Meal Replacement Vs. Protein Drinks

Dieters commonly use meal replacements and protein drinks in their weight-loss regimens. Whereas meal replacements can help increase weight loss in conjunction with healthy meals, protein drinks are typically unnecessary and do not contribute to weight loss.

Meal Replacements

• Meal replacements are pre-packaged foods or formulas with a predetermined number of calories and nutritional value intended to replace a meal. They are available as shakes, bars, entrees, and powder mixes.

Plan

• Dieters typically consume meal replacements rather than standard meals once or twice a day. Nutritionists Heli Roy and Shanna Lundy at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center state that a meal replacement program can be more effective for weight loss than conventional dieting.

Protein Drinks

• Protein shakes and shake mixes contain protein from soy, dairy, or eggs. The manufacturers of these drinks claim that they can help with weight loss and reduce body fat, although Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky says there is no evidence to support this claim.

Weight Loss

• According to Zeratsky, as long as you follow a healthy diet, the intake of extra protein by drinking protein shakes is unnecessary and may even make weight loss more difficult.

Considerations

• The Mayo Clinic recommends regular exercise and eating more plant-based foods as part of a healthy weight loss plan. Set realistic goals for yourself, seek support when needed, and make weight loss a commitment.