Bodybuilders require more fuel than the average person does to build and maintain their muscles. Proper nutrition is crucial to a bodybuilder's regimen and skipping meals is avoided at all costs. For food on the go, meal replacements are designed to contain a blend of nutrients that you normally get from the whole foods in your diet. Although milk provides a source of protein, it is unsuitable as a meal replacement.
Role
Meal preparation takes a significant amount of time, considering bodybuilders eat between five to six meals per day. Meal replacements play a critical role in nutrition for many bodybuilders who find that they need to substitute one to two meals per day with a meal replacement. Unlike protein shakes, meal replacements are meant to replace the nutrition that you would typically get from a nutritious meal. This helps bodybuilders meet their daily nutrient requirements.
Milk
Milk is unsuitable as a meal replacement because it doesn't contain the nutrients that you would normally receive from a well-balanced meal, according to Ori Hofmekler, author of Maximum Muscle, Minimum Fat. Milk contains protein and calcium, but is void of many other essential nutrients. In addition, milk is often high in saturated fat, so many bodybuilders limit their consumption, says Hofmekler.
Choosing Meal Replacements
Choose a good meal replacement to ensure that you meet your daily nutrient requirements. A good meal replacement provides essential nutrients and is low in fat, according to Robert Kennedy, author of "Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding." When choosing a meal replacement, look for one that has 30 or more grams of protein, moderate carbohydrates and an array of vitamins and minerals, says Kennedy.
Considerations
Meal replacements are a good choice when you're pressed for time and want to avoid skipping meals. They should be used in conjunction with a nutritious whole-food diet and workout program. Carrying a meal replacement with you while you're on the go helps you stick to your diet and avoid less healthy options such as fast-food. Avoid using meal replacements as the base of your diet, Kennedy suggests, and use no more than two per day.
References
- Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding; Robert Kennedy
- Maximum Muscle, Minimum Fat; Ori Hofmekler
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