Ever think meal replacement drinks might be a whole lot easier than making a meal? It’s true that meal replacements save time and make cutting calories much easier. However, there are some drawbacks with substituting meal replacement drinks for a meal.
Pros of Meal Replacements:
- Save time
- No meal planning or preparation involved
- Usually a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat
- Set amount of calories
- Short-term weight loss
- Can be consumed with one hand while multi-tasking
- No refrigeration required
- low maintenance
Cons of Meal Replacements:
- Limited variety of flavors
- Processed ingredients
- Can be expensive
- Little to no fiber
- High sugar content
- Protein is typically a concentrate or isolate- very manipulated from its original form
- Unappealing texture
- Drinking your calories may not be effective for weight loss
- Breaking solid foods down to liquid and powder forms makes it much easier for your body to absorb sugar rapidly which can create a blood sugar spikes and future cravings
- Removing original parts of solid foods to make them liquids and powders removes nutritious vitamins, minerals, and fibers
- Meal replacements are less satisfying than meals of real food
- Meal preparation can be a calming ritual
Meal Replacements vs. a Salad
*Note, a common ingredient in powdered meal replacements is carrageenan, which we’ve already noted leads to more than 100 human diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and arteriosclerosis.
Meal replacement drinks tend to be very low in fiber and very high in sugar.
The bottom line is that meal replacements aren’t as effective as eating real, nutritious food. The weight loss achieved with meal replacements is also usually short-lived: You’re highly likely to gain the weight back after resuming normal eating habits.
The Benefits of Making Your Own Food
Preparing your food gives you a connection to your food. Often times, your food tastes better and brings greater satisfaction when you have ownership in creating it. Food should be enjoyed and savored, not merely tolerated.
