Slimfast Diet Foods

In a special report on weight loss in its "Women's Healthsource" publication, the Mayo Clinic states that although meal replacement drinks and packaged foods alone may not help dieters to lose weight, there is enough evidence to suggest that they could help to promote weight loss when included in a healthy diet and exercise plan. SlimFast sells a variety of snack bars and meal replacements to supplement its 3-2-1 diet plan. The diet promotes three 100-calorie snacks, two 200- to 300-calorie meal replacements and one 500-calorie balanced meal per day.

Snack Bars

The SlimFast 3-2-1 diet plan allows up to three healthy snacks per day. When fresh fruit or vegetables are not available, dieters may choose one of SlimFast's snack bars. These snack bars are available in five flavors: Chocolate Nougat Gone Nuts, Chocolatey Vanilla Blitz, Double-Dutch Chocolate, Nutty Chocolate Chew and Peanut Butter Crunch Time. Each bar is 2.2g to 2.4g, and contains 100 calories, 2.5g to 5g of fat and 14g to 17g of carbohydrates. Each bar also provides 10 percent of the daily values of vitamins A, E, B-6 and B-12, as well as calcium, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, folate and panthothenic acid.

Meal Replacement Bars

SlimFast recommends up to two servings per day of their meal replacement bars. These bars, available in five flavors, include Chewy Chocolate Crisp, Chocolate Peanut Caramel, Fruit & Yogurt Trail Mix, Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin and Sweet & Salty Chocolate Almond. Each bar contains 200 calories, 6g to 8g of fat, 23g to 27g of carbohydrates and 8g to 9g of protein, as well as 20 percent of the daily values of vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B-6, B-12, calcium, riboflavin, iron, thiamin, niacin, folate, biotin and pantothenic acid.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Nevada, Western Bariatric Institute and Kansas University Medical Center published in the June, 2007 "Nutrition Journal" studied the effects of meal replacement bars as a part of a weight loss strategy for obese women. The study concluded that while weight loss was comparable for those using meal replacement bars and those that did not, dieters that did not use meal replacement bars showed a lower dietary intake of several vitamins and minerals.

Pre-Mixed Shakes

SlimFast's pre-mixed shakes are well suited for people on the go who do not have time to stop for a full meal. Each shake contains 180 to 190 calories and 25 to 100 percent of the recommended daily values of vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, D, E and K as well as well as other important nutrients. The shakes come in single-serving containers, and are available in eight flavors including Cappuccino Delight, French Vanilla, Cream Milk Chocolate, Rich Chocolate Royale and Strawberries N' Cream. Dieters with special needs may opt for their Lower-Carb Cream Chocolate, Lower-Carb Vanilla Cream or High-Protein Extra Creamy Chocolate.

Meal replacement shakes are more than a convenient meal substitute for those looking to lose weight. The National Cancer Institute recommends liquid meal replacements as a way for cancer patients undergoing treatment to get additional calories and protein.

Shake Mixes

Powdered shakes are cost-effective for those who use liquid meal replacements on a consistent basis. SlimFast's line of powdered meal replacement shakes are available in six flavors, including Chocolate Royale, French Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Strawberry Supreme, High-Protein Creamy Vanilla and High-Protein Creamy Chocolate. When mixed with 8 oz. of fat-free skim milk, each shake contains roughly 200 calories and approximately one third of the recommended daily intake for the most important vitamins and minerals.