Ludmila Francová, nutritionist
In today's fast-paced and hasty world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to eat healthily and well. The most common answer I hear from my clients when I ask them why they are actually malnourished is I DON'T HAVE TIME. However, few people are fully aware that it is precisely our diet that affects our health and our fitness. And of course, our excess weight. And also that by eating properly we will help our body more than by a bunch of medications. After all, many health problems are precisely due to our improper diet.
Our body is an amazing and perfect machine. And it only wants one thing from us for its proper functioning – to feed it the right fuel. The so-called alternative diet can help us. What do you actually imagine by that? Does it seem unlikely to you that with one suitable drink or bar you will get all the necessary nutrients for three hours of your life? The question usually comes: "Will it be enough for me? And is it even healthy?"
So let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of this type of diet, who this diet is suitable for, and what it can provide us with in our diet.
So what are its advantages?
1. Very easy to prepare and available
You can choose from several types of prepared foods. These are especially very convenient and always available bars and mixed drinks in bottles. Another option is powdered cocktails, soups, porridges, but also main dishes, such as pancakes or couscous. The preparation is also very simple, practically all you need is a container, such as a shaker, and a little water.
2. Time saving
Meal preparation has never been so quick and easy. Just remember to pack your food in the morning.
3. Balanced and healthy composition
The meals are prepared and mixed in such a way as to ensure the recommended daily doses of all nutrients, i.e. proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. With full meal replacement, there is no need to eat any other food supplements. You are never able to achieve such perfection and balance in your regular diet.
4. Prevention of civilization diseases
The combination of a hectic life with inappropriate food can end up with a heart attack, stroke, diabetes and, last but not least, obesity.
5. Feeling full without unnecessary burden with digestion
The body will receive food for three hours without unnecessary strain and problems with digesting certain types of food.
6. Rapid onset of energy
After this meal, there is no feeling of fatigue, as there is when digesting meat dishes. On the contrary, there is an immediate feeling of replenishment of energy.
7. Large selection of dishes and flavors
Variety is very important. And your tastes change over time, one day you want chocolate, the next day you want a fruit drink.
What can we consider as disadvantages?
1. Product quality
Not all products on the market meet the parameters for full meal replacement. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and in no case reduce the amount of food specified by the manufacturer. It is always a good idea to consult a specialist who will determine what amount is appropriate for you.
2. Higher price
Mostly a big mistake of all people. Are you really able to buy ready-made and high-quality food for 79 CZK somewhere these days, or powdered food for 49 CZK? Savings can only occur when preparing food at home. However, if you use quality ingredients, you will have trouble reaching this amount even there.
3. In time, all wishes come true
Even though you may have different tastes, it is important to maintain variety and start combining foods with your regular diet.
4. It is not advisable to eat only as our only diet
As a full meal replacement, I would only recommend these foods for a certain period of time. Then it is necessary to start combining them with a regular balanced diet.
Who is this diet suitable for and who would I recommend it to?
- For anyone who does not have the opportunity to eat a healthy and balanced regular diet.
- For everyone who wants to eat quality and healthy food.
- For everyone who needs to reduce their weight.
- To anyone struggling with health problems that originate from our unhealthy lifestyle.
- For everyone who needs to add necessary nutrients to their diet, which are already lacking in today's common diet.
- To all people who play sports.
- To all who travel.
Alternative nutrition and diet are a lifesaver for many people in today's stressful life. And they can hardly imagine their lives without these products. We can rightly consider them the food of the future.
