What are Meal Replacement Shakes?
Intake of a well-balanced diet is a must for good health. If you wish to stay healthy, it is essential to monitor your daily calorie intake and, at the same time, ensure that you do not lack nutrition.
To lose weight, many of us simply start consuming a calorie-restricted diet, which may lack essential nutrients if not planned carefully. This is where meal replacement shakes are beneficial.
Meal replacement shakes are healthy weight loss drinks that come with the additional advantage of convenience. They serve as an on-the-go meal and provide all the essential nutrients in a perfect balance. With fewer calories, they can offer a great dose of nutrition.
Meal Replacement Shakes: Benefits & Uses
- Healthy nutrition source: Meal replacement shakes are perfect for providing a healthy dose of nutrition. Most of us have a busy lifestyle and often tend to skip meals. If you are one of those, always have your meal replacement powder handy to ensure that you have something healthy instead of skipping meals or bingeing on junk food.
- Promote weight loss: Meal replacement shakes are an excellent choice for weight management or loss. They usually contain approximately 250 calories per serving with a balanced ratio of proteins, carbs, and fats compared to a regular meal containing a minimum of 500 calories. Their high protein and fibre content provides fullness, prevents hunger cravings and extra calories intake.
- Source of dietary fibre: A good quality meal replacement powder generally provides 3-5 grams of fibre per serving. The high dietary fibre content is not only good for your digestive health but also help to lose weight by giving fullness.
- Prevent muscle loss: Meal replacement shakes are high in protein which helps meet daily protein needs and prevent muscle loss. When combined with regular exercise, it can also aid in new muscle growth.
- A balanced meal: Meal replacement powders are enriched with vitamins and minerals, making them a complete meal. They help prevent nutritional deficiencies, and you get all the required nutrition in a single meal.
How to choose the right meal replacement for you?
Selecting an appropriate meal replacement shake can be tricky when you have so many options in the market. Make sure you consider the below-mentioned points before finalizing the product.
- It is essential to read the ingredient list carefully. Meal replacements may contain added sugars, corn syrup, hydrogenated fats or other harmful additives. Do not opt for those as they are unhealthy.
- The calorie content should range between 200-400 calories per serve.
- It should provide a good amount of protein per serving from healthy sources like whey, casein, or plant-based protein like pea or soy.
- Check the dietary fibre content, which must be at least 3g per serve.
- The products should provide less than 15 g of fat from healthy fat sources like omega-3 or MCTs.
- It should contain essential vitamins and minerals and must fulfil at least 33% of daily needs.
- Check all the certifications and always buy from a trusted source.
How to use meal replacement?
Meal replacements are commonly available in powder or liquid form.
- One can have meal replacement powders with the recommended amount of water or milk. Simply mix them, and your on-the-go meal is ready.
- One can gulp down meal replacement drinks as it is.
Where to buy meal replacement?
Nutrabay is the only reliable and trusted platform to buy the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss in India. One can choose from a wide variety of affordable meal replacement protein shakes and meal replacement bars from the best brands.
Is meal replacement safe to use?
Meal replacements are entirely safe to use. When included in a balanced diet along with exercise, they can really work wonders for your weight loss goal. It is advisable to opt for meal replacement powders free from added sugar or any harmful substances. You can also choose from appetite-suppressant meal replacement shakes containing natural extracts of Garcinia Cambogia, Guarana seed and Green Tea.
In case of any doubt, consult an expert. People with existing medical conditions must take medical advice from the doctor before starting the product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to consume meal replacement shakes?
One can take meal replacement shakes at any time of the day. Either replace it with any meal like breakfast, lunch, or dinner or take it as a healthy mid-meal snack. Fitness enthusiasts can also take meal replacement shakes post-workout.
2. What is the difference between meal replacement and protein shake?
Meal replacement shakes are rich in protein, but they also contain a considerable amount of fats, carbs, and vitamins and minerals. Protein shakes have high protein content but minimal fat and carbs. They may or may not contain vitamins and minerals.
3. For how long can I consume meal replacement?
One can take meal replacement powders till the time fitness goal is achieved. Also, it is necessary to include healthy food sources in the diet while taking meal replacements to lose weight or manage it.
4. Who can consume meal replacement shakes?
Meal replacements shakes can be taken by:
- People aiming to lose or manage weight.
- People willing to restrict their calorie or carb intake.
- Frequent travellers.
- Gym-goers.
- Meal skippers.
- People looking for a convenient and healthy meal option.
5. Can I replace all three meals with meal replacement shakes?
It is not advisable to replace all your meal with meal replacement powders or drinks. Nutrition must come from healthy food sources as well. One can replace one or a maximum of two meals with meal replacement shakes.
6. Are there any side effects of meal replacement shakes?
Meal replacement shakes do not have any side effects, provided they are free from sugars and other unhealthy ingredients. They are rich in protein; hence one may experience mild indigestion issues like nausea, constipation or flatulence for some initial days.