Nutritional Supplementation: Meal Replacements
and Protein Powders

Building a solid nutritional foundation means consuming a variety of foods that go together to help you achieve optimal nutritional balance. However, in this day and age it is not always easy to consume the right amount of protein, or the right amount of nutrition that is needed to help you get the most from your food intake. Furthermore, the processing of modern day food often strips it of its vitamin and mineral contents.

So while you think you may be eating a healthy, balanced meal, you may not be getting as many nutrients as you think. This is where nutritional supplementation, such as protein powders and MRP's (Meal Replacement Powders) and MRB's (Meal Replacement Bars) come in. Firstly, it is important to know and understand that these products are by no means a replacement to real food; they are however supplemental aids to help you achieve a more solid nutritional intake and should be consumed in addition to real, wholesome foods.

The best way to feed your body, irrespective of your fitness goals or weight, is to consume small, portion-sized meals at regular intervals and throughout the day. Ideally, one should fuel up on a balanced meal every two to three hours, providing the body with a total of five to six meals a day. This doesn't mean eating five to six large meals, but taking those regular 'square meals' you are used to, and breaking them down into smaller portions.

Now, where do the supplements come in, you may ask? Well, as you can imagine, preparing six meals a day, and ones that are perfectly balanced, may not seem to be easy for the working guys and girls of this world. Plus, as humans we love variety and don't want to eat the same thing over and over. Therefore, nutritional supplements can be added to your daily eating schedule to help you simplify your eating habits. They can also help to ensure that you get the required vitamins and minerals from your meals.

Furthermore, having a meal replacement shake is a great way to ensure you get healthy food in fast food time. Meal replacement bars and shakes often contain a balance of carbohydrates, protein and minimal fat, making them a perfect meal, while protein shakes provide only the protein intake for your meals, and should be combined with a low glycemic carbohydrate and minimal "good" fats to create a perfect meal.

Author: Dimi Ingle
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