Fortified Meal Replacements for Healthier Weight Loss
By Myrna Widlend
According to the Dieticians Association of Australia, recent studies have shown that fortified meal replacements can help people maintain weight loss for more than five years.
One recent study compared the macro and micro nutrient levels in the foods consumed by women undertaking two different weight loss programs. Ninety six healthy but overweight or obese women were randomly placed in two groups.
One group undertook a weight loss program based on eating traditional foods (the traditional food group - TFG). The other group used meal replacement drinks or bars (the meal replacement group - MRG). Each group aimed to restrict their energy intake to approximately 1300 calories per day.
The two groups were assessed after one year. The amount of weight lost was not significantly different between the groups. Both groups had macronutrient ratios (carbohydrate/protein/fat) within the recommended ranges. The saturated fat and sodium intake, and cholesterol levels of both groups decreased while their daily intake of fruit and vegetables had increased.
The one area in which the groups differed was that the TFG group had a significantly lower dietary intake of several vitamins and minerals compared group which consumed fortified meal replacements. In fact, the TFG group was at greater risk of experiencing an inadequate micronutrient intake.
They are called micronutrients because they are needed in minute quantities and are crucial for good health. Iodine, vitamin A, iron, zinc and folate are a few examples of micronutrients.
What conclusions can be drawn from this study?
When you're choosing how you would like to lose weight, to ensure optimum health, you should consider using fortified meal replacements or taking additional dietary supplements. This will help you maintain an adequate micronutrient intake to stay healthy while you lose weight.
About the Author: Myrna Widlend is a baby boomer, who has spent a great deal of time conducting her own research in the area of health whilst she suffered from Chronic Fatigue. She enjoys sharing her experience of how to enjoy good health in the golden years.
She is continually searching for ways to maintain a healthy balance between work and family. In her spare time she enjoys travelling, reading, working in the community and educating people about the truth of vitamins and healthier weight loss