Meal Replacement Shakes Nutritional Value for Weight Loss

In the myriad of options dieters have in their battle for weight loss, meal replacement shakes may be one of the most selected. They are easy to use, fast, many of them provide good nutrition, and are relatively cheap.

When selecting meal replacement shakes for weight loss there are certain factors to consider. DO they have too much sugar?? Do they have enough protein? DO they have a good balance of carbs, protein, and fat? These and many other questions should be examined in depth before choosing a particular brand of meal replacement shakes.

Slim-fast is perhaps one of th oldest on the market. I remember using them quite some time ago (15 years +). They have 6 g of fat, 25 g of carbs, 10g of proteins and 190 calories per can. Unfortunately 70% of the carbs calories come from refined sugar. It has 20% of the carbs coming from dietary fiber which is good, but contains hydrogenated oil and high fructose corn syrup , which is not so good nutritionally speaking. It also contains artificial sweeteners.

Special K is another popular Meal Replacement Shake. This one has g fat, 29 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein, 190 calories per unit. It has less fiber (17%) and less carbohydrates coming from sugar (62%). However, I still believe is too much coming from sugars. Its main protein sources are whey and soy protein

Shakeology seem to have a better nutritional value. It has more protein (17 g), less carbs (17g) and less fat (1g). It has no artificial sweeteners nor refined sugars. Whey protein is the main source of protein in the meal replacement shake and in addition the product is enriched with antioxidants ans probiotics which is a nice addition.

Meal replacement shakes are great for weight loss. They can be easily used when in a hurry and can be used to feed you when you do not have time to prepare a good meal. However, keep in mind that they should be used occasionally and not as a regular basis for your diet.

Unfortunately all the meal replacement shakes have a problem. They do not satisfy you completely. Part of a weight loss regime is to feel OK with yourself and your meals. If you are constantly unsatisfied (and feeling hungry) you will be doomed in your weight loss efforts.

To be successful at weight loss you should learn (or re-learn) your food habits. Eating healthy is the best solution for weight loss and meal replacement shakes may be just a temporary solution for those days that would be impossible to have a meal prepared by yourself.

Sources:

www.specialk.com

www.slim-fast.com