Fewer people than ever prepare their own meals at home. And in our busy lives, who can blame us? But let’s consider the consequence of convenience on our collective waistlines:
One study concluded that the average restaurant meal in the U.S. had an average of 1,205 calories - for the entrée alone - not including drinks, bread, appetizers, sides or dessert1. We’re not even indulging here – it’s simply the average, typical meal. In a culture like this, portion- and calorie-controlled, pre-packaged foods (commonly called meal replacements) can be your secret weapon for successful weight loss, and long-term weight maintenance. Using HMR entrees can help you keep it simple, without compromising your weight and health. Here’s a few more reasons why using meal replacements, and entrees in particular, can be a game changer for your dieting game:
Scientifically EffectiveAccording to the Journal of American Dietetic Association, “meal replacements were given the highest rating for weight loss and weight maintenance for people who have difficulty with self-selection and/or portion control”2. Difficulty with self-selection and portion-control? Are there people out there that don’t fall into that category? The European Food Safety Authority published similar findings – identifying meal replacements as the best strategy for weight loss and weight maintenance3. Present yourself with fewer food decisions to help make it easier to stay on track? Yup, makes sense.
FastWhere can you find a meal that’s faster to prepare than an HMR entrée? Pick one from your pantry or desk drawer, heat for a minute and lunch/dinner is served. In fact, when in a pinch or on-the-go, save yourself that minute and eat the entrée at room temperature (they are already fully-cooked).
Portion ControlWhen making the effort to prepare your own food, you also have to make sure your meal is the right portion size. Instead, enjoy the convenience of the automatic portion control (and complete nutrition) of an entree – without having to measure carbs or protein.
Low CalorieLow calorie entrees range from 160-280 calories per serving, which means about one-fifth of the calories of the average main course eaten out. And at about 25 calories per ounce, an entrée is still half the calories of a simple piece of broiled chicken (about 50 calories per ounce).
Fewer DecisionsSave the mental energy that goes into thinking about what’s for dinner. With a variety of entrées to choose from and countless recipes and prep methods, there’s plenty of options without any of the anxiety that goes with ordering take-out or even grocery shopping and trying to make selections that are healthful and low in calories.
Variety With the low-calorie entrees, the variety is limitless when you think about all the diverse ways to prepare them and all the different combinations of vegetables (and fruits) you can add to them. Not to mention all the options for condiments to spice them up. And when you combine two different entrees together, you get a completely new dish, that’s extra filling and delicious.
1J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016 Vol 116, Issue 4, 590-598
2Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics January 2016 Volume 116 Number 1
3Official Journal of the European Union, 30 December 2006 Vol. 49
