We’re dishing on… the do’s and don’ts of meal replacements!

There are countless meal replacements out there, many of which promise incredible results in no time – that’s why it’s key to choose wisely. As we know, a successful weight management plan is one that can be adhered to and maintained long-term, not just for a week.

Navigating the jungle of meal replacements can seem like a challenge, but with a little help from these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll have the right tools to help you develop a plan that helps you control your weight, while keeping you satisfied and boosting your energy.

Are you ready? Let’s dive right in! Starting with…. The DO’S

DO: Choose your meal replacement wisely
Not all meal replacements are created equal! A high-quality meal replacement should offer controlled calories and balanced nutrition that ensures you feel nourished and satisfied throughout the course of the day. Steer clear of meal replacements that are low in protein and fibre and high in sugar, as these shakes are less nutritious. Oriflame’s Meal Replacement for Weight Control shake is free from artificial colourants, flavours, preservatives, GMO and gluten. What’s more, it contains natural origin plant-based ingredients, is sweetened with the natural sweetener Stevia, and is vegan* and vegetarian (hurrah!). Developed in Sweden, the shake is created by nutritionists and based on science, with a high-quality formula that follows strict health and safety regulations set by the European Union – so you know what you’re getting! The nutrient-dense formula is developed with 23 essential vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy fats to support overall wellbeing, while the high protein content (over 20 grams) helps support the growth and maintenance of muscle mass! All in all, our shakes are a safe, convenient, and healthy solution that, alongside diet and exercise, can help you achieve your weight management goals and sustain them long-term. Yes please! *when using soy milk alternative

DO: Fuel your body throughout the day
Depending on whether you want to lose or maintain your weight, a meal replacement shake can be used to replace 1 to 2 of your regular main meals. For optimal results, make sure you’re your food-based meals are calorie-restricted yet nutrient-dense to keep your energy levels consistently high. If you’re still feeling hungry, you don’t have to deprive yourself, as long as you’re within your daily calorie budget! Incorporate healthy snacks high in protein and fibre into your routine, like fruit , yoghurt or vegetable sticks with hummus, or Oriflame’s Natural Balance Shake or Natural Balance Bar – so that you’re always ready when mid-morning or afternoon cravings strike.

DO: Get enough of that H2O!
We can’t stress the importance of drinking enough of that precious, precious water – this is especially key when you’re following a weight management program, as adequate water intake can help with weight loss1, digestion, and generally serves to keep the cells in your body feeling on top of the world! So, keep on sipping, your body will thank you for it!

Now it’s time for some DON’TS!

DON’T: Torture yourself with unrealistic expectations
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of fad diets, and their big promises of speedy weight loss that usually sound too good to be true (spoiler alert: because they probably are). A successful weight loss plan is one that you can stick to long-term, one that includes setting realistic and specific goals that are sustainable enough to keep you motivated in the long run! Forcing yourself to adhere to unrealistic food restrictions or avoiding social gatherings in the name of your diet will often result in resentment and going overboard on those “forbidden foods” later down the line. Sustained weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint! Oriflame’s Meal Replacement shake is high in protein and fibre and is designed to easily and safely substitute meals and put you in control of your portion and calorie intake for the purpose of achieving and maintaining your weight goals*, and can easily be incorporated into your routine and customised to fit your needs at every step along the way. *Intended for use as part of an energy restricted diet and with other foodstuffs, in conjunction with regular physical activity. Important to maintain adequate fluid intake.

DON’T: Replace every single meal with meal replacements
As previously mentioned, a meal replacement is intended to replace either one or two of your food-based main meals, based on your weight goals. And while Oriflame’s Meal Replacement shake comes in deliciously tempting flavours like vanilla and chocolate, and is designed to be nutrient-dense to help fuel your body as you go about your busy life, we don’t recommend replacing every single one of your regular food-based main meals with them. For one thing, it might get a bit repetitive and can be potentially impractical (after all, you want to have the freedom to be able to say yes to a dinner with your friends). At the same time, you run the risk of consuming too few calories to keep your body running smoothly in the long run. There’s no need to go overboard – by simply replacing 1-2 of your food-based main meals with meal replacements and consuming 1-2 calorie-controlled, nutrient-rich food-based main meals, you’ve got a balanced recipe for successful, sustainable, and enjoyable weight management.

Hopefully with these handy do’s and don’ts, you’ve got the tools to help incorporate meal replacements into your weight management plan for sustainable success. Cheers to that!