Diet & Nutrition 3 MIN READ 1717 VIEWS July 15, 2022

Protein-Rich Meal Replacement Shakes: Are They Effective?

Meal replacement shakes

An individual’s diet includes nearly 2000 calories on an average per day. To have a healthy and balanced meal, doctors recommend including foods like vegetables; dairy products like cheese and yoghurt, fresh fruit, eggs, meat, fish; and fats. This enables a person to have a balanced portion of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. However, due to a hectic lifestyle and lack of available time and products, meal replacement shakes have been introduced to make it easier for those who want to have a healthy diet.

It is especially a boon for those who are starting their fitness journey or looking to cut down on calories. One of the pros of having meal replacement drinks is its reduction in excess calories while being extremely nutritious. You can find powders that can be mixed with water while some of the best meal replacement shakes come pre-made. 

Pros of Meal Replacement Shakes

Listed below are some of the noteworthy benefits of meal replacement drinks:

1. Nutritional Value

Meal replacement drinks are low in fats and carbohydrates but have enough protein and healthy nutrients to sustain your body and keep you full. It is recommended especially for those who wish to reduce weight. Reducing weight can often lead to feeling hungry at odd times, meal replacement shakes help overcome this obstacle. 

2. Aid in Weight Loss 

Research has proven that meal replacement shakes can assist greatly with weight loss. A study was found with a sample group of people attempting to lose weight. The ones who did not have these shakes lost 1.5% of their body weight in three months and the ones who did, lost 7.8% of their body weight. 

3. Less Preparation Time

It can be extraordinarily difficult to cook balanced meals every day while managing a job and your social life. People tend to turn to fast food for respite, ruining their health in the long term. However, with meal replacement drinks, one can feel full and absorb the necessary nutrients without compromising on time. 

4. Easier to Track Calories

Having to keep an exact track of your calories while aiming to lose weight can be a tedious task. With the best meal replacement drinks, one can easily do so, while knowing the exact ingredients that you are consuming. 

5. Good Source of Omega-3 

Nutrition requires vitamins, minerals, calories, and even good amounts of fatty acids. Several brands catering meal replacement shakes are known to include healthy amounts of omega-3 fatty acids as an added benefit. 

Cons of Meal Replacement Shakes

While these power-packed shakes have amazing benefits, we cannot ignore the cons:

1. Fewer Calories

This type of diet is not the most beneficial for athletes or those who are bulking because the calorie level is found to be low in meal replacement drinks. This can prove to be unhealthy in the long run.

2. Presence of Artificial Ingredients

The powder mixes and ready-made shakes have several artificial ingredients. To preserve the shakes or include more nutrients, there can be added processed stuff. One must check the label thoroughly for added sugars for taste. 

Choosing a Meal Replacement Shake

One must do thorough research and market analysis before indulging in a fitness product. This is to guarantee value for money and long-term benefits for an individual. Therefore, it is important to assess the pros and cons of meal replacement shakes.

To use the best meal-replacement drink, you must check the protein, carbohydrate, and nutrient value. Check if it contains some grams of fibre since it is essential for digestive purposes. Also, check for its mineral value and if it contains any polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is advised to check the ratings and reviews of a certain brand before investing in their meal-replacement product. 

Conclusion

After analysing the pros and cons of meal-replacement shakes, along with their value in nutrition, they can be deemed effective for various reasons and purposes. They do have certain disadvantages but are also a guaranteed healthy alternative. 

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