Nothing can beat a full, nutritious meal. But when you're short on time and need a quick fix, or having trouble filling a high-calorie requirement, meal replacement shakes get the job done.
And when we're talking about food replacement, you should only consider the best meal replacement shakes for your health.
Meal Replacement vs Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are a good meal replacement drink— not. There's a misconception among those unfamiliar with meal alternatives that these two are the same. Compared to protein shakes, a meal replacement shake is typically more nutritionally dense and filling, formulated to address specific fitness goals and needs.
If protein shakes are what you want to learn more about, check out our ultimate guide to protein powder.
Why Men Need Meal Replacement Shakes
Considering men are more prone to nutritional deficiencies than women, skipping meals shouldn't be an option. But that doesn't mean you should settle for eating greasy, grab-and-go food to save time while refuelling your body.
Meal replacement shakes are the ideal healthier alternative to full meals, providing an excellent balance of muscle-building protein, fibre, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients in powder form. The idea is to replace meals with low-kilojoule powdered shakes to lower your energy intake, increase energy levels during workouts, and facilitate weight loss while conserving lean body mass. Alternatively, meal replacement shakes can also aid those who are looking to gain instead.
Nutritious, convenient and easy-to-prepare, this meal alternative is perfect for athletes, bodybuilders and busy people working through demanding schedules.
Best Meal Replacement Shakes
So what exactly makes up the best meal replacement shakes?
In general, less is more. Experts say that the best shakes are the ones packed with at least 25 grams of protein while containing the fewest ingredients possible. This amount of protein keeps you feeling fuller for a longer time. If you're looking to lose weight, watch out for high-sugar ones.
You'll also want to keep healthy fats in your diet, so fat-free shakes aren't the best. Check for a replacement meal shake that contains a lot of unsaturated fats and low amounts of saturated fats, and watch out for shakes that include artificial flavours, dyes, or colourings.
But if we're going to get into the specifics, the "best" meal replacement shake depends in individual needs. No two brands are the same; shakes vary in the nutrition they provide— and us humans have varying dietary needs. For example, athletes may require more carbs, while some men may want more vitamins. There's also the matter of the recommended daily intake and the type of exercise you do. A training athlete's nutritional and protein intake are at levels higher than the ordinary person.
Like protein powders, meal replacement shakes are not all created equal, but depending on your nutritional needs or fitness goals, one might be better for you than the other. There are meal replacement shakes specifically designed to help in weight loss, weight gain, bodybuilding, and correcting dietary deficiencies and nutritional gaps.
Aiming to hit some new fitness goals? Find training while planning your diet exhausting? Get in touch with us to start receiving the support you need to achieve your goals.