There is some confusion surrounding the benefits of meal replacement shakes compared to protein shakes. While there are similarities between the two products, they have different purposes.
Both drink types can be beneficial if you’re looking to lose or manage weight but what are the key differences between them, and which is the better option for you?
Let’s examine the key elements of each drink, keeping in mind that specific products will be slightly different.
What are real meal replacement shakes?
Meal replacement shakes are just what they say they are – they are drink formulas designed to replace a meal by providing your body with a balanced cocktail of healthy nutrients while restricting the amount of kilojoules that your body receives. They are often associated with what are known as VLED (very low energy) diets as the kilojoule intake can be as low as 25% of a regular meal.
Typically, meal replacement shakes have the following properties.
Designed with the intention to help you lose weight by providing a nutritious meal replacement drink
- Contain more fibre, healthy fats, carbohydrates and calories than what a protein shake does.
- Contain a mixture of vitamins and minerals
- While they don’t commonly contain as much protein as protein shakes, they still contain significant amounts of protein as protein is an essential element in a healthy diet.
What are protein shakes?
As their name indicates, protein shakes are packed full of protein, containing on average 25 grams of protein in a single serve. In many respects they are a purpose designed drink used as a diet supplement rather than a meal replacement. Protein shakes are beneficial for athletes in training or adolescents experiencing a growing phase.
Typically, protein shakes have the following properties.
- Protein shakes are designed to fuel high intensity exercise and to aid the growth and repair of muscle tissue.
- Protein shakes are not designed as meal replacements. They are meal supplements to be taken before or after exercising
- As they are not designed to provide the nutrition that a full meal provides, protein shakes may contain lower levels of fats, carbohydrates and fibre than a meal replacement shake.
- Protein shakes will not supply the range of vital vitamins and minerals that meal replacement shakes do.
So, which is better?
If you are looking for a healthy meal replacement option as a way to manage your weight, VLED meal replacement shakes are the better option. They are still packed with protein but have the added benefits of being loaded with fibre and a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals. Protein shakes should only be used as a meal supplement ideally before or after strenuous exercise.
Order your nutritious meal replacement shakes from Formulite today
Regardless of whether you want to lose weight, manage weight or avoid unhealthy snacking, Formulite meal replacement shakes are packed with goodness and nutritional value that will help you to reduce your kilojoule intake while providing you with all the nutrients you need. This low carb, low sugar gluten free meal in a drink contains 24 vitamins and minerals and provides high levels of fibre and protein. It also tastes delicious!
Make the switch to Formulite meal replacement shakes today which have one of the highest levels of protein at 35g per serve, much higher even than Protein Shakes.
