Do Meal Replacement Shakes Really Work for Weight Loss?

Many people have trouble sticking to diets because they find it hard to stick to the meal plan provided. 

Although people can lose weight by cutting back on their calories, many people find it hard to maintain their new eating habits after they have reached their goal weight. 

Meal replacement shakes are a convenient way to get the nutrients you need while still enjoying your favourite foods. But do meal replacement shakes really work for weight loss? Keep reading to discover it.

What are shakes?

First of all, it is good to know that there are two main categories of shakes, the protein shakes and the ones that aim to replace a meal. In today’s article, we will talk about the second category.

Usually, these types of shakes come in powder form and have a special composition, so that they can provide the necessary nutrients for a meal. They can be prepared with milk (classic or vegetable) or water and can be kept in the fridge to stay fresh. It is good to know that such a shake can contain between 200 and 400 calories, but that depends on the brand and the flavor you choose.

In which cases can you replace a meal with a shake?

If you want to lose weight and you are in a period when you are calorie deficient, shakes can help you replace a meal from time to time. However, specialists do not recommend making a habit out of it.

You want to avoid an unhealthy meal

Let us presume that you have a hard and very busy day when time is not your ally. We are aware that in order to eat healthily, you need time to prepare that dish. In this context, it is preferable to replace that meal with a shake, rather than eating something unhealthy that could compromise your diet. 

This comes in handy particularly if you can’t eat dairy or need a gluten free option.

The shake is very easy to prepare and will help you lose weight. You only need a few minutes to mix your favorite flavored powder with water or milk, transfer the composition to a portable container, and then you will be ready to go and start your day!

You need more nutrients

Once you decide to take up a diet, the most effective way to quickly lose extra pounds is to consume fewer calories. This is certainly not easy to do because you have to give up some of the necessary foods and also the nutrients and vitamins they contain.

If you fail to get your vitamin intake from other sources, but you also want to be in a caloric deficit, shakes are the perfect solution and will help you lose weight! They contain calcium, potassium, fiber, protein, minerals, but also vitamins (A, E, D, K), which are essential for a healthy and balanced life.

Conclusion

While meal replacement shakes are convenient, easy to carry around, and require no cooking, they aren’t for everyone. They can be expensive, and they’re not always the best source of vitamins and minerals. Eating whole, unprocessed foods that are low in fat and sugar is the best way to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need.

The idea of replacing meals with specially designed shakes isn’t new, but it’s been gaining in popularity as of late. While meal replacement shakes can be a convenient way to get the nutrients your body needs in a quick, easy to digest package, they are not a panacea for weight loss. (That’s because most people who buy meal replacement shakes as meal replacements tend to also buy fast food on the other days).