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What differentiates a meal replacement from a protein shake?

Your weight loss and body building goals can be achieved by using both meal replacement and protein shakes. However, the nutritional value and benefits vary greatly based on the type and the nutritional specifications vary across brands. Hence, choosing a meal replacement or a protein shake is an informed call that you will have to take and a doctor or dietician will be able to guide you with this. We bring to you a list of key differences between meal replacement and protein shakes:

  1. Calories

Generally, meal replacement shakes are more filling when compared to protein shakes as the number of calories is also high. Meal replacement shakes have higher calories than protein shakes, but can serve as effective replacements for actual meals. The calories in whey protein isolates are the least, followed by proteins and then by meal replacement shakes, which have significantly higher proteins and will make you, feel full. Using meal replacement shakes are highly useful if you are planning to give up on a meal or two daily.

 

  1. Protein Composition

Most of the protein shakes available have a protein content of 25g per serving and the protein composition in meal replacement shakes greatly differ based on the brand. Meal replacements that are not goal specific might have lower proteins and if it is specifically to build muscle, the protein composition might go up to 40g. Proteins are essential due to the presence of amino acids that help in muscle building and reduce the fat content. As per various studies conducted, it has been proven that high protein diets will help you burn fat at a faster pace.

 

  1. Carbohydrate Composition

The carbohydrate composition in protein shakes is less than 5g and they are not intended to replace your meal. However, meal replacement shakes will have higher carbohydrate content as they are intended to replace your meal and it consists of dietary fiber that makes you feel full and reduce your calorie intake.

 

  1. Fat Content

Obviously, the fat content in protein shakes is law and the fat content in meal replacement shakes vary greatly based on the brand. The fat content in meal replacement shakes with low calories is generally high, while the fat content in meal replacement shakes with high calories is generally low. Omega-3 fats are good if you are planning to lose fat, as it is highly useful in fat burning and muscle growth. You should check the composition thoroughly based on your requirement and then stick to a meal replacement or protein shake.

 

  1. Minerals and Vitamins

Typically, no minerals and vitamins are added in protein shakes as they are only intended to fulfill the protein requirement. Calcium is high in whey protein, which is made using dairy products. Most of the meal replacement shakes come added with vitamins and minerals, which are essentially a part of your daily diet.

Hence, you will have to go through the composition and requirements carefully to decide on which one to choose. You can read reviews about all diet shakes on healthguidereviews.info

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