Weight loss can be challenging to accomplish, and adding to this struggle is the amount of completely bogus weight loss strategies. However because of quality information making the rounds, it has simplified the discovery of time tested and successful diets. Suddenly making a splash as a solution to weight loss is the strategy of including weight loss meal replacements. The reason why it is getting so much attention is due in part because depending on the brand, it’s meant to work.
What makes up a Meal Replacement?
Essentially a solid meal substitute that is typically in shake form. The logic behind how it functions is simple. You get a low calorie(ideally, though mass builders exist), high nutritional yielding and a hopefully tasty shake. There’s also the factor of what one intends to do with this meal replacement however. For example the European Union has set its own standard for what encompasses a meal supplement and replacement. Some diets need extra supplementation in the form of food while some make full on daily liquid shakes the norm. Typically the goal is to shed weight and to provide adequate sustenance where you won’t feel starved. This is where the nutrients come to play. Before any more is exposed another question must be addressed.
Who Are Ideal Candidates For Meal Replacements?
Ideally anyone who wants a fast and easy solution to weight loss. Calorie counting at this point is unnecessary nor is measuring out ingredients down to the decimal point. Old strategies included the aforementioned because food varies in its calories depending on preparation and specific weight.
Weight loss is tricky to do on one’s own. Often how much we are consuming often varies by a lot. So by simply either mixing or blending, you get a nutritious(assuming it’s an outstanding brand) calorie balanced(ideally) meal. This makes the process of tracking your nutritional input as easy as reading the label. “How many calories are in each scoop?” is the simple question you must ask yourself.
What also adds to the convenience is the fact it is quite simple to make. Some even add a blender isn’t necessary as you can mix up the ingredients with just some sort of liquid and a sealed off top. So no longer are you forced to do any meal prep at all. Instead you reap the benefits of having a nutritious product within minutes. It can be enjoyed on the go and if the product is good, it should keep you in a calorie deficit while still making you feel good.
Key Aspects Needed
Fiber– Adequate fiber is essential in order to prevent you from reaching in the pantry for another snack. It is necessary to keep your stomach from grumbling and to help keep you regular. However the quality is also another important deciding factor. Some fiber sources come from cheap additives. These weaker forms of fiber don’t help keep one satisfied as long. Also it becomes important to not overwhelm with fiber, a healthy balance is needed to ensure stomach comfort.
- Calories– No point in supplementing with any form of meal replacement if there isn’t a fair amount of calories added. However there’s an important balance to watch out for, overdoing it leads to weight increase. If there’s too much calories then you aren’t getting the weight loss benefits as fat comes on through excess calories. Another important idea to watch out for is where are the calories coming in? This leads us to the next ingredient.
- Protein- This tends to be the focus of weight loss brands for good reason. Not only does protein keep you from feeling full, but it helps the body recover and grow muscle. There’s so many different sources of protein but not all have the essential amino acids. Since you are eating these meal replacements you must make certain that you’re getting the adequate nutrition so there’s no fear of an imbalance. Some proteins with all the amino acids include whey protein(all kinds) and soy protein(often GMO unless stated otherwise). Others such as pea lack all the essential amino acids and require much more supplementation to fill this void. Another detail that must be answered is where am I getting it from?
- GMP- Seal of approval from businesses who process their products in a certified facility that ensures a certain quality standard is met. This means the FDA actually inspects the facilities as opposed to a bias party. Instead of running unsure of whether or not a control on the processing is standard, you can rest assured there is monitoring done. Supplement companies can make broad statements that use tricky word play to make it seem like they’re providing the best. A GMP squashes doubts on at least one aspect of the making of a product.
Where Do I Look?
The issue with there being a sudden increase in meal replacement shakes(due to it being a solution to weight loss) is that it makes it hard to know which one to pick. The marketing campaigns all typically say the exact same thing, that the preferred weight loss strategy can be found in their products. With everyone claiming they are number 1 how does one separate reality from opinion? Also what brand taste good? Is it really worth the cost or are there cheaper substitutes? Which has the optimum amount of nutrition? What about the best ingredients?
There’s tons of other questions but the one’s above are the most common. To slice through the fog of uncertainty there are now resources available for you to view. So if a meal replacement appears to be the right fit for you, you now have access to an important resource in the following.
Finding the right brand is achievable by looking at your own individual desires and needs, so simplify your search by taking a look at this website intended to help you find the right one.