Why use meal replacements during intermittent fasting?
If you have ever done intermittent fasting, you know how hard it is. The hunger pangs can be brutal, which is where high protein meal replacements can help. A high protein meal replacement is not only an easy, convenient way to get quality nutrition, but it can also curb your cravings and prevent overeating.
Please note that not all meal replacement shakes are high in protein. Many are, but it is important to read the Nutrition Facts to confirm that yours has at least 20 grams of protein per serving.
Why protein? Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning it keeps you feeling full for longer than fats and carbohydrates. Adding a high protein meal replacement to your intermittent fasting routine can therefore help you go for longer without feeling hungry. This is a key part of a successful fast.
What are the best intermittent fasting meal replacement shakes?
The right meal replacement shake can help you establish a successful intermittent fasting routine. That said, not all meal replacement shakes are created equal. Most meal replacements are packed with ingredients that can lead to painful side effects and long-term health concerns.
When you cut through all the marketing noise, meal replacements are just a quick and easy way to get your body the calories and nutrients it needs. Meal replacement shakes should not drastically differ from the other foods you regularly consume. Many meal replacement companies might attempt to convince you otherwise, however, by inundating you with unverified claims about their products, all in an effort to disguise the fact that they are selling crap.
The heavily-processed and artificial junk in your meal replacement is not good for you. The only good it does is improve the bottom line of the company selling it to you. Do not allow yourself or your health to become casualties of mainstream marketing tactics. All you need is a meal replacement shake with a short list of simple, familiar ingredients. Continue reading to learn more.
One of the reasons why we make the best intermittent fasting meal replacement shakes is that we do not use any food additives, period. Even in small quantities, these added ingredients can cause discomfort, particularly for individuals with sensitive stomachs.
Food additives undergo extensive processing, transforming them into something that no longer resembles real, whole foods. This transformation makes them challenging to digest and provides a longer window for your gut bacteria to break them down. As these bacteria work, they release gas, leading to symptoms like bloating, flatulence, and stomach pain.
This process can also slow down colonic transit – the time it takes for food to move through your colon – resulting in constipation. In some cases, partially digested food additives can cause your colon to either absorb excess water or hinder water absorption altogether. This is known as osmotic diarrhea, and explains why some individuals may suddenly feel the urge to visit the restroom after consuming a meal replacement shake.
Here is a list of the most common food additives in meal replacement shakes:
acacia gum, acesulfame potassium, artificial flavors, aspartame, carrageenan, cellulose gum, dextrin, dextrose, erythritol, gellan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, inulin, locust bean gum, “natural” flavors, maltodextrin, rice syrup solids, soy lecithin, silica, sucralose, sunflower lecithin, xanthan gum, xylitol
Furthermore, regularly consuming food additives can disrupt the natural regulation processes in your intestines, causing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory disorders. Some additives, like artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, can also throw off the balance of your gut microbiome—the community of microorganisms residing in your gut. A well-balanced gut plays a crucial role in preventing inflammation and various chronic diseases.
