Finally, a shake that's also suitable for people with Crohn's disease: Stefanie's SHEKO story
Severe abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting – Stefanie has been battling Crohn's disease for years. The chronic inflammatory bowel disease makes it difficult for her to eat flexibly and enjoyably. With SHEKO, she finally finds a shake that brings more ease into her everyday life. But most importantly: one that she can tolerate.
from Paulina
Stefanie: In search of a shake she can tolerate
Many people drink SHEKO to lose weight. Your story is different. Your success story is linked to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease. How do your chronic bowel inflammation and our SHEKO shakes fit together?
"Surprisingly good. If not fantastic. I've been searching for a protein shake I can tolerate for a really long time. That's not easy with Crohn's disease. I have to be extremely careful about what I consume. Unfortunately, many ingredients make me nauseous and dizzy. That was the case with all the shakes I tried before SHEKO. I would vomit or get such extreme stomach pains that I couldn't eat anything for days."
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurring flare-ups of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping abdominal pain. The cause: The lining of the digestive tract – usually at the junction of the small and large intestines – is inflamed and, as the disease progresses, also attacks the deeper layers of the intestinal wall. As soon as affected individuals eat and food enters the tract, the inflammation is irritated and reacts to varying degrees. Which foods are tolerated and which are not is entirely individual. There is no single "Crohn's disease diet."
"I can't tolerate dairy products, meat, or fatty foods. I also have to be careful about what I eat, especially vegetables. I try to avoid gassy foods like cabbage or legumes. Of course, this takes away my freedom to spontaneously enjoy whatever I want."
And it's different with SHEKO? You tolerate the shakes?
"Absolutely. I just mentioned that I've tried a lot of protein shakes. I stumbled across SHEKO by chance. At first, I hesitated because my illness has made me very cautious. But then I discovered the trial box in the online shop and figured I couldn't really go wrong with it. My first shake was banana . It's still my favorite flavor. It's so wonderfully fruity, but not too sweet, and it just tastes natural. Anyway, I drank the shake and waited to see what would happen. But I tolerate all SHEKO products perfectly."
Suddenly much fitter: Stefanie notices a change
Is there a specific reason why you were looking for a shake back then? You didn't want to lose weight, did you?
"That's true, losing weight isn't my main goal. Nevertheless, I was looking for something to help me with weight management. Because of my illness, the number on the scale fluctuates quite a bit. I have phases where I can hardly tolerate anything and lose weight, and then when I feel better, the kilos suddenly come back on. With SHEKO, I can now maintain my weight so well. I feel more balanced as a result – both physically and mentally."
Stefanie also tells us that Crohn's disease is often accompanied by a nutrient deficiency. The severe diarrhea and changes in the intestinal wall mean that the body cannot absorb enough essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements—such as iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamins A, D, E, and K.
“Before SHEKO, I was prescribed supplements by my doctor. That was another reason why I chose the shakes: I read that they contain 27 vitamins and minerals. And I really have to say: I feel fitter.”
How does this new fitness feeling manifest itself in you?
"You'll laugh when I say this: I've gained muscles. I never had any before. Before SHEKO, whenever I exercised, I was completely exhausted after 10 minutes. I had to stop and needed a lot of rest. Now I exercise three times a week and feel great. I've even signed up for a regular fitness class that lasts an hour. I participate in the whole thing. It gives me so much joy and energy. Afterwards, I drink a shake."
Weight management: This is how many meals Stefanie replaces with SHEKO
And will you stick with just this one post-workout shake? How do you integrate SHEKO into your daily routine?
"For me, SHEKO is more than just a protein shake. I don't just drink it after exercising; I'm especially happy that I can easily integrate it into my day. I'm a driving instructor and often on the road all day. I can't just pop home and cook myself something healthy. That's why I replace my lunch with a shake. But there are also days when I have what are called 'night drives' and work late. Then I replace dinner with a SHEKO too. I just love how flexible it is. It's so new for me. My Crohn's disease used to restrict me so much."
Stefanie always keeps a shaker, powder (besides banana, she also loves coffee ), and a small cooler containing a coconut drink in her driving school car. As soon as she takes a short break, she prepares her shake.
"It's so easy and quick. And delicious too. I love the creamy texture and the natural taste. I also think it's great that I never feel heavy or sluggish after the shake. I am satisfied afterwards – and that lasts for several hours – but I don't experience that 'full stomach slump'. Instead, I feel nice and fit and energized afterwards."
Stefanie's update after 2 years:
We last spoke two years ago. What has changed for you?
"In the past two years, I have really developed. I am now even doing bodybuilding and participating in competitions! I never would have thought that possible before. SHEKO has accompanied me on this journey as well. I still regularly drink the shake today to get my proteins. Especially before competitions, it helps me enormously to get in shape and make my muscles appear particularly defined. Still, I make sure to take care of my body and get all the important vitamins and minerals."
This wonderfully shows that SHEKO has nothing to do with crash diets or the yo-yo effect. We want you to achieve a long-term dietary change and a healthier lifestyle. Of course, dear Stefanie is an extreme case, but even small changes to healthier routines can make the difference to achieve long-term success.
More fitness feeling with SHEKO: Stefanie's tips
Sugar is often hidden in processed foods. Stefanie therefore tries to focus more on fruits and vegetables. If she does pick up a package in the supermarket, she quickly checks the ingredients list and makes sure it contains as many natural ingredients as possible – and above all, no sugar.
Through her illness, Stefanie learned how important it is to listen to your body. Everyone reacts differently to food. Some feel more energetic when they eat more carbohydrates, others need more protein. So, observe how you feel after eating different foods. When do you feel particularly energetic?
Anyone who has tried many things to lose weight, keep it off, or simply get fitter is usually disappointed when nothing really works. Stay motivated. Keep trying. Stefanie also kept searching for the right solution for herself and is now happier than ever.
* 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.