Meal Replacements
Meal-replacement products can be a boon when you're on the go—but be sure to read their labels carefully
MEAL REPLACEMENT PRODUCTS CAN HAVE A ROLE IN YOUR WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM
Some people can find it hard to change the way they eat. It can be hard to choose the right food or the right amount of food, which can make it tough to lose weight, or you may not have time to prepare and eat meals.
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. You may want to try meal replacements, such as liquid meals, meal bars, and low-calorie packaged meals. A healthy breakfast cereal may also be used as a convenient, low-cost meal replacement. Breakfast cereals, if used properly in a weight-control program, can help you lose weight and keep it off.
You can use a meal replacement in place of a meal once in a while. One study found that meal replacements can lead to more weight loss over the long term than a program that uses low-fat and low-energy foods.
CONVENIENT? SURE, BUT CHECK THE CALORIES
Meal replacements can be convenient, but they need to be nutritious. Read the label, as you would with any food. The calorie count should be no more than a meal. Some meal replacement bars are packed with sugar and calories. Choose a meal replacement that has fiber and protein and is low in fat. If you use cereal as a meal replacement, try to choose one that is rich in whole grains with little added sugar. You could pair it with skim milk and measure your portions.