23 Kilos lost, even though she thought nothing more was possible – Sarah's SHEKO Story
For years, Sarah tried one diet after another. With different methods, much frustration over unpalatable shakes, and a chaos of various weight-loss tips. Shortly before her 40th birthday, despair overcame her. But then she discovered SHEKO and realized: losing weight can also be delicious
from Paulina
Sarah: 23 kilos lost, even though she was already despairing
You've already lost 23 kilos with SHEKO. That sounds like a really great success story. Was it always easy for you?
"With SHEKO - yes. Before that - no. Because my 'diet story' starts long before SHEKO and it was a total up and down. For many years, I tried different shakes. Back then, I did lose weight, but it had nothing to do with enjoyment. Then I got pregnant, was diagnosed with lipedema, and at some point, I was facing my 40th birthday and thought, 'Oh wow, half my life is already over. If I don't get started now, when will I?!'"
So how exactly did you get started then?
“I was highly motivated and resorted to the 'old' shakes. So, from other brands that I already knew. But it didn't work. I just couldn't stand the sight of them anymore, let alone the taste. I was really desperate! And then I discovered SHEKO on Instagram, ordered it, and with the very first shake, I thought: Amazing.”
What exactly did you like so 'madly' about it?
"Definitely the taste, the variety, and the naturalness. And then the flexibility it gives me. Because the shake has relatively few calories, there's room for many other foods, snacks, and meals. For example, if I'm at an event in the evening where there are little nibbles here and there, I don't feel bad; I can just enjoy it. Plus, I work in a travel agency and travel a lot for work. I also do pleasure trips, I don't forbid myself anything, and when I come back home, the indulgence continues with SHEKO. So it fits perfectly."
Do you have a favorite variety?
"Honestly, so far I've liked them all. Vanilla is a total classic – it always works. And then I'm a fan of all the fruit flavors, especially Strawberry and cherry. Oh, and Hazelnut is also a real hit!"
Just to recap: So you ordered your first shakes and then started drinking them. Did you lose weight right away?
"My weight has been steadily decreasing from the beginning. Of course, there were days on the scale when I didn't see any difference. But if I had to draw a line showing how my weight has developed over almost a year, it would definitely go downwards. And that's despite the fact that I also went on all-inclusive vacations in between and didn't forbid myself anything there."
Sarah had never felt better in her own skin
Can you describe how that feels in your body?
"It sounds cheesy, but it's true: I've never been happier than I am now. I've lost weight faster before, but then I had an inner dissatisfaction. Now I feel like the pounds I've lost are "healthy" pounds. And most importantly: that my body and mind are both keeping up. That's something I've only just learned: it's so important not to stress yourself out. Losing weight should also be good for your mental health – so with enjoyment and peace of mind."
You sound so incredibly positive and optimistic. How do you do it?
"It really helps me to track my progress. Every day I write down what I've eaten, how much I weigh, what exercise I've done, and how I feel. At the end of the month, I reflect: What went well? And where can I still improve? Also, for my 40th birthday, I made a vision board – a collage with all my wishes. And my target weight, which I consider realistic, is also on it. Every time I see the number, and then my progress in my book, I get an extra boost of motivation."
At SHEKO, we know how helpful it can be to write down your successes. That's why we wrote the book “Balance Begins with You”. In it, you'll find your personal nutrition diary to fill out, reflect on, and stick with, as well as 152 pages full of tips and knowledge for more guidance and motivation on your weight loss journey. It's perfect for you if you're just starting your journey or still have some unanswered questions and need more certainty.
A New Look at Food
What else has changed in your life?
"I am extremely happy that I am an 'Uhu' – meaning 'Under a Hundred' kilograms. Additionally, I recently had surgery due to my lipedema and can't wait to get back to sports. That had also changed: I not only focused on my diet but also on how I can generally live healthier. And the combination with sports was really great!"
When you say 'watched my diet' - do you feel that your perspective on it has also changed somewhat?
“Oh yes! I have a very concrete example for that: Next to my work, we have an ice cream parlor. During my lunch break, I now always sit outside and look over, but I don't want to go there at all. Because: I sometimes make my shake in the blender with frozen berries, and then it tastes like a milkshake – if not even better. It's so delicious that I don't need a sugary scoop of ice cream for 2.10 euros. I'd rather have my healthy shake and save money while I'm at it.”
By the way, Sarah uses the shake very flexibly. She usually replaces her morning and midday meals with it. However, she allows herself the freedom to adapt this routine to her schedule.
“At the beginning, I also took the weight loss program. I thought it was great because I felt full faster and longer. But now I don't need it anymore.”
You mentioned earlier that your target weight is on your vision board. Have you already reached your goal, or is it still ahead of you?
"I haven't quite reached it yet. But I'm not stressing about it either. That's what I just said: I'm taking it easy now and I feel much better about it!"
Lose Weight with SHEKO: Sarah's Tips
Originally, SHEKO was intended to be shaken with cow's milk. When we developed it, there weren't as many alternatives as there are today. Now our community loves to try out all sorts of milk alternatives and find their own favorite. Depending on which 'milk' you choose, the taste, nutritional values, and feeling of fullness change.
"I've discovered almond milk. It tastes really good – and then it also has fewer calories than cow's milk. So, it's a win-win."
"There are days when nothing changes on the scale. But then I always remember that it's not about milligrams here, but about losing weight continuously and, above all, healthily. That's why my tip is: Stay consistent and see the bigger picture!"
"I only weigh myself once a week now. It takes the pressure off, and I can focus much more consciously on my body instead of just looking at numbers all the time."
*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.