Meal Replacement PowderMeal Replacement DrinksMeal Replacement Powder: Just as their name implies, meal replacement drinks are used to replace eating a meal itself. Although it's not healthy to use them as a substitute for too many meals, they can be a great addition for most anyone -- not just athletes -- trying to lose bodyfat, and/or gain lean muscle. So, what's the theory behind using a meal replacement powder? Well, it's almost common wisdom now that it's much more preferable to consume 5-6 small meals a day as opposed to 3 larger ones (as most people do). Eating less at each meal but more frequently revs up the body's metabolism to burn calories, and help prevent fat from being stored. In addition, there are supposedly advantages for keeping blood sugar levels more even as well by consuming smaller but more frequent meals. Meal Replacement PowderMeal Replacement DrinksOK, so if you can't find the time to cook 6 meals a day (gee, big surprise) then looking into a quality meal replacement powder might be for you.Which ones are the best? Well, the only way to answer that question is to consider some of the ingredients of different popular brands on the market. After trying many different meal replacement shakes... ...Our two favorite meal replacement drinks are EAS Myoplex and Met-Rx Meal replacement powder. Out of these two, we like EAS Myoplex as our first choice. Why? Well, the primary reason is taste. It's really creamy, smooth, and downright delicious. We'd drink it just for taste alone. However, that being said, EAS Myoplex also contains more protein than Met-Rx Meal Replacement drinks (42 grams vs 37 grams), which is one of the major reasons we use them for -- the protein. (Please note, however, that there are different versions of EAS Myoplex -- there is the original, lite, and some low carb varieties...also, there are different flavors, and each flavor has slightly different calories, protein, fat content, etc.) OK, so Myoplex meal replacement powder and drinks have more protein, and, in our opinion, tastes better than Met-Rx (by the way, Met-Rx's taste is alright. It's nothing so bad you'll have trouble choking it while wincing). What's better about Met-Rx meal replacement powder than Myoplex? Well, for starters, it is low in fat and sugar, and has NO sucrose or fructose added. This is a rather big plus, as Myoplex DOES contain corn syrup (which is not exactly healthy stuff). It is most likely the fact that Met-Rx did not want to add sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, etc., that it doesn't taste as good as Myoplex. However, both formulas have very good ingredients in it like glutamine, whey protein, and vitamins and antioxidants. These will help develop lean muscle while reducing bodyfat. Nutritional Supplement Info's Verdict on Meal Replacement PowdersMeal Replacement DrinksIn our opinion, if you are a bodybuilder/athlete who is very active,and don't mind a little more calories, and some corn syrup, and getting higher protein and better tasting meal replacement drinks are more important for you, then Myoplex is what we'd recommend.On the other hand, if you are dieting, and very conscience about maximizing your body's fat burning without any excess sugars and calories, then Met-Rx meal replacement powders are your best bet. Featured Merchant for Meal Replacement ShakesThe most reputable merchant we know of online that sells a wide variety of sports supplements is Musclesurf. They offer both Myoplex and Met-Rx and you can save money buying them online rather than paying an inflated cost at your local retail health/supplement/GNC store. Click the images below if you're interested in trying either Myoplex and or Met-Rx and saving some money while you're at it:Other supplements for athletes beyond meal replacement powder are covered on our Sports Nutritional Supplement Page. |