Meal Replacement Products

Believe me, even if you know all about healthy eating, life gets in the way of your best laid plans at times. There are some new studies that may offer help for those struggling just to get the weight control process started. Meal replacement products have gained some recognition as an option for those who need to control calorie intake for weight loss or better diabetes control. What are meal replacement products? As the name implies, these ready-to-go drinks, powdered shakes, bars and pudding products can be used in place of a meal or snack. They are fast, convenient, portion-controlled, nutritionally balanced and the taste has been improved over the past few years. Studies have shown that replacing one or two meals a day with these products can lead to more significant weight loss than traditional diet plans when combined with regular exercise most days of the week. Experts recommend that you plan one well-balanced meal with lean protein, vegetables and fruit when it is most convenient along with fresh fruit and one-quarter cup of nuts as snacks during the day. Remember to drink adequate amounts of water or other low-calorie fluids to stay hydrated and prevent constipation. What should you look for in a meal replacement product? Read the nutrition facts panel for: •Calories- 190 to 250 per serving- For products with fewer than 200 calories, you may want to add a fruit or fat-free dairy serving to round out the "meal." •Protein- 15 to 20 grams per serving. •Carbohydrates- 14 to 34 grams with 3 to 6 grams of dietary fiber per serving. •Total Fat- 5 to 8 grams with unsaturated fat and little if any saturated fat. •Vitamins and minerals- 50 to 100 percent of the Dietary Reference Intake.

Meal replacement products are great if used properly in the context of a balanced diet with regular exercise.