Meal replacement shakes provide a convenient way for you to enjoy a healthy, low-calorie meal on the go. If you’ve decided to use this approach to weight loss and a healthier body, you may be on the right path. But it’s not unusual to second guess this weight management strategy or asks yourself, “Do meal replacement shakes really work?”

It’s time to dish out the health details and explain how you can benefit in the long run.

What Are Meal Replacement Shakes?

Meal replacement is a diet strategy that allows you to swap out one or more daily meals for something healthier. In most cases, people opt for protein shakes, but meal replacement shakes can be made from fruits, vegetables, or a combination. In its truest sense, meal replacement shakes are meant to provide the nutrition of a full, balanced meal. They come in a bottle or can or are sometimes supplied as a powder. You’ll need to mix the powder with water or milk to prepare the shake.

What’s in Your Nutrition Shake?

Replacement shakes provide macronutrients and micronutrients with far fewer calories than the average meal, which can have anywhere between 500 to 800 calories. The average nutrition shake contains 200–400 calories and is packed with the following nutrients:

Protein

Carbs

Fats

Fiber

Vitamins

Minerals

The ingredients and nutrient composition in meal replacement shakes will vary. However, shakes made from plant-based proteins and nutrients are healthier alternatives. You can choose a product that best suits your nutrition and weight management goals. For example, you may prefer a product rich in protein to satisfy your hunger, manage your appetite, and reduce weight gain. A high-fiber shake also extends the time nutrients take to pass through your stomach and into your small intestine, which helps reduce the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

How Do Meal Replacement Shakes Work?

When you’re working, on the go, tired, or don’t feel like preparing a meal, having your nutrition shakes within reach can help you resist the temptation to choose unhealthy or processed foods. Nutritionists suggest that meal replacement shakes can contribute to weight loss if you substitute two of your main daily meals for shakes. Substituting one of your main daily meals can help you maintain your weight after weight loss.

Meal Replacement Shakes Benefits

Meal replacement shakes can be especially beneficial to individuals who are less physically active or live a sedentary lifestyle. You can also take advantage of a shake diet if your busy lifestyle prevents you from preparing healthy meals. Whatever the underlying reason for turning to nutritious shakes, you stand to benefit in the following ways:

Healthier alternative to fast foods

Low-calorie and packed with vital nutrients

Great way to enjoy a high-protein diet

Help reduce cravings for carbs and sugars

Help you better manage your weight

A healthier approach to weight loss

It helps supplement your diet with essential vitamins and nutrients absent from your traditional meals

Contact our nutritionist today to find out if meal replacement shakes are right for you.