First lose weight, then maintain it – Maraike's SHEKO Story
After Maraike successfully lost weight with SHEKO, she discovered that the shake can do so much more than just help with those first few pounds dropping off. SHEKO brings her back to a healthy diet – out of the yo-yo effect, into balance
from Paulina
Maraike: The first kilos immediately dropped off with the starter set
Take us back: How did your SHEKO journey begin?
"It all started with my desire to lose the 'last 5 kilos' after my second pregnancy. That worked wonderfully. But then I was prescribed medication that caused me to suddenly gain 20 kilos. During this time, I didn't shake – so I essentially took a break. So many other issues simply took precedence. When I was able to stop the medication and had a clear head again, I didn't hesitate and returned to my SHEKO path."
So you've started shaking again and replacing meals with shakes?
"Exactly. I ordered the four-week starter set and it worked immediately. In the very first week, the first kilos were already gone. Now I've even lost 15 kilos – so I'm only a few away from my target weight. But I'm approaching those in a super relaxed way and have integrated SHEKO differently into my everyday life. So no longer as a pure meal replacement, but as part of my protein-rich meal prep."
Finding Your Balance After Weight Loss
Could you describe that in a bit more detail for us – with examples or even recipe ideas?
"I experiment a lot. Because that's what's so cool about SHEKO: The powder can do so much more than 'just be a shake'. For example, in the morning, I stir it into my yogurt and add some chia seeds. Or I bake a cheesecake, or bread and rolls with it. That means I replace about 30% of the flour with the powder, thus increasing its protein content. It's about trying things out, seeing what works and what I can still improve. I'm really enjoying experimenting and discovering new things with it right now!"
What Maraike is describing here is exactly what we want to achieve with SHEKO: for everyone to find their own unique way to use it. From losing weight and maintaining weight to bringing more enjoyment into everyday life – SHEKO supports you in whatever way you need it, and however it feels right for you.
You can really feel how euphoric you are when you talk about this trying and experimenting. Has this changed your relationship with food?
“Totally! I wanted to break free from that diet vicious cycle and get back to healthy eating. And SHEKO simply helped me do that because it's so beautifully easy. I have two children, I'm a single mother, and I have a job. Before SHEKO, I always thought, 'How am I supposed to find time for healthy eating?!' But stirring the powder into yogurt, or shaking it, or baking with it only takes a few seconds. Seeing how easy it is took the pressure off me and opened up the space to look at food and new recipes with curiosity and joy.”
How does your weight factor into that?
"As I said: I only have the last few kilos left to lose, and I'm approaching that very calmly. Most importantly for me was that there wouldn't be a yo-yo effect. So it's even nicer to see now that I'm still losing weight. That's such a great feeling, because SHEKO is simply part of my daily routine now."
SHEKO makes it easy to stay consistent
Do you still like something about SHEKO?
"The variety! Of course, I have my favorites with Espresso and Matcha. They can never run out in my household. But I also always bring variety into it. Thanks to the constantly changing Limited Editions, I'm always happy about new flavors. Now, for example, I've discovered cinnamon for myself. It tastes just like Cini Minis. It simply never gets boring."
You're also active in our community – meaning the Facebook group. How does exchanging ideas with others help you?
"The group motivates me, especially when I'm having a tough time. No one points fingers; instead, everyone empathizes – because they've been there too – and offers encouragement. Plus, I love exchanging ideas about strains and reading others' recipes. It makes me more creative and helps me discover dishes I'd never known before."
And if you look at your entire lifestyle now – what has changed?
"I'm back in the fitness game. In my job as a master hairdresser, I already walk 10,000 steps a day. But now I'm also exercising again and going swimming. That's why I think it's so great that SHEKO also has a lot of protein. You need that if you want to build muscle. And I really feel good in my body."
To conclude your SHEKO journey: You've certainly come a long way, but do you have a tip for anyone who's just starting out on their journey?
"I myself started with the weight loss program. That helped me to regain a feeling of satiety. You feel your stomach is full – even though it's just liquid – and the taste gives you a certain sweetness kick, so that your cravings disappear. To get started, I found that brilliant!"
Losing weight with SHEKO: Maraike's tips
"SHEKO quickly became part of my routine because I put the shake right where I couldn't miss it. So, right next to my coffee machine. Even when daily stress got to me, I didn't forget and had no extra effort."
"When a birthday is coming up, or a celebration, or a get-together with friends, I don't think you should forbid yourself anything. You don't have to overdo it – in terms of quantity – but you should treat yourself to something."
"The world isn't black or white. It's colorful – just like SHEKO. Meaning: If something doesn't work or doesn't taste good, that doesn't mean everything is black and negative. You should then try new things and take risks. Because there's a right path for everyone."
Watch her video
*The amount of weight loss varies from person to person and cannot be guaranteed. Similarly, the weight loss results reported in the SHEKO stories are individual and do not guarantee a corresponding weight loss within the same timeframe. To lose weight, two daily meals must be replaced with SHEKO shakes as part of a calorie-reduced diet.