Long gone are the days of celebrity endorsements of Slim Fast shakes on television adverts. However, there are more options than ever to choose from when it comes to weight loss shakes. The advent of more advanced technology in food science means these products are improving in efficiency, taste and health benefits. It may feel like researching into weight loss shakes is an impossible task with such a myriad of information available. However, there are reliable guides out there to help you identify exactly what’s right for you.
There’s lots to be on the lookout for when researching weight loss shakes. In particular, if they’ll deliver the weight loss results promised? Ask these questions to help you best make an informed decision on purchasing the most appropriate weight loss shake for you.
Are Weight Loss Results Sustainable?
The quick answer to this is NO! I don’t agree with weight loss shakes as a long term solution. I fact, quite the opposite. Yes, if you want to lose that last bit of excess weight before going o holiday, or for your wedding perhaps. However, they shouldn’t be your main or only source of weight loss. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercise is going to ACTUALLY get you the results – longterm!
The most common marketing promise or testimonial quote you’ll see is that they can help lose weight quickly. However, this is actually a good indication of one to be avoided.
A negative change in calorie intake will have an impact on body weight, but what happens first is that you lose water weight. Water weight is fluid that stores in your body rather than being processed through your kidneys. It’s stored between your organs and skin and can be responsible for literally pounds of excess weight. Lots of things cause it, and women are likely to bloat and store extra water weight when hormonal. However, when the body takes in less energy – as a result of a lower calorie intake, it burns off water weight first. This means that an individual can lose a lot of weight quickly to begin with but will then plateau.
Losing any weight rapidly, water or otherwise, is not advised. ALL studies show that it’s not sustainable – two thirds of those who lose weight fast gain back more than they lose anyway! To avoid the negative side effects of fast weight loss, the NHS advise a safe rate of weight loss to equal 1/2lbs a week.
If ANY weight loss shake says you’ll lose weight fast and keep it off – STAY AWAY!! A responsible weight loss shake will be well balanced nutritionally and will be promoted as an addition to your meals. So maybe you would have a shake for lunch, but still have a proper breakfast and dinner.
Do Weight Loss Shakes Contain Allergens?
YES! Lots of weight loss shakes are made very cheaply, with cheap ingredients. However, this means that often common allergens are included because they cost less than hypoallergenic ingredients.
Even if you’re not specifically allergic to anything, blends such as soya protein can cause major bloating. This is not healthy for your body and will throw off your weight loss results and leave you feeling unwell.
Plenty of reputable weight loss shake manufacturers offer non-allergen blends that cater for everyone. However, you will have to pay a premium for this. It would just be so much cheaper and healthier for you to buy fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Home cooked food is a long-term way of making healthy choices.
Nutrition Information
Weight loss shakes are usually designed to replace a meal, however, this is not a long-term solution. Skipping meals mean you’ll end up losing vital vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive. The natural vitamins and minerals in fresh foods can never be replaced in processed foods. So, even if it says it contains these nutrients, they won’t be as clean as those in fresh foods.
When comparing different weight loss shakes, look into their nutritional profile and ask who designed the recipe. A responsible manufacturer will have included nutritionists and/or dieticians in their formulation process. If they aren’t clear on the label – STAY AWAY!
Weight Loss Shake Or Protein Shake?
Don’t confuse weight loss shakes with protein shakes, they’re totally different. Weight loss shakes are there to aid you in weight loss. Protein shakes are designed to help increase protein consumption. Protein is an important factor in weight loss, but generally won’t be as nutritionally balanced as they’re main focus is protein. Generally used by athletes, wanting to gain more muscle size.
The audiences of these products are very different. Someone wanting to gain muscle won’t be looking to lose weight. Someone looking to lose weight won’t be looking to gain muscle size.
The Right One For You
The key to finding the right shake is to make sure you do in-depth research. Your goals are unlike anyone else’s (everyone is different) and needs to be considered. If a weight loss shake brand isn’t upfront in presenting their nutritional information or is making promises that sound too-good-to-be-true, go with your gut.
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