I just spent about half an hour searching for meal replacements that didn't have artificial sweeteners in them. I ordered one by STS and another by Biochem, however both had roughly half the protein content of those with artificial sweeteners.

Oh well,,,,, I'll post what I think of these supps when they arrive.

Lift

I'm interested to know which ones meet your standards.

I am shocked at the volume of MRBs (meal replacement bars) that have surfaced in the past 18 months.

I was using them quasi-regularly (is that a word :hmm:) and then I realized that i was liking them too much. Many have real chocolate and it's too close to a candy bar.

Although it's not a great source of protein, I find the fiber bars from gnu foods to be excellent. You can check them out at http://www.gnufoods.com With 12 grams of fiber (most of us don't get enough ) and only 130 calories, it's been a repeat purchase for me. If there's a drawback, it's that there's 32 grams of carbs but if you do the net carb thingy, it's really only 20 grams.

They do and they are,,,, in a "quasi" sort of way.
There are over 20 different homemade protein bar recipes on the link below (many of the really suck), but you may find one that you like. I usually make my own and prefer them to any store bought protein bar.

About the meal replacements, I'm currently using Biochem 100% Greens & Whey which is a bit pricey but I really like it. Another that I am using for variety is STS Pro Muscle Whey XP. Both are more expensive then my old standby (MetRx) and have less protein, but I am willing to pay the difference to avoid artificial sweeteners. Hopefully if and when more people make the stitch, the price will come down.

Lift

Lift, how do these taste in comparison to MetRx? I just finished my 1st tub of Optimum Natural Whey(very good) and am about out of MetRx(and am also tired of drinking it).

Of the two natural meal replacements that I referenced, I prefer the Green & Whey, however I prefer the flavor of MetRx over both of them.

If it weren't for the artificial sweeteners, I would take MetRx any day.

Lift

Have you ever thought about designing your own protein mix? I Have often considered it... but I am just not knowledgeable enough to really choose what would be best for me yet... still reading and reading and reading...

http://proteinfactory.com/shop/home.php

Lift for Life wrote:
Artificial sweetners (Sucralose is the most prevalent these days that I've seen) make me sick.

Literally.

Sucralose is an incredibly potent and dangerous to humans, sweetener. It's marketed under the name, Splenda usually. There is a ton of info on the internet about it (Google: Splenda side effects). For me, I get migraines, irritability, greater bouts of depression (read: they last longer), stomach cramps, etc.

Not worth it for me.

Seems like everything has this stuff in it too.

Oh! And did you know that this stuff (Splenda, supposedly natural stuff- "good for you, it comes from sugar!") does indeed come from sugar? Yeah...they use chlorine to create this stuff. Chlorine. The stuff used to disinfect pools and gym whirlpools after tons of sweaty, hairy people swim in them.

Nice mental imaged, huh. :puke:

~Dark

DarKnightVIII wrote:

Dark,

Have you try stevia extract? NuStevia (no bitter tastes) is better than Splenda.

Z

LadyZ wrote:

Love Stevia! *snuggles it* It's completely natural and I haven't experienced any side effects.

~Dark

DarKnightVIII wrote:
"highfive"
NuStevia is the one that I love using. Whole Foods didn't have it so i had to settle with another brand.... UGH... i have to wait until i finish the box.

by the way. I LOVE WHOLE FOODS ALMOND BUTTER!!!! The one that you grind yourself... mmmm LOVE!!!

I agree, Stevia rocks.

I don't believe that the FDA (which I am not particularly fond of) has approved Stevia as a sweetener in the U.S. yet. I know, that sad bit of news will probably stop you from using this great product immediately

Lift