Partial Meal Replacement
A 2003 analysis conducted by the Obesity Research Center and sponsored by Unilever, which makes Slimfast products, suggests that low-calorie meal replacement foods are an effective tool for weight loss when used as a partial meal replacement (PMR) plan. Six studies reviewed indicated that weight loss in PMR subjects was greater than those on reduced calorie diets when assessed at three months and then after a year, with the PMR group exhibiting between seven and eight percent loss in body weight.
Slimfast Overview
The Slimfast diet plan introduces the concept of partial meal replacement to those to aspire to lose weight--the plan proposes replacing some meals with Slimfast products, combining them with conventional food types for other meals, and using them as snacks. Slimfast is no longer relegated to canned "milkshake" drinks, but includes products such as meal bars and snack bars sold in a variety of flavors. In addition to the original Slimfast line-up of canned drinks and powdered drinks, there's the Optima line (which substitutes sugar with a sugar substitute), as well as high-protein, low-carbohydrate, and gluten- and lactose-free versions of Slimfast food items.
Breakfast
For breakfast, dieters on the Slimfast plan replace what they'd normally eat with a Slimfast shake or meal bar. Most Slimfast canned shakes contain 190 calories, while meal bars contain around 220.
Lunch
Lunch on the Slimfast plan includes consuming one of the shakes or meal bars, along with 200 calories of conventional food. Suggested conventional food choices include a mini-pizza, half of a turkey sandwich, or six ounces of yogurt with a cup of strawberries.
Dinner
Dinnertime on the Slimfast plan is a sensible, 500-calorie meal that consists of one-fourth skim protein (such as skinless chicken, fish or lean beef), one-fourth starch (such as potatoes, wheat bread or rice), and one-half vegetables, along with a side of salad and serving of fruit.
Snacks
Snacking between meals is encouraged on the Slimfast diet plan. Dieters can select from Slimfast snack bars or choose a conventional food type. Suggested snacks may consist of an apple, banana half, half-cup of grapes, or an ounce of mini-pretzels.
Cautions and Considerations
Dietitian Joanne Larsen, a member of the American Dietetic Association who maintains "Ask the Dietitian", refrains from commenting on consumer diet food products, but urges dieters to take a hard look at their meal plan and see if they could eat it for the rest of their lives to maintain a healthy weight. "If the answer is no and the 'diet' is for short- term or quick weight loss, you probably won't keep it off," Larsen states.
The ADA notes that liquid meal replacements do contain fewer calories, usually between 170 and 280 compared to a conventional 500-calorie meal. However, the ADA notes that dieters get more satisfaction from tasting and chewing conventional foods--and they also feel fuller. Liquid meal replacements may actually cause hungry dieters to eat more.
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