Shake

A meal replacement shake has a lot of advantages

Top reasons to shake:
1. Easy to prepare
2. Provides essential vitamins & minerals
3. good source of energy
4. good source of protein
5. keeps you feeling full & satisfied until your next meal

I have mentioned protein before and why it is important....protein helps us feel full for longer periods of time and when you are trying to lose weight it will help with maintaing lean muscle mass as well as curbing carbohydrate cravings.

The main proteins that you see in meal replacement shakes are soy & whey.

What's the big deal with regards to protein?
Its good for you because it provides your body with all the essential amino acids. The amino acids are needed by the body for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. There are 20 total and eleven can be made by the body itself, while the other nine which are called essential amino acids ~ must come from the diet.

Check out these resources for more info:
Great site to visit:http://www.dietitian.com/protein.html
FDA web site page:http://www.fda.gov/Fdac/features/2000/300_soy.html

Whey protein site: http://www.wheyoflife.org/faq.cfm#9 . This site tells you how whey protein is made and the many benefits.

Egg Protein: Is the most popular and is easily digested by the body.

If you would like to learn more about soy, whey or egg protein. Type them into your search engine...there is a ton of information out there right at your fingertips!

I personally have at least one protein shake every day. The shake I have been taking in the past several months has all three protein sources in it. I mix enough protein powder in that I take in at least 30 grams per shake. I also add in frozen fruit ( blueberries ), a 1/2 of a bananna ( not always ) and a tiny pinch of peanut butter and some herbal tea concentrate. It is a great way to start my day!

If you would like to take a look at the protein shake I use visit: http://herbal-nutrition.net/productdetail.php3?username=all-wayshealth&product_id=BULKANDMUSCLE .