Benefits of meal replacement shakes for weight loss

There are many factors that contribute to weight loss. A few of the greatest avenues of impact include 1) portion control and 2) food choice. If you are able to perfectly design a meal in both portion as well as fuel, the consumer has the benefit of achieving what the body needs to eliminate the possibility of overeating, consuming processed or otherwise unhealthy ingredients, and improper ratios of fuel.

Satiety and appetite are known to impact total energy intake, as well as food choices and eating behavior. both are regulated by a combination of mechanical and endocrine effect ranging from the gut to the brain. With respect to diet, protein has been identified as an important contributor to satiety, defined as the absence of hunger between meals. (Sho, 2017).

Studies have shown clearly that ideal ratios of proteins to carbohydrates in a meal, create a sensory effect from the gut to the brain - of being satisfied, and full of energy. So meal replacement shakes can not only set up your system with the essential energy, and eliminate excess elements that would otherwise be transformed into fat or sugar, but provide the brain with positivity.

One benefit of having the proper ratios of fuel comes in insulin effects. What does this mean?
When we ingest unhealthy ratios of glucose in the form of grains, root vegetables, and fruits (all which break down into sugar, aka glucose) the gut sends signals to the brain that "insulin is here." If the amount of glucose is greater than the body can absorb, this causes an elevated blood sugar level. By choosing a high quality meal replacement shake, you are assisting your gut AND brain in regulating the amount of insulin affecting your system. This is not only a great and valuable tool for regulating insulin sensitivity and weight loss resistance, but also for preventing many diseases that are related to insulin, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease (Sho, 2017) (Sperlazza, 2018).

In conclusion there are MANY benefits to reaching for that high quality meal replacement shake as a means of weight loss, ranging from portion control to insulin regulation and sufficient energy intake.
One cautionary measure is to read about what ingredients are not in your meal replacement shake, and take it upon yourself to incorporate these essential nutrients in the remaining meals you consume each day. Read more about that (HERE).

 

Sources:

Sho, A. "Role of Meal Replacements on Weight Management, Health  and Nutrition." Superfood and Functional Food. 2017. https://www.intechopen.com/books/superfood-and-functional-food-an-overview-of-their-processing-and-utilization/role-of-meal-replacements-on-weight-management-health-and-nutrition.

Sperlazza, C., MPH. "Reverse Insulin Resistance with Intermittent Fasting." Bulletproof Blog. 2018. https://blog.bulletproof.com/insulin-resistance/

This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.