Why do many people recommend using meal replacements?
The notion that meal replacements are ineffective is widespread, but this is not the case. In fact, using meal replacements is considered one of the healthy and effective methods for managing weight. Nowadays, many hospital nutrition departments offer weight loss clinics, where meal replacements are often used according to treatment needs.
There are many advantages to using meal replacements for weight loss: Meal replacement products are characterized by low energy and high satiety, and they typically contain added proteins, dietary fiber, as well as various vitamins and minerals, ensuring nutritional balance while reducing calorie intake.
Comprehensive nutritional meal replacements can replace one meal, provided they meet the following criteria: they should provide balanced nutrition; contain dietary fiber and offer sufficient satiety; and not be too high in energy. When using meal replacements, it is important to maintain dietary diversity. For example, have varied regular meals for breakfast and lunch, and use meal replacements for dinner; or use meal replacements when traveling or attending meetings where it’s difficult to control the quality of food.
References:
- The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides a guide for creating healthy, balanced meals1. They emphasize the importance of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy proteins1. This aligns with your point about meal replacements providing balanced nutrition and dietary fiber.
- The same institution also highlights the importance of exercise, weight control, and moderation in alcohol for a healthy lifestyle2. This supports your point about using meal replacements as part of a broader strategy for managing weight.
- They also mention the Nordic diet, which is heavy on fish, apples, pears, whole grains, and cold-climate vegetables3. This diet has been supported for both weight loss and health maintenance3, which aligns with your point about the benefits of meal replacements.
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for general information sharing purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalized medical or dietary advice. For personal health concerns and dietary needs, consult a qualified health care provider or dietitian.