When it comes to dieting, the first thought that approaches our mind is to find time to prepare, pack and cook healthy meals. We’ve all been there—running behind schedule with no time to eat breakfast or prepare a healthy lunch to bring to work, or getting home late and having no energy to cook dinner. To relieve us from “how to prepare a healthy meal” stress, meal replacer is an ideal alternative which are commercially available products that provide fixed amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients that may be used as a substitution of one or two main meals per day.
As per FSSAI, 200kcal should come from a meal replacer and not more than 400kcal per meal. Protein should make up minimum 25% of the energy. Protein is the satiating nutrient and whey protein is the best.
One of the research on protein shows that high protein results in an almost double amount of fat loss as compared to moderate protein diet.
Along with protein, a meal replacer should also contain a good amount of fiber to support the protein in its satiating effect. Soluble Fibre rich diets tend to be more satiating as they slow down gastric emptying by forming a viscous gel in the small intestine, which reduces absorption of nutrients, thereby prolonging satiety reduces postprandial glucose and over a long-term improves insulin sensitivity. Check for the soluble fiber in the meal replacer nutrition labels.
Even micronutrients are important and you should check in the label of the meal replacement.
In the end, check for the variety of flavors, perhaps a chocolate shake will save you when you’re craving dessert for dinner, or maybe a vanilla or cookie & cream milkshake for breakfast will keep you from giving in to that tempting plate of cookies on the reception desk at work.
Go ahead and make your choice of health today!!
