Meal Replacement Shakes for People With Diabetes

Apart from physical exercise, one other way a diabetic person can lose weight is by taking meal replacement shakes. As the name implies, meal replacement shakes are food products that are meant to be an alternative to one or more regular meal consumed.

Consuming meal replacement shakes is a good start towards your weight-loss process as someone with diabetes. These shakes contain fewer calories and are nutritionally balanced. By eating them, you will be getting an adequate proportion of essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins and also eliminate piling excess calories because of their low caloric content.

Research has shown that these replacement shakes are helpful in weight loss for people diagnosed with diabetes. A previous Look AHEAD study had observed people with type 2 diabetes using meal replacement shakes for one year. The study found out that those that followed the meal regimen had achieved more weight loss in the end than those who did not.

You can choose to have this replacement for either breakfast, lunch or even both. With these shakes, you do not have to be concerned about calorie counting as they come proportioned. They also come in a single serving most times. You only need to choose the flavour which appeals to you.

You should, however, make sure not to choose shakes that contain sugar as an ingredient or which have a high amount of protein. Sugar is not healthy for you as a diabetic patient because it will increase the glycemic level of your bloodstream. On the other hand, a high protein diet can lead to further health problems especially if you are suffering from a kidney-related condition.

These meal replacements mostly contain a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Some are also often fortified with vitamins and minerals to help improve their nutritional value and help prevent body nutrient deficiencies.

There are also meal replacement bars which serve as replacements for snacks. Aside from shakes and bars, there are also soups, packaged entrées, and ready-to-mix powders that can serve as substitutes for meals to enable you to cut down on calorie intake.

It is, however, important to note that taking meal replacements alone is not enough when you want to achieve a significant weight loss. You need to combine these meals with other weight-loss strategies such as physical exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Taking meal replacements shakes and other products are however an important step towards weight loss as it helps you avoid excessive calories.

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