Simran Kataria Sep 01 2022
Protein Shakes, Meal Replacement Shakes and Mealshakes: The difference
The terms protein shake, meal replacement shake and mealshake are often used interchangeably and it can get a bit discombobulating to understand the difference, especially for beginners. What’s good, what's better and what's the best? Let's get down to the details and simplify!
First, let's go through the basics.
What are protein shakes?
Contrary to common perception, protein shakes aren't just for bodybuilders or gym goers. Simply put, protein shakes are for anyone looking to increase their protein intake quickly and easily. As a general trend, protein powders contain about 25-30 grams of protein per serving.
Pros and Cons of Protein Shakes
Pros-
-They're convenient: Ready-to-mix protein powders are easy to consume on the go. They're the most convenient way of increasing protein intake.
-Helpful for the elderly (50+): With age, the need for protein increases too since the muscle mass constantly reduces. Protein powders help immensely in such situations.
Cons-
-Nutritionally incomplete: Protein shakes just add extra protein into your diet, not much else.
-May trigger allergies: Most protein powders contain soy, eggs and milk. Finding an allergen-free type can be a task.
-Affordability issues: They can be pretty pricey depending upon the brand and quality.
What are meal replacement shakes?
Meal replacement shakes come with a typical intent of targeting weight loss. They're meant to replace breakfast, lunch or dinner entirely. While they offer fewer calories than normal/ conventional meals, they are just as convenient as protein shakes.
Protein helps you feel full for longer hours without adding extra calories and that's the reason why meal replacement shakes are mostly high in it.
Pros and Cons of meal replacement shakes
Pros-
-Easy to prepare: They mostly come in powder form, but a lot of these shakes are also ready-to-drink which makes them super convenient.
-Help in shedding weight: They have a good amount of protein and fibre which help you feel fuller and reduce the overall calorie intake.
Cons-
-Not enough calories: Meal replacement shakes have fewer calories and consuming them regularly might have an opposite effect on weight loss. This happens when your body gets fewer calories than it needs, which in turn causes stress and prompts a natural response that simulates weight gain.
-They lack nutrition: Carbs and fats are essential for the body, but because they bring along a lot of calories, it defies the entire purpose of the shake.
How are meal replacement shakes different from protein shakes?
Both of them contain excellent amounts of protein and are fairly the same when it comes to easy prep. However, there's a slight difference between the two. Meal replacement shakes come with fewer calories and protein shakes contain lots of protein and a fair amount of calories. While meal replacement shakes claim they can replace regular meals (though we advise against it), protein powders are just an add-on.
What are mealshakes?
Cutting out long, boring definitions and to sum it all up in three points, mealshakes are:
· Drinkable,
· Convenient and
· Nutritionally complete
Mealshakes contain all the essential nutrients that your body requires in balanced proportions.
But how are mealshakes different from protein shakes and meal replacement shakes?
While all of them are rich in protein, the biggest difference is that meal shakes have a complete and balanced nutrition profile, unlike the other two.
When it comes to convenience, all three are easy and quick ways to solve their specific purposes.
What's the best amongst the lot?
Knowing the difference and comparing the three, it all comes down to your body’s nutritional needs.
Here's a brief rundown to help you to assess:
Protein shakes are the best choice if you're looking to...
-Support muscle growth
Maintain muscle mass (mostly for the old folks)
-Meet your daily protein needs
Meal replacements are right for you if you...
-Want to limit your calorie intake to lose weight
Mealshakes are the perfect fit for you if you...
-Need quick and convenient food
-Want to track your calorie intake
-Find it difficult to find healthy eating options
-Want nutritionally complete meals
What's Fugo then?
A mealshake!
Each Fugo mealshake has 421 calories of scientifically blended protein, carbs, fats and fibre.
It contains all 27 essential vitamins & minerals that keep you healthy, including vitamin B12 to support your metabolism!
This is not all…
What if we tell you that you can use Fugo as a meal replacement too?
Fugo can help you lose weight as it provides you meals that satiate you for 4-5 hours, eliminating the need for unhealthy snacking. Plus, each serving provides you with an exact number of calories and macro-nutrients, allowing you to ensure that you are meeting the required calorie goals that you have set to lose weight.