A List Of Meal Replacement Drinks

Meal replacement drinks have been a popular weight loss aid since the 1990s, according to a 2007 study published in "Hormone and Metabolic Research." But meal replacement drinks can also be used to promote weight gain in people with poor appetites. Whether looking to lose or gain weight, there are a number of meal replacement drinks to choose from.

Slim Fast

Slim Fast is a commercial meal replacement drink readily available at most grocery stores and pharmacies. It is a meal replacement drink designed to promote weight loss. On the Slim Fast plan you drink two Slim Fast shakes a day and eat one regular meal. Slim fast comes in a variety of flavors, including cappuccino delight, french vanilla and creamy chocolate. Each shake contains about 190 calories and 10 g of protein. Each shake also supplies one-third of your vitamin and mineral needs, according to the Slim Fast website.

Medifast Shakes

Medifast shakes also act as a meal replacement drink for weight loss. The Medifast program is a very low-calorie weight loss program. Each shake contains about 90 calories and 11 g of protein. On the Medifast plan, you drink five shakes a day and eat one meal consisting of a lean protein and non-starchy vegetables, with a total caloric intake of less than 1,000 calories per day. Medical supervision is recommended when following a very low-calorie diet. Medifast shakes can be ordered online or through a distributor.

Carnation Instant Breakfast

Carnation Instant Breakfast is another meal replacement drink. It is often used as a source of vitamins, minerals, calories and protein for people who do not want to eat a meal, most often as a meal replacement for breakfast. Dietitians recommend Carnation Instant Breakfast as an inexpensive nutritional supplement to help people maintain or gain weight. Each serving of Carnation Instant Breakfast mixed with skim or whole milk provides 220 to 280 calories and 10 g of protein. Carnation Instant Breakfast can be found at most grocery stores and pharmacies.

Ensure

Ensure is another meal replacement drink commonly used as a nutritional supplement for weight maintenance or weight gain. Ensure offers a number of different types of drinks for a number of nutritional concerns, including bone and immune health. Calorie and protein content ranges from 240 to 350 calories and 9 to 13 g of protein. Each ensure shake also provides 24 essential vitamins and minerals. Ensure can be found at most grocery stores and pharmacies.