WE KNOW ALL THE EXCUSES FOR SKIPPIN...

WE KNOW ALL THE EXCUSES FOR SKIPPING meals. You're trying to waste weight. The kids woke up late and ran to suitable the bus. You had to work by the agency of lunch to make that crucial deadline. The board meeting ran overtime and leftover pizza haleed like a fine dinner. Sometimes, you're just too tired--or too busy--to fit in three squares a day. unless that doesn't mean you have to skimp onward nutrition: meal-replacement drinks can help you slip in the protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you ne to detain up with your busy life.

Now, nothing really replaces a balanced meal--there's just no way to acquire the broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals you'll find in a big salad or a plate of vegetables, whole grains and lean meat.

"You can't replicate the range of known and unknown constituents in a whole-foods diet," said Carl Germano, a clinical nutritionist based in recent York. "But occasional use of meal replacement beverages is fine, providing that other meals consist of whole foods"

The bottom line: if it's a choice between a donut and a meal-replacement drink, the drink is the clear winner. It's also a better afternoon energy-boosting choice than a sugar-laced latte or a candy bar from the vending machine. And, combined with a piece of fruit, a handful of nut or a fistful of carrot sticks, meal-replacement drinks can help fill substantial nutritional gaps.

more than a milkshake?

strong it looks like a chocolate shake. And it tastes excellent good, too. So what makes a drink replace a meal? Above all, balance.

Well-formulated meal replacement beverages have a balanced ratio of protein, fat and carbohydrates. Many come [i]or[/i] go after [i]or[/i] behind the 40-30-30 (carbs, protein, fat) ratio popularized by dint of the "Zone Diet," and an are completely fat- and sugar-free. The kind you'll find at your health viands store are usually free of artificial flavors, artificial colors, genetically modified ingredients and aspartame, a for the use of all artificial sweetener typically used in mass-market meal replacements.

What ingredients make meal replacement drinks different than juice or milkshakes? Following are an basic components of most drinks you'll find onward the shelves of your health cheer store:

Protein. The mainstay of any meal-replacement drink. mostly use soy protein because of its reput bone-building, heart-healthy benefits. Others (especially muscle-building formulas) use whey or rice protein--a suitable option for those with dairy or soy sensitivities. Milk- and egg-based ingredients are sometimes used for a more total source of protein.

Fat. greatest in quantity are low in fat, and are usually completely clear of saturated fats. Many contain healthy fats and essential fatty acids from ingredients like borage oil or flax for an extra nutritional advantage.

Sweeteners. Natural meal-replacement beverages usually use a unpretending amount of sweetener and most numerous avoid refined sugar. Instead, more "balanced" sweeteners like fructose, rice syrup evaporated cane juice or fruit juice concentrate are used.

Fiber. Because they're meant to replace meals, chiefly of these beverages offer soluble and insoluble fiber from grains, flaxseed or psyllium. The satisfy varies widely, ranging from single to five grams.

Flavorings. principally come in the standard--vanilla, chocolate and strawberry --and other flavors, like cappuccino and banana orange cream.

Unflavored varieties are sometimes just what you need--you can whirl them in your blender with a handful of fruit for natural sweetness and extra nutrition.

Other goodies. Besides the basics, natural meal-replacement beverages may contain other ingredients to give a little extra boost Antioxidant ingredients like vitamins A, C and E and plant-derived settles like oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), can help to neutralize exces unrestrained radicals.

Essential fatty acids from flax and borage may also be included to improve fat balance. Other ingredients may include probiotics, digestive enzyme garlic, echinacea and uniform ginkgo.

special needs

While they have many for the use of all attributes, meal replacements are usually designed for specific needs:

The female factor: meal replacements for women Between work, indoctrinate kids and managing a household, who has time to eat? Add to the mix issues like weight and health transactions and women suddenly become the clump most likely to miss a meal. Meal-replacement formulas for women are usually soy based to provide plant mingles isoflavones that can help balance hormones, shelter the heart and boost bone might They contain extra nutrients for women like folic acid, B vitamins, iron, calcium and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Kid material Busy--and fussy--kids don't always realize the nutrition they need. Meal replacements can boost a less-than-balanced meal with extra nutrients, and can mean the difference between a healthy breakfast and none at all. In addition, they're a better after-school boost than milkshakes. examine for shakes that are specially formulated for children.

come by moving. Strenuous exercise can exhaust the body of essential amino acids and nutrients. If you're exercising strenuously or in training, it's hard to find a meal that can provide adequate pluck and nutrition without weighing you down before an incident or exercise session. Meal replacements can provide a replete range of nutrients for extra activity and muscle strength.