Meal Replacement Shakes – The Latest Rage

     We all probably know someone who has experimented with the latest rage of meal replacement shakes.  Perhaps you have tried one yourself.  Many people have had success losing weight by using shakes instead of meals.  Some of the more popular brands are ViSalus (Body by Vi) or Advocare.  Most people love them because they don’t have to think about food, plan meals in advance, or buy expensive products.  Meal replacement shakes may be a great start for someone who is trying to lose weight and is intimidated by thinking about calories and making healthy choices.  Breakfast is a meal that lots of people skip simply because they think they don’t have time.  But a breakfast alternative is the meal replacement shake --- how easy to grab a shake on the way out the door!

     Some people believe they can start on meal replacement shakes and then once the weight is lost, they can go back to their normal eating habits.  This is a sure-fire plan for disaster as all of the lost weight is usually packed back on rather quickly.  Most people do not intend to strictly consume only meal replacement shakes for the rest of their life.  Consumers want a quick and easy fix for losing weight; meal replacement shakes may just give them that.  But, chances are these people will not be able to maintain their weight loss results after the meal replacement shake regimen ends.

     My personal opinion is that weight loss can be achieved by simple eating healthy and exercising regularly.  Yes, it may take more time and effort to change your diet and exercise, but I promise you that your results will last longer if not forever.  Meal replacements are best utilized as an addition to a well-balanced nutritional regimen - not as a substitute for natural foods. They fill a specific dietary niche, but by no means are a complete source of nutrition. Hence, their overuse can lead to a disparity in dietary ratios as well as a deficiency in vital nutrients. Combining meal replacements with natural foods is the best way to satisfy all of your nutritional requirements, ensuring an optimal intake of nutrients (Women's Fitness, 2012).

References

Women's Fitness. (2012, July 31). Meal Replacement Shakes: How Practical are They? Retrieved September 17, 2012, from Business & Health: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/368527/20120731/meal-replacement-shake-weightloss-calorie-fat-diet.htm#.UFdGRHhyO-U