Are Meal Replacement Bars And Shakes Healthy?

Weight loss is a topic that has always been popular. Today, there are a number of weight loss options including a variety of meal replacement shakes and bars. Unfortunately, not all of those meal replacements are as healthy as dieters would like to believe.

While most meal substitutes aim for portability, which is essential for people on the go, nutrition is something that simply cannot be overlooked. Losing weight is much healthier when it is done properly zovirax ointment. Sitting down to a healthy meal as opposed to one filled with fats and sugars and getting a bit of exercise is the most effective and healthiest way to lose weight. For those who prefer to grab a quick meal replacement, however, there are things that need to be considered.

“Choosing a healthy meal replacement is a perfectly acceptable substitution, as long as it’s only once in a while.”

Meal replacements should be nutritious and unfortunately, not all bars and shakes carry the required amount of nutrition. In order to lose weight, you have to feel full and satisfied and you have to get the right nutrients and vitamins from your food. Meal replacements should be chosen based on the vitamins, nutrients and minerals that they contain.

Most health experts recommend choosing bars and shakes that contain an adequate number of calories as well. Meal replacements that contain fewer than 250 calories are not likely to satisfy for long and they leave many looking for snacks to tide them over until their next meal. Replacements should contain a fair amount of fiber and protein. Bars with at least 10 grams of protein are the best choices and when faced with multiple higher protein choices, those with the most fiber should be selected. It is also important that you not limit yourself to just those bars or shakes for the entire day.

“To make such a bar into a more nutritious meal, pick up or bring from home a piece of fresh fruit or small package of dried fruit. This will add energy, nutrients, natural protective compounds and fiber.”

There are alternatives to the bars and shakes as well and many fitness experts believe that the alternatives are always the better choice. Fruit, peanut butter on whole wheat bread and cottage cheese are a few examples of foods that will fill you up without giving you a lot of empty calories. The main thing to think about when choosing meal replacement products is that some are no more than candy bars with meal replacement packaging.

“If you must choose a bar of some sort, look to the label.”

The label can tell you exactly what the product contains. Look out for trans fats and excess amounts of sugar. You should also be a bit leery of any ingredients that you cannot pronounce. Foods that are packaged with many different preservatives are simply not the healthiest choices. While it is possible to find meal replacement products that are healthy and will keep you feeling full for several hours, you have to choose wisely to ensure that you are getting a healthy food that does not contain unhealthy ingredients..