Monday, September 24, 2012

Meal Replacement Shakes – The Latest Rage

     We all probably know someone who has experimented with the latest rage of meal replacement shakes.  Perhaps you have tried one yourself.  Many people have had success losing weight by using shakes instead of meals.  Some of the more popular brands are ViSalus (Body by Vi) or Advocare.  Most people love them because they don’t have to think about food, plan meals in advance, or buy expensive products.  Meal replacement shakes may be a great start for someone who is trying to lose weight and is intimidated by thinking about calories and making healthy choices.  Breakfast is a meal that lots of people skip simply because they think they don’t have time.  But a breakfast alternative is the meal replacement shake --- how easy to grab a shake on the way out the door!
     Some people believe they can start on meal replacement shakes and then once the weight is lost, they can go back to their normal eating habits.  This is a sure-fire plan for disaster as all of the lost weight is usually packed back on rather quickly.  Most people do not intend to strictly consume only meal replacement shakes for the rest of their life.  Consumers want a quick and easy fix for losing weight; meal replacement shakes may just give them that.  But, chances are these people will not be able to maintain their weight loss results after the meal replacement shake regimen ends.
     My personal opinion is that weight loss can be achieved by simple eating healthy and exercising regularly.  Yes, it may take more time and effort to change your diet and exercise, but I promise you that your results will last longer if not forever.  Meal replacements are best utilized as an addition to a well-balanced nutritional regimen - not as a substitute for natural foods. They fill a specific dietary niche, but by no means are a complete source of nutrition. Hence, their overuse can lead to a disparity in dietary ratios as well as a deficiency in vital nutrients. Combining meal replacements with natural foods is the best way to satisfy all of your nutritional requirements, ensuring an optimal intake of nutrients (Women's Fitness, 2012).

References

Women's Fitness. (2012, July 31). Meal Replacement Shakes: How Practical are They? Retrieved September 17, 2012, from Business & Health: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/368527/20120731/meal-replacement-shake-weightloss-calorie-fat-diet.htm#.UFdGRHhyO-U



2 comments:

  1. Obesity has become a major concern for our nation. Soon experts say it will be the leading cause of death for Americans, outpacing cancer and heart disease. The numbers of overweight and obese people are steadily increasing. The U.S. obesity rate is holding steady around 35 percent, that's one-third of Americans, and our society needs to start preventing instead of treating. Diet pills were once seen as a method scientist thought would aid in the prevention of obesity. However, this reactive form of prevention has a history of numerous and severe side-effects that can even lead to possible death.
    The first diet pills were created by Stanford University physicians. They contained a chemical called dinitrophenol (DNP). DNP effects how food energy is broken down in your body. Normally, food energy is digested in your body and some of it turns into fat. However, when taking DNP food does not turn into fat, but actually turns into heat and leaves your body.
    Another term for diet pills is amphetamines. Amphetamines have been around for several decades, they were first introduced to the US in the 1950’s. Amphetamines produce increased wakefulness and focus in association with decreased fatigue and appetite. The Popular diet pill Phentermine is considered an amphetamine. Also in this class of drugs is speed and crystal meth.
    After all the “lose weight fast” advertising, those taking diet pills soon realized they were experiencing health problems. These health issues ranged from simply being fatigued to very extreme primary pulmonary hypertension and created a myriad of minor to severe medical problems. The research has concluded that unless a person is clinically overweight or obese, one should not consider using any form of diet pill. Instead the person should reflect on and seriously consider methods of exercise and a balance diet. This is the most accurate and safest way to lose the extra pounds.

    References
    Schachter, S. (1971). Emotion, obesity, and crime. New York: Academic Press.
    Louis. M (2012). History of Diet Pills in the United States. Ezine Articles,

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  2. There are so many meal replacement shake market is full off, but do they replace your meal?, Do they have no side effects to body ? Try the young living balance complete meal replacement shake that is powerful nutritive energizer supplying the amazing 11 grams of fiber, providing the body all the necessary vitamins that are oftenly deficient in the food.

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