Mundane eating routines can negatively affect your appetite. In such situations, the best thing to do is to look for meals that are more tantalizing to your taste buds. That said, you must be intentional in getting delicious meals, but most importantly, those with high nutritional value.
Ever heard of meal replacements?
Health enthusiasts looking for brilliant ideas to improve their dietary choices or busy professionals who don't have time to make regular meals rely heavily on meal replacements. It could be a shake, bar, pill, liquid diet, or soup made as a substitute for their main meals to fulfill hunger or control cravings.
This article outlines the benefits of meal replacements and gives you 10 ideas that will spice up your eating routines.
Let's delve in.
What Are the Benefits of Meal Replacements
Meal replacements can be helpful, provided you identify the right ones and use them appropriately. Here is why meal replacements are amazing:
They Offer Nutritional Value
Meal replacements serve the same purpose as regular meals; they offer a balanced combination of macronutrients, minerals, and essential vitamins. Essentially, they are a good way of gaining nutrients while cutting calories.
They Help in Weight Loss
Meal replacements are great for people looking to have a leaner and healthier body. Here is why. They can help you maintain a consistent calorie deficit because of their low-calorie levels.
Also, some are rich in dietary fiber and protein to help you regulate your appetite.
They Are Convenient
Many people do not have the luxury of time and, therefore, cannot prepare meals from scratch and enjoy them from the comfort of their homes. Unlike regular meals, you can prepare meal replacements in the shortest time possible and consume them on the go.
10 Lip-smacking Meal Replacement Ideas You Can Try
Meal replacements are great; however, you need to be keen on adjusting ingredients portion sizes to ensure you meet your nutritional requirements.
Here are some of the best ideas:
Vegan Spicy Mexican-Inspired Shake
Meal replacement shakes for vegans offer the same nutritional value as regular shakes, but they don't have animal products. The Vegan Spicy Mexican-Inspired Shake features a blend of almond milk, coconut milk, chia seeds, bananas, and mangoes. To give it the Mexican flavor, you can add turmeric, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon.
Thai Coconut Curry Soup
Thai coconut curry soup allows you to take so many vegetables in one serving. It is a fragrant soup that contains Thai red curry paste, coconut milk (as the base), vegetables, and proteins. It also has healthy fats and great flavor.
Teriyaki Salmon Salad Bowl
It is a heart-healthy meal replacement recipe that includes mixed greens, teriyaki-glazed salmon, vegetables (like broccoli and red cabbage), grains, and a tangy salad dressing in a bowl. You can serve it with brown or white rice to make it a complete meal.
Green Goddess Salad With Grilled Chicken
Green goddess Salad with grilled chicken is one of the simplest meal ideas. The salad features tender chicken pieces in a fresh nutrient-packed salad that consists of cucumber, avocado, greens, and a smooth goddess salad dressing.
Italian-inspired Lentil Dal
A cozy Italian-inspired meal filled with flavourful ingredients. It features a combination of protein-rich lentils and mixed vegetables. You can simmer the ingredients in a broth made of herbs, tomatoes, and garlic, then serve it with crusty bread or rice.
Nutrient-dense bars
These bars are a convenient source of nutrition. They offer a variety of nutrients in a compact form. Fruit and nut bars are among the best bars for meal replacement. They contain dried fruits (for example, berries or dates) and seeds like chia seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds to provide to offer you minerals and vitamins.
Italian-inspired Stuffed Bell Peppers
One of the most tantalizing meal replacements, inspired by the flavors of Italy. The treat includes large bell peppers cut into two, then filled with an amazing combination of Italian sausage, herbs, rice, and cheese. Bake them to perfection, and they are ready!
Savoy Chickpea Pancakes
It’s a high-fiber, gluten-free delicious treat. Flourless and has a lot of plant-based proteins. It features chickpea flour with savoy fillings (spices and savoy cabbage). You can add toppings like avocado, yogurt, and fresh herb.
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Wrap
It is an utterly delicious salad that bursts with flavor from its nourishing ingredients. The energizing wrap is stuffed with quinoa, feta cheese, and Mediterranean vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives covered with a tangy dressing.
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Another nutritious grab-and-go recipe is the Greek yogurt parfait. It is made of a mixture of fruits like fresh berries, creamy Greek yogurt, and crunchy granola. You can make the protein-packed treat within 5 minutes during busy mornings.
Conclusion
Meal replacements can help you avoid eating high-calorie fast foods when you are busy and hungry. They are a value-packed incorporation to your diet as they enhance nutritional balance and control calorie intake. They are also convenient since preparing them takes only a few minutes.
However, it is not advisable to substitute whole meals entirely with meal replacement. Your body still needs whole, nutritious foods for its well-being. When choosing meal replacements, consider high-quality meals that are flavourful and have a balanced mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins.