Because they’re so convenient and easy to use, meal replacements are perfect tools for achieving weight-loss goals. Unfortunately, some products that claim to be meal replacements are lacking components of a healthy, balanced meal and can actually be detrimental to your health.
Even when you are decreasing your overall calorie intake as a means to lose weight, your body still requires a broad spectrum of nutrients to properly function. Whether your meal replacement is in the form of shakes or bars, you should be sure that it offers a range of essential nutrients within its fewer calories to properly replace normal food.
What to look for
Another way to look at this concept of “complete meal replacement” is to think about what it actually does. Although there is no black and white definition of a complete meal replacement, it should supply your body with adequate amounts of essential amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to nourish your body. You also want to feel satisfied after consuming your meal replacement, because what’s the point if you’re ready to eat your arm off an hour later?
The content of a meal replacement is so important. Your body needs the right dose of each of the macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) along with dietary fiber to fill you up. Research has shown that a higher proportion of protein (1), as well as fiber and low-glycemic carbohydrates (2) help sustain satiety. In addition to the macronutrient content, it’s equally important to have a full range of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in a meal replacement option. When replacing one or more meals per day, it’s essential to choose an option that has at least 30 percent of the daily value of most vitamins and minerals.
What to avoid
Though other products in the market may claim themselves to be “complete meal replacements”, their nutritional profiles can suggest otherwise. It’s all too common to see a product with only 100 calories, around 12 grams of protein, as little as 10 grams of carbohydrate, a measly 2 grams of fat, and maybe 5 grams of dietary fiber. On top of that, they use artificial sweeteners and flavors to make up the difference for taste and satisfaction. Will these products help you lose weight? Maybe. But are they appropriate for healthy weight loss? Surely not.
IsaLean Shake
On the other hand, consider IsaLean Shakes and Bars. These complete meal replacements provide the optimal nutritional profile and more – in the form of highest-quality protein, prebiotics for gut health, olive and flax oil for heart health, and enzymes for easy digestion. Their macronutrient/micronutrient makeup is also backed by clinical research showing better results than typical dieting for healthy weight loss, healthy fat loss, and maintenance of muscle.
For a truly nutritious, delicious healthy meal, you’ve got a winner in IsaLean Shake.
References
- Perala MM, Kajantie E, Valsta LM, Holst JJ, Leiviska J, Eriksson JG. Early growth and postprandial appetite regulatory hormone responses. Br J Nutr 2013;1-10.
- Chang KT, Lampe JW, Schwarz Y et al. Low glycemic load experimental diet more satiating than high glycemic load diet. Nutr Cancer 2012;64:666-73.
