Slim-Fast meal replacement shakes, manufactured by Unilever, are designed to encourage weight loss. They have expanded into other markets and now offer high-protein, as well as low-carbohydrate varieties. Though vitamin and mineral fortified and fiber-rich, the original Slim-Fast shake is high in added sugars. Like many meal replacement products, there are benefits and drawbacks to consuming this beverage.
Nutrition Facts
The original Slim-Fast shakes are available in four flavors: creamy milk chocolate, rich chocolate royale, French vanilla and strawberries 'n' cream. One can of the creamy milk chocolate drink provides 220 calories, 3 g fat (1 g saturated), 40 g total carbohydrates (34 g sugars or 8.5 tsp.), 10 g protein, 220 mg sodium and 5 g each of dietary fiber and cholesterol. This is a low-fat, high-fiber beverage. In addition, one can provides, on average, 35 percent of the Recommended Daily Value (DV) for 23 vitamins and minerals.
Quality as a Meal Replacement
According to Women Fitness website, meal replacement drinks should provide 250 to 300 calories, 35 to 45 g protein, 20 to 25 g carbohydrates, 2 to 4 g fat and offer between 50 to 100 percent of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for most of the major vitamins and minerals. According to this criteria, original Slim-Fast provides almost enough calories, the right amount of fat, but too little protein, too many carbohydrates (and added sugars) and not enough of key minerals.
Minerals
In theory, a meal replacement beverage, such as Slim-Fast should meet at least one-third, if not one-half of your requirement for most major vitamins and minerals. The original Slim-Fast comes up short for zinc and iron, providing 15 percent of the DV for each in one serving. Iron is especially important for women, who are at a greater risk of deficiency due to menstruation. Iron helps build red blood cells and forms hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all body cells. Both minerals are important for a healthy immune system. Furthermore, zinc aids in wound healing.
Effectiveness as a Weight Loss Aid
The Slim-Fast Plan calls for drinking a shake in place of two meals (usually breakfast and lunch) and having a sensible dinner of 500 calories, bringing a total day's calories to less than 1,000. In a research study published in "Public Health Nutrition" in 2009, 300 obese individuals were randomly assigned to follow one of four weight-loss diets for six months to investigate their effectiveness. The diets included Dr Atkins' New Diet Revolution, The Slim-Fast Plan, Weight Watchers Points program and the "Eat Yourself Slim" Diet. Significant weight loss was achieved by all groups without significant differences observed between the diets after six months.
Considerations
In a study published by the "Nutrition Journal" in 2008, researchers investigated the macronutrient composition (carbohydrate, protein and fat) and micronutrient adequacy (vitamins and minerals) over two months of the same four diets. They concluded that while there was no evidence to suggest vitamin or mineral deficiencies in subjects on any of the diets, sub-groups may have higher needs for specific nutrients, such as folate, iron or calcium. Slim-Fast is a nutritious, fiber-rich drink. However, it is high in sugar. The USDA recommends limiting added sugars to about 40 g daily. One can of Slim Fast provides nearly that amount. Also, according to Women Fitness website, sugar-based meal-replacement products may, over time, promote body fat gain, making them less desirable for maintaining a lean physique.
References
- Slim Fast: Product Information
- Women Fitness Net: Meal Replacement Shakes--A Healthy Choice
- National Institutes of Health: Public Health Nutrition Journal: Comparison of The Effects of Four Commercially Available Weight-Loss Programmes
- National Institutes of Health: Nutrition Journal: Commercial Weight-Loss Diets Meet Nutrient Requirements
- USDA: Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Chapter 7: Carbohydrates
Member Comments