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I'm thinking about buying a box of meal replacement packets to drink
when I'm pressed for time. What's your take on these MRP's?
................................................................................
 Michael
Collins: Meal replacements (MRP's) can be a very effective tool in
your
fat loss arsenal if used properly.
A
good quality MRP is basically a powdered form of protein, carbohydrate
and fat in an ideal ratio, that can be made quickly by adding water and
the powder to a shaker bottle- shake and drink.
I
stress good quality because there are some companies that toss a
bunch of sugar into the mix, which will end up making you hungry and
sluggish. The actual calorie and macronutrient content of MRP's varies
greatly- depending on the demographic it's being supplied for.
So what's a good quality MRP?
The
backbone of any good quality MRP is protein, and will usually contain
between 25-40 grams per serving. (Of course you can adjust how much you
actually use to meet your requirement.)
Carbohydrate and fat amounts should be moderate, to help manage insulin
levels. A few grams of fiber added to the MRP will also serve to
stabilize insulin, and further slow digestion, making you feel fuller
longer.
So how do I use them effectively?
First and foremost, if you have the ability to do it, always go with the
whole food meal. Whole, fresh foods like meat, fish poultry,
vegetables and fruits contain nutrients and a whole host of other
benefits that you can't get from MRP's. Preparation is key. Set yourself
up for the week by cooking on Sunday and setting up the proper portions
in Tupperware.
However, I'd be full of it if I said I always eat whole food
meals. Things are going to pop up that are unexpected. That's life.
These are the best times to use MRP's- when it's simply not feasible to
prepare or purchase a whole food meal.
Time crunches at work, unexpected duties to be fulfilled, etc...
(As
a side note, MRP's are not optimal for post- workout nutrition. Read
Muscle Building Magic: Pre and Post Workout Nutrition
for exactly what to do pre and post
workout)
Having a nice, quick, nutritionally dense, liquid meal is far better
than not eating, or relying on fast food!
Want even more powerful and proven muscle building, fat loss techniques?
Check out our secret weapon- The
Black Book of Secrets.
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