Meal replacement shakes for weight loss
A curious lad like you will certainly ask: are meal replacement shakes really healthy? Of course, they are – especially the meal replacement shakes for weight loss! Instead of giving your stomach a bump, it is better if you opt for a shake, as it can provide enough nutrients and calories needed for healthier diet and effective weight loss.
Nonetheless, since not all are nutritionally capable, it is only right that you examine all nutritional facts and ingredient labels. So, don’t be lazy and review them before making any choice. Besides, you want to make sure that what you’re about to drink is healthy and appropriate.
What Are The Benefits?
Nutrition
One obvious benefit you’ll get is a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. With that in mind, it is safe to say that meal replacement shakes for weight loss can withstand a meal while meeting all your daily nutritional requirements. Another advantage, too, is that shakes have fewer calories compared to full meals (especially bacon, cakes and other “ahh” food).
Therefore, if your New Year’s Resolution (again) is to lose weight, replace one meal with a shake a day as it can help in reducing your daily calorie count. In fact, it can be a huge lift in building up a calorie deficit, something that is enough to produce consistent weight loss. Dr. Steven, along with his colleagues, proved that people who meal replacement shakes regularly can loss more weight that those lazy, close-minded lads. Seriously, bro, it is backed by science so worry not.
Convenience
Obviously, shakes have definite advantage compared to full meals, especially when it comes to convenience. Not only are they easy to take with you, but they are also quick to drink – let alone that they are so simple to prepare. In fact, there are shakes that don’t necessarily require preparations at all. Above all, shakes can provide you more nutrients while keeping you full; hence you will prefer it especially if you are in a rush or travelling.
Sustainability
If you are trying to lose weight or planning to change your physique, diets and exercises alone are not enough. It is really best if you introduce meal replacement shakes to your daily diet, as they are proven to help in weight loss. Replacing meals over few meals can already help you lose a good deal of pounds in a short period of time.
To Whom Do Meal Replacements Suit Best?
Meal replacements like shakes are a good option for people who want to have a simple approach to weight loss. This is most especially for those who don’t want to think about preparing and/or planning individual meals. They also work best for people who prefer to consume food that is already portion and calorie controlled for them. Dietitians in Obesity Management UK state that meal replacements are specifically for individuals who find it hard to prepare meals and/or struggle to understand or control portion sizes.
How About For People with Diabetes?
Surprisingly enough, they wholly support safety especially to people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, it is only recommended that you first consult your physician prior to consuming meal replacement shakes or even starting a weight loss plan. Either way, they still can work miracles, as well as provide the same benefits.
Does It Have Side Effects?
None of the research published to date suggest any adverse effects of consuming meal replacements shakes. In the past, they were deemed to be a quick solution that gradually leads to yo-yo dieting. It was believed that people accumulated some weight back once they decided to put a halt and resumed normal eating habits. As for modern-day research, people can now maintain the weight they lose, given that they receive proper advice and stick to a proper eating routine, including a balanced diet if they are to stop taking meal replacements.
The Downsides
The reason why you need to know the downsides is for you to have knowledge on what possible risks you might encounter. Although they don’t necessarily mean a thing or two, being cautious enough is important. So I hope this one is fully understood, alright? Good. Let’s move forward.
It holds true that there are potential risks in using meal replacement shakes, especially that they are considered as dietary supplements. Dr. Monica Zangwill stresses that supplements, while they are good in one way or another, are sometimes not subject to the regulations akin to other food. While there are indeed shakes that provide genuine nutritional benefits, there others also that contain too much sugar or fat; hence are not better than full meals and, in fact, may impact your health negatively.
Nutritional Facts
First and foremost, a healthy meal replacement shake should at least contain less added sugar and fat. As for the calories, however, it should only be enough to keep you full for several hours. The healthiest shake is rich in both fiber and protein, and can provide 20 percent of daily fiber. The protein requirements should also be about 5 to 10 grams. An ideal shake supplies about 250 calories, only with a gram of fiber and 9 grams of protein.
Several studies have already confirmed that meal replacements are at par with traditional calorie-counted diets. They provide the same (or better) results of helping lose weight in a shorter period of time. Contrary to popular belief, meal replacement products really help in losing weight, something that science has proven in the past few years. Above all, they help people with maintaining a consistent weight loss value.
Things You Need to Consider
Before you decide to introduce meal replacement shake into your diet, it is best that you seek the advice of your physician or a licensed dietician. A safer and smarter way to achieve improved health in the long run is to adopt a varied yet balanced low-calorie diet, one that includes daily servings of fruits, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, whole grains and vegetables.
If you think that meal replacement shakes for weight loss are doing you good, then you surely have no reason to stop it. So, be still, my friend, and reap the awesome benefits!
