meal replacement shakes vs protein shakes

Meal Replacement and Protein Shakes are two entirely different formulas, How? Find Here!!!

Meal Replacement vs Protein Shakes – What Should I Choose for Robustness?

Staying fit by eating healthy is not as easy as it looks.

People who are quite determined to embrace a healthy life put their heart and soul into achieving it. Protein shakes, bars, diets, exercises, and whatnot. People try every means to fulfill their nutritional intake and stay fit.

Recently, fitness enthusiasts are highly attracted to meal replacement shakes.

But Are meal replacements healthy?

Well, while protein shakes are widely tried and tested and are decades old, meal replacement shakes are a newbie.

This confusion led people to search for meal replacement shakes vs protein shakes. It is a confusing subject indeed.

However, before you know which one to go for, you better get a clear idea of what meal replacement and protein shakes are.

So…

 

What Is Meal Replacement Shake?

In a layman’s language, meal replacement shakes are simply a high protein and low calories shake.

These are specifically curated with the purpose of replacing meals without compromising the nutritional value. Moreover, meal replacement shakes contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

Adding to it, this helps avoid unnecessary calories which make people choose meal replacement for weight loss.

 

What Is Protein Shake?

Protein shakes are powdered proteins consumed with milk, water, or smoothie. These popular health supplements are available in numerous varieties.

Some of the popular protein types are whey, casein, egg, soy, and plant protein.

Protein shakes have been a part of the daily diet of bodybuilders for decades. The fact that it helps with muscle growth and repair, has soon made it a hit supplement.

It’s not really much of a surprise that people often confuse between meal replacement shakes and protein shakes. However, the reality is something else.

 

Meal Replacement Shakes and Protein Shakes: The Big Difference

meal replacement shakes vs protein shakes

Are protein shakes and meal replacement shakes the same?

Not really!

Meal replacement shakes and protein shakes are two completely different health products.

To elaborate, meal replacement shakes as the name suggests are the replacement to the meals.

However, protein shakes are diet supplements. Moreover, not only their compositions are different, but their target goals also vary.

Although, both are ready-to-drink products, not both deliver the same results.

So, which one should you take meal replacement shakes or protein shakes?

Here are the basic differences between meal replacement shakes and protein shakes to help you decide.

Difference Between Meal Replacement and Protein Shake

Meal Replacement Shakes

Protein Shakes

    Substitute your 1-2 meals every day. Supplement to your regular diet.
   Low in calories but comparatively more than protein shakes. Consumed before or after a workout.
   Jam-packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals. Contains fewer added vitamins and minerals.
Contains protein but comparatively less than protein shakes. 25-30 grams of protein per serving.
Good for weight loss Good for toned physique and muscle-building.
   Nutritional value is at a higher level. Moderately nutritious.

These were some of the key differences between meal replacement and protein shakes.

Undoubtedly, ready-to-go drinks are convenient and flavor full. Hence, they require very little time to reach the optimum level of popularity.

Notably, if both are shakes and have numerous benefits to deliver, can you use protein powder as meal replacement?

Well, while you might be expecting a yes as an answer, the facts depict something else.

 

Can You Use a Protein Shake as Meal Replacement?

If you have been stressing over Is it OK to use protein shakes as meal replacements?

The answer is no!

To elaborate, protein shakes are not quite designed in a way that you can replace your meals with them.

Adding to it, protein shakes are specially made to fulfill your daily protein requirement.

Hence, you need to incorporate it into your daily diet.

Adding to it, protein shakes lack the basic vitamins and minerals that your body requires.

For instance, even the best protein shakes lack enough

  • Fat
  • Carbohydrates
  • Calories

That you easily get in a well-balanced meal.

Nevertheless, if your calorie consumption is more than required, you can consider replacing one meal a day with a protein shake.

Just to balance your calorie intake!

Protein shake as meal replacement is a complete no! no!

So, does it mean you can replace proteins with meal replacement shakes? Find out…

 

Can You Use a Meal Replacement Shake as a Protein Shake?

Can You Use A Protein Shake As Meal Replacement?

The best meal replacement shake is one that full fills the nutritional need. It, however, doesn’t forget proteins.

If you are looking for something with just enough proteins and minerals, go for meal replacement shakes.

Nevertheless, if you want to consume protein for muscle-building, relying on a meal replacement shake won’t be a good idea.

To explain further,

proteins are the supplement that means you need to add them to your diet for better results. Moreover, protein shakes help keep the calorie count low throughout the day.

On the contrary,

Meal replacement shakes have high calories. It also suppresses your appetite and prevents you from munching on every now and then.

Most of the meal replacement shakes don’t contain enough high-protein to support muscle building.

Hence, from a bodybuilding point of view replacing proteins with meal replacement shakes won’t deliver the same results.

Meal replacement shakes contain enough nutrients but less protein.

So, how many meals can you replace with meal replacement shakes?

 

Can You Drink Meal Replacement Shakes for Every Meal?

After learning about the nutritional value of meal replacement shakes, people often come up with “Can I Replace All My Meals With Shakes”.

The answer is a BIG NO!

To explain, meal replacement shakes are of course But.

However, that doesn’t mean you should replace each one of your meals with it. Meal replacement shakes only to fulfill your body’s fundamental nutritional requirement.

So, can you live off meal replacement shakes?

Maybe you can but you should not!

 Meal replacements lack some of the major nutrients which you can only get from whole food. To elaborate, meal replacement shakes lack phytochemicals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. 

If you feel tired of your dietician forcing you to eat dark-colored veggies and fruits.

Then don’t be!

There is a reason behind it.

The dark-colored veggies contain flavonoids that are great at improving heart health.

Not to mention, nutrients like indole-3-carbinol, glucosinolates, and isothiocyanates are only found in broccoli.

Eat your veggies mate!

So, how many meals can you replace with meal replacement shakes?

It’s recommended to replace only 1-2 meals every day with your meal replacement shakes.

That’s not it with meal replacement vs protein shake.

There is a lot more to come.

Moving on, if there are so many differences in protein shakes vs meal replacement shakes, choosing could be hard.

To be honest, the answer to meal replacement shake or protein shake depends on your fitness goals.

So, let’s dig a little deeper and find out who should choose what.

 

Who Should Choose a Meal Replacement Shake?

meal replacement shakes

Meal replacement shakes are slowly gaining popularity. However, these are yet to witness popularity like protein shakes.

Because meal replacement shakes can replace your meals, they are ideal for those who are always on run.

That is to say, meal replacement shakes are great for those who live a busy life and want to maintain good health.

By the same token, if you are a busy professional, an everyday gym goer who just wants to stay fit, you can go for meal replacements.

Do not forget to mention, you can also consider meal replacements for weight loss.

Considering the growing popularity, many known health supplement brands have come up with meal replacement shakes.

One of the famous and effective ones is PhenQ complete meal replacement shake.

What Is PhenQ Meal Replacement Shake?

PhenQ meal replacement shake is a powerful weight loss drink. It is available in 3 amazing flavors that encourage fat burn.

This is not just your any other diet drink. It comes with 13 vegan vitamins and proteins and 16 grams of whey protein.

The blends of PhenQ ingredients help curb cravings, boost energy, and can replace 1 complete meal.

It’s a successful product and PhenQ customer reviews are only positive and encouraging.

So, if want weight loss without compromised nutrition, you can choose PhenQ.

It is one of the best meal replacement shakes for weight loss.

What about protein shakes? Who should choose it?

 

Who Should Choose A Protein Shake?

protein shakes

Talking about protein shakes, they lack most of the nutrients.

Hence, protein shakes are not for someone who is looking for shakes with nutritional value.

Protein shakes are for those who are into heavy workouts.

If you are into muscle-building and want to support it, protein shakes are your go-to drinks. Furthermore, protein shakes are ideal for athletes, regular gym-goers, and those who are into outdoor adventures.

Not forget to mention, because of low calories, for those who want to shape their muscles, protein shakes are ideal for them as well.

There are numerous protein shakes in the market.

Hence, choosing the best protein shake for you might be a tough task.

One of the leading supplement brands Crazybulk has come up with the most effective protein.

Crazybulk’s Crazy Nutrition 100 tri-protein is now winning the race of protein shakes.

What Is Crazy Nutrition 100 Tri-Protein?

Crazynutrition 100 tri-protein is a premium protein supplement. It contains 6 proteins that maximize protein synthesis and accelerate muscle growth 3 times.

Tri protein is available in chocolate flavor.

The 100 Tri-Protein formula helps with better absorption of ingredients in 3 different phases.

Importantly, unlike other protein supplements, it contains digestive enzymes.

As a result, it doesn’t cause bloating or gas.

Interestingly, Crazy Nutrition 100 Tri-Protein is a popular protein shake among professional athletes and fitness experts.

Positive Crazy Nutrition 100 Tri-Protein Reviews contain the experiences of the professionals.

If you are struggling to find the right protein shake, choose Crazy Nutrition 100-Tri Protein.

Moving on, these days, work from home, junk diets, and lack of physical activity is on the rising.

As result, there is weight gain and obesity.

In such as case, why should you go for meal replacements or protein shakes for weight loss?

 

Meal Replacement Shakes vs Protein Shakes: Which One Is Good For Weight Loss?

meal replacement or protein shake for weight loss

Weight gain is a serious issue these days.

Losing weight is among the top fitness goals of most fitness freaks.

The reason could be anything from achieving a better physique to better health.

People go to numerous extents to keep their weight in check.

From traditional dieting techniques to the keto diet for weight loss, people try every means. And all claim to reduce weight.

Nevertheless, no matter what you choose you need to add supplements and drinks to accelerate the process.

Since we are talking about meal replacement shakes or protein shakes, what do you think would be a better option?

Is Meal Replacement or Protein Shake Better for Weight Loss?

Meal replacement shakes contain fiber, protein, calories, and enough vitamins and minerals. Also, it helps you feel fuller for longer and hence, controls your appetite.

On the other hand,  protein shakes are although low in calories are not really appropriate for weight loss.

To elaborate, protein shakes lack enough nutrition. As a result, it may help with curbing the appetite for some time.

However, after some time, there may be a rise in cravings and due to lack of nutrition, you may end up eating junk.

Clearly, that’s not the case with meal replacement shakes.

Not only are meal replacement shakes healthy but also ideal for weight loss.

According to a study, meal replacement shakes are equally effective as structured weight-loss diets. The study compared meal replacement shakes with a weight reduction diet in obese Australians.

In a randomized study, it was found that there was better dietary compliance. Those who were on meal replacements showed better results.

The result concluded that meal replacements are as effective as structured weight-loss diets.

So, if you have been stressing with do meal replacement shakes help with weight loss, the answer is yes.

Meal replacement shakes protect tissue, control sugar consumption, and keep you full for longer. Therefore, greatly supports your weight loss.

We have discussed a lot about protein shakes vs meal replacement.

However, if you still have any confusion, the next section of meal replacement vs protein shakes will be much help.

 

Meal Replacement vs Protein Shakes – A Better Comparison

We talked about both meal replacement shakes and protein shakes. Both help with health improvement in their own way.

Here is a core comparison of meal replacement shakes vs protein shakes for better understanding.

BASIS

MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKES

PROTEIN SHAKES

1.      Function Replaces Meals Consume with a balanced diet
2.    Protein Content 10-15 grams per serving 20-40 grams per serving
3.    Calorie Content 200-400 per serving 100-110 per serving
4.    Vitamins And Minerals Good source of both Lacks enough vitamins and minerals
5.     Helps with Generally used for weight loss Helps with muscle-building
6.    Duration Of Usage Not recommended for long-term use It’s a supplement and Can be used daily
7.     Forms Ready-to-drink shakes, powders, bars Ready-to-drink shakes, protein powders
8.    Carbohydrates Relatively higher amount Less than 5 grams
9.    Fats Around 5 grams of fat About 3 grams of fat

You can use meal replacement shakes for weight loss and numerous other reasons.

It has a wide variety of nutrients ranging from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

In like manner, protein shake benefits are also not limited. It can help you with muscle-building and can keep your calorie intake low as well.

This was all about meal replacement vs protein shakes.

Let’s conclude this blog with which one should you choose.

 

Meal Replacement Or Protein Shakes: Which One Should You Choose?

Meal replacement shakes or protein shakes?

The choice is not as tough as it looks. All you have to do is keep in mind your body goals and choose accordingly.

If you are on a weight loss journey, meal replacement shakes are better companions. However, if muscle mass is what you are looking for, choose protein shakes.

Nonetheless, to reap maximum benefits out of both, you should first know which shake is right for you.

So, rather than just being a couch potato and dreaming of better fitness, arm up your sleeves. For this reason, you must know the difference between the two.

Hence, we came up with blog meal replacement vs protein shakes.

I hope you find the blog informative. If you liked the blog, don’t shy away to share views in the comment section below.

We look forward to your views!!

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By Allen Hicks

I believe that the integration of our biological body & natural supplements represents the next level of thinking for fitness and good health. I write about fitness hacks, nutrients balance & supplements alternatives.

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