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Meal Replacements to Lose Weight

According to the August 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, meal replacements can be effective in a well-planned weight-loss program. A combination of specific foods, shakes and health bars is one of many approaches to controlled weight loss. While exercise is important as well, a strict diet must also be followed in order to achieve significant results. Consider the following meal-replacement options if you are looking to shed those excess pounds.

  1. Breakfast

    • Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you should make sure to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. It is key to consume some healthy foods early in the morning, in addition to some meal substitutes. Fresh fruit and oatmeal are excellent choices. The oatmeal will give you complex carbohydrates to be used as energy all day long. Top off your breakfast with a protein bar in place of a bagel or toaster pastry. The protein will fuel your body throughout the morning, reducing hunger pangs and cravings until lunch time.

    Lunch

    • There are a variety of substitutes for your standard lunch. Drink a meal-replacement shake and eat a health bar. As always, fresh fruit or vegetables can also round out your meal. Try bananas, apples or carrot sticks. Another option is to skip the shake and simply make your own smoothie with fruits, vegetables and a blender. This is not the most filling of lunches, but that is all right because you should consume another shake, smoothie or health bar again between lunch and dinner. It has been shown that eating smaller meals and snacks more frequently throughout the day instead of three big meals alone is conducive to weight loss.

    Dinner

    • Dinner should be light of you intend to lose weight. Limiting the amount of sugars and carbohydrates you consume in the evening will significantly improve the results of your diet. Rather than eating a traditional meal, substitute a shake or a special entree designed for weight loss. Drink plenty of water along with the meal. Again, do not hesitate to eat some fresh fruit for dessert. A strictly liquid diet does not give your body the fiber and antioxidants it needs to function. You should eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and do not worry about the extra calories because these types of foods will ultimately have no negative effect on your weight-loss goals.

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