9 Myths About Meal-Replacements Debunked

Meal replacements are an increasingly popular weight loss tool, with more and more people looking for convenient ways to support their wellbeing and body composition.

There are, however, some concerns around the effectiveness of swapping out standard meals in favour of powdered products, and questions around whether they belong in a healthy, balanced diet.

In this article, we’ll clear the air by looking at some of the most common myths surrounding meal replacements.

Myth 1: They don't work

A common misconception is that meal replacements are a quick fix and do not contribute towards sustainable weight loss.

This is not the case, as a detailed study* from the University of Oxford on the efficacy of meal replacements concluded:

“Programmes incorporating meal replacements led to greater weight loss at 1 year than comparator weight loss programmes and should be considered as a valid option for management of overweight and obesity in community and health care settings.” [*] 

The study compared weight loss plans with meal replacements versus weight loss plans without a meal replacement element and concluded that after one year, the meal replacement group lost on average 1.4kg more than those using other weight loss diets.

*https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.12816

Myth 2: You just put all the weight back on when you stop

The same review from the University of Oxford acknowledged that many clinical studies did not include long term follow-up results, however, for the smaller number of studies that assessed long term results it showed that people who followed a meal replacement program weighed less than when they started the programme up to four years later.

Of course the good results of a low calorie meal replacement diet can be undone by returning to a high calorie diet with a calorie excess. The long term results are dependent on the individual adopting a maintenance plan once they reach their target weight.

Myth 3: It’s not proper food

There is concern that meal replacements will never be able to stand up to whole foods when it comes to supplying the body with important micronutrients.

The truth is, the nutrient content of meal replacement products are strictly regulated by EU and UK legislation that requires such products to:

- be between 200 and 250 calories
- specifies the quantity of protein along with it’s ratio of amino acids
- not exceed 30% of fat
- provide 30% of the nutrient reference values of vitamins and minerals

This results in providing a nutritionally balanced meal with all the vitamins and minerals your body needs in a convenient known quantity of calories.

Myth 4: They don’t contain enough protein

Protein is an important micronutrient for growth, repair, and helping us stay fuller for longer. One concern is that opting for meal replacements means sacrificing protein that you’d typically find in whole foods such as meat, fish and legumes. 

The reality is that many meal replacements are based around high-protein foods. One CollaSlim shake contains 24 grams of protein derived from high-quality sources.

We use a combination of whey and hydrolysed, marine-derived collagen. Whey is one of the most highly-bioavailable forms of protein available, and collagen contributes toward the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, nails and joints.  

🧋 Collagen-infused meal replacement shake: Support your body composition and weight loss goals. Convenient, delicious and nutritious. Find out more about CollaSlim

Myth 5: Meal replacements taste bad

Meal replacements have come a long way since the original 1980 shakes!. 

In CollaSlim, we use natural chocolate and vanilla flavourings. Both varieties taste great on their own with water, but also work well in a smoothie or blended with almond milk. 

It's also important to remember that meal replacements are designed to be used once or twice a day - it doesn't mean your favourite meals are completely off the table!

Myth 6: I won't feel full

If you are reducing your calorie intake below your maintenance, whether through dietary restriction or using meal replacements, a degree of hunger is normal. 

That being said, CollaSlim is packed with high quality protein, which helps keep you fuller for longer and reduce cravings.

Myth 7: They are expensive

The price of meal replacements can vary considerably, but are generally one of the more cost effective ways to manage body composition.

One of our goals with CollaSlim was to keep the cost low while maintaining high quality ingredients. It starts from £1.49 per meal and comes with fast, free UK shipping.

Myth 8: They are just for those looking to lose weight

While meal replacements can be a useful weight loss tool, they have a number of other potential uses and benefits. 

Many customers use them as a way to save time, allowing them to get a convenient, healthy meal on the go with minimal prep and cleanup. 

Myth 9: They aren’t suitable for certain dietary requirements

It’s becoming increasingly easy to access meal replacement products that cater for a wide range of dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances. 

CollaSlim contains marine-collagen so is suitable for pescatarians. It is also gluten-free, formulated with gluten-free oats.

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