When choosing diet options for weight loss, you have several that can help you take off pounds. Some diets may be restrictive and confusing, while others are simply hard to follow. Trying to lose weight can be difficult in itself, so many people opt for diet plans such as meal replacements that take some of the guesswork out of counting calories or carbs. Meal replacements are designed to take the place of foods, which may be high in fat and calories, and thus foster weight loss.
Purpose
You can use meal replacements as part of a program or buy them individually, as substitutes for regular, sit-down meals. They offer controlled portions that eliminate much of the guesswork in determining calories and nutrients that you need on a daily basis. Most menus contain a specific amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates with each serving and may provide between 1,200 and 1,600 calories each day.
Menu Items
Meal replacement menus are designed to take the place of only one or two meals every day. Depending on the program, you may also eat a healthy meal once daily. Most menus consist of shakes offered in different flavors, such as chocolate or strawberry. Other menu items include soups or powdered mixes. Snack bars are also an option between meals. Some meal replacement plans recommend eating five servings of fruits and vegetables throughout the day, as adding these foods provides nutrients with few calories.
Types
Meal replacement plans can be quick and convenient, and menus are even available for different health conditions. For those who have diabetes, there are meal replacement menus designed to control carbohydrate intake. Other types of meal replacement menu options available contain soy, meals that are high in protein and those that are gluten-free.
Safe & Effective
Meal replacement is one method of weight loss that is considered safe and effective, according to Dietitians in Obesity Management. Alternatively, it may be difficult to replace your meals in this manner for the long-term when most meal replacement menus consist of bars, shakes, powders or soups. Although these products are formulated to have nutrients for your health, it may be difficult if you want more variety. You can purchase many meal replacements over the counter and some programs will design an eating plan for you. You must pay for both of these services and some may not want to invest this much money.
References
- Pennington Nutrition Series; Weight Loss Methods; 2009
- Dietitians Working in Obesity Management UK: Position Statement on Meal Replacement Approaches in the Management of Overweight and Obesity
- Weight Loss Resources.co.uk; Meal Replacements Under the Spotlight; Juliette Kellow, BSC, RD
- Chase Freedom Diet Reviews: Meal Replacement Shakes Reviews
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