Just take a walk down the health section of the supermarket or pharmacy, and you will find the aisles lined with containers of colourful powder. The promise is straightforward. Drink this shake, and you will lose the weight and get on with your busy life. But the answer was not convincing for most health experts, as the traditional way of eating whole foods and managing portion sizes was recommended.
Trying to choose between a modern meal replacement diet and a traditional diet can be a confusing process. Both approaches have their loyal followers, as well as success rates, though they work in a completely different manner. Understanding both advantages and disadvantages will be the first step towards finding a suitable health solution for you.
Reasons for Rising Popularity of Meal Replacement Shakes
The first reason that has contributed to the popularity of meal replacement shakes has been convenience. In Australia, if you have a busy lifestyle like most people do, it’s just not possible to cook every day. With a shake, you do not have to worry about the hassle associated with healthy eating. Just mix it with milk, for example, and your diet is taken care of in under a minute.
In addition to the convenience factor, the controlled calorie consumption of these shakes cannot be overstated. One of the most difficult elements of traditional dieting is the maths involved in portion control. It’s simple to over-pour sauce or serve a portion of rice that is twice the recommended size. With a meal replacement shake, like a nutrient-rich strawberry shake, the maths involved in calorie counting simply isn’t present. You understand exactly how many calories, proteins, or vitamins are being consumed.
How to Find Shakes that Work for You
But if you do determine that liquid nutrition is something you can work into your daily regimen, the next part of the challenge is finding the proper product. Not all supplements are created equally, and there are products out there that can essentially be considered sugar-laden chocolate milkshakes. When looking at the nutrition facts panel, the most important thing to focus on is the protein content.
You should also consider the sugar and fibre content. A good meal replacement should have a good source of fibre that will promote digestion and control the level of sugar in the bloodstream. Be cautious when selecting meal replacements if the first three ingredients are sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Choose shakes that are vitamin and mineral-enriched. This ensures that you are getting the right nutrients even if you are watching the calorie intake.
When to Consider Traditional Dieting
Though shakes provide quick results, traditional dieting allows for satisfaction and sustainability. There is an element of satisfaction involved with whole foods that cannot be experienced when eating liquid meals. Chewing, savouring, and enjoying meals tells the brain that it has eaten, thus providing results that satisfy and limit cravings.
The best way to diet is to focus on density, rather than calorie intake per se. The typical “diet” plate piled high with lean protein, leafy greens, colourful vegetables, and good fats provides a rich source of elements that work in concert to keep your metabolism in check.
Moreover, knowing how to prepare such dishes teaches you lifelong habits that promote a healthy weight, rather than relying on smoothies for that purpose – that works well for weddings and vacations, but after that, knowing how to grill fish and roast vegetables will serve you for decades to come.
Don’t Fall Into Common Traps
No matter what your approach, there will also be some negative areas to be aware of. In the case of meal replacement shakes, the problem is dependence on them. When relying solely on shakes, a possible rebound in weight gain can occur as you transition back to solid foods because your eating behaviours will still be the same. It may be a good alternative to adopt the shakes as an aid, perhaps as a supplement in place of breakfast or lunch, but a healthy meal of solid foods in the evening.
The problem that traditional dieters face is that the goal is perfection, not consistency. To cut entire categories of foods or significantly reduce calorie intake is to invite burnout and bingeing. However, the key to success is to find the middle ground, where convenience foods meet healthy eating. For example, you may keep a container of protein powder in the pantry for busy mornings, but when time allows, it is best to focus on eating fresh and natural foods.
Finding Your Balance
There is no one plan that suits all Australians. The best plan is the one you find easy to maintain without being unhappy about it. Whether you do it with a shaker bottle or a fry pan is entirely up to you!