Meal replacements are low calorie, prepackaged products in the form of ready-to-drink or powder beverages that are formulated to substitute solid food meals. They typically contain a controlled amount of nutrients and calories. Prescribed meal replacements contain more vitamins and minerals.
The most popular meal replacements are formulated for weight loss. These weight loss shakes typically come in two types: those that supplement daily meals, called meal replacements, or those that entirely replace normal meals, called total diet replacements.
Meal replacement weight loss shakes such as vega one protein usually provide 200 to 400 calories, protein, fiber and more than 20 vitamins and minerals per serving. Nutritional information on labels must also follow strict regulatory guidelines.
Many people consider meal replacements as a great meal on the go, snack or post-workout refreshment. These weight loss shakes started coming into the market in the early 1990s and have gained prominence in the health and fitness world since then.
Experts agree that, if used as prescribed, meal replacements can accelerate weight loss in the following ways:
- Help in avoiding unhealthy eating
One of the biggest impediments to weight loss is the inability to eat healthy, either because of time restrictions or lack of affordable healthy options. Processed foods are full of refined carbohydrates, artificial ingredients, and processed sugars. However, these unhealthy food options are usually cheaper and most convenient to access.
On the other hand, healthy foods that are best for weight loss are not always a practical option especially when on a busy schedule. In this case, weight loss shakes are a healthier, convenient alternative. The following infographic can be of great help in knowing more about healthy food items.
- Reduce your caloric intake
Experts agree that the key to losing weight is reducing the number of calories you consume. However, adhering to a low-calorie diet with normal foods can be a challenge, especially when hunger strikes.
Studies show that replacing even one meal a day with meal replacement weight loss shakes may accelerate the rate at which your body loses weight. Participants who followed a meal replacement diet lost almost six more pounds than those following a food-based diet.
Further, the participants found such diets easier to follow and stick to than the regular low-calorie diets. They also reported lower levels of LDL cholesterol and blood sugars, explaining why meal replacement shakes are recommended for people with diabetes. They are also quite an effective option for overweight and obese people.
Different manufacturers use varying formulas for their weight loss shakes. However, formulas shakes are high in protein, which is the best nutrient to accelerate weight loss. Consuming high amounts of protein makes people feel more satisfied after a meal, which can help one reduce their caloric intake.
High protein diets are also linked with other benefits like a higher lean body mass, decreased body and belly fat, and better upkeep after weight loss. They are also associated with reduced levels of LDL cholesterol, or bad fats.
- Supply nutrients lacking in traditional diets
Meal replacements are formulated to provide every nutrient that should be present in a meal. This might be difficult to achieve on a low-calorie diet. The best weight loss shakes are fortified with high levels of nutrients, essential vitamins, fiber, proteins, and minerals.
Conclusion
Meal replacement weight loss shakes are a convenient alternative for people who struggle with the conventional diet plans. They accelerate weight loss, without sacrificing muscle mass and general health and wellbeing.
Despite this, weight loss shakes are not meant to be long-term solutions, and neither do they fix unhealthy eating habits. Ultimately, following a meal replacement plan as prescribed is a great way to kick off your weight loss plan.
