When you start a full blown workout program you'll be eating six meals a day. When I first started my workout diet, It was difficult to eat that much food; even though it wasn't as much as I used to eat it seemed like a huge amount of food.
So after a while, I was introduced to meal replacements and whey protein. Instead of making six small meals, I was able to bake my own protein bars and purchase ready to drink meals in a can.
I work at home which makes it easy to grab the 7 AM, 10 AM, and 1 AM and 3 AM meals while working with and teaching marketing to small business owners. If you are working out and work away from home, meal replacements are great to keep your metabolic rate primed and your cells fed.
Your meal replacement must contain the appropriate balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats and perhaps vitamins. They range in quality, calories and taste. When you purchase a meal replacement product, choose one that fits your purpose. If you want a powder to mix with milk or a can of pre mixed drink be sure to check the ingredients, the caloric content, the protein, carb, fat ratio.
There is a different combination for losing fat, gaining muscle or gaining weight. Follow the meal replacement product that corresponds to your meal plan not the other way around. If you look carefully, you can get products that range from 90 calories to 500 calories.
These meal replacements should not be a substitute for real meals. You might be busy but eating real food every day will greatly benefit your muscles. Whole foods stimulate your saliva, your stomach acids, and contain many more beneficial ingredients than meal replacements can.
When I make my own shakes and meal bars, I use whey protein, Splenda, oats, wheat germ, flax seed, cinnamon, nutmeg, and powdered milk. I keep a premixed amount in a plastic container ready to mix.
At home I simply pop the contents of the measuring cup into the blender with various seasonal fruits. I can take a plastic baggie with me if I have a meeting in town. If you make your own, follow your calorie requirements and be consistent with your measurements.
You can use whey protein for reducing fat, bulking up or maintaining your weight.
Whey protein is an absolute necessity when building muscles. It offers the best option for growing lean muscle mass. If you are lactose intolerant, purchase whey protein isolate which contains less than 1% lactose.
Whether you create your own or purchase meal replacements, give them a try and see for yourself if they are right for you.
