Meal replacements as a proven weight loss tool

Even though the weather can’t make up its mind, most of us are thinking of the warm days ahead. Some wait with much anticipation, while others shudder to think of the full-length mirror waiting at the changing room.

There is still time to get beach ready, but how do we choose a weight loss plan among so many? Some plans have complicated rules: measuring, weighing food, excluding certain foods or consuming only a few foods until you lose the weight. The food prohibitions and strict rules make these diets impossible to follow, therefore the diets’ low success rate. Others plans require you to purchase their foods which can be expensive if you are following their diet and feeding your family other foods. If you manage to lose weight it will come back as soon as you return to your regular eating habits.

Most of us are busy and need something convenient to help us reach our weight loss goal. One well-researched option is the use of meal replacement shakes. It is a safe, effective, controlled way to lose weight that offers many advantages. The meal replacement shakes make meal planning easier, especially for those with busy schedules. The meals are easy to prepare (some are ready to use) and can save you money. These calorie-controlled, nutritionally complete meals are satisfying so you can remain on this diet for long periods of time. You can add fruits and no calorie flavorings to make a variety of shakes to make it easier to stay the course. If you do become hungry between meals be sure to consume fruits and vegetables. They satisfy your hunger without adding calories. There are also nutritious bars to keep you full between meals. The meal replacements provide adequate fiber to keep you full longer. Just ensure to drink plenty of water to keep things moving. With this weight loss strategy you will lose weight while retaining muscle. This is achieved through the high protein content of the meals, and the fact that protein requires more energy to digest, thus keeping your metabolism revved up.

If the meal replacement shakes are low-glycemic, they will keep your energy levels steady since they release sugar to your blood stream slowly. This prevents the sharp rise of blood sugar, which could make these shakes safe for diabetics (always check with your doctor before trying them). If at some point you feel the pounds creeping up replace two of your meals with the meal replacement shakes and have a sensible dinner. You will soon be back on track. “For folks who adopt that strategy, there’s pretty good long-term success,” says Steven R. Smith, MD, professor and assistant to the executive director for clinical research at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. If you add a moderate amount of exercise to this weight loss approach you have a trusted, safe, long-term weight loss plan.