Hey Julie --
I had to go look upCellucor - and was struck with the one thing that differs between Protein drinks & meal replacement drinks --- the amount of protein and then the nutrients.
The best way I can explain the difference between the two - imagine two plates, one has just a chicken breast, the other has a smaller chicken breast, but it includes veggies & some simple carbs. Protein supplements do not garner the "Meal Replacement" moniker unless they have a decent percentage of the common 23 Vitamins & minerals that the USDA recognizes as necessary to thrive.
Cellucor looks to be a weight gainer type of Protein Drink, one used by serious athletes, (weight gain is not fat but muscle). Is it a bad drink? Probably not. Is it a good source of protein? To a degree. I just like to balance my "meal" replacement offers with the nutrients, the amount of calories, the type of calories, and of course the amount of protein I get when I substitute my meal.
I have used Meal Replacements drinks for a long time. I found whey works better for me, over the soy based ones. I like NatureAde, it isn't as high in protein as many of the whey products, but I am always open to new products. Cellucor is only 130 calories - a definite plus for 30 grams of protein, but it does not include any of the USDA recommended nutrients.
Chike is a happy balance of protein and nutrients, and I like the flavors - all 5 of the meal replacement and the additional coffee flavor. It will be a a personal taste preference, for sure! You won't get benefits from a drink you will not drink daily. Chike isn't too sweet for me, so I am more able to enjoy instead of just "gulp it down" for the protein. When you have a limit as to how much you can eat, you have to eat more creatively
My suggestion, contact Chike, see if they have samples, then you will have a better view if it is the right product for you. That is how I started using Chike, they talked with me over the phone, asked if I knew the difference between protein vs. meal replacement drinks (I did, as I was on a seven month program years ago), and they sent me FREE samples. I have been a fan & user of Chike for YEARS, and drink it for 2 of my 5 meals each day.
I am a lay person, but I think after losing over 200 pounds, I may have an idea how this process works. I just got my two year follow up blood test, and my numbers are great! Give Chike a try, try LOTS of products, then you will know what YOU like and will continue to use.
Brenda : )~