The Liquid Odyssey: A Week of Meal-in-a-Bottle
A Surprising Start
When I stumbled upon Ample, a 400-calorie shake made with “real-food” ingredients, I was intrigued. Could this meal-in-a-bottle really replace traditional eating? With its promise of convenience and nutrition, I decided to put Ample to the test.
The Experiment Begins
I received 30 shakes from Ample and embarked on a liquid diet, aiming to drink four bottles per day (approximately 2,000 calories when mixed with whole milk). My goal was to boost productivity without sacrificing energy. I wasn’t looking to lose weight; in fact, I hoped to gain some.
The Taste Test
My first sip of Ample was surprisingly good, with a graham cracker flavor and a hint of peanut butter. However, by my third shake, the craving for variety set in. I began mixing Ample with eclectic ingredients to add some much-needed excitement to my chalky-flavored life.
The Digestive System
My digestive system was a major concern. Friends and family were skeptical, wondering about the lack of “roughage.” I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience any accidents, but there were a few close calls. The constant need to pee was a surprise, and I learned that an all-liquid diet can lead to some…interesting bathroom experiences.
Productivity and Chaos
Despite the challenges, my productivity soared. I finished tasks quickly, having cut out meal breaks. However, my commute became a nightmare, with the urge to poop setting in suddenly. A frantic dash to a Starbucks bathroom ensued, where I negotiated a “bathroom pass” in exchange for buying a small tin of mints.
A Real Meal and a Reality Check
After four days of liquids, I treated myself to a real meal at a country club. The steak burger and fries were heavenly, and I savored every bite. Later, I made the mistake of mixing Ample with beer, which led to another memorable (and painful) bathroom experience.
Lessons Learned
In the end, my experience with Ample was a net positive. I appreciated the convenience and nutrition it provided. However, I realized that liquids can get repetitive, and bathroom issues arise when solids are neglected. Hot chocolate powder, cinnamon, and coffee mixed well with Ample, while nutmeg, beer, and cold brew coffee did not.
The Verdict
Ample would work wonders as a quick and easy replacement for breakfast or lunch. While it may not taste as good as a steak sandwich, getting all necessary calories and nutrients in about 2 minutes is impressive. I’ll revisit Ample in the future, but for now, I’m enjoying solid foods and the simple joys of eating.
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