For sustainable weight loss, pair them with a balanced diet and regular exercise: relying solely on shakes without addressing your overall diet may not give long-term results.
How do meal replacement shakes help with weight loss?
Some, but not all, meal replacement shakes are effective. When they are, it is because:
- High-protein shakes help you feel full, reducing hunger and the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods.
- With a high protein content, they help maintain lean muscle as part of a balanced diet.
- Shakes high in protein and fibre help manage appetite and support healthy digestion.
- They are designed to keep you energised without compromising on nutrition.
- They are a quick, nutritious alternative to less healthy options on busy days.
What is a meal replacement shake?
A meal replacement shake is a drink made to replace your breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is designed to provide essential nutrients in a convenient format, offering a balanced and satisfying alternative to a traditional meal.
Shakes are ideal for busy lifestyles or when you need a quick, nutritious option. These shakes often lack whole fruits, vegetables or grains, but include essential nutrients found in those foods.
Many come pre-packaged; others are powders you mix with water.
What is the difference between a meal replacement shake and a protein shake?
A complete meal replacement is built to stand in for a meal: it includes protein, but also fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. While many weight loss shakes focus on cutting calories, look for a true meal shake that provides balanced nutrition and satisfaction to support your overall health and well-being.
HLTH Code Complete Meal is a full meal, built to replace breakfast, lunch or dinner. Each serve has 27g protein, 27g healthy fats, 9g fibre, 25 vitamins and minerals, probiotics and digestive enzymes.
How many meal replacement shakes can you have a day?
For HLTH Code Complete Meal, we recommend up to two a day. Whatever the shake, make it part of a balanced diet that includes whole foods: over-reliance on shakes may mean missing important nutrients from fruits, vegetables and grains.
Are meal replacement shakes healthy?
It depends on the shake. The best weight loss shake is one that fits your needs and supports your overall health: look for one high in protein, fibre and essential nutrients.
The upsides:
- A nutrient-dense shake is a practical choice when you don't have time for a proper meal.
- High-fibre shakes support digestion.
- Meal replacement shakes can lead to more weight loss than traditional diets.
- Many can be tailored with fruit or greens for more flavour and nutrition.
- A true meal shake can replace more expensive meals that often give incomplete nutrition.
The downsides:
- Many shakes contain preservatives and added sugars: always check the label.
- A shake isn't a complete diet: relying solely on shakes may mean missing out on the benefits of whole foods.
- Some shakes may provide too few calories; balance those with healthy snacks or meals.
- If you have a lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, plant-based options are better.
HLTH Code Complete Meal has 400 calories, 0g added sugar and 2g of naturally occurring sugar per serve, and no artificial ingredients.
What should you look for in a meal replacement shake?
Check the label for high protein, prebiotic fibre and minimal added sugars. It also helps to:
- Prioritise clean ingredients, avoiding shakes with artificial additives or preservatives.
- Choose a shake that fits your dietary needs, whether that's weight loss, muscle building or convenience.
- Pick a flavour you enjoy enough to keep using.
- Opt for a plant-based or allergen-free shake if you have dietary restrictions.
HLTH Code Complete Meal is formulated by metabolic scientist Dr. Benjamin Bikman, PhD. Its protein comes from whey, egg whites and grass-fed collagen, its fibre is a prebiotic blend, and it comes in two flavours: Chocolate Macadamia and Creamy Vanilla.
The label reads “CONTAINS: MILK, EGG, COCONUT OIL”, so it isn't dairy-free or lactose-free. It is sold online in the UK, with free shipping from our London warehouse.
Will a meal replacement shake keep you full?
A shake high in protein and fibre can. In HLTH Code Complete Meal, the 1:1 protein-to-fat ratio and 9g of fibre help keep you full, typically for 4 to 6 hours.
How do you make a meal replacement shake?
For HLTH Code Complete Meal, add two scoops to 350ml of cold water or milk and shake. Have it for breakfast, after a workout, or whenever real food isn't on the table.
Are meal replacement shakes safe for everyone?
They are generally safe, but they may not suit everyone. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a specific medical condition or follow a specialised diet, check with a healthcare provider before you start.
The full ingredient list for each HLTH Code flavour is on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
Can meal replacement shakes help with weight loss?
Yes, they can be a helpful tool, but they aren't a magical solution. They offer convenience and a controlled way to manage calorie intake.
For sustainable weight loss, pair them with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
How do meal replacement shakes help with weight loss?
High-protein shakes help you feel full, reducing hunger and the temptation to snack on unhealthy foods. With a high protein content, they help maintain lean muscle as part of a balanced diet, and shakes high in protein and fibre help manage appetite and support healthy digestion.
Can I rely only on shakes to lose weight?
No. While shakes can help, they should be part of a balanced diet that includes whole foods. Over-reliance on shakes may mean missing important nutrients from fruits, vegetables and grains.
How many meal replacement shakes can I have a day?
For HLTH Code Complete Meal, we recommend up to two a day. Whatever the shake, make it part of a balanced diet that includes whole foods.
Can I use HLTH Code Complete Meal to lose weight?
Each serve is a 400-calorie meal with 27g protein and 27g healthy fats, built to replace breakfast, lunch or dinner. The 1:1 protein-to-fat ratio and 9g of fibre help keep you full, typically for 4 to 6 hours.
What is a meal replacement shake?
A drink made to replace your breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is designed to provide essential nutrients in a convenient format, offering a balanced and satisfying alternative to a traditional meal.
Many come pre-packaged; others are powders you mix with water.
What is the difference between a meal replacement shake and a protein shake?
A complete meal replacement is built to stand in for a meal: it includes protein, but also fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. If a shake is replacing a meal, look for that balanced nutrition, not just protein.
What should I look for in a meal replacement shake?
High protein, prebiotic fibre and minimal added sugars, with no artificial additives or preservatives. Choose one that fits your goals, whether that's weight loss, muscle building or convenience, pick a flavour you enjoy, and opt for a plant-based or allergen-free shake if you have dietary restrictions.
Are meal replacement shakes safe for everyone?
They are generally safe, but they may not suit everyone. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a specific medical condition or follow a specialised diet, check with a healthcare provider before you start.
Sources
- HLTH Code Complete Meal: nutrition panel, ingredient lists, directions and product FAQ.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
