Meal Replacement Definition

Meal replacement is defined by google.com as "formulated food that by itself, can replace one or more daily meals." When adapting to a healthy lifestyle, adequate nutrition for weight-loss is imperative. Experts recommend that we consume five to six small meals daily, along with exercise to burn fat. Meal replacements have been scientifically proven to aid tremendously in the weight loss process. Meal replacements, or MRs, in weight loss jargon are marketed as meals that you don't have to cook. After all, people's busy schedules do not allow them to be in the kitchen all day preparing food. MRs are also marketed to body builders and dieters.

Uses for Meal Replacements

• "They're simple and full proof," says menshealth.com. MRs can be used initially in a weight loss regime. They are also a quick and convenient way to consume protein. Some are useful fat burners and are usually 200 calories. Studies have shown that people who maintained a diet that included a meal replacement once or twice a day lost up to 7 percent of their body weight.

Advantages of Meal Replacements

• They are conveniently packaged for quick consumption.
  With an average cost of $2, they cost less than most nutritious meals and are cost effective.
  People generally do not consider nutrition when eating, and meal replacements are loaded with nutrients.
  The urge to snack is eliminated or reduced because they are consumed in between major meals.

Are Meal Replacements Harmful?

• There has been growing concern over the medical validity of meal replacements. Meal replacements are not harmful when the directions are followed exactly. However, if used over a long period of time, they can cause health problems. The shakes and powders do not contain a lot of fiber, so problems with bowel movements can arise. When coupled with a low-calorie diet, meal replacements facilitate steady weight loss. However, when the diet regime has ceased, the metabolism is impacted by slowing down. As a result, weight is gained rapidly. In addition, the over consumption of protein can cause kidney maladies.

How Do Meal Replacements Work?

• Meal replacements are very low in simple sugars. These sugars are absorbed rapidly into the blood stream and cause a spike in insulin levels. This spike is a direct effect of the body storing excess sugars that metabolize into fat. Meal replacements are best utilized in conjunction with a balanced diet, but they are not a substitute for natural food. Combining meal replacements with a natural food diet ensures the optimum intake of nutrients.
  The primary ingredient is a wheat-based carbohydrate, maltodextrin. The carbohydrates are time released into the blood stream, which enables the insulin levels to stabilize and minimize fat storage. Since the ingredients in meal replacements are plant based, it is not beneficial to combine them with a strict vegan diet. It is best to have your three square meals and use the meal replacements as fillers.

Types of Meal Replacements

• Meal Replacements are provided as bars, shakes and powder. They are fortified with carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins. Nutritional balance is not sacrificed in MRs, taste, however, is another matter. MRs come in two categories; the first is a liquid mixture administered and monitored by a doctor and is typically reserved for morbidly obese and severely overweight patients. The second is the popular over-the-counter options such as Met Rx, Nutri Slim and Slim Fast.