulated with an unsurpassed anabolic nutrient matrix, Infusion effectively stimulates growth, increases metabolism, promotes fat loss and hormonal equilibrium.

Unlike any nutrient complex ever formulated, Infusion’s anabolic potentiating and fat incinerating properties are a result of the biggest and latest technological breakthroughs in Performance nutrition to date! Infused with an unparalleled protein matrix, growth factors and hormonal modulating essential fatty acids (EFA’s), Infusion sets a whole new criteria to which all nutrient formulas will be judged.”

Calories 310 Calories From Fat 90 Total Fat 10g Saturated Fat 3.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 115mg Potassium 750mg Total Carbohydrate 14g Dietary Fiber 7g

Soluble Fiber 1g Insoluble Fiber 6g Sugars 2g Protein 47g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 90% Iron 10% Phosphorus 50% Magnesium 15%

Ingredients: Micellar Casein, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Sunflower Creamer (High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono And Di-Glycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin), Oat Fiber (Avena Sativa) (Seed), Flaxseed (Linumusitatissimum), Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annuus) (Seed), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Conjugated Linoleic Acid Calcium Salt, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Modified Food Starch, Stabilized Rice Bran (Oryza Sativa) (Seed), Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten- Glutamine Peptide(Triticum Aestivum) (Seed), Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Xanthan Gum, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Acesulfame Potassium, Colostrum Powder, Lactalbumin, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Sucralose.

Comments: Infusion is a straightforward supplement with some quality ingredients (such as micellar casein). One serving delivers a solid amount of protein (47g), fiber (7g) and calories (310). It’s virtually a meal replacement, and could probably be used as one during a cutting phase. It’s also an great source of calcium and potassium—minerals that most people don’t consume enough of. In addition, it’s low in sodium (a mineral that most people consume TOO much of), and even provides some gut-healthy, probiotic cultures.  The fat content is moderate as well, and comes from some fairly healthy sources.

Infusion doesn’t quite cut it in the TASTE department, however. I ordered a container of the Vanilla Caramel, as the last few protein powders I trialed were chocolate, and I wanted something different. This may have been a mistake, however, as the Vanilla Caramel was disappointingly flat.

Now, I don’t expect anything vanilla-flavored to knock my socks off, but there are plenty of vanilla protein powders out there that are pretty good, if not outstanding (”Cake Batter” Monster Milk comes to mind). But my container of Infusion was was dull and lifeless even by “plain vanilla” standards… edible (ok, drinkable), but well below the standard set by Cytosport, Optimum, etc.

Nonetheless, Infusion stilll appears to be a well-made product from a nutritional perspective, and of the four different flavors, maybe I just chose the clunker… the Cinnamon Oatmeal, Wildberry Yogurt and/or the Chocolate Peanut Butter have good reviews and might have worked better.

At the end of the day, Infusion is still chock-full of high-quality protein and fiber; and looks like a solid choice for anyone looking for a “value-added” protein supp.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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Myo Lean Evolution is a meal replacement product (MRP) made by Myogenix, a manufacturer of bodybuilding/sports supplements. It’s an even lower carb/sugar alternative to Myo Lean, the company’s low-glycemic index MRP.  Myo Lean Evolution comes in five flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Vanilla Cream, Banana Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Strawberry.

Manufacturer’s Description: “Myo Lean Evolution has set the new standard for meal supplements by providing the most technically advanced blend of whey isolates and slow releasing proteins, and combining them with the highest quality “healthy” fats, all in a low carb, low glycemic formula. We intended on making a”perfect meal” for the elite athlete. We ended up with a product so loaded with high quality raw materials, so nutrient dense, it would benefit not only elite athletes looking to add powerful lean muscle, but anyone looking to improve their health and physique through nutrition. Plus, in the tradition of all Myogenix products, it tastes great!”

Calories 280 Total Fat 8g Saturated Fat 0.5g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 240mg Potassium 1040mg Total Carbohydrate 13g Dietary Fiber 6g Sugars 1g Protein 42g Vitamin A 5000IU 100%	Vitamin B1 1.5mg 100% Vitamin B2 1.7mg 100% Vitamin B6 2mg 100% Vitamin B12 6mcg 100% Vitamin C 60mg 100% Vitamin D 400IU 100% Vitamin E 30IU 100% Vitamin K 80mcg 100% Biotin 300mcg 100% Calcium 340mg 34% Chromium 120mcg 100%	Copper 2mg 100% Folate 400mcg 100% Iodine 300mcg 100% Manganese 800mcg 100% Molybdenum 75mcg 100% Niacin 20mg 100% Phosphorus 269mg 27% Pantothenic Acid 20mg 100% Selenium 70mcg 100% Zinc 15mg 100%
Ingredients: Pentaprotein 50/50™ An Exclusive Blend Of Proteins Chosen For Their Anabolic And Anti-Catabolic Properties (Cross Flow, Micro Filtered Whey Protein Isolates, Egg Albumin, Micellar Alpha And Beta Caseinates, 90% Isolated Milk Proteins, Whole Egg Protein), BeneFat™ A Unique Combination Of Healthy Fats Chosen To Promote Thermogenesis And Support Vital Metabolic Functions (CLA, Borage Oil, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, MCT’s, Organic Cold Pressed Flaxseed, Tocopherols), Cocoa Powder, Natural Fiber And Carb Complex Selected To Control Blood Sugar And Support Daily Regularity (Rice Bran, Chicory Extract, Oat Bran, Nutritive Saccharides Obtained From Starch, Crystalline Fructose, Cellulose, Bamboo Fiber), Essential Nutrient Complex (Peptide Bonded Glutamine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Tyrosine, Taurine, Protease, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Aminogen), Vitamin And Mineral Blend, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Sucralose.

Comments: I picked up a container of “Chocolate Chunk” Myo Lean Evolution from Bodybuilding.com for $30.95 (approx $2.00 per serving). It turned out to be pretty tasty. It also blended fairly well, and was quite filling—especially when mixed with milk instead of water. I thought it was great as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack—especially since I’m (usually) working at those times and don’t like to stop and eat more complicated meals.

It also appears to be a pretty well-made product: it’s low in sugar, provides the RDAs for most of the major vites and minerals, contains a decent amount of fiber, and supplies a generous amount of protein. In addition, there are some “extras”, such as CLA, added amino acids and probiotics.  I suspect the latter may be underdosed, as nutrients like amino acids need to be taken in multi-gram doses to be effective.  Nonetheless, I think this is a minor issue – they may not add much, but certainly don’t detract from the product either.

All in all, I liked Myo Lean Evolution and would buy it again… Good stuff!

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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Muscle Milk Light is Cytosport’s answer to those who like the taste of Muscle Milk, but don’t want the extra calories.  Like the original formula, Muscle Milk Light is based on EvoPro, Cytosport’s proprietary casein-whey protein blend.  While Muscle Milk Light doesn’t come in quite as many flavors as regular Muscle Milk, it’s still a pretty impressive array: Banana Creme, Chocolate Caramel Swirl, Chocolate Milk, Chocolate Mint, Cookies N Creme, Creme Brulee, Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Milkshake and Vanilla Creme.

Manufacturer’s Description: “A great way to get all the great taste and performance of Muscle Milk® with half the fat and significantly less calories! Muscle Milk Light delivers the same nutrition-rich, flavor-packed indulgence of Muscle Milk, but with 50% less fat and 35% fewer calories.* So why make a light version? Because there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all body. The athlete training for football season needs more sustained energy than the athlete training for beach season.”

*comparison based on per serving of original Muscle Milk powder to Muscle Milk Light powder.

Serving Size 2 Scoops (50g) Calories 195 Calories From Fat 50 Total Fat 6g Saturated Fat 2.5g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 115mg Potassium 620mg Total Carbohydrate 11g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 2g Protein 25g Vitamin A 1750IU 35% Vitamin C 21mg 35% Vitamin D 140IU 35% Vitamin E 11IU 35%

Thiamine 0.5mg 35% Riboflavin 0.6mg 35% Niacin 7mg 35% Vitamin B6 0.7mg 35% Folate 140mcg 35% Vitamin B12 2.1mcg 35% Biotin 105mcg 35% Pantothenic Acid 4mg 35% Calcium 600mg 60% Iron 6mg 35% Phosphorus 350mg 35% Iodine 53mcg 35% Magnesium 140mg 35% Zinc 5mg 35% Copper 0.7mg 35% Chromium 108mcg 90%

Ingredients: EvoPro™(Micellar Alpha And Beta Caseins And Caseinates, Whey Concentrates Rich In Alpha-Lactalbumin, Whey Isolates, Whey Peptides, L-Glutamine, Taurine, Lactoferrin), Maltodextrin, Lean Lipids™(Trans Fat Free Lipid Complex Consisting Of Sunflower And/Or Safflower Oil, MCT’s, Canola Oil, L-Carnitine), Cocoa Powder, CytoVite I™ (Vitamin And Mineral Premix Consisting Of Vitamin A Acetate, Cholecalciferol, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Folate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine HCL, Cyanocobalamin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Fumarate, Magnesium Oxide, Copper Gluconate, Zinc Oxide, Chromium Nicotinate), Fructose, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Sucralose, Soy Lecithin.

Comments: I purchased two 1.65 lb. containers of Muscle Milk Light powder from  Bodybuilding.com: Chocolate Peanut Butter (above) and Cookies N Creme.  Each container cost $24.89, which works out to $1.67 per serving… a relatively decent price for a meal replacement-type product.  Bodybuilding.com has a running “buy 2 get one free” offer, which would have made it even cheaper… however, according to the customer service rep I spoke to, all three have to be the same flavor.  So I ended up with only two, since I wanted to sample a couple different ones (bummer!).

 (It’s a shame Cytosport doesn’t take a page out of Optimum Nutrition’s book, and make a variety pack featuring all the different flavors of Muscle Milk/Muscle Milk Light.  They’d really be doing their customers a favor.)

At any rate, I can’t say I was unhappy with the choices I made: the Chocolate Peanut Butter was more dark than milk chocolatey (which I liked); and the Cookies N Creme was appropriately Oreo-like.  I enjoyed both, although taste-wise, I think Muscle Milk Light ranks a bit below regular Muscle Milk.  The difference is that it contains more gums/thickeners to replace the mouthfeel of the missing fat.  Mixed in water, this gives it a somewhat thicker texture than the original, although this was less pronounced in milk, or blended with ice cubes to make a faux “milkshake”.

Judged on its own merits, however, Muscle Milk Light is pretty tasty as well as nutritious: it contains a solid amount (25g) of high quality protein per serving, as well as decent amounts of the standard vitamins and minerals.  The high potassium content (420 – 620mg) was a pleasant surprise: Americans don’t consume enough of this important mineral.  I would have preferred a higher fiber content, though: original Muscle Milk contains 5g/serving, while the Light version contains only 1g.

This isn’t a fatal flaw, however. Overall, Muscle Milk Light is a solid product that works well as either a general purpose protein supplement or a reduced calorie meal replacement.  It’s tasty, filling and comes in a tempting range of flavors, so it’s worth checking out:  it shouldn’t be hard to find one (or more) you’ll love.

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

Muscle Milk Light is available from Bodybuilding.com!

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CNP Professional was formerly known as “Dorian Yates Approved” – after legendary bodybuilder Dorian Yates (the company was renamed following his departure). CNP’s product line is focused almost exclusively on protein powders and meal replacements.  The “Pro-MS” line is in keeping with this: it’s a high protein, meal replacement powder designed for women.  Pro-MS comes in three flavors: Swiss Chocolate, Wild Berries and Cream and Vanilla Caramel.

Manufacturer’s Description: “Pro Ms is the first and only low calorie, high quality meal replacement product on the market to provide optimal nutrition for the female form!

A comprehensive nutritional strategy that will benefit anyone, from the female Olympian to the highly stressed executive or the housewife just wanting some help getting back in shape after having a baby!

…Pro-Ms is a cutting edge weight management formula originally designed for professional athletes. Easily stirred into a glass of water, it comes in 3 delicious flavours. Each serving provides 25 g of protein, but only 11 g of carbs (2 g sugar), for a total of 160 calories. Only good fats are included; CLA and flax seed oil, -fats that burn fat. It contains natural ingredients that dramatically curbs appetite and stimulate the fat burning process.”

Serving Size 1 Packet (47g) Calories 160 Calories From Fat 20 Fat 2g Saturated Fat 0.5g + Trans Fat 0.5g Cholest. 20mg Sodium 300mg Potassium 400mg Carbohydrates 11g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 2g Protein 25g	Vitamin A 1500IU 30% Vitamin D 240IU 60% Niacin 20mg 100% Biotin 180mcg 60% Vitamin C 60mcg 100% Vitamin E 30IU 100% Vitamin B6 61.2mg 60% Pantothenic Acid 6mg 40% Zinc 15mg 100% Calcium 1000mg 100% Magnesium Stearate 300mg 30% Thiamin 0.9mg 60%	Folic Acid 200mcg 50% Phosphorus 900mg 90% Copper 0.8mg 40% Iron 8mg 50% Riboflavin 1mg 60% Vitamin B12 3mcg 50% Iodine 60mcg 40% Chromium 50mcg 40% Manganese 1mg 50% Selenium 30mcg 42% Choline 80mg Molybdenum 60mcg 80%
Ingredients: Pro Ms Proprietary Structured Protein Blend (Whey Protein From High Fraction Concentrate, Milk Protein Cultured With Bifidus, Acidophilus, And Yogurt Organisms, Soy Protein Concentrate, Peptide Bonded Glutamine), Whole Grain Carbohydrate Mix (Fructooligosaccharide, Organic Flax Seed Meal, Rice Meal, Oat Meal), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Vitamins And Minerals (Di-Calcium Phosphate, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Oxide, Choline Bitartrate, Ascorbic Acid, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferrous Fumarate, Niacinamide, Beta Carotene, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Chromium Chloride, Cobalamin Concentrate (Vitamin B12), Folic Acid, Biotin, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodate), Proprietary Feminine Metabolic Fat Blend (Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, Flax Seed Oil), Proprietary Antioxident/fat Burning Blend (Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Raspberry Essence, Green Tea Extract, Jojoba Extract, White Kidney Bean Extract, Maitake Mushroom Meal, Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Cellulose Gum, Sucralose.

Comments: I purchased a box of the Vanilla Caramel Pro-MS from bodybuilding.com. A box of 15 packets cost $29.98 US – basically $2.00/serving, which is a fairly standard price for single-serving meal replacement packs.

CNP refers to the shake as “rich” in their write up…actually, when mixed in water according to the directions, I found it to be rather thin. The flavor was good, and the powder dispersed well, but there’s an ingredient in there that simply wouldn’t dissolve properly. I used a spoon, a wire wisk and – finally – a blender (for a full minute, no less)…didn’t matter. Every time I mixed one up, there was a fine, crystalline grit left at the bottom of my glass. It wasn’t unpleasant, I suppose, but noticeable.

Beyond that, Pro-MS has a decent amount of protein, and was reasonably satisfying for only 160 calories. From a basic, macronutrient standpoint, it seems like a good product. I’m a little unsure about the added nutraceuticals, however. It’s an intriguing list, to be sure: CLA, raspberry “essence” (ketones???), green tea extract, and so on. What’s missing, however, is any information about the DOSES of these compounds. This silence makes me suspect they’re largely “label decoration”. For example, the product write up boasts of an “Health promoting, anabolic mix of Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Flax Seed Oil, CLA, and Omega-3-Fatty Acid”…ok, but there are only 2 grams of total fat per serving. When you consider the residual fat from the protein sources, this doesn’t leave a whole lot…not nearly enough for any major “health promoting” effects.

So, I’m somewhat “iffy” on this product…it’s tasty enough, but not quite as good as it could be. For what it’s worth, however, if it was a choice between this, and some other mass-market product like Slim Fast, I’d take this one in a heartbeat. It may not be all it’s cracked up to be, but it’s still waaay better than that.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.0/5.0

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iSatori Technologies is a company that’s fairly well-known in the bodybuilding/fitness world.  The name may already be familar, as iSatori supplements (such as Curvelle, Lean System 7 and Morph) are reviewed elsewhere on the site.  Eat Smart is a meal replacement powder (MRP), that complements iSatori’s fat loss and muscle-building product lines.  It comes in four flavors: Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Double Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Manufacturer’s Description: Eat-Smart contains only the highest quality proteins, whole-food/low-glycemic carbohydrates, “good” fats, and added fiber. There’s absolutely no fructose, aspartame, corn syrups, hydrogenated oils, or unhealthy fats…Eat-Smart makes a perfect meal anytime, and supplies your body with the nutrients it needs to recover from physical exercise, sustain your energy levels, and build a healthy, new you.

Calories 140 Calories From Fat 25 Total Fat 3g Saturated Fat 0.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 20mg Sodium 250mg Potassium 250mg Total Carbohydrate 9g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 1g Protein 19g	Vitamin A 10% Vitamin C 10% Calcium 15% Iron 10% Vitamin D 10% Vitamin E 10% Vitamin K 10% Thiamin 10% Riboflavin 10% Niacin 10% Vitamin B6 10% Folate 10%	Vitamin B12 10% Biotin 10% Pantothenic Acid 10% Phosphorus 13% Iodine 10% Magnesium 11% Zinc 10% Selenium 10% Copper 10% Manganese 10% Chromium 10% Molybdenum 10%
Ingredients: Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Fibersol® (Fiber), Nutrim™ (Oat Bran), High Oleic-Sunflower Oil, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process), Buttermilk, Silicon Dioxide, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Chloride, Lecithin, Fructooligosaccharides, L-Glutamine, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Sucralose, Disodium Phosphate, Vitamin/mineral Blend (Ascorbic Acid, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferrous Phosphate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Chromium Polynicotinate, Phytonadione, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin), Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Flaxseed Powder, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Bifidum

Comments: Eat Smart uses a standard, but reliable whey-casein blend, along with some good sources of dietary fiber and a small amount of fat from sunflower oil high in oleic acid (similar to olive oil). The probiotics are also a nice touch…although iSatori doesn’t supply any information on the number or viability of the cultures used. Thus, while the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria add value, I’m not convinced Eat Smart is a replacement for a good probiotic supplement or equivalent functional food product (such as kefir or yogurt made w/live cultures).

It’s a minor point, though—it certainly didn’t keep me from ordering a package of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup to check out. I’m glad I did…I thought it was quite decent in water (preferably chilled, or blended w/ice) and amazing in milk—very yummy. It was also easy to blend into liquid—there was virtually no clumping, even when using a spoon or shaker bottle.

I also liked the fact that Eat Smart is sold in bulk, rather than individual serving packets. This allowed me to customize the portion to my appetite, vs. consuming a pre-measured amount. One scoop made a good snack…two was a pretty filling meal.

My one complaint is that Eat Smart is a little weak on the vitamin and mineral side of things. It’s not unusual for an MRP to supply 25%–50% of the RDA for most vites and minerals per serving. Eat Smart, on the other hand, supplies only about 10% per scoop. I don’t see this as a deal breaker, however, as I (and most of the people I know) already take a multivitamin. Nonetheless, it’s something to consider for those who don’t.

Nonetheless, the bottom line is that Eat Smart is a well-made, satisfying and tasty MRP that’s low in calories and carbs. I liked it a lot…and I think you will too. It’s available directly from Isatori here!

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

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“Right Size Hunger Smashing Smoothies” are the creations of the Right Size Health and Nutrition Corporation.  They market meal replacements (similar to Slim Fast, in principle), as well as a multivitamin and “AppAssure” – a “metabolism manager” (i.e., weight loss supplement).  The meal replacements come in both powder and ready-to-drink form, in “Chocolate Mousse Reduce” and “SkinniVanilli” flavors.

Manufacturer’s Description: Chocolate Mousse Reduce provides a delicious, rich chocolate flavor. Each bottle contains 2 ready to drink liquid servings. Like all RightSize flavors, Chocolate Mousse Reduce contains Appemine™ a new, cutting edge all-natural appetite manager. Appemine™ is derived from green tea, cinnamon twig, and galangal. Appemine™ is clinically proven to powerfully control appetite and CONTAINS NO EPHEDRINE! Each smoothie also contains 50% of over 20 essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins B6 and B12 which are known to be important in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Unlike diet shakes that taste bad and leave you hungry, RightSize tastes great, knocks-out hunger cravings, helps metabolize calories and fat and has exceptional nutritional value.

Directions: Drink 1 – 2 servings of a RightSize Smoothie in place of a meal to reduce calorie intake, fight hunger and lose weight.

Serving Size 8 fl oz (240ml) Servings Per Container: About 2 Calories 150 Calories from Fat 25 Total Fat 3g Saturated Fat 1.5g Trans Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 0g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 380mg Potassium 500mg Total Carbohydrate 21g	Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 16g Protein 8g Vitamin A 50% Vitamin C 50% Calcium 30% Iron 4% Vitamin D 50% Vitamin E 50% Thiamine 50% Riboflavin 50% Niacin 50% Vitamin B6 50%	Folate 50% Vitamin B12 50% Biotin 50% Pantothenic Acid 50% Phosphorus 30% Iodine 50% Magnesium 50% Zinc 50% Selenium 50% Copper 50% Manganese 50% Chromium 100% Molybdenum 50%
Ingredients: Low Fat Milk, Fructose, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Gellan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Sucralose (Nonnutritive Sweetener), Salt, Acesulfame K (Nonnutritive Sweetener) Mineral Blend: (Magnesium Phosphate, Zinc Citrate, Sodium Molybdate, Chromium Dinicotinate Glycinate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Citrate, Sodium Selenate and Potassium Iodide) Appemine™: (Providing 50mg of Caffeine) (Soluble Fiber Glucose Polymer Complex, Guarana Seed Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Cinnamon Twig Extract, Galangal Rhizone Extract, Cayenne Pepper Fruit and White Willow Bark Extract) Vitamin Blend: (Sodium Ascorbate, DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Biotin, Niacinamide, Retinyl Palmitate, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Cholecalciferol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin and Cyanocobalamin) Glycemic Support Blend: [Vanadyl Sulfate (Supplying 200mcg of Vanadium) and Chromium Polynicotinate]

Comments: I’ve already discussed Right Size on the blog – these products are NOT cheap, and on the face of it, not special enough to warrant the cost.

BUT…to be fair, I ordered a 4 pack of “Chocolate Mousse Reduce” ready-to-drink smoothies to check out…at $12.80, they were the least expensive items available for purchase. I waited until I was hungry, then downed an entire 14 oz smoothie (1.75 servings) + a glass of water (a recommended step), to see how effective it would really be at curbing my hunger.

The answer: not very. It tasted good, but went down quickly…too quickly to register that I’d consumed a meal. I started to feel a bit peckish after only about an hour. So, to take my mind off it, I decided to get up from the keyboard and go do some grocery shopping…big mistake. The minute I walked past the deli display the hunger pangs kicked in. The “Powerful Weight Loss Tool” I’d consumed held me less than two hours.

This came as no surprise, however, as there’s really very little to one of these smoothies. You could dupe one simply by adding Sugar-Free Nesquik and a spoonful of FiberSure to a glass of low fat milk, and chasing it with a Centrum or One-A-Day.  And you’d do better with some Curvelle or Lean System 7, or an even more inexpensive supp like Green Tea Hydroxycut - vs. a non-specific blend like Appemine.

Realistically, a “Right Size” smoothie could serve as a between meal snack or “fix” for a chocolate craving…but – in my opinion – it’s ineffective as a meal replacement and appetite suppressant.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 2.0/5.0

Value: 2.0/5.0

Overall: 2.5/5.0

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As the name implies, Supreme Protein, Inc. markets protein products.  In addition to their line of protein bars, there’s Vectron, an “Extreme Physique Enhancing Agent.”  Vectron is based on Prolibra® – a proprietary whey protein isolate made by Glanbia, that’s designed to enhance fat loss.  Vectron comes in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla.

Manufacturer’s Description: Vectron is a truly innovative, first-of-its-kind supplemental protein designed to promote simultaneous fat loss and muscle preservation.  Vectron is powered an elite new fractionated protein complex called Prolibra.  This breakthrough technology features a potent bioactive peptide matrix along with a special whey mineral complex designed to target key mechanisms of body transformation.

Serving size: 1 Scoop (17 g) Amount Per Serving: Calories 60 Calories from Fat 9 Total fat 1 g Trans Fat 0 Saturated Fat 0 g Cholesterol 0 mg

Total Carbohydrates 1.5 g Dietary Fiber 0 g Sugars 0 g Protein 10 g Sodium 140 mg Potassium 50 mg Calcium 350 mg Phosphorous 130 mg

Ingredients: Prolibra 12.2TM Prolibra® 290 (partially hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, whey mineral complex, lecithin), Sunflower Oil Blend (sunflower oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate (a milk derivative), Mon- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate. Contains less than 2% or less of Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols added to help protect flavor), Cellulose Gum, Xantham Gum, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Sucralose.

Comments: I’ve commented on Prolibra before, as I feel that the study validating the effectiveness of the product did not resolve the question of whether any whey isolate would do the job just as well.  At the time, Prolibra was quite expensive, although – as of this writing - the bulk reseller price has come down considerably, so this isn’t as critical as it once was.  Supreme Protein’s version is still pricey for a whey protein isolate, but not out of line with other, smaller (< 2 lb) units sold in health food stores and other non-sports-oriented retail outlets…the price from ProSource (Supreme Protein’s parent company) was $26.95 for 714 grams (1.57 pounds).

I ordered the vanilla flavor – my usual, when it comes to whey products (it goes with everything).  I have to admit, Vectron was unarguably the best-tasting whey protein powder I’ve ever tried.   In addition, it was mildly satisfying.  I used it according to instructions (1 scoop 20 minutes before breakfast and the same before dinner), and it seemed to take the edge off my appetite.  I didn’t lose any weight or fat (wasn’t trying to), and it didn’t really affect how much I ate…but it did seem to hold me a little longer – not bad for only 10 g of protein.

There are some negatives: a) as noted, it isn’t cheap; and b) it falls somewhat short of my standards for a protein powder: it’s a notch under 60% protein (I prefer to see 75%-90%).  It isn’t a miracle powder: the subjects in Glanbia’s study were on a fat loss program, in addition to taking Prolibra, and the results were not overwhelming.  I can see, however, some use for a product like this on a fat loss diet, as it adds some high quality, supplemental protein (which can help preserve lean body mass on a diet), and provides modest assistance with appetite control.

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.0/5.0

Value: 2.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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Carb Watchers Lean Body Shakes are made by Labrada Nutrition: a company well-known to the bodybuilding world. The company was founded by Lee Labrada, who holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB “Mr. Universe.” The shakes are part of the “Lean Body” line of meal replacements and functional food products aimed at the fitness market.  They come in four flavors: Vanilla Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream, Chocolate Ice Cream and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

Manufacturer’s Description: CarbWatchers® Lean Body® Meal Replacement Shakes provide maximum support for muscle growth gains while minimizing fat storage. Each serving contains 40 grams of LeanPro®, our exclusive blend of the highest quality proteins. It’s low-sugar formula is ideal for athletes who want to get big and lean down, fast! It’s the winner of the American Tasting Institute’s Gold Medal for Taste.

Serving Size: 65 grams Total Calories 250 Calories From Fat 40 Total Fat 4.5g Saturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 350mg Potassium 360mg Total Carbohydrates 12g Dietary Fiber 4g	Sugars 3g Protein 40g Vitamin A 25% Vitamin C 25% Calcium 50% Iron 30% Vitamin D 25% Vitamin E 25% Thiamin (B1) 25% Riboflavin (B2) 25% Niacin (B3) 25%	Pyridoxine (B6) 25% Folate 25% Cyanocobalamin (B12) 25% Biotin 25% Pantothenic Acid 25% Phosphorus 45% Iodine 25% Magnesium 30% Zinc 25% Copper 30% Chloride 4%
Ingredients: Lean Pro® (Cross Flow Micro Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Isolate, Cross Flow Micro Ultrafiltered Whey Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate [non-GMO]), Natural & Artificial Flavors, EFA Plex™ (Sunflower Oil, Creamer [High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols], MCT Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Borage Oil), Fiber Plex™ (Polydextrose, Fibersol 2 Fiber, Cellulose Gum, Oat Flour, Rice Bran), Vitamin & Mineral Blend (Di-Calcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Acetate, Niacinamide, Electrolytic Iron, Zinc Oxide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Gluconate, Riboflavin, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin), Salt, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium.

Comments: I sampled the three “ice cream” flavors (vanilla, chocolate and strawberry) as part of the “Neapolitan” variety pack. They were surprisingly good mixed in just plain water, with a creamy, not-too-thick/not-too-thin mouthfeel and satisfying flavors. Both the chocolate and vanilla were reminiscent of soft serve ice cream; while the strawberry tasted like a somewhat fruitier version of Nestle’s Strawberry Quik. All three flavors dissolved fairly well with a spoon…a blender was not required.

“Carb Watchers” is a good description for these shakes. They’re probably not suitable for a strict, Atkins-style, very low carbohydrate diet, although they’re perfect for a reduced carb nutrition plan. And – although they aren’t intended to be used as part of a weight control program – I have a hard time seeing why they couldn’t be used for that purpose…at least as a high protein snack. At its current online price ($39.99 for a box of 20 at 1fast400.com) it’s a better protein value than most bars or other reduced cal/carb, high-protein products.

Overall, the Carb Watcher shakes seem to be well-made products. While I’d prefer a little more fiber for satiety purposes, they deliver a solid whack of high-quality protein, taste pretty good, and provide approx. 1/4 of the RDA of major vites and minerals. I could think of worse ways to “spend” 240 calories.

Labrada Carb Watchers Lean Body Shakes are available from bodybuilding.com here!

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

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“Perfect Meal” is a meal replacement powder produced by Garden Of Life, as a part of CEO Jordan Rubin’s “Perfect Weight America” program. Other weight management products included in the program are FucoTHIN (a weight loss supplement) and FucoProtein bars. Perfect Meal comes in two flavors: Milk Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla.

Manufacturer’s Description: Perfect Meal^™ is a delicious and satisfying high protein and high fiber drink designed to be used as a meal supplement, available in two great tasting natural flavors: creamy vanilla and milk chocolate. As part of a healthy diet and exercise program, Perfect Meal^™ will help you successfully manage your weight by naturally curbing your appetite.

Serving Size: 47 g (2 scoops) Servings Per Container: 14 Calories 180 Calories from Fat 10 Total Fat 1 g Saturated Fat 0.5 g Cholesterol 45 mg Sodium 95 mg

Total Carbohydrate 24 g Dietary Fiber 5 g Sugars 3 g Protein 19 g Vitamin C 50 mg Calcium 275 mg Iron 1 mg Chromium 200 mcg

Native Whey Protein Undenatured, Bioactive, Minimally Processed, with Glycomacropeptide – 25 g Fibertrol Blend Konjac Glucomannan, Organic Oat Beta Glucan, Oat Fiber – 6 g Glycemic Balance Blend Calcified Red Algae, Organic Acerola Cherry, Chromium Rice Amino Complex (chelate) – 880 mg Proprietary Probiotic Blend Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus paracasei – 6 mg Other Ingredients: Xylitol, natural flavors, salt.

Comments: I picked up individual packets of both Perfect Meal flavors from “Christine’s Cleanse Corner” – not one of my usual haunts, but the first vendor I found that offered single servings. This made the meals rather more expensive per serving ($3.50 each)…buying the larger, 658 g containers would have brought the price more in line with other MRPs (roughly $2.00 per serving).

Nonetheless, I’m glad I bought only the two sample packets. The Perfect Meal powders are classic examples of the cliche, “if it tastes bad, it must be good for you.” Ok, that’s probably a bit harsh: they didn’t really taste “bad”…but they didn’t taste particularly good, either…the flavors were flat and watery and the glucomannan used in the fiber blend caused the shakes to thicken excessively before I could finish them.

I daresay they’re healthy enough: the shakes are made with whey protein concentrate and soluble dietary fiber, with added vitamins, minerals and probiotics. They contain no artificial sweeteners or other superfluous additives. They’re low in calories and feature a reduced amount of low glycemic index carbs (company literature states the GI of the shakes is 14 – which is very low). They also made some impact on my appetite, although the effect was only sustained for about 2 hours.

All told, the Perfect Meal powders could make a good, healthy, snack-on-the-run, provided you’re more concerned with the benefits than you are with the taste.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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The Instant Breakfast Shakes are made by Labrada Nutrition: a company well-known to the bodybuilding world. The company was founded by Lee Labrada, who holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB “Mr. Universe.” The shakes are part of the “Lean Body” line of meal replacements and functional food products aimed at the fitness market.  They come in three flavors: Bananas & Cream, Blueberries & Cream and Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.

Manufacturer’s Description: Lean Body Instant Breakfast Shakes is the quick, convenient whole-food breakfast solution for hard-training athletes who have little time to prepare a nutritious meal. Each serving contains more concentrated, muscle-building nutrition than 10 scrambled egg whites, a bowl of oatmeal and a handful of vitamins. It’s a rich, delicious shake fortified with whole-food goodness.

Serving Size: 1 Packet (92g) Calories 360 Calories From Fat 60 Total Fat 7g Saturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 55mg Sodium 130mg Potassium 880mg Total Carbohydrate 35g Dietary Fiber 7g Sugars 7g	Protein 40g Vitamin A 60% Calcium 30% Vitamin E 60% Thiamin 60% Niacin 60% Folate 60% Biotin 60% Phosphorus 30% Magnesium 60% Selenium 50% Manganese 130%	Molybdenum 110% Vitamin C 60% Iron 60% Vitamin K 45% Riboflavin 80% Vitamin B6 60% Vitamin B12 60% Pantothenic Acid 60% Iodine 60% Zinc 60% Copper 60% Chromium 50%
Ingredients: LeanPro® (Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate), Whole Carb™ (Brown Rice Flour, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, Rice Bran), Natural And Artificial Flavor, Banana Powder, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Calcium Caseinate, Fibersol-2, FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), Vitamin And Mineral Blend (Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous Fumarate, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Chromium Polynicotinate, Folic Acid, Sodium Molybdate, Biotin, Chromium Chloride, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Phytonadione, Vitamin B12), Bananas, Rice Bran, Cellulose Gum, Soy Lecithin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Cream, Guar Gum, Mono- And Diglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Acesulfame K, Spice, Potassium Phosphate, Sucralose, Salt, Beta Carotene Added For Color, Tocopherols Added To Protect Flavor, Ascorbyl Palmitate Added To Protect Flavor.

Comments: My take on the Instant Breakfast Shakes is similar to Paul’s comments on the other Labrada MRPs:

…these shakes represent the higher end (quality wise), of the meal replacement spectrum. As such, rich in protein and high in fiber, they represent a good choice for any weight loss, weight management, or muscle building program.

The shakes are defintely high in protein (from whey and casein) and dietary fiber, and provide a moderate amount of carbs from whole grain sources. They’re relatively low in fat and sugar…and quite filling. Drinking one was nearly as satisfying as eating a solid food meal…a definite plus.

Tastewise, the shakes are good, although I wasn’t equally enthusiastic about all three flavors…I thought the blueberry was excellent; the apple-cinnamon was decent (more spicy than fruity), but the banana was only so-so. Don’t get me wrong, the latter was drinkable, but it’s just not one of my favorite flavors…at all. As Paul notes in his MRP review, the shakes are best made in the blender (also handy for adding frozen fruit or other amendments). They tend to thicken a bit on standing, thanks to the soluble fiber content.

Overall, the Lean Body Instant Breakfast Shakes are good for a quick meal on the run, or a solid, between-meal snack.  They’re available here from bodybuilding.com!

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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