If you’re considering a meal replacement product to manage weight, you’ve probably heard of Huel. Recently, I embarked on a 7-day journey consuming nothing but Huel’s ready-made shakes for every meal—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My goal? To test its claims and see if it could help me drop a few kilos while maintaining energy, productivity, and gym performance. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Challenge
The rules were simple:
- No other food—only Huel shakes.
- Stick to three bottles a day: at 8 AM, 2 PM, and 7 PM.
- No additional Huel products beyond the shakes.
- Weigh myself only at the start and end of the week.
- Hit the gym at least twice during the week.
Starting weight: 80.9 kg
Target weight: 78 kg
Day-by-Day Insights
Day 1: Smooth Start
I kicked off the challenge with excitement. My first shake—Strawberries & Cream—surprised me with its taste. Each drink satisfied my hunger completely, and my energy levels stayed consistent throughout the day. By bedtime, I was confident I could stick to this plan.
Day 2: Hitting a Snag
Things took a turn. I woke up with a mild headache and experienced some unexpected side effects—stomach discomfort and frequent trips to the bathroom. While I felt the urge to quit, I persevered. Cravings hit hard, and I missed the simple joy of eating solid food. It was a tough day, but I managed to get through with determination.
Day 3: A Turning Point
What a difference a day makes! I woke up feeling lighter, more energetic, and mentally sharp. Hunger and cravings were under control, and I found myself more productive and focused. My body seemed to have adjusted to the routine.
Key Observations
- Hunger Management
Hunger was surprisingly easy to manage. Huel’s nutritional profile kept me full for hours. By day three, my body clock adapted to the meal times, and I only felt hungry around those periods. - Energy Levels and Productivity
After an initial dip in energy, I felt a noticeable surge by midweek. Despite a busy schedule—working, traveling, and family time—I maintained high productivity without the usual midday slumps. - Gym Performance
This is where Huel fell slightly short. During my first gym session, my performance was fine. But by the second session, I noticed a decline in strength and endurance. For example, I struggled with my usual cable fly weights, lifting less and completing fewer reps. - Weight Loss
After seven days, the results were clear: I dropped from 80.9 kg to 77.6 kg—a 3.5 kg loss! While effective, I suspect some of the weight loss came from muscle, as my protein intake wasn’t enough to maintain peak gym performance.
The Verdict
Huel is a convenient and effective meal replacement for short-term weight loss. It kept hunger at bay, provided steady energy, and helped me shed 3.5 kg in a week. However, it’s not without challenges—adjusting to an all-liquid diet and managing cravings took mental fortitude, and gym performance did dip slightly.
Would I recommend Huel for weight loss? Absolutely, but with a few tweaks. Incorporating Huel into a balanced diet or combining it with higher-protein options (like Huel Black Edition) might be more sustainable in the long run.