Tips for using meal replacement products to lose weight
One of the most popular New Years resolutions – and a good way to help control diabetes – is to lose weight. A common way to do this is to use meal replacement products.
"Meal replacements are fast, convenient and portion-controlled products that you can take with you on the go. They may include drinks, bars or protein bars, soups or frozen meals," says Virginia Bennett, dietitian and diabetes educator with Allina Medical Clinic.
Bennett shares some tips on how to use meal replacement products when you have diabetes.
Meal replacement drinks or bars
When choosing a meal replacement drink or bar, Bennett suggests choosing one that has less than 7 grams of sugar and less than 3 grams of fat for each 100 calories.
"Choose products that are high in protein. They will fill you up and keep you full longer," says Bennett. "Power bars can be high in sugar, so it is important to count your carbohydrates and stay within your range."
Meal replacement frozen meals or soups
When choosing a frozen meal, choose one that has 2 to 3 ounces (14 to 21 grams) of protein and 1 or 2 vegetables.
"Meals with red sauces are better than those with a white sauce," says Bennett. "Be sure to count your carbohydrates and stay within your range."
If you are watching the amount of fat you eat, Bennett recommends meals or soups with less than 10 fat grams.
"Choose heart-healthy soups that are low in sodium and fat," she adds. "Soups that have vegetables, legumes (peas or beans) and some protein are good choices."
Bennett also encourages dieters to watch the sodium in meal replacement products. "They can have too much salt, especially the soups and frozen meals," she says.
General weight loss tips
Bennett offers these tips to anyone with diabetes who is trying to lose weight – with or without the help of meal replacement products:
- Count your carbohydrates. A carbohydrate choice is a serving that contains about 15 grams of carbohydrate.
- Read the ingredient label. Don’t eat foods that have partially hydrogenated oil (trans fat). There is no safe amount to eat.
- Choose foods that are high in fiber and protein and low in fat.
- Eat every 4 to 6 hours or have small meals more often. This will help keep your blood glucose steady.
- It is better to have a meal replacement than no meal at all.
- Lose weight slowly and gradually. It is good to lose 5 to 10 percent of your total body weight over a period of six months.
- If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation because it is high in calories.
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Source: Virginia Bennett, diabetes educator, Allina Medical Clinic; Allina Patient Education, Basic Skills for Living with Diabetes, dia-ahc-90196 (12/06)
First published: 01/21/2008
Last updated: 01/21/2008
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, MS, CDE, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic
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