Posted by Savneet Singh on Jun.28, 2009

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Jam-packed lives with jobs, kids, parents, studies, friends, spouses and numerous other obligations leave very little time to map out meals with proper nutrients. For many of us, grabbing something and going becomes much easier. But sometimes this ‘grab and go’ kind of food increases health risks and improper intake of calories, which may result in weight gain and poor nourishment. Meal replacement bars and beverages can offer some help.

These supplement foods are formulated with proteins, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates. These are convenient and are strictly portion controlled. They are usually designed to be filling, reducing hunger between meals. Keep in mind, though, that nothing can replace the benefits of real food. These energy-controlled meal replacements provide rounded nutrition that can fill in nutritional gaps and keep you from straying into unhealthy eating habits when you are tired, busy or over committed.

Meal Replacements for Convenience

Meal replacement bars and shakes may prove to be a healthy ‘grab and go’ nutritional option. Find meal replacements that can meet specific nutritional and metabolic standards. Meal replacements are available in various forms. You can get powders, drinks, soups, bars and biscuits. Some products can replace all meals while others are meant to replace only one or two meals per day. The formulas contain adequate vitamins and minerals. Meal replacement meals are very low in fat and they often have added fiber.

Meal Replacements for Weight Control

For losing weight, we need to reduce the intake of the calories below the daily activity needs. When we reduce the number of the calories, we draw from our fat stores to obtain energy. By replacing meals with specialized complete meal formula, we lose fat and weight.

Substituting meal replacement for regular snacks can increase your meal frequency and controls the weight, since the low-calorie meal replacements limit calorie intake. Meal replacements have become popular way for helping many people successfully start losing weight. Meal replacements can be a good therapeutic approach to weight loss but only if, they are used in combination with lifestyle and diet education and professional support.

Meal Replacements for Weight Maintenance

If you use meal replacements sensibly to replace several meals in a week as a part of long-term weight maintenance strategy, you can reduce your caloric intake and prevent rebound pounds from piling back on. Furthermore meal replacement diets have the calories in each portion calculated, which makes it easier to keep energy intake down leading to greater success with weight loss.

Meal Replacements for Changing Eating Behavior

The meal replacements can play a positive visual cue and a reminder that you should not overeat. When you see meal replacements in your bag, refrigerators, gym bag or kitchen, it can have significant behavioral impact.

Meal Replacements for Exercise Recovery

Meal replacements are biochemicallly valuable following a workout. The required carbohydrates and proteins to replenish your body following exercise can be readily supplied by meal replacements.

Shortcomings of Meal Replacements

A consistent diet of meal replacement can be nutritionally poor. It may sabotage your body in a long run. In addition you will never learn how to manage eating healthier with typical foods. They don’t provide a full feeling in your stomach. Your appetite may not be satisfied if you continue to get all or most of your food through meal-replacements.

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Posted under Food Facts, Food, Nutrition & Recipes, Nutrition.