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Supplement Review:
Meal Replacements
B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Blender)
by Erin Smith |
 We can thank Slim-Fast for marketing, en masse, the trend that so many men and women have struggled with amidst the trials and travails of weight-loss. That highly popular meal-in-a-can proved all the rage during the last two decades, as people on-the-go latched onto the simplest, most convenient diet plan ever established: liquid breakfast, liquid lunch and the oh-so-responsible sounding “sensible” dinner. Along with losing weight, Slim-Fast dieters complained of thinning hair and splitting nails — all the result of too little protein and a habit of staying on the program too long. Despite the negative press, Slim-Fast modified its recommendations and suffered little, riding on the forefront of a trend that made smoothies and protein powders dieting staples.
Luckily, the industry has far surpassed its humble beginnings: improved science and new dieting concepts have produced a myriad of meal replacement options that boast high protein content and more vitamins. Perhaps more importantly, many of the lines today hold their own in the flavor department, offering both variety of textures and tastes. Whether you’re aiming to lose a few pounds, build muscle mass or simply have reliable, healthy options available when strapped for time, meal replacements emerge as a convenient, handy solution. Here are just a few on the market today:
Myoplex Lite
Myoplex Lite, a favorite of the gym-set, is also popular for those aiming to lose weight and maintain muscle tissue. Packed with 25 grams of whey and soy protein, while limited to only two grams of carbohydrates, this shake is essentially a protein supplement for the low-carb inclined. Though high in potassium, Myoplex Lite is certainly not vitamin-loaded, an important caveat when considering it as a full-fledged meal replacement.
Shapeworks by Herbalife
Unlike Myoplex Lite, Herbalife’s Shapeworks program is a comprehensive weight management tool offering analysis and coaching along with specially designed snacks, energy boosters and meal replacements. Unique to Herbalife is its emphasis on identifying the best strategy for an individual’s body type by taking into account where they tend to carry excess weight.
Shapeworks also emphasizes the importance of protein, recommending consumption of one gram per pound of lean muscle mass. For women, this equates to almost 100 grams a day, and for men, approximately 150 grams. Consuming that much protein is no small task, however. To assist, the Herbalife program combines personalized protein powder with different “nutritional shake” bases for variety. In addition, several high protein snack options, such as soy nuts, soup, fruit drinks and energy bars are offered. This program also tackles the No. 1 complaint of many low-carb dieters: low energy. To combat this, a number of natural energy boosters are available, including green-tea based mixes and a guarana-based herbal tea.
Other meal replacement options include: MetRX, Isopure, Lee Labrada Lean Body and Lean Body for Her, among others. So no matter your schedule or goals, there is a convenient, liquefied option to help you get there. Just make sure your blender is up to the challenge.
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