So this afternoon I had a coworker walk into the lunchroom at work as I was enjoying my lunch. He takes a look at my plate and says, “I really miss having real food.” When I asked him what he meant, he proceeds to tell me about this shake diet he’s on that requires him to skip 2 meals a day and replace it with a shake. “Are you doing any exercises?” I ask him. “Nope!” He says. “Just the shakes. I’m two weeks in and I’m getting results, but I am so sick of the shakes. I want real food.” When I suggested he try some Beachbody workouts, he quickly resisted and continued on to tell me how his current diet was working great and giving him results.
My personal opinion is that these “liquid” diets are a quick fix…and an easy way out. Of course he believes the diet is working great because HE doesn’t have to work at all. If only it was that easy, everyone would be fit. Nothing compares to good old fashion healthy diet and exercise. These meal replacement shake diets will work on a short-term bases but how long does one think they will go on living on just shakes alone? It’s not very realistic and oftentimes people on these diets gain the weight right back. They gain it back because they eventually stop drinking the shakes and become part of the ‘real’ world again eating ‘real’ food. They go back to unhealthy eating and no exercise. Eventually they all move on from the shakes and they’re right back where they started.
Meal replacement shake diets are convenient. They work perfect for people with busy schedules and for people who need to lose weight quickly for health reasons, but it’s only a temporary fix. It’s not a long-term solution. Long term weight loss requires long term life changes and it is unrealistic to think that drinking shakes to keep your weight down is a realistic lifestyle change. Why not start the most effective way from the start if you’re able to and just make healthier food choices? I don’t know about you but as a Latina, I need my solids. I need to chew to be able to feel like I’ve eaten and be satisfied.
As far as exercise goes, there has never been a debate about the benefits of exercising. We all know that aside from keeping us physically fit, exercise also helps to prevent certain diseases, boosts our energy and is a natural mood elevator. With all these benefits why would I want to skip out on it? I don’t. I don’t want to skip the exercise, I don’t want to skip the REAL meals, the chance of a longer life and I certainly don’t want to skip out on being in my best mood possible every day. So to my dearest coworker, best of luck to you. While you sit there torturing yourself with liquid meals, I’ll be here enjoying my plate full of delicious proteins, carbs and veggies and later tonight when I get home, I’ll work up a little healthy sweat with a smile on my face.
Michelle M.
Mom with a Fit Plan
